5 Smart Small Laundry Room Ideas: Stacked washer and dryer solutions that make tight spaces work beautifully

One of my funniest design mishaps was in my first year as a designer: I placed a gorgeous stacked washer-dryer in a client's tiny laundry nook without checking the door swing… turns out, the dryer door smacked right into the wall every time it opened. Lesson learned—small spaces demand big thinking! Over the years, I've found that tiny laundry rooms can be surprisingly stylish and efficient, if we plan smart. Today, I’m sharing 5 stacked washer and dryer ideas I’ve used in real projects, so you can make the most of your small space.

1. Hide It Behind Cabinet Doors

One client wanted her laundry area to completely disappear when not in use. We built custom cabinetry around the stacked unit and added bi-fold doors, so the laundry space blended seamlessly with the kitchen décor. The biggest perk? Quieting the hum of the machines and keeping visual clutter away. This is also where careful planning is key—use tools like room planner to map clearance for doors and ventilation.

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2. Go Vertical with Floating Shelves

Small footprint? Maximize vertical space. Installing floating shelves above the stacked set lets you store detergents, baskets, and even some décor pieces. I love mixing open shelves with a closed cupboard at the very top for seasonal items. The only challenge is making sure you don’t overload the shelves—lightweight baskets are your friend.

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3. Include a Fold-Down Counter

This idea is pure gold for multifunctional spaces. I installed a fold-down counter in a city apartment laundry closet so the client could fold clothes right there, then tuck the surface away when not in use. Midway through, we realized measuring properly was critical—especially if you rely on a tool like free floor plan creator to avoid misalignment.

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4. Create a “Laundry Wall” in the Hallway

Not every laundry needs its own room. In one project, we recessed a stacked washer-dryer into the hallway and built a compact sliding door. The hallway doubled as a utility zone, with hooks for cleaning tools and a slim pull-out hamper. It made the space feel more dynamic without sacrificing flow.

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5. Add Accent Lighting

It’s easy to overlook lighting in laundry areas, but a small LED strip above your stacked set transforms the vibe completely. I used this trick in a basement nook, and it instantly went from dark corner to cheerful workspace. Bonus—you can visualize lighting effects in a kitchen layout planner since the principles are similar.

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FAQ

1. What’s the ideal clearance for stacked washer and dryer in a small laundry room? Aim for at least 1 inch on the sides and 3–4 inches at the back for ventilation, per manufacturer guidelines.

2. Can I put a stacked washer and dryer in a closet? Yes, with proper venting and sufficient space. Make sure the doors can fully open without obstruction.

3. How do I soundproof a small laundry room? Use insulated drywall and solid-core doors, plus rubber mats under the units to reduce vibration noise.

4. Is plumbing relocation worth it in small laundry redesign? Often yes—it can free up more layout options and improve accessibility, but consult a licensed plumber for accurate costs.

5. What’s the most space-efficient storage above stacked units? Shallow shelves or cabinets that don’t block access to controls; lightweight bins help keep things organized.

6. Can I stack any front-loading washer and dryer? Not always—check the manufacturer’s stacking kit compatibility.

7. Does lighting really matter in small laundry rooms? Absolutely. Better lighting improves usability and makes the space feel bigger and more inviting.

8. Where can I design my laundry space online? There are many tools, but room planner makes it simple to visualize the layout before you commit.