Laundry rooms are often small, busy and an afterthought. With the right cabinets, the same space can hold detergent, cleaning supplies, a folding counter and even a place to hang clothes. This guide walks through the layout, the storage and the details that make a laundry room work.
Start with the machines
Everything in a laundry room is planned around the washer and dryer.
- Front-loading machines can sit under a counter, giving you a continuous folding surface above them. Check the height of the machines (including pedestals, if you use them) and leave space above for the counter.
- Top-loading washers need open space above the lid, so cabinets go higher or to the side, and a counter can't run over the washer.
- Stacked units take the least floor space and leave the rest of the wall for tall storage or a sink.
Write down the exact width, depth and height of your machines, and leave room behind them for hoses, the dryer vent and electrical connections. Dryer vents in particular need space; don't push a dryer flat against the wall.
Common layouts
Single wall
Machines side by side with a counter over them (for front-loaders) and upper cabinets above. Add a tall cabinet at one end for brooms and the ironing board.
L-shape or U-shape
Machines on one wall and a counter, sink or folding station on another. This gives a dedicated work surface and more base storage.
Laundry in a closet
Machines behind doors, often stacked, with a shelf or small cabinet above. Cabinet doors or a pull-out shelf keep it tidy.
Storage that earns its space
- Upper cabinets above the machines for detergent and supplies. Keep the bottom shelf within easy reach.
- A tall cabinet for the vacuum, mop, broom and ironing board.
- Base cabinets or drawers beside the machines for cleaning products, rags and baskets.
- Pull-out hampers to sort lights and darks out of sight.
- A hanging rod or valet rod under an upper cabinet, to hang shirts straight from the dryer.
- Open shelves or cubbies for baskets, if you prefer an open look.
A counter for folding
A folding counter is the most useful addition in most laundry rooms.
- Over front-loaders: leave a gap above the machines so you can open them and so vibration doesn't reach the counter. Make sure the counter can be supported between walls or on side cabinets.
- Depth: match the depth of the machines so the counter covers them; a front edge that lines up with the machine doors looks cleanest.
- Material: quartz and laminate are popular for being easy to clean and resistant to detergent spills. Natural stone works too; just seal it if the stone needs it.
A utility sink
A sink is handy for hand-washing, soaking stains and cleaning up after muddy pets or gardening.
- A deep single bowl is the most useful.
- Set it in a base cabinet with storage below, or choose a freestanding utility tub if space is tight.
- Plan the sink near the washer's water supply and drain to keep plumbing simple.
Clearances and comfort
- Leave enough space in front of the machines to open the doors fully and to load and unload. About 36 inches of clear floor is a good minimum; more is better if two people use the room.
- Mount upper cabinets high enough that you can open a top-loader's lid without hitting them.
- Plan good lighting over the counter and the machines; laundry rooms are often windowless.
Moisture and durability
Laundry rooms see humidity, water and chemicals. Choose cabinet finishes that are easy to wipe clean, use a water-resistant counter, and consider a drain pan under the washer, especially if the laundry room is on an upper floor.
Quick planning checklist
- Measure the room and the machines, including hookups and the dryer vent.
- Decide front-load under a counter, top-load, or stacked.
- Choose a layout: single wall, L-shape or closet.
- Plan storage: uppers, a tall cabinet, base drawers, hampers and a hanging rod.
- Add a folding counter and, if you can, a utility sink.
- Check clearances in front of the machines and plan the lighting.
Bring your measurements and machine sizes to one of our showrooms. We can design the laundry room with you, and our own shop builds the cabinets and cuts the counter to fit.