While working with people and assisting them in the creation of functional spaces, I came to learn that most of them ignore the laundry room. It may look like a minor decision, but the dimensions and layout of your laundry room can really make a difference in your daily routine. A well-structured laundry room can help you save some time and stress, so the laundry day would seem to be less of a job.
In this report, I will guide you to the three main points of determining the right size of your laundry room, fitting smaller spaces, and dodging common design mistakes. Whether you are rebuilding or refurbishing, you can use these tips to create a space that is both practical and productive.
Why the Size of Your Laundry Room Matters
You may ask yourself, “Do the dimensions of the laundry room in my house have any importance?” Yes, they do and in fact, it is your comfortableness with them is the deciding factor. This isn’t merely a matter of fitting the gadgets; it’s about how simple it is to walk around, fold clothes, and put away the supplies.
A poorly organized laundry room can cause:
- Hard times opening the machine doors
- Lack of necessary storage space in the laundry room
- Some tasks are not done properly, such as the lack of enough space to sort out the clothes
When the laundry room is rightly sized and is located in a good spot, everything becomes easy. Me, I am telling you, having the proper space for your machines, storage, and tasks will indeed make a huge difference.
Determining the Right Size for Your Laundry Room
There is not one watertight solution in defining the laundry room measurements. The size that suits you depends on these factors:
Household Size and Laundry Volume
If you have a large family, you will most probably need a larger area to store and organize laundry. On the other hand, if you live alone or as a couple, you can still suffice with a smaller laundry room which is more compact.
Appliance Size and Type
- The best arrangement is the front loading models since they consume a lot of space thus countertops can’t be put over them. Top Loading machines need more space above them because there are fewer options available for you when it comes to shelving choices.
- When it comes to the vertical dimension, two stackable units can do me a lot of space favor in a very small room.
- Top-loading machines may require more room above them, limiting your shelving options.
Table: Common Laundry Room Sizes by Home Type
| Home Type | Suggested Laundry Room Size (Sq Ft) |
|---|---|
| Small Apartment | 35-50 |
| Medium Home | 50-70 |
| Large Home | 70-100 |
Multi-Use Functionality
A laundry room just for washing clothes is just a convenience? Are you doing other activities that need space as well? A lot of people like to add:
- A utility sink for hand-washing delicate items or cleaning up.
- A folding station for handling clothes right out of the dryer.
- A pet washing area for grooming small animals.
More features imply more space requirements. 3 years ago, for example, 40-70 square foot space would suffice for only washers, dryers, and general storage. These days, if you want to enjoy some extra functions, you will need at least a 90 square foot room.
How to Maximize Small Laundry Rooms
It is a fact that many people do not own a big laundry room, especially in the urban and suburban areas. If you are dealing with a small space, there is a little bit of brilliance in us for finding smart techniques to maximize your room space.
Use Vertical Space
When the area is limited, it is a smart move to go vertically. You can easily make more space for your detergent, fabric softener, and store the other necessities by adding shelves or cabinets above your washer and dryer.
- A wall-mounted drying rack can occupy less floor space.
- Hanging rods can be a place for air-dried clothes.
Opt for Space-Saving Appliances
If at all possible, select washer and dryer models that are stackable. This way, they will not only save a lot of floor space but also give you the opportunity to have extra storage or folding areas beneath or beside them.
Multifunctional Furniture
You wouldn’t believe the difference that multifunctional furniture can make in a space. Imagine hang-on-the-wall ironing boards that fold out or drying racks that can be tucked away. These innovative accents provide the illusion of largeness and usefulness in small spaces.
Common Laundry Room Mistakes to Avoid
Many mistakes in laundry room design, as an experienced designer, I had a chance to witness can really be simply solved. Here’s a quick list of the most common errors:
- To keep the door space requirements in mind: There should always be enough space to open the full door of your machine, particularly with front-loading products. Make all doors accessible to access inside the laundry room.
- Laundry rooms are ideal for proper air ventilation which eliminates the problems of humidity and mildew. Ventilate your laundry room properly by adding an exhaust fan or, if possible, open a window to let fresh air in.
- Low Light Situation: A poorly-lit laundry room prevents work. The combination of bright overhead lights and task lights will definitely boost the room’s workability.
- Inadequate Storage: It would be wise not to overlook the provision of generous laundry obvioussupy- storage space for detergents, laundry baskets, and cleaning supplies. Furthermore, see if it is possible to add some cabinets to the highest alcoves of the room or shelves making use of height to the best advantage.
Conclusion
On the other hand, you can have your laundry room big enough to fit a washing machine and a dryer. It depends on your needs, your appliances, and how much space you have available. If you have an option of a compact storage room or if you are planning to create a larger laundry room that has both the main and additional features, the key is to plan ahead.
Keep in mind, to have a laundry room, that is not only big but is also functional. Spend some time thinking about how you are going to use the space, and you will build a room that serves you rather than works against you.
Do you know where to begin? Browse my other posts on saving space and getting the best laundry machines for your room!
FAQs
- What’s the minimum size for a functional laundry room?A 35-50sq. ft. area can do the job if it is laid out with the primary features. If you plan on adding things such as folding stations or extra storage, target 70-100sq. ft. area.
- Can I set a washer and dryer in a closet?Yes, this is the norm among the majority of persons! Check that the room is well ventilated and the appliances are easily accessed.
- How do I protect my laundry room from moisture?Letting air in and out is essential. Equip a ventilator or make sure there is a window to let the wind pass through the house.
- What’s the best layout for a small laundry room?The galley arrangement with appliances on one side and storage on the other is a great fit for narrow sites. To add some storage space, you can go for hanging storage units as well.
