Some rooms in the house seem to always follow the same layout pattern. In the bedroom, the bed against the back wall; in the living room, sofas arranged in a semicircle. And the laundry room rarely strays from this rule.
+ Kendall Jenner’s lilac pantry doors show how to use color with elegance in the kitchen
Because of bulky machines, the need to hang clothes and the amount of items that tend to accumulate in the laundry room, many people opt for a simple and traditional design, believing there is little room for innovation.
However, according to the House Digest website, rethinking the laundry room layout can completely transform the functionality and even the visual appeal of the space. With a few strategic choices, it is possible to create a more efficient, organized and comfortable area for everyday routines.
Start with the laundry room workflow
Before deciding where each item will go, it’s worth reflecting on which laundry tasks are most tiring or inconvenient for you. Is folding clothes the biggest challenge? Does ironing seem endless? Or does keeping everything organized require constant effort?
According to House Digest, identifying these difficulties is the first step toward creating a truly functional layout. Instead of following a standard format, the ideal approach is to adapt the space to your real needs. If bending down to load and unload clothes from the washer and dryer causes discomfort, for example, a raised platform for the appliances can greatly improve ergonomics. Those who dislike folding clothes may benefit from a dedicated area for this task, such as a central island — if space allows — or a large countertop paired with a comfortable bench.
Smart storage makes all the difference
Another essential point in designing a functional laundry room is storage. Although the space is mainly intended for clothing care, it often becomes a place where detergents, cleaning products, cloths and even lost socks accumulate.
According to House Digest, planning storage solutions from the beginning helps prevent clutter and improves the usability of the space. A tall, narrow cabinet, for example, can be ideal for storing the ironing board out of the way. Open shelves with labeled baskets also make organization easier and help you quickly find what you need. For smaller items that tend to “disappear,” such as fabric softener or clothespins, specific decorative cabinets — including wall-mounted models — can be great allies.
Think about extra uses for the laundry room
Beyond washing clothes, it’s worth considering what other functions the laundry room can serve within the home. According to House Digest, this space can go far beyond the basics when well planned.
If your home doesn’t have an entryway or vestibule, the laundry room can take on that role. Adding built-in cabinets for coats, shoes and umbrellas helps organize the transition between indoors and outdoors. In homes with pets, installing a small shower to wash muddy paws and boots is a practical and increasingly common solution.
Another possibility is turning part of the laundry room into a home office. Reserving a section of the countertop for work — preferably near a window to take advantage of natural light — and adding a comfortable chair and a monitor can create a functional, discreet and surprisingly efficient home office.
Source: House Digest. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
