10x8 Bathroom & Laundry Plans — 5 Layout Ideas: Compact 10 x 8 foot bathroom and laundry combos: five practical layouts, storage hacks, and budget tips from a veteran designer

I once had a client who insisted the washing machine had to face the shower “for feng shui.” I almost designed a revolving wall to make it work — don’t ask. That little disaster taught me a better lesson: a 10 x 8 foot bathroom and laundry space forces you to be creative, not cramped. If you want a quick look at a realistic example I turn to my favorite bathroom layout when I sketch ideas.

1. Stack-and-slide: Vertical laundry tower with sliding vanity

I love stacking the washer and dryer in a closet opposite a slim sliding-vanity. It frees up floor space and keeps plumbing runs short. The upside is a clear circulation path and easy access to plumbing; the downside is noise if you don’t isolate the machines — add a sound-damping partition or quiet appliance models.

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2. Wet-zone on one side: Shower, toilet, and laundry in a row

Put all the wet fixtures along the same wall to simplify plumbing and create a dry zone for storage. I used this layout in a rental remodel: we placed the shower and toilet against the back wall, then tucked the laundry stack in a closet with a shallow louvered door. It costs less in plumbing and cuts renovation time, though you must manage moisture with good ventilation.

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3. Fold-down table + recessed cabinetry: Multi-use efficiency

My favorite small projects always include a fold-down folding table over the dryer and recessed cabinets above the toilet. It’s an instant utility surface and keeps detergents hidden. This tested space-saving plan worked well when a client needed both counter space and towel storage in a tight layout — it feels luxurious without a big budget.

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4. Pocket door and L-shaped circulation: Keep the footprint flexible

A pocket door saves swing space and an L-shaped arrangement (sink on one wall, washer/dryer on the adjacent) gives a comfortable path. I once replaced a hinged door with a pocket door and the whole room felt larger overnight. The trade-off is the slightly higher cost for pocket hardware and planning a clear jamb space.

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5. Under-counter washer + pull-out drying rack: Compact utility strip

Place a front-loading washer under the counter with shallow drawers beside it and a pull-out drying rack overhead — perfect for delicate items. For visualization and quick plan checks I like to simulate the layout before ordering fixtures; try visualizing the plan in 3D to confirm clearances and sightlines. This approach keeps the room tidy and multi-functional, though circulation can feel tight if you overdo cabinet depth.

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Practical tips and budget reminders

Always plan plumbing first: aligning fixtures reduces both material and labor costs. If you’re on a tight budget, prioritize a good ventilation fan and a reliable washer; these two items raise daily comfort the most. I also suggest buying modular cabinetry — you can adapt pieces later if needs change.

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Quick checklist before you start

Measure door swings, confirm venting routes, and decide if the washer will be stacked or under-counter. If you want to tinker with arrangements at home, a free plan tool saved my team hours when exploring options — use a tested space-saving plan online to mock up layouts before committing.

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FAQ

Q1: Can a washer and dryer fit comfortably in a 10 x 8 foot bathroom?

A: Yes. With a stacked washer/dryer or under-counter models you can keep circulation space. Plan clearances for doors and a comfortable working aisle of at least 30–36 inches where possible.

Q2: Should the laundry be stacked or side-by-side in this footprint?

A: Stacked saves floor space and frees room for storage or a vanity. Side-by-side gives counter space and easier access but requires more floor width.

Q3: How important is ventilation?

A: Extremely. A good exhaust fan prevents mold and keeps fabrics fresh. For combined laundry/bath spaces, choose a fan rated for both continuous and boost modes.

Q4: Any tips for noise control?

A: Use vibration-isolating pads, select quiet appliances, and consider a thin sound-insulating partition around the laundry closet to reduce disturbance in adjacent rooms.

Q5: What clearance do I need for an accessible route?

A: For accessible turn spaces and door clearances, follow ADA standards; see the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010) for specifics: https://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm.

Q6: Can I combine the sink plumbing with the washer to save cost?

A: Yes. Grouping the sink, toilet, and washer on the same wall reduces new drain runs and is often the most budget-friendly approach.

Q7: What flooring works best?

A: Waterproof, slip-resistant tile or vinyl is ideal. Choose materials that tolerate occasional water exposure and are easy to maintain.

Q8: How do I decide between a hinged door and a pocket door?

A: Pocket doors save swing space and make the layout feel larger, but they require wall cavity space and slightly higher installation complexity; hinged doors are cheaper and simpler.

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