5 Smart Bathroom & Laundry Room Ideas: Creative small space solutions from my 10+ years of design experience

One time, a client proudly told me they wanted their bathroom and laundry room in one space — but with a velvet footstool next to the washing machine. I’ll admit, my first thought was, “Moisture + velvet = disaster.” But after a few laughs and some good planning, we found a way to make it stylish and practical. That’s the thing about small spaces — they push you to think creatively, and the best ideas often come from solving odd challenges. Today, I’m sharing five bathroom and laundry room ideas I’ve seen work in real homes.

1. Stack and Hide the Machines

If floor space is tight, a front-loading washer and dryer stacked vertically can save precious square footage. I’ll often add a sliding or bifold door to conceal them, so the bathroom doesn’t feel like a utility closet. In one project, using a room planner helped my client visualize exactly how much clearance they needed for laundry baskets — avoiding that dreaded door-banging-on-dryer scenario.

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2. Use a Floating Vanity with Storage

A floating vanity can make a small bathroom feel more open, while hiding laundry essentials in drawers underneath. I once designed one with a false back panel to tuck away detergent bottles — it kept the countertop clear, but still easy to access. The trick is choosing moisture-resistant materials, otherwise you’ll be replacing swollen MDF sooner rather than later.

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3. Combine Wet and Dry Zones

Rather than separating bathroom and laundry completely, think about zoning them by function. I like placing the wash area within the same waterproofed zone as the shower — this maximizes plumbing efficiency and saves on renovation costs. A free floor plan creator is useful here to play around with layouts without moving a single pipe in real life.

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4. Built-in Ironing Station

This might sound extra, but if you often iron clothes, integrating a pull-out ironing board in a bathroom cabinet is a game changer. I designed one that slid out above a lower cabinet drawer — clients raved about not having to drag an ironing board from the closet. The only caution: make sure there’s ventilation so fabrics don’t pick up any musty bathroom odors.

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5. Light, Mirrors, and Reflective Surfaces

Bathrooms and laundry rooms can feel cramped without natural light, so I lean heavily on mirrors and glossy tiles to bounce light around. LED strips under cabinets create warmth and avoid harsh overhead glare. For one remodel, we ran a full mirrored wall behind the washer/dryer unit — with the help of a bathroom design tool to check angles — it doubled the sense of space instantly.

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FAQ

1. How can I make a small bathroom and laundry room feel larger? Use mirrors, vertical storage, and light-colored finishes to create a sense of openness without major construction.
2. Can I put a washing machine in my bathroom? Yes, but make sure plumbing and electrical comply with local building codes. Consult a licensed contractor for safety.
3. What’s the best flooring for a combined bathroom and laundry? Porcelain tile is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making it ideal for wet-dry zones.
4. How do I ventilate a combined bathroom and laundry? An exhaust fan with adequate CFM rating can help manage both moisture and laundry heat; check HVI.org for guidelines.
5. Is it safe to keep detergents in bathroom cabinets? Yes, if the cabinets are moisture-resistant and away from heat sources. Keep them sealed and out of children’s reach.
6. Can I use one water heater for both bath and laundry? Often yes, if sized properly. A plumber can calculate your peak demand to ensure enough hot water.
7. How do I plan plumbing for a combined space? Group fixtures along one wall to minimize pipe runs and reduce costs — an approach that’s both efficient and budget-friendly.
8. What’s the cheapest way to update a small bathroom and laundry? Paint, new fixtures, and better lighting can make a dramatic difference without a full renovation.