Most people tend to ignore the laundry room when designing their homes. Most people dedicate many hours to laundry tasks within this designated area. The design of a laundry room enhances the experience of completing necessary chores. A typical utilitarian area becomes an inviting space by applying adequate layouts and selecting appropriate colors in addition to storage systems. Building a practical laundry room does not require extensive space. Effectively designed small rooms become functional through proper design considerations. The following article presents nine essential design concepts for building a laundry room that becomes enjoyable for laundry activities. The recommendations apply equally to new construction and remodeling projects of existing areas. With this transformation, your laundry space will evolve into an efficient workspace while achieving an attractive design.
Laundry Room Layout Ideas
A well-planned layout makes all the difference in how your laundry room functions. Think about the natural flow of dirty clothes to clean ones. Start with a drop zone for dirty laundry near the entrance. Place your washer next to this area for easy loading. Your dryer should sit beside or near the washer for simple transfers. Include a folding station with nearby storage for finished clothes. This logical arrangement cuts down on unnecessary steps.
Wide rooms work best with side-by-side machines. This setup allows for a continuous countertop over both for maximum folding space. Narrower rooms might benefit from stacked units. These free up floor space for storage cabinets or a utility sink. L-shaped layouts take advantage of corners with wrap-around counter space. Always leave enough room to move around comfortably with full baskets.
Studio McGee recommends at least 42 inches of clearance in front of appliances. This space ensures you can fully open doors and work without feeling cramped. Every household has unique needs that should shape the layout. Families with kids might want lower storage for children to help with sorting. Pet owners might add a washing station for dirty paws or fur-covered blankets. Your layout should support your actual laundry habits.
Best Laundry Room Colors
Color dramatically affects how your laundry room feels. White remains incredibly popular in these spaces. It brightens small rooms and creates a clean backdrop for colorful detergent bottles. Many homeowners choose white cabinets paired with more interesting wall colors. This combination provides a crisp foundation while adding personality through easily changeable paint.
Soft blues and greens bring a refreshing vibe to laundry spaces. These colors remind us of clean laundry hanging in a spring breeze. Renowned architect Gil Schafer often uses pale blue in utility rooms. He believes these gentle tones create a sense of order and tranquility. Navy blue paired with brass hardware offers a more sophisticated option. This combination feels both classic and surprisingly modern.
Don’t shy away from bold choices in the laundry room. This practical space makes a perfect testing ground for colors you might hesitate to use elsewhere. Sunny yellows energize the room and make chore time feel brighter. Patterned wallpaper adds unexpected joy to a typically overlooked space. Since you spend limited time here, why not make it fun?
The paint finish matters just as much as the color itself. Satin or semi-gloss stands up better to the humidity and occasional splashes. These finishes wipe clean easily when detergent inevitably spills. They also reflect light better than flat paint, making the room feel bigger. Small laundry rooms benefit from painting the ceiling the same color as the walls. This trick creates a seamless look that visually expands the space.
Laundry Room Decorating Ideas
Thoughtful decorating elevates a laundry room from purely functional to genuinely pleasant. Start with practical items that pull double-duty as decorative elements. Wire baskets store supplies while adding texture. Woven hampers corral dirty clothes with natural warmth. Glass jars display colorful detergent pods or clothespins. These everyday items become part of the design rather than eyesores.
Most people don’t think to hang art in the laundry room. Yet, a simple framed print makes the space feel intentionally designed. Vintage laundry advertisements add charm and are conversation-starters. Botanical prints bring a touch of nature indoors. Even a small gallery wall of family photos gives you something pleasant to look at while folding endless piles of clothes.
Textiles add warmth to typically cold laundry spaces. A small rug protects your feet from cold tile during winter laundry sessions. Pretty curtains can hide open shelving when desired. Even simple hand towels in coordinating colors add a finished touch. These soft elements balance the hard surfaces of machines and countertops.
Plants thrive in laundry rooms’ humid environment. A potted fern brings life to sterile spaces. Hanging plants maximize vertical space without consuming precious counter space. Even fake plants work if your laundry room lacks natural light. These green additions connect the utilitarian space to the natural world outside.
Built-in Iron Board
Nothing says laundry room luxury like a built-in iron board. This smart feature saves valuable floor space by eliminating bulky standing boards. When folded away, it disappears completely into a cabinet or wall cavity. Many newer homes include these boards built between wall studs. This placement requires minimal construction yet adds significant functionality.
Built-in boards typically run slightly smaller than traditional floor models. Still, they provide plenty of space for most ironing tasks. Higher-end versions feature electrical outlets inside the cabinet itself. This thoughtful detail eliminates dangerous cords stretching across the room. Some models include small shelves for iron storage and spray starch.
The cost of adding a built-in iron board varies depending on your existing setup. Pre-made units start around $200 plus installation, while custom versions integrated into cabinetry run significantly higher. Most homeowners find the investment worthwhile for the convenience alone, and the space savings make it particularly valuable in smaller laundry rooms.
Placement matters when installing a built-in board. Position it near your dryer for a natural workflow with wrinkled clothes. Make sure you have adequate space around it for maneuvering larger items. Most contractors recommend mounting the board at about 36 inches from the floor. This height works well for most adults without causing back strain.
Multifunctional Laundry Room With Folding Space
The best laundry rooms serve multiple functions beyond just washing clothes. A generous folding area forms the heart of these versatile spaces. Countertops installed directly above front-loading washers and dryers create instant workspace. For top-loading machines, adjacent counters provide necessary folding room. This dedicated area transforms the dreaded folding task from awkward to almost pleasant.
