5 Large Laundry Room Ideas You'll Love: Creative and Functional Ideas from My 10+ Years of Interior Design Experience

One time, a client asked me to design a laundry room that could also host their weekly book club. Yes, you read that right — folding clothes while discussing novels! It sounded crazy at first, but it taught me that large laundry rooms can be so much more than just utility spaces. Small rooms make you think creatively, but big ones give you the freedom to blend function with personality. Today I’ll share 5 large laundry room ideas I’ve actually used for homeowners — some will surprise you.

1. Add a Multi-Purpose Island

Just like in kitchens, a central island in your laundry room can provide folding space, extra storage, and even a place for crafting. In one project, I added hidden hampers underneath the countertop — no one realized they were there until laundry day. If you want to explore layouts before committing, try a room planner to see if an island fits naturally in your floor plan.

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2. Incorporate a Pet-Washing Station

If you have the space, adding a small pet shower can save your bathroom from muddy paw disasters. One of my clients said it completely changed their life during rainy seasons. Just remember: you’ll need good drainage, slip-resistant tiles, and a spot to store pet supplies without cluttering the room.

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3. Build a Laundry-Mudroom Combo

This is perfect for busy households. Combining your laundry area with a mudroom means less mess spreads through your home. In my own place, I used cubbies for shoes and coats along one wall, and washer-dryer along the other — it feels like command central. You can visualize this hybrid setup quickly with a free floor plan creator before knocking down any walls.

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4. Install Open Shelving and Hanging Rods

I’m a big fan of open shelves above the counter for detergents in pretty jars. Hanging rods underneath can act as a mini drying rack for delicates. The only drawback? You have to keep things tidy — otherwise, your laundry room could start looking like a storage closet after a storm.

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5. Make It a Folding + Ironing Station

In larger spaces, dedicated zones for drying, folding, and ironing make laundry almost enjoyable (I said almost). I once installed a built-in, pull-out ironing board hidden in a drawer — clients still text me about how much they love it. To perfect these zones, try mapping them out with a kitchen layout planner — it works beautifully for laundry workflow, too.

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FAQ

1. What’s the best layout for a large laundry room? It depends on your needs, but generally, a U-shape or L-shape works well for separating washing, drying, and folding areas.

2. How can I make my laundry room feel less industrial? Add warm finishes like wood countertops, soft rugs, and artwork — it makes the space inviting and comfortable.

3. Should I have open shelves or closed cabinets? Open shelves are stylish and offer easy access, but closed cabinets hide clutter better. Many designers use a mix of both.

4. Is it worth adding a sink to my laundry room? Yes, especially if you deal with stains often. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, a utility sink can significantly increase functionality.

5. How do I handle ventilation in a large laundry room? Ensure proper ducting for your dryer and consider adding a vent fan or window to reduce humidity and prevent mold.

6. Can a laundry room also serve as storage? Definitely. Just designate zones and use labeled bins or cabinets so items don’t mix and cause clutter.

7. What flooring works best in a laundry room? Waterproof vinyl, tile, or sealed concrete are great choices — they resist water damage and are easy to clean.

8. How do I keep my laundry room organized long-term? Implement a system: hampers for sorting, wall hooks for quick access, and regular decluttering to prevent build-up.