5 Laundry Room Ideas for Top Load Washers: Creative and practical ways to make your top-load laundry space both functional and stylish

I once had a client who insisted on installing a crystal chandelier right above her laundry room sink. At first, I thought she was joking – but she was dead serious. Funny enough, it ended up looking gorgeous, but it taught me that even the most functional spaces can be designed with flair. Small laundry rooms, especially those with top load washers, often force us to be more creative because of the lid clearance and vertical space constraints. Today, I’ll share 5 design ideas I’ve used to turn these spaces into organized and beautiful corners of the home.

1. Vertical Wall Storage

Top load washers need their lids to open freely, so instead of tall cabinets over the machine, I like adding slim wall-mounted shelves along the sides. This keeps detergents and baskets within reach without blocking the lid. I once used a room planner to visualize how much clearance we'd need – turns out, those few extra inches can save a lot of frustration.

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2. Fold-Down Counter Space

Because you can’t have a permanent counter directly above a top-load washer, a fold-down surface on the wall is a game-changer. It works as a folding station when down, and disappears when not in use. The only challenge: making sure the hinges are sturdy enough to last, especially if you fold heavy blankets.

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3. Multi-Use Utility Sink Area

If space allows, combining your laundry with a deep utility sink adds extra functionality. I usually frame this with a partial-height divider to hide plumbing, and it pairs nicely with vertical drying racks. I once mapped out a client's quirky U-shaped layout using a free floor plan creator, getting every inch of washing and rinsing space optimized.

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4. Rolling Storage Carts

These carts slide right between the washer and dryer or against a side wall. They hold all the cleaning supplies but can roll away when you need more elbow room. Quick tip – choose carts with mesh sides so lint buildup doesn’t get trapped. They’re also perfect for renters who can’t mount anything to the walls.

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5. Accent Lighting for Workflow

Most laundry rooms suffer from dull lighting. Adding under-shelf LED strips or pendant lights above the folding zone changes the vibe completely. One of my recent projects proved this when a client wanted “Instagram-worthy laundry” – we positioned warm task lights to make even sorting socks feel fancy. While planning it, I tested light angles in a kitchen layout planner since it had the right adjustable fixtures to model in 3D.

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FAQ

1. How do I maximize space in a laundry room with a top load washer?

Use side shelving, rolling carts, and fold-down counters to keep the lid area clear. 2. Can I add a countertop above a top load washer?

Yes, but it must be removable or hinged to allow the lid to open fully. 3. What lighting works best in laundry rooms?

LED strips under shelves or pendants over folding areas provide bright, focused light. 4. Do I need special clearance for a top load lid?

Generally, leave at least 20–24 inches above the washer; check your model’s manual for specifics. 5. How do I integrate a sink in my laundry space?

Combine it with storage and drying racks, making sure plumbing is enclosed neatly. 6. Are there stylish options for laundry storage?

Yes – woven baskets, labeled jars for detergent, and slimline carts add charm while staying functional. 7. What’s a quick DIY laundry room upgrade?

Install peel-and-stick wall tiles or add a fold-down table for instant functionality. 8. Where can I plan my laundry layout online?

You can use tools like Coohom's planners to visualize and adjust space before making changes.