Laundry rooms are utility rooms designed for washing clothing with adequate space for laundry machines and additional ancillary spaces for laundry storage and organization. Typically found in households, laundry rooms are often equipped with a washing machine and clothes dryer commonly arranged either side-by-side or stacked with the dryer on top of the washing machine. Depending on the layout and the available floor area, laundry rooms commonly include an additional sink, ironing board, storage cabinets, and countertops for folding clean clothing.
Laundry room layouts have followed a fascinating trajectory. In earlier times, laundry was done in outdoor communal spaces or riverbanks. The invention of the washboard in the 19th century moved laundry indoors. With the 20th century's advent of electric washing machines, dedicated laundry rooms emerged, initially in basements. Later, laundry rooms migrated to more convenient locations, like the main or upper floors. Today's laundry rooms are highly functional, often including ironing and folding areas, storage, and sometimes even pet-washing stations.
Laundry rooms are becoming multifunctional spaces, blending utility with aesthetics. Smart technology is integrating into machines, making washing more efficient and environmentally friendly. As homes shrink in urban areas, optimizing space is crucial; hence, stackable units and foldable workstations are on the rise. Sustainable materials are favored, addressing environmental concerns. Designing for accessibility, accommodating different abilities and ages, is essential, ensuring everyone can navigate the space with ease.
The laundry should be designed in consideration to the amount of space needed to hold a number of various items, for completing tasks, and for that amount of needed space to increase when the cycle of cleaning is in rotation. These items include: the washer/dryer units as mentioned, a countertop, clothes, baskets, cleaning supplies, an ironing board, and more. Appropriate lighting and ventilation should be considered as well.
The best place to locate a laundry room sink is dependent on the preference of the user, but the washer/dryer unit along with the sink are often found in a row with the sink positioned closest to the door. If part of a counter, it is best for the sink to be installed on either the left or right rather than the center to increase countertop space for folding.
It is important to make efficient use of the available space when designing a small laundry room. Shelving for storage can be wall-mounted and drying racks can hang down from the ceiling. If not enough or any surface/counter space, a fold up folding station can be installed. Pedestal drawers can be positioned under washer/dryer units and more storage can be placed on the back of the door.
