5 Creative Small Laundry Room Layouts: Design tricks I've learned to make tiny laundry spaces work beautifully

Once, I almost turned a client's small laundry room into a claustrophobic nightmare—installing a bulky cabinet that blocked the washer door. Thankfully, I caught it during the mockup phase. That mistake reminded me how small spaces can push us to be much more inventive. Over the years, I've mastered turning cramped laundry areas into efficient, surprisingly stylish nooks. Here, I’m sharing my top 5 layout ideas you can borrow for your own project. Small rooms really can spark big creativity. I even used a room planner to test some of these in advance.

1. Vertical stacking magic

Stacking washer and dryer units can free up precious floor space, letting you add a slim shelving unit or fold-down table beside them. It works well in apartments, though you need to check ceiling height and ventilation first. The only trade-off? Taller stacks can be a stretch for shorter folks.

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2. Fold-out counter surprise

I once added a wall-mounted fold-out countertop above a laundry machine for a client who craved folding space. It disappears completely when not in use. Just remember you’ll need solid wall anchors to support the weight. Mid-way through planning, I tested the measurement with a free floor plan creator to avoid clearance mistakes.

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3. Sliding door efficiency

Replacing swing doors with sliding barn-style doors can instantly declutter the space. You won’t have to dance around door swings while carrying laundry baskets. However, this style might require a bit more wall space for the track—worth it for the streamlined look.

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4. Under-counter appliance fit

In one renovation, we tucked a front-loading washer under a countertop, turning the rest of the counter into a folding area. It gives a sleek, kitchen-like feel, but be mindful of appliance height and plumbing access. I tested this flow using a kitchen layout planner since counters share many design principles.

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5. Multi-functional nook

Some of my favorite laundry areas double as mudrooms—hooks for coats, shoe racks, and a small bench. The challenge lies in managing humidity from the machines while keeping the mudroom gear dry. A good vent system and moisture-resistant materials will save you headaches.

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FAQ

1. What’s the best layout for a small laundry room?

Vertical stacking is space-efficient; combine it with wall shelving for extra storage.

2. How do I add folding space?

Consider a fold-out wall table or a countertop over your front-loader washer.

3. Can I hide my laundry machines?

Yes, sliding doors or cabinetry work well, but ventilation is key.

4. How do I avoid moisture issues?

Install proper ventilation and dehumidifiers; per Energy.gov, venting outdoors reduces indoor humidity significantly.

5. What’s the cheapest upgrade?

Switching to open shelving and brighter paint can transform the feel cheaply.

6. Can I mix laundry and mudroom functions?

Yes, but keep wet areas separate from dry storage to prevent damage.

7. Do small laundry rooms need special lighting?

Bright, even task lighting makes folding and sorting easier—LED strips are great.

8. Should I use stackable or side-by-side machines?

Stackable units save floor space; side-by-sides may offer better ergonomics depending on your needs.