5 Mudroom Laundry Room Layout Ideas: Creative small space design tips from my 10+ years of interior projects

One time, I had a client who insisted their mudroom also had to fit a laundry zone, a dog shower, and a mini library. I laughed at first, but then realized—it’s actually possible with smart planning. Small spaces like mudrooms give us permission to be wildly creative, as every inch counts. Today I’m sharing five mudroom laundry room layout ideas I’ve tested in real projects.

1. Vertical stacking for laundry

In a narrow mudroom, stacking the washer over the dryer frees up horizontal space for storage. I like to build a custom shelving unit around them, so shoes and cleaning supplies don’t spill into the walkway. I once used a room planner to test different clearances, and it saved me from a future traffic jam near the back door.

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2. Hidden laundry behind cabinetry

If you don’t want guests to see your laundry appliances upon entry, hide them behind tall cabinet doors. The challenge here is ventilation—you’ll need proper airflow or your machines will overheat. But visually, it keeps the mudroom looking like a calm entry space. I even managed to sneak a folding counter above the machines without breaking the visual continuity.

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3. Bench with storage underneath

A built-in bench along one wall can be a lifesaver. It’s seating for taking off boots, plus storage for detergents or pet leashes underneath. In one farmhouse remodel, I combined this with lower drawers for gloves and upper hooks for jackets, which kept the laundry zone clutter-free. A free floor plan creator helped me figure out exact drawer dimensions before cutting into the budget.

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4. Multi-zone layout with island

If your mudroom is generously sized, consider adding a small island in the center. One side can hold laundry hampers, the other side for seasonal gear. The downside? You need enough circulation space around it, or it quickly feels cramped. But when executed well, it becomes the headquarters of your home’s comings-and-goings.

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5. Laundry wall with open shelving

Sometimes simplicity wins. Placing washer and dryer side-by-side with open shelves above keeps everything accessible. Yes, open shelves demand you keep things tidy, but they can display pretty woven baskets that hide the mess. In my own home, using a kitchen layout planner oddly helped me visualize how different shelf heights impact daily reach.

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FAQ

Q1: How much space do I need for a mudroom laundry combo?

At least 6–8 feet in length if appliances are side-by-side, or 3–4 feet deep for a stacked unit. Always allow extra clearance for doors.

Q2: Can I install a laundry in a mudroom without extra ventilation?

Usually no—ventilation is vital to prevent heat and moisture buildup, as advised by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Q3: What’s the best flooring?

Durable, water-resistant options like tile or luxury vinyl are ideal for handling mud, water, and detergent spills.

Q4: How can I make it pet-friendly?

Add a low rinse station or a built-in pet bed; durable surfaces handle claws and mess better.

Q5: Should I separate laundry from outerwear storage?

If space allows, yes—it prevents dirt from clothing mixing into freshly washed items.

Q6: How do I keep the space looking tidy?

Closed cabinets, labelled baskets, and concealed hampers make a huge difference in visual calm.

Q7: Can I use the same lighting for both areas?

Yes, but task lighting over machines helps with reading labels and spotting stains.

Q8: Is it worth hiring a designer?

If you’re combining two high-function areas in a small footprint, a pro can save money and headaches by optimizing layout efficiently.