A well-designed laundry room is essential for keeping clothes clean and organized. Having the right features and amenities can make doing laundry much more enjoyable and efficient. When designing a laundry room, there are certain must-haves that should be included to maximize functionality, convenience and aesthetics. In this article, we will discuss the most important elements to have in your laundry space.
Page Contents
- 1 Adequate Space
- 2 Laundry Sink
- 3 Lots of Storage
- 4 Good Ventilation
- 5 Comfortable Work Station
- 6 Flooring
- 7 Electrical Outlets
- 8 Fold Down Ironing Board
- 9 Utility Sink
- 10 Detergent Storage
- 11 Hanging Rod
- 12 Laundry Sorting Station
- 13 Natural Lighting
- 14 Task Lighting
- 15 Wi-Fi Connectivity
- 16 Security Features
- 17 Eye Protection
- 18 central Vacuum System
- 19 Laundry Chute
- 20 Pet Washing Station
- 21 Foldable Step Stool
- 22 Conclusion
Adequate Space
One of the top priorities is having sufficient room to comfortably do laundry tasks. This includes having enough space for laundry appliances, countertops, storage, an ironing board, hampers and move around easily. As a general rule, a laundry room should be at least 36-48 square feet. However, the ideal size depends on the capacity of your washing machine and dryer as well as how much storage you need.
Bigger equipment like mega-capacity washers and dryers require more clearance. You’ll want enough space in front of appliances for loading/unloading and accessing controls. It’s recommended to have at least 30 inches of clearance in front of washers and dryers. And don’t forget to measure your appliances to ensure there is sufficient room to open the doors fully.
In terms of layout, side-by-side laundry appliances work well when space is limited. Stacking units (with the dryer on top of the washer) are also good space-savers. Just be sure to install the proper hardware to securely anchor stacked units. For more flexibility, keep a 3-4 foot gap between appliances if possible.
Laundry Sink
A must-have for any laundry room is a laundry sink. A deep sink is ideal for hand-washing delicate items, soaking stained garments, filling a mop bucket and more. Look for a sink with at least an 18-inch depth. And consider getting a stainless steel sink – they are the most durable option.
When choosing a faucet, a pull-out sprayer is very useful for rinsing clothes or cleaning the sink itself. Go for a high arc, single lever faucet so you can adjust water temperature and flow easily. Install the sink near your washing machine with enough surrounding counter space to fold clothes.
Lots of Storage
No laundry room is complete without ample storage. Well-designed storage helps keep laundry essentials and cleaning products organized yet easily accessible. Here are some must-have storage options:
– Open shelving – use for storing laundry detergent, bleach, fabric softener and other supplies. Shelves should be 12-15 inches deep.
– Drawers – great for storing delicate wash items and laundry accessories. Consider drawers with built-in dividers.
– Hampers or bins – have a spot to collect dirty clothes that’s near your washer. Get hampers with removable mesh bags.
– Drying rack – for air drying clothes. Get a foldable rack that fits over your sink.
– Ironing station – create a dedicated spot for ironing with a wall-mounted ironing board and outlet nearby.
– Closet or cabinet – for storing cleaning tools like a broom, mop and vacuum.
Good Ventilation
Proper ventilation is a must in the laundry room to remove moisture, prevent mold/mildew growth and get rid of drying odors. Include an exterior vented exhaust fan that is at least 50 CFM. Vent it outside through a duct, not into your attic.
Also, make sure your clothes dryer is vented outdoors. Use rigid metal ductwork for maximum airflow and safety. Clean out the lint trap regularly to keep air flowing freely. Open windows and louvered doors can also help with airflow when weather permits.
Comfortable Work Station
The laundry process doesn’t end when clothes come out of the dryer – you still have to fold, hang and put them away. Create a comfortable work station for these finishing tasks. Have a wide countertop next to your appliances for folding clothes. Make sure there is adequate task lighting overhead.
You may also want to include a chair, stool or small bench so you can sit while folding. Playing music in your laundry room also helps create a pleasant atmosphere. And a small TV can help pass the time when tackling large loads.
Flooring
With the frequent splashing and dripping that happens in a laundry room, water-resistant flooring is a must. Vinyl, concrete and porcelain tile are excellent choices. These materials resist moisture, are durable and easy to clean.
Steer clear of carpet or other fabrics that can mold and deteriorate from moisture exposure. Also, consider radiant floor heating to keep the room comfortable when doing laundry in colder months.
Electrical Outlets
Laundry rooms require multiple electrical outlets to power your appliances and accessories. Make sure there are enough outlets evenly spaced around the room – at least one on each wall. The washer and dryer should have their own dedicated circuits.
Have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets installed to prevent shocks. Also, consider having separate switches for overhead lighting, exhaust fans and outlets so you can control everything individually.
Fold Down Ironing Board
An ironing board is essential equipment for any laundry room. The most convenient option is a wall-mounted ironing board that folds down when needed. Choose one with a heat-resistant cover and metal frame. Mount it at a comfortable height – around waist level.
Install near an electrical outlet you can access while ironing. You may want an outlet specially designed for irons with a 20 amp circuit for quick reheating. Locate it away from laundry appliances to allow free movement while ironing.
Utility Sink
A utility sink is great extra addition that can serve multiple purposes beyond just laundry. Deep utility sinks work well for hand washing large items like comforters, pet beds, window treatments and more. You can also use one for cleaning or filling a mop bucket.
