5 Laundry Room Bench Ideas: Creative and functional bench solutions to elevate your laundry space

One of my funniest design memories comes from a laundry room project years ago — the client asked for a bench that doubled as a cat bed, shoe rack, and folding station. I laughed, but honestly, it sparked one of my best layouts ever. Small spaces, like laundry rooms, really push me to blend storage, seating, and personality. In this post, I’ll share 5 laundry room bench ideas drawn from both client projects and my own trials, because trust me, space-saving magic is possible.

1. Built-in Storage Bench

I love sneaking storage under benches. In one remodel, drawers tucked under a cushioned bench became the perfect spot for detergents and cleaning supplies. It’s sleek and easy to keep tidy. This idea works amazing in narrow laundry rooms; just make sure drawer handles don’t snag clothes. Planning a smart bench can start from using room planner tools to visualize everything before construction.

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2. Folding Station Bench

Imagine pulling warm clothes from the dryer and sliding right onto a bench that doubles as a folding table. I did this in a compact urban laundry, adding a lift-up top for hidden baskets underneath. A folding station bench is a real back saver, though it’s best suited for steady, sturdy materials — MDF might warp over time.

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3. Mudroom-style Combo Bench

When your laundry room is your home's back entrance, a mudroom-style bench with hooks above is perfect. I once paired shaker-style panels with a bench for shoes underneath, keeping everything organized. Bonus: you get a transitional space that handles wet jackets and dirty boots. For mapping storage heights accurately, I often test with tools like free floor plan creator in the planning stage.

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4. Pull-out Bench in a Cabinet

This was born from a client who wanted maximum floor space. We built a bench that slides out from a cabinet — it gave seating when needed and hid away otherwise. It’s clever for tiny spaces, though the hardware needs to be high quality to avoid jammed tracks.

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5. Bench with Integrated Appliance Platform

For one quirky project, I designed a bench extension that aligned perfectly with front-load washer/dryer tops, creating a single folding and seating surface. It unifies the space visually, but requires custom sizing. Models like these benefit from pre-visualizing with kitchen layout planner even if it’s not technically a kitchen — the layout logic is the same.

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FAQ

1. What’s the best material for a laundry room bench?

Water-resistant woods like teak or sealed oak work well, as moisture is common in laundry spaces.

2. Can I install a bench over plumbing lines?

Yes, but you’ll need removable panels for access. Check with a licensed plumber before design.

3. How deep should a bench be in a laundry room?

Anywhere between 16–20 inches is common; enough for comfortable seating without taking too much floor space.

4. Do benches make laundry rooms feel smaller?

Not if designed with storage underneath — they can actually make the space feel more organized.

5. Are built-in benches better than freestanding?

Built-ins maximize every inch, but freestanding benches offer flexibility if you plan to rearrange.

6. How do I waterproof a laundry room bench?

Use marine-grade varnish or moisture-resistant laminate; according to the Architectural Woodwork Institute, this extends lifespan.

7. Can I combine a bench with pet areas?

Absolutely — integrated cubbies or cushion-topped storage can serve both humans and pets.

8. Is it expensive to add a bench to a laundry remodel?

Custom benches can range from $300–$1,200 depending on materials; prefab options are more affordable if budget is tight.