5 Side-by-Side Laundry Room Ideas That Work: Designer-tested ways to maximize a side-by-side washer and dryer in small spaces—workflow, storage, and style without the stress.

A client once insisted her new laundry doors could swing both ways "for flexibility"—which sounded great until my tape measure said they'd collide right over the washer. I sketched fixes, then made a quick test with a quick 3D mockup to show the clash. That near-miss taught me a lot: small spaces demand sharper thinking, and side-by-side laundry rooms are perfect playgrounds for big creativity. Here are five ideas I lean on from real projects.

Build a durable counter over the pair

If your machines are front-load, a sturdy countertop creates an instant folding zone and tames visual clutter. I aim for 36 inches high with a 24–26 inch depth; quartz or high-pressure laminate stays flat and shrug off drips. Add anti-vibration pads under the machines and leave a 1–2 inch gap behind for hoses and the dryer vent.

I love sneaking in a shallow backsplash and an LED strip under the uppers for task lighting. Just remember: the dryer needs air, so avoid sealing the counter edge tight to its top; a 1/4 inch float keeps things safe and quiet.

save pin

Go vertical with smart, shallow storage

Upper cabinets (or 11–13 inch deep shelves) keep detergents reachable without head bumps. A peg rail for brushes and a narrow pull-out for irons use slivers of space that usually get ignored. If you’re on a budget, paint-grade cabinets with good hardware beat flimsy flat-pack every time.

Watch door swing: above a 27–29 inch washer, doors should clear the detergent caps. I set the lowest shelf at about 54–60 inches off the floor so you can fold without smacking your forehead.

save pin

Map a two‑zone workflow

I treat the laundry like a tiny kitchen: a pre‑treat/sink zone on one side, machines centered, and a folding/sorting stretch on the other. A 36 inch clear aisle lets two people work without the elbow wars I once caused in a narrow condo. Label hampers (lights/darks/towels) so the system survives Monday nights.

When I’m stuck on a micro‑room, I’ll lean on AI-powered layout suggestions to pressure‑test clearances. It’s not magic, but it catches sneaky choke points—like a detergent drawer that blocks a leak pan.

save pin

Hide it cleanly without hurting airflow

Pocket, bifold, or split doors can make the space read as a calm utility wall. Acoustically, solid-core doors with a soft gasket help; for ventilation, use a louvered panel or discreet toe‑kick vent so the dryer breathes. I prefer handles you can grab with wet hands—think rounded pulls over fussy knobs.

Check your machine’s manual for minimum side and front clearance; some doors bow out when opened, stealing inches you thought you had. I learned the hard way that low tracks on pocket doors can catch laundry baskets—keep thresholds flush.

save pin

Design for maintenance from day one

Put the water shutoffs where you can reach them fast, and use stainless steel braided hoses plus a drain pan if you’re on a second floor. I spec a dedicated 20A circuit for the washer and follow the dryer’s duct run limits; rigid metal ducting is worth the extra effort for safety and lint control.

Future-you will thank present-you if you plan the cabinet and appliance spacing to pull machines forward without demolishing trim. Leave an access opening or removable panel behind the pair, and use washable wall paint or tile to handle splashy stain sessions.

save pin

FAQ

How much width do I need for a side-by-side washer and dryer?

Most pairs are 27–29 inches each; plan 60–66 inches total with 1 inch side clearance per machine and space for hoses. If you have front doors that bow, add 2–3 inches.

What depth should the countertop be over the machines?

Go 24–26 inches deep so folded shirts don’t slide off, and keep a 1–2 inch gap behind for vent and hose clearance. Measure your machine’s height to confirm a comfortable 36 inch working surface.

Do laundry outlets need GFCI protection?

Yes—dwelling unit laundry areas require GFCI for 125V, 15 and 20A receptacles. See National Electrical Code (NEC) 210.8(A)(10) for the exact requirement.

What are safe dryer vent rules?

Use smooth rigid metal duct, minimize elbows, and respect maximum equivalent length per your dryer manual. The International Residential Code (IRC) M1502 addresses dryer exhaust performance and safety.

Should I add a sink in a small laundry?

A compact sink helps with pretreating, but if space is tight, try a pull‑out spray faucet at a nearby utility sink or a wall‑mounted fold‑down washboard. Weigh plumbing costs against how often you’ll actually use it.

How high should upper cabinets be?

Set the bottom around 54–60 inches from the floor to clear the washer and allow headroom while folding. If your machines are taller, raise the uppers and add an under‑cabinet light for visibility.

How can I reduce noise and vibration?

Use anti‑vibration pads, level both machines, and balance loads. If resonance is an issue, add a rubber underlayment under the platform and keep the pair off shared bedroom walls.

Can I conceal the laundry behind pocket or bifold doors?

Absolutely—just ensure ventilation and enough door clearance for the machine doors to swing fully. Louvered panels or a dedicated vent slot keep the dryer happy while maintaining a clean facade.

save pin