Things To Consider When Designing The Best Laundry Room Layout

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Some rooms in the house can seem like they've only ever been designed a certain way. Whether it's having your bed against the back wall in the bedroom or your seating in a semi-circle in the living room, how many layout choices have you made simply because that is the status quo? One common victim of this is the laundry room. Because of the bulky washer and dryer, the need to hang clothing, and the miscellaneous items that tend to gather in the room, many people opt for a traditional or simple layout because it seems unlikely that there could be a better way to create a functional laundry room.

However, there are a few key things you can consider when designing or redesigning your laundry room for the easiest workflow and best visual appeal. First, consider which of the classic laundry jobs seems like the biggest hassle to you. Do you hate folding, think ironing is tedious, or find it difficult to stay on top of organization? Then that is the place to start! By considering which jobs take the most physical or mental energy, you can design your layout to better suit your specific needs, rather than just using the typical format. For example, if bending down to add or remove items from the washer and dryer is painful, you may want to consider building a platform for your appliances to raise them up to a more manageable level. Or, if folding truly is the bane of your existence, think about designing a dedicated area for it, such as a separate island — if you have space — or a countertop with a stool.

Another key element that is often overlooked when designing a laundry room is storage. While in theory this room is only a transition stage for clothes, other items tend to pile up in there as well, such as detergent bottles and odd socks. As such, it can be crucial to design with laundry room storage solutions in mind. For example, a tall, thin cupboard specifically for the ironing board can help keep it out of the way. Alternatively, if you often struggle to find the items you need, try adding open shelving with labeled bins for simple, useful organization. If you find that miscellaneous laundry items like fabric softener tend to get lost, you may want to design the room to leave space for a separate, decorative cupboard, such as this Tangkula Wall Mounted Rattan Cabinet.

In addition to storage, another important thing to consider when designing your dream laundry room is what non-laundry tasks you may want to do in there. For example, if you don't have a mudroom, you might want to add some elements to make the laundry room a good indoor-outdoor transition space. This can be accomplished by adding a showerhead for hosing down muddy paws and boots or installing built-in storage for coats, shoes, and umbrellas. Or, if your home is lacking in office space, you could consider designing your laundry room to have a work desk. Simply dedicate a portion of the counter for working — ideally near a window for good natural light — and add a comfortable chair and a monitor for a functional, unique home office setup.