Storage around the folding space enhances functionality exponentially. Upper cabinets hold seasonal or specialty items like heavy winter comforters. Lower drawers keep everyday supplies within easy reach. Pull-out hampers sort clothes before washing. These thoughtfully arranged storage solutions eliminate wasted movement during laundry day.
Truly multifunctional laundry rooms incorporate space for additional household activities. A small desk area might serve as bill-paying central or craft space. A utility sink supports everything from hand-washing delicates to filling mop buckets. Some homeowners even add pet washing stations to their laundry rooms. These additions maximize the utility of this hardworking space.
Wolf Home Products suggests varying counter heights in larger laundry rooms. Standard 36-inch counters work well for everyday folding. Taller 42-inch surfaces prove ideal for folding sheets without them dragging on the floor. This mixed approach adapts the space to different laundry tasks. Such thoughtful design makes every laundry day more efficient.
Space-Saving Small Laundry Room Ideas
Not everyone has a sprawling laundry room, but small spaces can still function beautifully. Vertical storage becomes essential when floor space runs tight. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets maximize every available inch. Narrow rolling carts fit between machines or in awkward corners. These slim storage solutions hold surprising amounts of laundry supplies.
Wall-mounted drying racks offer tremendous value in compact laundry rooms. They fold flat against the wall when not needed. When extended, they provide ample space for air-drying delicate items. Most are installed with basic tools and modest DIY skills. A typical wall-mounted rack supports up to 10 pounds of wet clothing.
Door choice matters enormously in small laundry spaces. Pocket doors that slide into walls save precious floor clearance. Unlike swinging doors that require space to open, these disappear completely. Barn doors provide similar space-saving with added style points. These thoughtful door options make tight laundry rooms feel less cramped.
In small laundry rooms, the space above washers and dryers often sits empty. A simple shelf installed at this height creates instant storage. Tension rods between walls make perfect hanging space for dress shirts. Even basic hooks offer homes for dustpans or ironing boards. These budget-friendly additions maximize every vertical inch.
Thoughtful Lighting Scheme
Proper lighting transforms a laundry room from dungeon-like to inviting. Start with task lighting above work areas. Under-cabinet LEDs illuminate countertops for stain treatment and folding. Recessed lights positioned directly above the machines help you see inside the drums. These targeted light sources prevent frustrating shadows during detailed tasks.
Natural light makes any laundry room feel more pleasant when possible. Windows bring psychological benefits beyond mere brightness. If privacy concerns exist, frosted glass allows light while maintaining seclusion. Skylights offer another solution for interior laundry rooms. These ceiling openings flood the space with daylight without sacrificing wall space.
Decorative lighting adds unexpected character to utilitarian laundry spaces. A simple pendant light creates a focal point over a folding island. Wall sconces add warmth and dimension to otherwise flat walls. Even a small table lamp on a shelf brings homey comfort. These decorative touches elevate the entire room beyond mere function.
The color temperature of your lighting affects how clothes appear. Cooler lights (5000K+) help you spot stains and match similar colors. Warmer bulbs (2700-3000K) create a more inviting atmosphere for everyday tasks. Some homeowners install adjustable systems for the best of both worlds. These flexible options adapt to different laundry needs.
Best Floor for a Laundry Room
Flooring takes a beating in laundry rooms and must withstand unique challenges. Ceramic tile remains the top choice for most installations. It admirably resists water damage, detergent spills, and machine vibrations. Modern printing techniques create tiles that look like wood or stone. These options provide high-end aesthetics with practical benefits.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) offers a budget-friendly alternative to ceramic tile. This material handles water exposure while feeling softer underfoot. Many homeowners install LVP themselves without specialized tools. The click-lock systems make for relatively simple weekend projects. The result looks surprisingly upscale for a fraction of tile’s cost.
Cement tiles bring personality and pattern to laundry room floors. These handmade tiles feature bold designs that become the room’s focal point. Despite their beauty, they offer practical benefits in laundry spaces. The thick construction withstands heavy appliances without cracking. Proper sealing protects against water and chemical damage.
Proper installation matters more than the specific flooring material. Ensure surfaces are completely level before placing washing machines. Apply waterproof membrane under tiles in leak-prone areas. Consider adding a floor drain for peace of mind against overflows. These precautionary steps protect your investment for years to come.
Conclusion
Creating a laundry room you actually want to spend time in doesn’t require a mansion or massive budget. Thoughtful planning transforms even the smallest utility spaces into beautiful, functional rooms. A smart layout establishes a logical workflow that makes laundry day less of a chore. The right colors set a pleasant mood while concealing inevitable marks and splatters. Decorative touches make the space feel intentional rather than forgotten.
Built-in features like ironing boards and folding counters take functionality to new levels. Space-saving solutions let even closet-sized laundry rooms work efficiently. Proper lighting ensures you can actually see what you’re doing. Durable flooring stands up to the unique demands of this hardworking space.
Your laundry room deserves the same design attention as your kitchen or living room. After all, you probably spend several hours each week washing, drying, and folding. The ideas presented here help you create a space that supports your needs while bringing unexpected joy. With these thoughtful improvements, laundry day might just become the highlight of your week.
Also Read: 10 Best Interior Design Websites for Ideas & Inspiration
FAQs
At least 5×7 feet for basic functions. Larger families benefit from 10×10 feet or more.
Use bifold doors, sliding barn doors, or curtains to conceal the space when not in use.
A layout following the natural workflow: sorting, washing, drying, folding, and storing.
Use vertical space with tall cabinets, wall-mounted options, and over-machine storage.
Ceramic tile offers the best combination of water resistance, durability, and value.
