5 ft Laundry Room Sink Ideas — 5 Smart Solutions: Small-space sink ideas for a 5-foot laundry room that maximize function and style

I once had a client demand a sink big enough to wash a dog and tall enough to stand in — in a 5 ft laundry nook. I laughed, sketched, and learned fast that tiny rooms force better choices; small space really does spark big creativity. If you’ve got a narrow 5-foot laundry room, I’ll share five practical sink ideas that I’ve tested on tight projects, plus real tips on what works and what you’ll trade off.

Before we dive in, if you like to visualize layouts as I do, I often use tools to visualize tiny layouts so clients can see how a slim sink will feel in the room.

1. Slim wall-mounted utility sink

My go-to for ultra-tight spaces is a wall-mounted utility sink. It frees up floor space for baskets and makes cleaning the floor easier. The downside: you lose under-sink storage, so plan open shelving above or a slim rolling cart beside it.

Tip from experience: mount it a little higher (34–36") so you don’t have to stoop when hand-washing delicates.

2. Sink over the washer — stacked work surface

Placing a shallow sink directly above a front-loading washer creates a compact wash-and-fold station. I’ve installed this twice; it feels surprisingly roomy. Challenges include plumbing coordination and ensuring the washer’s vibration won’t annoy you—use anti-vibration pads.

Budget note: using a prefabricated top with an integrated sink keeps costs down compared to custom counters.

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3. Pull-out or fold-down sink

For clients who want a full sink without permanent bulk, I’ve used pull-out basins that slide from cabinetry or a fold-down stainless trough. It’s brilliant for occasional deep cleaning and disappears when not in use. The trade-off is mechanism wear over time, so choose quality hardware.

When laying out the room, it helps to plan narrow utility workflows so the sink, dryer, and folding zone are effortless to use.

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4. Corner sink to reclaim straight-wall space

Corner sinks are underrated in a 5-ft run. By tucking the basin into the corner you free up a straight wall for a countertop or hanging rods. I’ve done this in a galley-style laundry and the room suddenly felt twice as usable.

One snag: corner plumbing can be fiddlier and cabinetry options are more limited, but the spatial payoff is real.

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5. Integrated shallow sink with vertical storage

My favorite aesthetic solution is a shallow, integrated sink set into a narrow countertop with tall cabinets above. It reads clean and keeps all the detergents out of sight. The shallow bowl is less splashy but perfect for hand-washing and rinsing pet bowls.

For tight wet zones, try to compact wet area layouts that share plumbing runs and keep installation simple.

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Tips 1:

Small changes make big differences: choose a slim faucet with a pull-out sprayer, use magnetic racks for frequently used tools, and consider a folding drying rack that mounts to the wall. In renovation jobs I often recommend mockups — a cardboard sink outline helps clients gauge real scale.

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FAQ

How big should a laundry sink be in a 5 ft room?

A shallow sink around 15–20" wide fits comfortably in a 5 ft room while leaving counter space. Aim for a depth that balances splashing and usability—around 6–10" for a utility bowl.

Can I install a sink over my washer?

Yes, installing a sink above a front-loader is a common space-saving tactic. You’ll need to coordinate plumbing and ensure the washer’s access for maintenance remains clear.

Are wall-mounted sinks sturdy enough for laundry use?

Wall-mounted sinks are durable if properly anchored to studs or a blocking frame. For heavy use, reinforce the wall during installation to avoid loosening over time.

What’s the best sink material for a laundry room?

Stainless steel and composite granite resist stains and impact well—stainless is cost-effective and easy to clean, while composites hide wear better over years of use.

Can a shallow sink handle pet bathing?

Shallow troughs can work for small pets; for larger dogs you’ll trade convenience for comfort. In tiny rooms, consider a portable fold-down tub as a compromise.

How high should I mount a laundry sink?

Mount sinks at standard counter height (34–36"), which reduces back strain. If you’re tall or doing a lot of hand-washing, raise it a couple inches to suit your posture.

Do I need a dedicated drain for a laundry sink?

Most sinks can share a waste line with appliances if local plumbing codes allow it, but check code requirements and venting to avoid slow drains and odors.

Where can I find layout help for tight laundry rooms?

Professional design guidelines like those from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) provide solid dimension advice, and using a simple layout mock-up (paper or digital) helps you test clearances before buying fixtures.

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