When choosing a utility sink, look for a heavy-duty model made of durable materials like porcelain-enameled cast iron or stainless steel. Consider one with an extended high backsplash to contain splashes. Install your utility sink across from or next to your washing machine with adequate draining space.
Detergent Storage
Convenient access to detergents and other washing products is key. Mounted wall shelves or corner shelving units are great options for keeping supplies organized and at your fingertips. Locate storage near your washing machine.
Choose shelf units with lips to prevent bottles from sliding off. You may also want to store products in bins or baskets so you can easily move everything at once when cleaning the laundry room. Having drawers to stash small laundry accessories is also useful.
Hanging Rod
Install a retractable hanging rod or clothes rack to air dry delicates, hand-wash items and freshly laundered clothes. Place it near your washer/dryer set up. Choose a sturdy rod that can handle the weight of wet laundry.
Look for rods with multiple height settings so you can adjust to fit different garments. Make sure it extends long enough to handle larger loads. For safety, only use indoor drying rods and never overload the rod.
Laundry Sorting Station
Pre-treating stains, separating colors/fabrics and sorting loads is much easier when you have a dedicated laundry prep station. This space should be near your washing machine and allow you to stage laundry before washing.
The station should include:
– Countertop space for sorting, pre-treating and stain removal
– Sink or basin for hand-washing items, filling a stain remover pen and more
– Storage like bins, shelves or baskets for laundry essentials
– Hanging rod or rack for air drying items after hand-washing
– Utility sink if space allows
Natural Lighting
Natural light is always preferable in any room when possible. Laundry rooms often end up with no windows as they are tucked away in basements or inner rooms. Try to add a window above your appliances or washing station if feasible.
Opening a laundry room to the outdoors helps with ventilation as well. For windowless spaces, add plenty of overhead lighting on dimmer switches to control brightness. Skylights are another option for letting natural light in.
Task Lighting
In addition to good general lighting, task lighting is important for illuminating specific zones and seeing details while doing laundry. Mount an overhead ceiling fixture directly above your washer/dryer – LED is the most energy efficient option. Add accent lighting under wall cabinets for a soft glow.
You may also want sconces or pendant lights above the laundry fold/prep station. Install light strips inside cabinets and under counters to illuminate interiors. Place plug-in task lamps on countertops as needed.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Many of today’s laundry appliances can connect to Wi-Fi for smart features like remote start/monitoring, cycles status alerts and maintenance notifications. To take advantage of these capabilities, your laundry room needs a strong Wi-Fi router signal.
You may need a range extender or wireless repeater if your room is too far from the main router. For the most reliable connection, install a new router in the room if possible. Place it up high – away from large appliances that could interfere with signal.
Security Features
The laundry room tends to be one of the most accident-prone areas of a home due to heat, moisture, chemicals, cords and electrical outlets mixing. Include safety measures like GFCI outlets, slip-resistant flooring and grab bars. Protect young kids by using childproof locks on cabinets.
You may also want to install a video camera or alarm system if the room is separate from living areas. A smoke/fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector should be installed as well. Place appliances away from water sources and use water leak sensors.
Eye Protection
To shield your eyes from close proximity to powerful lighting, install a light fixture with less glare. Choose bulbs with a lower Kelvin temperature – 3000K to 4000K is ideal. Position fixtures pointing downwards and away from the main laundry working area.
Diffused covers and frosted bulbs also help reduce glare. Place mirrors strategically to maximize natural light and cut down on harsh artificial light. Wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when doing laundry to further protect your eyes.
central Vacuum System
For maximum dust and allergen control, install a central vacuum system with intake valves around the laundry room. Central vacuum systems use powerful motors and suction located outside living areas – like in the garage. With inlets placed strategically around the home, the pipes and hoses hidden inside walls, ceilings and floors connect to the central unit. This allows you to vacuum quickly and efficiently without moving a heavy appliance from room to room.
Laundry Chute
For multi-level homes, a laundry chute is invaluable for transporting dirty clothes from bedrooms and upstairs gathering areas to the laundry room. Choose a durable metal chute with a fire-retardant design. Install intake doors on upper floors with enough interior room for large loads.
Locking doors help prevent children from climbing into the chute. Position the bottom opening centered over your laundry hamper or sorting table for convenient loading. Insulate chutes that run through unheated areas to muffle noise and prevent freezing.
Pet Washing Station
For pet owners, add a special washing station to bathe dogs and other animals. Choose a sturdy elevated tub tall enough to reduce back strain. Install a flexible handheld sprayer with an extended hose for easy reach. Position it away from laundry appliances and close to a drain.
Having storage for pet shampoo, towels and drying tools nearby keeps everything handy. An overhead grooming arm frees up your hands for bathing. And non-slip rubber mats on the floor help keep pets steady.
Foldable Step Stool
A foldable step stool comes in handy for reaching the tops of appliances and high cabinets. Choose a stool with anti-slip tread and grip handle for stability. Look for one rated for 300+ pound capacity.
A two- to three-step model provides an adequate boost for most people. Make sure it folds flat for convenient storage when not in use. Place near your appliances but keep clear of walkways when in use.
Conclusion
Creating a well-appointed laundry room takes strategic planning and investment. Focus first on the necessities like adequate space, laundry-specific fixtures and safety. Once you have the basics covered, include conveniences like specialized storage, advanced features and accessibility enhancements. With the must-haves we’ve covered, you can enjoy maximum laundry functionality for years to come.