6'x8' Laundry Room with Sink: 5 Smart Ideas: Maximize a 6'x8' laundry with a sink—practical layouts, storage hacks, and real-world tips from my projects

One time a client insisted the laundry room also be a potting station and a dog-wash corner — in a 6'x8' box. I almost said no, then sketched three versions in 15 minutes and learned that constraints spark creativity. If you have a tiny room and want smart solutions, these room layout examples helped me visualize options fast and saved a week of back-and-forth.

1. Linear Laundry Wall with Integrated Sink

I often place the washer and dryer side-by-side against the longest wall, with a shallow utility sink tucking neatly between or beside them. The advantage is straightforward workflow: wash, pre-treat at the sink, then transfer to the dryer; the downside is you lose some cabinetry depth, so prioritize shallow upper cabinets and open shelves.

Tip: choose a 15–18" deep sink cabinet to keep circulation aisle comfortable, and consider a pull-out drying rack above the sink for damp items.

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2. Stack with Folding Counter Above

Stacking the washer and dryer frees floor space for a fold-down or fixed counter above a lower sink cabinet. I did this in a rental remodel—client loved the hidden sink under a sliding cutting board top. It’s compact and tidy, though you’ll want solid anchors for stacked units and a height plan for comfortable sink use.

Budget note: stacking kits and a shallow stainless sink are cost-effective upgrades that deliver big impact in small rooms.

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3. Corner Sink with L-Shaped Storage

Turning the sink into a corner feature creates an L-shaped run for prep and storage, which is great when the room door swings in. I designed one where the sink sits diagonally in the corner with slim storage running along both walls—excellent for detergents and small baskets. The tradeoff is a slightly trickier plumbing run, but it saves usable countertop length.

Practical hack: use corner pull-out organizers and a magnetic strip for small metal tools or scissors.

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4. Pocket Door + Vertical Storage Wall

If you’re tight on circulation, replace a swinging door with a pocket or barn door so you can use the wall behind it for hooks and slim cabinets. I once reclaimed almost 2 square feet of usable space this way and fit a mop closet plus an over-door drying rod. The downside is the extra cost and wall planning for the pocket mechanism.

Consider tall, narrow bins and labeled baskets to keep cleaning supplies sorted without cluttering the sink zone.

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5. Multipurpose Sink Zone with Worktop

Think beyond laundering: make the sink zone useful for pet care, plant pots, or light food prep. Adding a removable spray faucet and a deep, stainless sink makes everything easier. I used this idea in a homeowner’s small house—she now rinses veggies and washes muddy paws in the same spot; only challenge is managing cross-use, so keep separate towels and a small caddy for supplies.

Before you build, sketch a simple mock-up or try an online 3D visualization to confirm clearances and sightlines—seeing it in 3D prevents many small regrets.

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FAQ

Q1: What size sink works best in a 6'x8' laundry room?

A 15"–18" deep utility sink is usually ideal for small laundry rooms—deep enough for soaking but shallow enough to keep counters usable. Go stainless for durability and easy cleaning.

Q2: Can I fit a sink if I stack the washer and dryer?

Yes: place a narrow sink cabinet adjacent to the stacked units or install a shallow wall-mounted sink opposite the stack to preserve workflow and access.

Q3: What’s the minimum clearance in front of appliances?

Allow at least 30" of clear aisle space for comfortable loading and unloading; if you have a door that opens into the room, plan additional clearance for swing.

Q4: Any tips for plumbing in small laundry rooms?

Keep plumbing close to existing supply lines to reduce costs, and consider flexible hoses and P-trap placement for tight fits. A licensed plumber can often recommend space-saving traps and wall-mounted valves.

Q5: Should I use open shelving or cabinets above the sink?

Open shelves make the room feel larger and give easy access to detergents, while closed cabinets hide clutter and protect supplies from humidity. I usually mix both: closed cabinets at eye level and open shelves above for baskets and decor.

Q6: How do I prevent mold and mildew around the sink?

Ensure good ventilation—an exhaust fan or an adjacent window helps—and use mildew-resistant paint and caulk. Wipe down the sink area regularly and avoid leaving wet clothes in the sink for long periods.

Q7: Is a utility sink worth the cost?

Yes, for most households a utility sink adds huge functional value—cleaning tasks, hand-washing delicates, and pet care become much easier. If plumbing budget is tight, consider a portable utility sink as a temporary solution.

Q8: How energy-efficient laundry choices affect layout?

Choosing ENERGY STAR certified washers reduces water and energy use and may influence plumbing choices (hot/cold connections and drainage). For more on certified appliances and savings, see ENERGY STAR (https://www.energystar.gov).

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Final thoughts

Small laundry rooms are where practical design and personality meet. I always start with the workflow—wash, treat, rinse, dry, fold—and let that guide placements. If you want to test a few layouts quickly, visual mock-ups and simple 3D previews can save time and money before you cut a single notch in the wall.

One last tip: think vertically, commit to one multifunctional sink, and be honest about what you’ll actually use—those three choices will make your 6'x8' laundry room feel twice as big.

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