Choose the Right Spot
Alise O’Brien
The default location for laundry rooms used to bein the basement.
Arrange the work surfaces and appliances to facilitate that flow.
Plus, there’s easy access to the laundry sink for hand-washing delicates.
Credit:Ed Gohlich
Minimum steps, maximum efficiency.
Washers requiredrains and hot and cold water lines.
Washers and dryers measure from 24 to 33 inches wide.
Credit:Alise O’Brien
For loading and unloading, allow 36 inches in front of a washer and 42 inches for a dryer.
That way, you’ll have room to walk around them without bumping into them.
Washers and dryers measure from 24 to 33 inches wide.
Credit:Anthony Masterson Photography
That way, you’ll have room to walk around them without bumping into them.
Measurements differ for front-loading models.
Stacked units occupy less than 33 square inches of floor space.
Credit:Alise Obrien
They’re accessible to people who havedifficulty bending or stooping.
Front-loaders are more accessible to wheelchair users.
Install a dryer about 15 inches off the floor to make loading and unloading more comfortable.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Place the laundry sink and washing machine side by side to streamline plumbing lines and keep wet tasks together.
Beside the dryer, install a clothing rod to hang items to air-dry.
Immediately hang permanent press items to keep them from wrinkling.
Ideally, it should be right above the dryer to minimize steps.
Sturdy clothes rods hanging from wire shelving orinstalled between upper cabinetsare two possible solutions.
Position the rods far enough from the wall to leave adequate space for the hangers.
Credit:James R. Salomon
You could also buy a double-tier clothes rack on wheels or casters.
Laundry Organization
Greg Scheidemann
Being organizedmakes any job easier.
Store extra supplies here, too, so you’ll know when it’s time to restock.
Credit:Cameron Sadeghpour
confirm you store bleach and other dangerous compounds up high enough so young children can’t reach them.
If possible, install a childproof lockable cabinet.
A TV installed nearby doesn’t hurt either.
Credit:Greg Scheidemann
Include Good Lighting
Natural light brightens the laundry room and eliminates that consigned-to-the-dungeon feeling.
Provide lighting that lets you see inside the washer and dryer to confirm nothing is left inside.
Their smooth surfaces prevent snags when folding delicate lingerie, blouses, or sweaters.
Credit:Scott Little
Tile floorsare easy to mop up in case of spills and will not be damaged by bleach.
To eliminate that problem, raise the appliances to a comfortable height on cabinetry thatprovides drawer storage.
Some front-loading models now have optional 15-inch-tall pedestals that raise them to a comfortable working height.
Credit:Greg Scheidemann
A Sliver of Space
GREG SCHIEDEMANN
Need a small-space solution?
Either way, you’ll save steps.
Using Color and Pattern
Erik Johnson
A galley-style laundry room makes practical and efficient use of space.
Credit:Christiaan Blok
Because sink and washer plumbing are in the same wall, running plumbing lines is easier and less expensive.
Laundry baskets stacked onopen shelvingallow for presorting dirty clothing, and the washer is only a few steps away.
Front-loading appliances allow you to use the top of the machine for folding instead of installing a countertop.
Credit:Edmund Barr
This arrangement offers extra counter space for folding clothes and dealing with hand-washables.
This multipurpose space can be used for laundry, a wrapping station, or a kid’s crafting zone.
Sodecorate your laundry roomin a way that expresses your personality.
Credit:GREG SCHIEDEMANN
Credit:Erik Johnson
Credit:Reed Davis
Credit:Edmund Barr
