5 Large Laundry Room Ideas: Make your big laundry room work harder with storage, zones and style

I once convinced a couple to trade their formal dining room for a laundry suite — they wanted a glamorous space with room for three baskets, a folding island and a pet wash. We nearly over-designed it with marble and chandeliers until I reminded them that a functional laundry room should be joyful, not theatrical. That lesson stuck: whether tiny or grand, small spaces can inspire big creativity, and large rooms let us push clever ideas further. If you want to really visualize the layout, try a 3D rendering early so you don’t buy a cabinet that blocks the dryer door.

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Below I’ll share 5 practical, creative ideas I use in real projects to make large laundry rooms efficient, comfortable and even a little luxurious. I’ll point out benefits, real-life trade-offs and quick budget notes from projects I’ve led.

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1. Create distinct work zones with a central island

In big laundry rooms I almost always add a central island: it becomes a folding station, a place for sorting bins, and sometimes extra storage underneath. The upside is huge — countertops, electrical outlets for a steamer, and a landing spot for baskets — but it can feel bulky if your circulation paths aren’t planned. Keep aisles at least 36–42 inches and choose an island height that doubles as a prep surface for other chores.

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2. Combine tall storage with open display

Tall cabinets swallow bulk items like ironing boards and vacuum cleaners while open shelves keep detergents and frequently used baskets within reach. I like mixing closed and open storage: it hides clutter yet gives personality through plants or woven baskets. The trade-off is maintenance — open shelves need tidier styling — but they make the room feel lived-in and easy to use.

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3. Add a built-in drying and pet-care corner

Large spaces let you dedicate a wall to drying racks or a recessed drying cabinet, plus a low pet-wash basin if you need one. For homeowners with pets or delicate garments, this saves time and keeps wet items contained. If you plan plumbing changes, schedule them early — moving drains later can blow the budget — and consider fold-away solutions if you want occasional flexibility. I recommend you draw a precise floor plan before plumbing work begins so everything fits.

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4. Introduce seating and multi-use tech

A small bench with storage or a built-in banquette makes laundry less of a chore; you can sit to fold or supervise kids doing homework. Integrating tech — a smart washer, a charging station, or a wall-mounted tablet — adds convenience, though it raises initial costs and requires thoughtful wiring. In projects where clients kept a bench, the room became a favorite catch-all spot rather than a hidden utility closet.

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5. Balance utility with style using finishes and lighting

Big rooms invite bolder finishes: patterned tile, a statement pendant, or contrasting cabinetry. Good layered lighting (ambient, task and accent) is essential because a dramatic fixture won’t help if folding surfaces are in shadow. This is where thoughtful space planning helps you choose lighting locations and durable materials that can handle heat, moisture and heavy use without looking industrial.

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FAQ

Q1: How much space do I need for a comfortable large laundry room?

A comfortable large laundry room often starts around 8x10 feet, but once you add islands, seating or a pet area you may want 10x12 feet or more. Prioritize clear circulation paths of 36 inches or wider.

Q2: Should appliances be stacked or side-by-side in a large laundry room?

Side-by-side gives counter space above machines and easier simultaneous loading; stacking saves floor area. In a large room I usually recommend side-by-side to create an uninterrupted work counter.

Q3: What flooring works best for a laundry room?

Ceramic or porcelain tile and sealed concrete are durable and water-resistant; luxury vinyl plank is warmer underfoot and performs well when installed and sealed correctly. Choose slip-resistant finishes for safety.

Q4: How do I plan plumbing and electrical for a remodel?

Hire a licensed plumber and electrician early in the design process; relocate drains and add outlets before closing walls. Moving utilities mid-project is expensive, so confirm appliance specs and layouts upfront.

Q5: Can I include a laundry sink and why?

Yes — a laundry sink is invaluable for hand-washing, soaking stains and pet care. It adds plumbing cost but vastly improves functionality, especially in larger rooms where the sink won’t dominate the layout.

Q6: Are there energy-efficient appliance tips for laundry rooms?

Look for ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers for lower water and energy use; front-load washers generally use less water than top-load models. According to ENERGY STAR (https://www.energystar.gov), efficient appliances can save significant energy and water over time.

Q7: How can I make a large laundry room child-friendly?

Include lower storage bins for kids, a safe folding spot, and lockable cabinets for detergents. Consider a durable, stain-resistant countertop and rounded edges on islands to reduce bumps and scrapes.

Q8: What budget should I expect for a high-functioning large laundry remodel?

Costs vary widely: simple refreshes (paint, storage, lighting) are modest, while full remodels with plumbing, electrical and custom cabinetry can reach into the mid-to-high five figures. Prioritize layout, ventilation and durable finishes for best long-term value.

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