5 Bathroom with Laundry Room Ideas: Space-smart, stylish and practical bathroom + laundry combos from a seasoned designer

I once hid a washing machine behind a pretty vanity to impress a client — only to realize the vent had nowhere to go and we had a mold scare. That tiny disaster taught me that small spaces demand smart planning and honest trade-offs, and that’s how I learned to love compact bathroom-laundry solutions. If you’re curious about real examples, check out this inspiring bathroom case study inspiring bathroom case study that shows clever detailing I use often.

1. Stack washer-dryer in a recessed closet

I use a shallow recessed closet with a full-height door to tuck a stacked washer and dryer into the bathroom. It keeps the appliances out of sight, creates room for vertical shelving above, and the door hides noise when guests visit. The catch is ventilation and plumbing access — you need to plan vent runs or choose a ventless dryer and allow service clearance behind the stack.

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2. Wet-room wash zone with waterproofing

Combining the laundry with a wet-room style bathroom (think curbless shower and floor drain) saves space and simplifies cleanup. I designed one for a couple who loved easy maintenance; the washer sits on a slightly raised platform with a dedicated drain and water-splash detailing. Pros are easy cleaning and a unified waterproofing approach; cons are higher upfront waterproofing cost and the need for carefully detailed thresholds to keep water where it belongs.

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3. Under-counter washer with folding station

Placing a front-load washer under a countertop gives you a tidy fold-and-sort surface right above the machine. I often add a pull-out drying rack and shallow drawers for detergents; it feels like a hotel minibar but for laundry. It works best with front-loaders and careful door swing planning; tight plumbing behind the machine can be a minor headache, but a small-space layout example small-space layout example I used shows how to route everything cleanly.

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4. Pocket door and vertical storage for slim footprints

A pocket door saves the swing radius and makes room for a tall linen cabinet or a stacked broom and ironing center. I rescued one apartment by swapping a hinged door for a pocket door and gaining about 10–15cm of usable width for shelves — game-changing in a narrow bathroom. The downside is the pocket mechanic can be pricier and adds complexity if you want soft-close hardware.

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5. Multi-use countertop with drying rods and vent planning

Think of the countertop as a multi-tool: folding station, basket landing, plus a retractable drying rod over the tub or shower. I once integrated a heated towel rail that doubled as supplemental drying for delicates; it was a hit with the family. You must plan dryer venting or consider a condensation-friendly washer-dryer; a compact laundry-bathroom solution compact laundry-bathroom solution inspired the vent detail we used.

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FAQ

Q1: Is it sanitary to have a washer in the bathroom?

A1: Yes, provided you separate clean storage from laundry flow, maintain laundry baskets closed, and ensure good ventilation so moisture doesn’t linger on surfaces.

Q2: How do I vent a dryer in a bathroom?

A2: Ideally run a dedicated exterior vent; if that’s impossible, consider a condenser or heat-pump dryer which doesn’t require an outside vent and reduces moisture migration.

Q3: Can a wet-room approach cause mold?

A3: Proper waterproofing and continuous ventilation are critical. Follow CDC guidance on mold prevention by controlling humidity and drying wet materials promptly (see: https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm).

Q4: Will a washer in the bathroom add noise?

A4: Front-loaders and stacked units are surprisingly quiet, but add isolation pads and plan closet doors or acoustic panels if noise is a concern near bedrooms.

Q5: What flooring is best?

A5: Porcelain tile or sealed vinyl are durable and water-resistant choices; avoid untreated wood unless it’s well-sealed and raised off the floor for washing zones.

Q6: Do I need a plumber for this remodel?

A6: Yes—connecting a washer usually requires proper hot/cold hookups, a drain, and sometimes a floor drain or condensate pump; licensed plumbing ensures code compliance.

Q7: How much extra budget should I expect?

A7: Tight combos can range from modest (rearrange and add shelving) to higher cost (waterproofing, venting, custom cabinets). I usually advise clients to allocate a contingency of 10–20% for surprises.

Q8: Is a stacked unit better than a side-by-side in a bathroom?

A8: Stacked saves floor space and frees room for cabinets; side-by-side gives counter space above and easier access. Your choice depends on how often you bend for laundry versus needing countertop work.

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