What do you put in space between washer and dryer?

Having the right setup for your laundry area can make doing laundry much easier and more pleasant. An important part of your laundry area setup is what goes in the space between the washer and dryer. There are a few good options to consider.

Using a Laundry Table

One of the most popular choices for the space between the washer and dryer is a laundry folding table. A laundry folding table gives you a dedicated spot to fold clothes right next to your washer and dryer. This saves you from having to haul baskets of clean clothes to another room for folding.

Laundry folding tables come in various sizes, colors, and styles. You can find basic plastic folding tables, wooden tables, tables with storage baskets or drawers, and more. Consider the size of your laundry space when choosing a table. You want one that fits well between your appliances without crowding the room.

Look for a table that is durable, easy to clean, and the right height for you. Most laundry folding tables are between 28-34 inches tall. Stores like Target, Walmart, and home goods stores have affordable options. You can also find more heavy-duty customizable laundry tables at hardware stores or online.

Benefits of Using a Laundry Folding Table

• Provides a dedicated folding space
• Doesn’t take up room in other parts of your home
• Easy access to both washer and dryer while folding
• Models with storage allow you to stash laundry essentials

Installing a Countertop

Another option is to install a countertop between the washer and dryer. Many people find a countertop more durable and stylish than a folding table. The countertop can be made of materials like granite, quartz, laminate, butcher block, or more.

When choosing a countertop for your laundry room, make sure it is moisture-resistant and durable enough to handle laundry use. Quartz and granite are very durable options. Butcher block looks stylish but requires more maintenance to keep it looking nice. Laminate countertops are budget-friendly but less resistant to damage from water and heat.

The countertop should be installed at a comfortable height and with enough support underneath. Consult with a contractor about properly installing a countertop between your appliances. If you want storage, somecountertops can accommodate below-counter cabinetry.

Benefits of a Laundry Room Countertop

• Very durable and long-lasting
• Variety of material and color options
• More stylish look than a folding table
• Option to add below-counter storage

Using Open Shelving

Some people opt to put open shelving in between the washer and dryer instead of a table or countertop. The shelves can hold laundry essentials, baskets, and folding supplies. Make sure the shelves adequately fit the space and are securely installed.

Wire shelving is an inexpensive option, but looks a bit utilitarian. For a nicer look, consider wooden shelves. You can paint or stain them to match your laundry room style. Add woven baskets or bins to corral items on the open shelves.

One downside of open shelves is having laundry items exposed. Make sure you don’t mind items being visible. If you do want some concealment, look for shelving units with doors. The doors can hide laundry essentials when not in use.

Benefits of Laundry Room Shelving

• Inexpensive way to add storage
• Variety of shelving materials and styles
• Can hold laundry supplies or baskets for folding
• Some units have doors to conceal contents

Using a Storage Cart

For a mobile option, consider placing a storage cart between the washer and dryer. Storage carts have wheels so you can roll them out of the way when you need access to the appliances.

Look for sturdy carts made of metal or plastic. Metal utility carts work well and come in different tiered shelf configurations. For softer style, try a wheeled hamper with removable mesh laundry bags. When extended, it provides a surface for folding between cycles.

If you need to maximize every inch, storage carts are great space-savers. Just be sure to measure the gap between machines and get a cart that properly fits. The cart also needs enough clearance to roll freely in the space.

Benefits of a Laundry Storage Cart

• Mobile and can roll out of the way
• Variety of styles and configurations
• Provides storage and folding surface
• Great for maximizing small spaces

Using a Hanging Rack

For air drying delicate items, install a hanging drying rack between the washer and dryer. Hanging racks come in retractable ceiling-mounted styles or freestanding racks. Freestanding racks work best for the space between appliances.

Look for sturdy metal racks that can hold plenty of weight. Make sure it fits the width of your space and allows you to fully access the washer and dryer. Position it at a height to comfortably hang your laundry items.

A hanging rack is perfect for air drying sweaters, delicate fabrics and intimates. Let them drip dry on the rack between washer cycles. This saves wear and tear on your dryer. Just roll the rack out of the way when not in use.

Benefits of a Hanging Drying Rack

• Allows air drying delicate items
• Fits in narrow spaces between appliances
• Retractable or roll-away styles maximize space
• Saves wear on dryer from delicate fabrics

Using a Combo Solution

For the ultimate laundry setup, consider installing a combination solution between your washer and dryer. Many laundry rooms have enough space for both a countertop and some open shelving or a storage cart.

The countertop can provide a smooth folding area and space for laundry baskets underneath. Meanwhile, shelves above or a cart below can hold detergents, dryer sheets, stain removers and other supplies. This combo takes full advantage of the space between machines.

When designing your combo laundry zone, measure carefully. Make sure the countertop and shelves/cart don’t crowd each other. Leave enough space for opening the washer and dryer doors fully. With good planning, a combo solution can be ideal.

Benefits of a Combo Laundry Zone

• Maximizes the space between appliances
• Provides storage and folding space
• Variety of material and configuration options
• Looks built-in and stylish

Choosing What’s Best for Your Laundry Room

When deciding what’s best to put between your washer and dryer, consider your needs and lifestyle. Here are some final tips for choosing the right solution:

• If you do lots of small laundry loads, prioritize folding space with a table or countertop.
• If you have kids or messy laundry, storage to corral supplies is key. Opt for shelves or a cart.
• If you air dry delicates, a retractable hanging rack is perfect for maximizing space.
• For extra-narrow gaps, a storage cart on wheels can roll in and out of the space.
• If you dislike visible clutter, choose options with doors or baskets to conceal laundry items.
• To create a built-in laundry zone, try pairing shelves with a countertop for ample storage and folding area.

And don’t forget to measure the space between your washer and dryer as well as appliance doors when opened. This ensures everything fits well with clearance for laundry access. With the right setup for your needs, the often forgotten gap between machines can become the ultimate laundry station.

Option	Pros	Cons
Laundry Table	Provides folding space Easy access to washer/dryer Storage models available	Takes up space when not in use Plastic models not as durable
Countertop	Very durable Variety of material options Stylish built-in look	More expensive installation Not movable like table
Shelving	Adds storage for supplies Variety of styles Open or with doors	Items exposed if open shelving Doors reduce access space
Storage Cart	Mobile to roll out of way Provides storage Fits in tight spaces	Have to roll in/out each use Storage limits
Hanging Rack	Great for air drying delicates Retractable styles maximize space Saves dryer wear	Limited drying capacity No folding surface

Whatever you choose to put between your washer and dryer, having the right solution tailored to your needs makes laundry day much smoother. Take time to measure the space, consider your lifestyle, and choose an option or combination that works best in your home.