5 Laundry Room Ideas for Front Loaders: Smart and Stylish Tips from My 10+ Years of Interior Design

One time, a client insisted on putting their front loaders in the hallway closet “so the guests won’t find out we actually do laundry.” It sounded funny, but it taught me a vital lesson: small spaces can spark big creativity when you think vertically and multifunctionally. Today, I’m sharing five of my go-to laundry room ideas for front loaders, based on years designing tight corners, awkward alcoves, and charming utility nooks. And if you want to play around with your own layout visually, I still love using room planner tools to test what actually works in real life.

Idea 1: Build a Countertop Above

Front loaders make it easy to install a countertop over the machines, turning dead air space into a folding station or a spot for baskets. The upside? It creates a polished, built-in look. The only caution is to leave enough ventilation space at the back — I once forgot this detail and had a very warm laundry room for weeks.

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Idea 2: Install Upper Cabinets

If your front loaders sit side by side, adding cabinets above keeps detergents and cleaning supplies tidy. It’s perfect for small spaces without a dedicated utility closet. I often model these set-ups in a free floor plan creator before committing to cabinet sizes, especially in narrow rooms where door swing matters.

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Idea 3: Sliding Doors for a Clean Look

Not every laundry space needs to be exposed. Sliding doors or panels can hide the machines while keeping access easy — great for open-plan apartments. The challenge? You’ll need precise measurements so the doors don’t block controls.

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Idea 4: Vertical Storage Between Machines

If you’ve got a gap between two front loaders, slip in a tall pull-out cabinet for laundry essentials. It’s a neat solution for odd spaces and keeps everything within reach. I once found that adding just 6 inches of extra width made this feature possible in a retrofit.

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Idea 5: Create a Combined Utility Zone

Pair your laundry zone with cleaning tools, recycling bins or even pet supplies in one section. This works best when your machines are on a raised platform, boosting storage underneath. In larger renos, I often integrate these ideas using a kitchen layout planner, because the logic of workflows is so similar.

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FAQ

Q1: Can I stack front loaders to save space?

Yes, most front loaders are designed for stacking if the manufacturer provides a kit. Check your appliance’s manual for compatibility.

Q2: What’s the best height for a countertop above front loaders?

Usually 36 inches from the floor works well, but adjust for your own comfort and machine dimensions.

Q3: How much clearance do I need behind front loaders?

At least 2–4 inches for hoses and ventilation; Energy Star guidelines recommend this for optimal performance.

Q4: Can I put laundry machines in a bathroom?

Yes, if local building codes permit and you have proper waterproofing and ventilation.

Q5: How do I soundproof a laundry area?

Adding insulated drywall and sealing gaps can reduce noise transfer; soft-close cabinet doors help too.

Q6: Are there special detergents for front loaders?

Use high-efficiency (HE) detergents to avoid excess suds and maintain machine health.

Q7: Should I worry about mold in front loaders?

Yes, front loaders can trap moisture. Keep the door ajar after use and clean the gasket regularly.

Q8: Is built-in lighting worth it in a laundry room?

Absolutely. LED strip lights under cabinets make sorting and folding easier without harsh overhead glare.