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The Challenge of Fitting Appliances in a Small Laundry Room
Finding space for full-sized appliances like a washer and dryer can be a challenge in a small laundry room or apartment. With some creative thinking and planning, it is possible to install these essential appliances even in a compact area. The key factors to consider are the layout of the room, selecting the right size and type of appliances, and utilizing space-saving options like stacking units or combination washer-dryers. With strategic design and customized solutions, you can have a fully functional laundry space regardless of square footage.
Taking Measurements
The first step is to carefully measure the potential laundry room or area. Be sure to note all relevant dimensions – length, width, height, doorway size, etc. Consider plumbing and electrical connections and any unique quirks of the space. It is also important to measure the specific appliances you plan to install. Refer to manufacturer specifications for the height, width, depth, and clearance requirements. Allow extra space for hose and vent connections on the back. With all of the measurements in hand, you can start mapping out potential layouts.
Layout Options
Arranging the washer and dryer in a small space comes down to two main options: side-by-side or stacked.
Side-by-Side: This traditional layout places the washer and dryer next to each other along one wall. It requires a wider footprint but less height. To fit in a small laundry room, choose narrow 24-inch wide models. Allow at least 36 inches of clearance in front for doors. You may be able to gain a few more inches by recessing the appliances into the wall.
Stacked: By placing one appliance over the other, you can greatly reduce the floor space needed. Stackable units are specialized to sit securely on top of each other. Make sure to purchase a stacking kit for stability. Stacking works best when you have tall ceiling height in the laundry room. The stacked height will be around 72 inches (or more for front-load models).
Compact and Portable Models
In addition to narrow builds, compact models are ideal for small spaces. These are scaled-down versions of standard washers and dryers. Some examples include:
- Compact washers – Range from 24-inch to 27-inch width. Capacity around 1.5 to 2.5 cubic feet.
- Slim-depth dryers – Around 24 inches wide but much shallower at around 13 inches depth. Capacity of 4.4 to 5 cubic feet.
- Portable and mini washers – Freestanding models on casters with 1 cubic foot drum size.
- Tabletop dryers – Lightweight models sized to fit on a table or countertop. Some have ventless options.
These petite options are ideal when floor space is extremely limited. The trade-off is capacity – you can only wash small loads at a time. Make sure the capacity fits your household needs.
All-in-One Combo Units
The most space-saving solution is an all-in-one washer-dryer combo unit. These machines combine both essential laundry functions in one appliance. With both a washer drum and a dryer in one cabinet, a combo unit can be installed in as little as 24 inches of width and 33 inches of depth. The total height is around 73 inches for stacked washer and dryer compartments.
Combo units are available in electric or gas models. Electric combos plug into a standard outlet and can vent out the back or be ventless condenser models. Gas-powered models require a gas line for the dryer component. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated models for the best efficiency and drying performance. One downside is capacity – most combo units have 1 to 2 cubic feet maximum.
Space-Saving Design Tips and Tricks
Getting the most out of a small laundry space depends on smart design details and customized elements. Here are some extra tips for maximizing function and convenience:
Raise Appliances on Pedestals
Adding a pedestal base below the washer and dryer elevates the machines around 12 to 15 inches above the floor. This makes loading and unloading easier. Pedestals often have built-in drawers to provide handy storage space for laundry supplies. When stacking, make sure to purchase a coordinating pedestal and stacking kit.
Install Shelving Above
Take advantage of vertical wall space above the appliances for extra storage. Shelving and cabinets keep laundry necessities close at hand while getting them up off the floor. Just make sure to allow sufficient clearance between the top of the machines and the bottom of the shelves. Refer to manufacturer guidelines for exact venting and clearance requirements.
Recess Appliances into the Wall
One way to gain a few more precious inches in a narrow room is to recess the backs of the machines into the wall. This involves special framing of the wall to create recessed cavities for the appliance backs to fit into. Make sure to build shelves and closets around this special framing.
Install Pocket or Barn Doors
Avoid wasted floor space taken up by a swinging door. Install a sliding pocket door or barn-style swinging door that don’t interfere with appliances. High-mount sliding wheels on the doors enhance room flow.
Add a Built-In Sink
Include an integrated laundry sink in your plans to make the room fully functional and convenient. Look for narrow sink bases 12-inches wide or less. Or install a wall-mounted sink to save space. Include drawers or cabinets below for hidden storage.
Optimize Lighting
Proper illumination in a small laundry room is key. Add recessed ceiling fixtures or track lighting to brighten up the full space. Under cabinet lighting illuminates the work area and any hidden storage.
Include an Ironing Board Niche
Even the smallest laundry rooms need a spot to set up an ironing board when needed. Recess a niche into the wall at a standard board height to stash the ironing board flush when not in use. Include a fold-down table or wall-mounted surface when ironing.
Add a Fold-Down Laundry Counter
A fold-down counter or table offers a temporary surface for folding clothes or sorting laundry. Look for units on locking hinges or slides that tuck away neatly when not needed. Mount it at a comfortable height for the main user.
Use L-Shaped Layouts
An L-shaped floor plan optimizes the footprint by tucking appliances into a corner. This creates distinct zones for laundry functions while keeping workflow efficient in a small area.
Include Interior Storage
Build customized cabinets or shelving into the room to stash laundry essentials and maximize hidden storage. Options like pull-out towers, closet storage, and specialized laundry inserts keep items organized and accessible.
Conclusions
With some creative space planning and compact appliance choices, even the smallest laundry rooms can function smoothly. Take measurements, map out layouts, and customize storage to maximize the usable area. Using narrow, portable, or stacked appliances allows full laundry functionality in a tiny footprint. Prioritize vertical storage space and multi-use elements like fold-down counters and ironing board niches. With the right preparation and design, compact washers and dryers can fit into spaces as small as a closet or bathroom corner. A few limitations in capacity or workflow is a reasonable trade-off for clean and fresh clothes from your own laundry zone, no matter how small the square footage.
| Layout Option | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Side-by-Side | – Traditional and familiar layout – Allows access to both appliances at the same time |
– Wider floorspace required – Limited capacity in narrow builds |
| Stacked | – Great floorspace saver – Allows larger capacity machines |
– Can be awkward to load top unit – Requires tall ceiling height |
| Combo All-in-One | – Extreme floorspace saver – Single plumbing/electrical hookup |
– Very limited capacity – Longer wash/dry cycles |
| Compact Appliance Options | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| 24-inch wide models | Tight side-by-side layouts |
| Slim-depth dryers | Shallow spaces |
| Portable and mini models | Tiny laundry closets and corners |
| Tabletop models | Using on counters when floor space is limited |
| All-in-one combos | Extremely small laundry rooms |