Long Laundry Room Ideas: 5 Smart Solutions: Space-saving and stylish approaches for narrow and elongated laundry rooms, from workflow layouts to hidden storage

I once convinced a client not to put a treadmill in their 3.5m-long laundry room — they insisted it would help them exercise while folding socks. We compromised by designing a slim folding bar and a pull-out ironing board instead, which taught me that odd requests force better plans and smarter layouts, so always plan the room with intention: plan the room.

Long laundry rooms can feel like awkward corridors, but I love them — they’re playgrounds for efficiency. In this article I’ll share five practical, creative ideas I’ve used in real projects to turn narrow spaces into highly functional and even pleasant areas.

1. Linear Efficiency: Treat it like a galley kitchen

I approach long laundry rooms the same way I design a galley kitchen: create a clear left-to-right workflow—wash, dry, fold. Lining appliances and counters along one wall keeps everything reachable and minimizes traffic problems.

This setup saves plumbing runs and is budget-friendly, but you’ll need to plan ventilation and service clearances carefully. In one renovation I nudged the washer half a meter to the left and suddenly the dryer door stopped knocking into the door — small shifts matter.

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2. Stack and Hide: Use vertical storage walls

When floor space is limited, think up. Tall cabinets, open shelving, and wall-mounted drying racks free the floor while keeping essentials in arm’s reach. I often mix closed cabinets for detergents with open cubbies for baskets to balance neatness and speed.

It can feel heavy if you overdo dark cabinetry, so I recommend lighter finishes on top shelves and a darker base. The trade-off is accessibility — add a slim step stool on a hook so the top shelf is actually usable.

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3. Folding Counter that Doubles as a Drop Zone

A continuous countertop over the washer and dryer is my favorite trick; it creates a generous folding surface and hides clutter. I’ve used butcher block for warmth or waterproof laminate for a tight budget, and both work well if properly detailed at the seams.

Adding shallow drawers beneath the counter makes it a command center for lint rollers, sewing kits, and stain treatments. If you want to visualize how the counter fits before buying materials, try to visualize in 3D to catch clearance issues early: visualize in 3D.

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4. Wet Zone Separation: Protect surfaces and simplify cleaning

Long rooms often collect water along the appliances; I recommend a small recessed tray under machines or a linear waterproof floor finish with a subtle slope to a drain. Waterproof skirtings and a washable backsplash behind machines save headaches later.

There’s a small added cost for waterproofing and proper drainage, but it prevents mold and expensive repairs. In one job, an inexpensive vinyl upturn saved us from a costly subfloor replacement a year after installation.

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5. Combine with Mudroom: Make the most of the length

If the room connects to an entry, I love turning part of it into a mudroom: bench with storage, hooks for coats, and a cubby for shoes. It makes arrivals neater and makes the laundry serve double duty without feeling crowded.

The only challenge is balancing storage with circulation — leave a 90cm clear path where people pass. For layered scheme ideas and AI-driven layouts that respect those clearances, I sometimes check AI design suggestions to test variations quickly: AI design suggestions.

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FAQ

Q1: What are the best layouts for a long laundry room?

I recommend a linear galley layout with appliances and counters along one or both walls, creating a clear workflow from washing to folding. Keep a minimum 90cm clear walkway to avoid congestion.

Q2: How much counter space do I need for folding?

Plan for at least 60–80cm of continuous counter depth for comfortable folding, more if you want sorting stations. Even a fold-down counter can add useful surface without permanent space loss.

Q3: Are stacked washer-dryer units a good idea in long laundry rooms?

Stacked units save floor space and free room for storage or a bench, but they can be harder to service and slightly less ergonomic for frequent folding. I use them when floor depth is tight or to create a continuous counter beside them.

Q4: How important is ventilation?

Very important — proper dryer venting prevents moisture buildup and reduces lint hazards. If you use a condenser dryer, ensure adequate room ventilation and follow manufacturer clearance recommendations.

Q5: What flooring do you recommend?

Waterproof, slip-resistant flooring like vinyl plank or ceramic tile is my go-to for long laundry rooms. They’re durable and easy to clean; avoid softwoods unless you seal them thoroughly.

Q6: How do I stop mold and mildew in a long laundry room?

Use a combination of good ventilation, waterproof surfaces, and a sloped floor or drain if possible. Keep detergent and wet items in ventilated baskets and schedule periodic deep-cleaning for seals and alcoves.

Q7: Are energy-efficient appliances worth it for a long laundry room?

Yes — energy-efficient washers and dryers reduce long-term costs and often have gentler cycles that protect clothes. According to ENERGY STAR (https://www.energystar.gov), certified washers use about 20–30% less energy and water than standard models.

Q8: Can I design a long laundry room on a budget?

Absolutely — prioritize waterproofing, a simple continuous counter, and smart vertical storage; use ready-made cabinetry and open shelves to cut costs. Small, thoughtful moves often yield the biggest functionality gains without a huge budget.

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