Laundry Room Bench Ideas: 5 Clever Solutions: Space-saving, stylish and practical bench ideas I use in small laundry rooms

I once built a beautiful built-in bench for a laundry closet only to discover I hadn’t left enough room for the laundry basket—classic rookie move. That client forgave me when I turned the mistake into a clever pull-out hamper, and I’ve been obsessed with smart bench details ever since. Small spaces force you to get creative, and those little constraints are where the best laundry room bench ideas are born; I often start sketches inspired by local space planning examples I’ve saved.

1. Built-in bench with a hidden hamper

I love a bench that hides the mess: a top that lifts or a front panel that drops down to reveal a hamper compartment. The advantage is obvious—clean lines and instant seating—but the trade-off is ventilation and access. Use perforated panels or removable fabric bags to keep airflow and make washing easier.

save pin

2. Flip-up folding station bench

When square footage is tight, a narrow bench with a hinged top that flips up into a small folding surface is gold. It doubles as a seat and a temporary folding table, which is perfect if you fold clothes in the laundry area. The challenge is making the hinge strong and quiet—soft-close hardware is worth the extra cost.

save pin

3. Open-shelf bench with baskets for modular storage

Open cubbies under a bench let me mix baskets, bins, and cubed hampers for family sorting. I’ve done versions with labeled wicker baskets and others with washable canvas—both look homey and are easy to swap. If you’re designing a combined kitchen-laundry zone, borrow ideas from an ergonomic kitchen workflow to place benches and storage where they make daily chores faster.

save pin

4. Bench with pull-out ironing or utility board

If you hate the ironing board in the hallway, a pull-out board stashed under a bench is a big win. It keeps the room tidy and makes quick touch-ups painless. The only catch is planning the slide mechanism and ensuring you have clearance when it’s extended; I usually mock up the swing and slide path to avoid surprises—there’s nothing like visualizing layout in 3D to catch tight fits.

save pin

5. Slim bench with vertical storage and hanging hooks

For narrow corridors, I specify a slim bench with shallow shelves and vertical peg storage above. It gives you a place to sit and a grab-and-go spot for delicates or wet jackets. It’s inexpensive and quick to build, though it offers less hidden storage—so pair with wall-mounted bins or a tall linen cabinet if you need more capacity.

save pin

FAQ

Q1: What height should a laundry bench be?

A comfortable bench height is usually 17–19 inches for seating, similar to dining chairs. If you also use it as a folding surface, consider a slightly higher top (around 34–36 inches) or add a flip-up table for ergonomic folding.

Q2: What materials work best for a laundry bench?

Moisture-resistant plywood or marine-grade MDF with a durable finish is a practical choice; solid wood looks great but needs sealing. For tops, laminate or butcher block with proper sealing balances looks and durability.

Q3: How do I ventilate a hidden hamper?

Include perforated panels, mesh inserts, or ventilation slots to prevent odors and mold. Removable cloth bags also allow easy laundering of the hamper liner.

Q4: Are DIY benches a good idea?

DIY is great if you’re comfortable with basic carpentry—many of my favorite benches started as weekend projects. For complex pull-outs or integrated cabinetry, a contractor or cabinetmaker can save time and ensure smooth operation.

Q5: How much should I budget for a built-in laundry bench?

Expect a range: a simple DIY bench can be under $200, while custom built-ins with hardware and finishes often run $800–$2,500. Think about where you want to spend—hardware and durable tops are worth the budget.

Q6: Can a laundry bench include electrical outlets?

Yes—if you plan to use an iron, charging station, or a small appliance, add outlets during the planning phase. A licensed electrician should install them to meet local codes and ensure safety.

Q7: What’s the best way to plan bench placement in awkward layouts?

Start with a simple mock-up using cardboard or painter’s tape to map dimensions on the floor and check swing clearances. For precise planning and to experiment quickly, many designers use digital planners and 3D mockups to test options.

Q8: Where can I find reliable design guidance?

Industry groups like the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) provide standards and guidance for workflow and ergonomics; see their resources at https://www.nkba.org for in-depth recommendations. Their guidelines are a solid reference for laundry and utility spaces.

save pin