5 Smart Laundry Room Pantry Combo Ideas: Creative ways to blend storage efficiency with daily chores in small spaces.

One time, I nearly installed a fridge inside a client's laundry room by mistake – long story, wrong delivery day – but that happy accident sparked a fun idea: combining utility spaces! Small rooms have a way of pushing us toward unexpected solutions, and the laundry-pantry combo is one of my favorites. Today, I’ll share five inspirations you can steal for your own home.

1. Hidden Pantry Behind Sliding Doors

I once designed a laundry nook where the pantry lived right behind sleek sliding barn doors. The advantage? Everything looked tidy, and the client could hide the chaos in seconds. The only catch is investing in quality tracks so the doors glide smoothly—worth it for that fresh, uncluttered feel you get when you walk in. I even used a simple room planner to test how the doors would swing without hitting the washer.

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2. Vertical Shelving With Clear Bins

Stacking is your best friend in a small footprint. Tall shelves with transparent bins let you see pasta and detergent at a glance. The height saves floor space, but note: you’ll need a sturdy step ladder if you’re short. I usually group kitchen staples lower, and laundry supplies up high—keeps kids away from bleach and close to the cookies.

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3. Foldable Worktop Above Appliances

By adding a fold-down countertop over your washer and dryer, you get instant space for folding clothes or sorting snacks. Once, a client used it to lay out baking trays while their laundry tumbled away—double multitasking! I tested this with a free floor plan creator to make sure the folding mechanism wouldn't block cabinet doors.

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4. Dual-Purpose Island Cart

A mobile island cart can hold pantry goods on one side and laundry baskets on the other. Rolling it away lets you clean underneath easily. The downside? It can become a magnet for clutter. My trick is labeling sections clearly—flour doesn’t belong next to fabric softener no matter how “organized” you feel.

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5. Overhead Cabinets With Under-Mount Lighting

This design keeps both cereal boxes and fabric conditioner up top, while under-mount lighting brightens the laundry counter. It feels like a mini café and workspace in one. I mocked this up with a kitchen layout planner just to be sure the lighting wouldn’t create shadows on the folding area—turns out, warm LEDs made the space feel cozy.

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FAQ

1. How do I plan a laundry-pantry combo for a small space?

Measure carefully and use vertical storage. A mix of closed cabinets and open shelves works best.

2. Is it hygienic to store food and laundry in the same area?

Yes, if you maintain good separation of supplies and clean the space regularly, per CDC home sanitation advice.

3. What’s the best flooring for a laundry-pantry combo?

Water-resistant vinyl or tile is ideal, easy to clean and resists moisture.

4. Can I add a sink in such a combo room?

Absolutely—it’s perfect for washing veggies and pre-treating stains. Just manage plumbing carefully.

5. How to avoid odors transferring to pantry items?

Good ventilation and sealed pantry containers will prevent smells from fabrics.

6. Should I use open or closed shelving?

Closed shelving hides clutter; open shelving makes grabbing items faster. Many homeowners mix both.

7. How much does a laundry-pantry combo renovation cost?

Depends on finishes and layout—basic setups can be under $2,000, custom designs much more.

8. Can I DIY a laundry-pantry combo?

Yes, with proper tools and planning. Using online design tools helps visualize before building.