5 Essentials for Good Laundry Design That You Need to Know
Include these five essential features in your laundry zone from designers around the world to make the most of the space
If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated laundry in your home, it’s a good idea to plan it carefully. Decide what you want to incorporate before you work out the layout, as forward thinking will allow you to make the most of the space you have. Here’s a rundown of five must-have features and some tips on the size, type and position of each element (as well as a couple of non-essential bonus inclusions).
Photos & Advice
1. A well-placed washing machine
The laundry is your home’s dedicated cleaning space, so it’s a no-brainer that you’ll need a washing machine. However, it’s worth thinking carefully about its position.
Of course, an appliance located at ground level is perfectly fine, but you could also consider a more ergonomic option. In this laundry designed by Studio35 York in York, UK, the washing machine is raised off the ground and a pull-out platform is positioned below it. The owner can easily pull garments out of the drum into the laundry basket without bending down and putting a strain on his or her back.
Thinking of redesigning your laundry? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz for expert help including the essential design features
The laundry is your home’s dedicated cleaning space, so it’s a no-brainer that you’ll need a washing machine. However, it’s worth thinking carefully about its position.
Of course, an appliance located at ground level is perfectly fine, but you could also consider a more ergonomic option. In this laundry designed by Studio35 York in York, UK, the washing machine is raised off the ground and a pull-out platform is positioned below it. The owner can easily pull garments out of the drum into the laundry basket without bending down and putting a strain on his or her back.
Thinking of redesigning your laundry? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz for expert help including the essential design features
2. A pull-out laundry basket
Similar ergonomics can be applied to your laundry basket. To avoid lugging a heavy load to the washing machine, locate your largest basket in your dedicated laundry zone – you can always have a smaller version in the bedroom or bathroom that you can use for regularly transferring smaller amounts.
Try a basket on wheels like the one in this laundry by Higham Furniture in London, UK. An area has been left empty beneath the benchtop to tuck the laundry basket away, but it can be rolled out when needed and easily moved next to the appliance.
Similar ergonomics can be applied to your laundry basket. To avoid lugging a heavy load to the washing machine, locate your largest basket in your dedicated laundry zone – you can always have a smaller version in the bedroom or bathroom that you can use for regularly transferring smaller amounts.
Try a basket on wheels like the one in this laundry by Higham Furniture in London, UK. An area has been left empty beneath the benchtop to tuck the laundry basket away, but it can be rolled out when needed and easily moved next to the appliance.
3. A drying rail
Clothes dried on a washing line outside are the ideal, but sometimes that’s just not possible – which is where a trusty indoor drying rail can come into its own. Maximise space in your laundry zone by installing a drying rack up high, preferably hanging from the ceiling.
In this home in Gloucestershire, UK, designed by Richard Parr + Associates, the laundry has a metal drying rail attached to a panel on the ceiling. It hangs in front of the window to catch the drying rays of any sunlight streaming in from outdoors.
Clothes dried on a washing line outside are the ideal, but sometimes that’s just not possible – which is where a trusty indoor drying rail can come into its own. Maximise space in your laundry zone by installing a drying rack up high, preferably hanging from the ceiling.
In this home in Gloucestershire, UK, designed by Richard Parr + Associates, the laundry has a metal drying rail attached to a panel on the ceiling. It hangs in front of the window to catch the drying rays of any sunlight streaming in from outdoors.
4. A practical sink
If you have the space, a sink will be invaluable in your laundry. Use it to handwash garments, to apply stain remover before machine washing, or to clean more heavy-duty items.
In this London, UK, laundry designed by Lisette Voute Designs, the ceramic basin is positioned right next to the washing machine. It’s an ideal spot, as the owner can quickly throw pre-rinsed items into the drum without splashing the floor.
Browse more beautifully designed laundry zones to inspire your own
If you have the space, a sink will be invaluable in your laundry. Use it to handwash garments, to apply stain remover before machine washing, or to clean more heavy-duty items.
In this London, UK, laundry designed by Lisette Voute Designs, the ceramic basin is positioned right next to the washing machine. It’s an ideal spot, as the owner can quickly throw pre-rinsed items into the drum without splashing the floor.
Browse more beautifully designed laundry zones to inspire your own
5. Perfectly planned storage
To really make the most of a laundry, storage is key. The hardworking space usually needs to house a multitude of items, including a cumbersome vacuum cleaner and ironing board. Maximise every inch of your room by measuring out your storage to fit exactly what you need.
Here, the team at Kia Designs built a cupboard with the right dimensions needed for a vacuum cleaner, appliances and cleaning items. They’ve also included nifty wall-hung storage for the ironing board and iron.
To really make the most of a laundry, storage is key. The hardworking space usually needs to house a multitude of items, including a cumbersome vacuum cleaner and ironing board. Maximise every inch of your room by measuring out your storage to fit exactly what you need.
Here, the team at Kia Designs built a cupboard with the right dimensions needed for a vacuum cleaner, appliances and cleaning items. They’ve also included nifty wall-hung storage for the ironing board and iron.
Add Some Bonus Features
If you have more space, also consider including the following:
Outerwear storage
If your laundry is next to the back door, hooks, shelves and cabinets for boots, shoes and coats will be particularly useful. It’s here that you can keep all those outerwear items you don’t need every day, which would usually be cluttering up the hall.
Here, the team at Design Squared Architects incorporated a bench with pull-out drawers for shoes. The fronts are handily ventilated to allow the footwear to breathe.
If you have more space, also consider including the following:
Outerwear storage
If your laundry is next to the back door, hooks, shelves and cabinets for boots, shoes and coats will be particularly useful. It’s here that you can keep all those outerwear items you don’t need every day, which would usually be cluttering up the hall.
Here, the team at Design Squared Architects incorporated a bench with pull-out drawers for shoes. The fronts are handily ventilated to allow the footwear to breathe.
Pet paraphernalia
The laundry is an ideal space for stashing any extra food or equipment you might need for your pet. Plan a cupboard to store items and consider including a spot for your furry friend to rest away from the noise in the rest of the home.
In this laundry, the Canadian team at Soda Pop Design built in two spaces for pet beds. The cosy recesses are just the right size for the small dogs to feel snug, safe and enjoy some quiet time.
The laundry is an ideal space for stashing any extra food or equipment you might need for your pet. Plan a cupboard to store items and consider including a spot for your furry friend to rest away from the noise in the rest of the home.
In this laundry, the Canadian team at Soda Pop Design built in two spaces for pet beds. The cosy recesses are just the right size for the small dogs to feel snug, safe and enjoy some quiet time.
Your turn
What inclusions do you think are essential for a well-designed laundry? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the renovation conversation.
More
Need to read up on keeping your home clean? Don’t miss How Do I… Clean my Home to Stop Dust and Allergens?
What inclusions do you think are essential for a well-designed laundry? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the renovation conversation.
More
Need to read up on keeping your home clean? Don’t miss How Do I… Clean my Home to Stop Dust and Allergens?
Incorporating a concealed kitty litter tray will be important in our new laundry.
One thing to note about ergonomically placed higher appliances, it will require two people to install, and to service. Also it is recommended to allow a gap around the appliance to allow air circulation to stop appliance overheating.
Louise, I’ve seen photos where the tray is in a deep drawer with a cutout. That way it’s easy for the cat to get into, but also for the human to access and clean.