5 Laundry Room & Pantry Combo Ideas: Creative small-space solutions for top load washer setups

A few years ago, I had a client who insisted their laundry room should double as a wine storage space. It sounded ridiculous at first, but it sparked my love for multifunctional rooms. Small spaces, like a laundry room and pantry combo, really force you to think outside the box. Today, I’m sharing five ideas from my own projects that blend practicality with style, especially when you have a bulky top load washer stealing the spotlight. Honestly, that's when room planner tools come in handy—they save you from painful layout mistakes.

Idea 1: Vertical Storage Above the Washer

Top load washers need open space above, but that doesn’t mean ignoring storage completely. I design tall shelves or cabinets just beyond the reach of the lid, perfect for keeping pantry staples out of sight. Yes, it’s a bit of a puzzle, but once you measure carefully, the result is clean and functional.

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Idea 2: Sliding Pantry Shelves to the Side

Instead of a fixed cabinet, try narrow roll-out shelves right beside your washer. They’re life-savers for tight gaps and perfect for flour, pasta, or cleaning supplies. In one project, I combined these shelves with a free floor plan creator beforehand to test spacing—it saved us from having to trim the shelf mid-install.

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Idea 3: Countertop Continuity

If you have a front-loading dryer next to your top load washer, you can build a continuous counter over both, extending into pantry storage for small appliances. Sure, it means careful lid clearance on the washer, but visually it feels larger and keeps chaos contained.

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Idea 4: Dividing Wall with Open Cubes

A low divider between laundry and pantry zones can house open cubes for baskets or bins. I once used it to store onions and potatoes on one side, and detergent on the other. It’s a simple trick—but measuring is key, something the kitchen layout planner also helps with when you’re blending food and cleaning areas.

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Idea 5: Hidden Hampers Under Pantry Shelves

Integrating pull-out hampers under pantry shelves keeps laundry sorted and off the floor. I love this because it hides the mess. The only catch: make sure the slides can handle the weight of wet clothes, otherwise you’ll have a saggy situation in months.

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FAQ

Q1: Can I place pantry items near laundry appliances safely?

Most pantry goods are fine near laundry appliances if heat and moisture are controlled. Avoid placing items directly above steam vents.

Q2: How to store detergents in a pantry combo space?

Use sealed containers and keep them on a dedicated shelf or bin to prevent spills contaminating food items.

Q3: Is a top load washer harder to fit in a combo space?

Yes, because it needs lid clearance. Plan vertical space accordingly and avoid cabinets that block access.

Q4: What flooring works best in such a dual-purpose room?

Vinyl or tile is best—easy to clean and moisture-resistant. According to the National Association of Home Builders, these materials last longer in multi-use spaces.

Q5: Can I add a sink in a small laundry/pantry combo?

Absolutely. A compact utility sink can be tucked in, just watch your counter depth and plumbing angles.

Q6: Should I vent the dryer differently in a pantry combo?

Yes, ensure ventilation doesn’t affect food storage. Use proper ducting and install a vent hood if needed.

Q7: How to keep the combo space smelling fresh?

Good ventilation and sealing laundry products help. A small air purifier is a bonus in compact rooms.

Q8: Can I use open shelving for pantry items above a washer?

You can, but secure each shelf well and use baskets to reduce dust or detergent residue on food packaging.