Stack-able washer and dryers… save space, not function
Entry #24, February 18, 2010
In most houses, the laundry room is the most forgotten room. It’s usually considered the utilitarian “just to clean clothes room”, and it’s neglected all the time. It also serves other activities then just housing the washer and dryer. It’s the mud room for shoes and coats, it holds the cleaning supplies, and serves as a drop off point for bringing groceries and other stuff from other rooms.
Let’s show you how to add more function to this forgotten room, that’s over utilized!
SMALL: If you are working with a smaller laundry room, consider what functions you would like it to serve.
Consider “built-in’s” to save space – Like this from Ironing.Central
Consider using a stack-able washer/dryer combination to save floor space.
Remodelista’s storage ideas for the laundry room
Consider built in’s like: Ironing boards, shelving, and cabinets to hide unsightly cleaning products, and serve as storage. See the picture to the left on how Remodilista used shelving to serve for aesthetics and function.
USES: Use small plastic organizing bins to hold items lost in the washer/dryer – buttons, keys, safety pins. Want to have a place to fold your clothes, but don’t have space? Consider buying front loading side-by-side washer and dryers, and have a counter top installed over them. This allows for 3 functions in one area: cleaning, folding, and space for dropping off things on the way to and from the laundry room.
LARGE: If you’re fortunate to have a large laundry room, remember too much space can be inefficient and waste your time getting around it! Instead of trying to fill every corner, think of stations for the room. A washer/dryer station,
Larger laundry rooms can house “stations” for all your needs
Large laundry, maximize the functions!
folding station, ironing, etc.. If you have room for hanging coats, and collecting boots and shoes, consider a bench or seating area. A mud room and laundry room are great to house in one room.
Need room to spread out while you wait for the laundry? Consider a home office to do the bills, and grocery list in this space. A work surface, storage and good lighting in the corner of the laundry room, will serve as a great place to jot down ideas and errands. HGTV has a office in which a viewer put into a small laundry room. Remember, depending on your family and your living space, you can create a great laundry room. Don’t want to spend much money? Buy a fun color paint, install great task lighting, and see how your mood to do the laundry, just got better!! (Need some ideas? IKEA is a great place to start.)
For more laundry room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.
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A bit of whimsey and the unexpected in a laundry room can create a smile as well as add interest. I like to add fun cabinet knobs of shirts, pants, hot or cold faucet knobs…the choices are endless and unexpected! Adding a rug underfoot that is the length of both washer and dryer in a funky bright color that matches the walls will also not only wake up a blah laundry room…but also provides a nice touch when one steps onto the rug to enter the room; it gives this an Ahhhh! feeling under foot. Also there are so many different rugs to choose from, many with cute laundry room sayings on them!! It makes this sometime boring and forgotten room, fun and pleasing to the eye!
Denise,
Great ideas! I especially love your ideas about funky knobs and bright colored rug!
I have a radio in the laundry room and play my favorite tunes. I placed a small tv up on a tv mount on the wall in the corner. It helps to pass the time when folding. I also have a side lamp table for a softer light. I have a hanging rack on wheels that I can move into the main living area. It expands when I am hanging and closes up when done to save space. I hung tension rods underneath the counter and have really cute curtains that brighten the room and hide the dog food and cleaning supplies. I also have a cushy rug underneath.
Thanks Kay! When you add a tv and radio, it takes mundane chores to fun. Great ideas!
HMMM…. the laundry room. What an overlooked space! They are usually smelly, dark and disorganized. No wonder we hate to do laundry! Here are just a few of my suggestions:
A great addition to the laundry is a cabinet over the washer to store detergent and laundry supplies keeping them out of sight. Laundering instructions can be taped to the inside of the doors for easy accessibility. Household cleaning supplies can be stored here as well.
Depending upon the size of the room a shower curtain rod (or one that has been cut to length) can be hung above the dryer to hang dry clothes on as well as providing a place for line drying clothes.
Paint the room a cheery bright color so it’s not so depressing! Try a sunny yellow, ocean blue or even coral. We spend plenty of time in this room it shouldn’t be one we dread going into.
An upholstered bedroom bench can be used to add a romantic or old-world feel to your intimate space. It can also be covered with rich, colorful fabrics chosen from a large tapestry of colors and designs to match your existing bedroom decor. If you want something a little more personal or unique, simply cover your upholstered bedroom bench with your own needlepoint work or family heirloom fabrics.
Roman, great ideas! I love going into a room and finding the unexpected – and it works!
Add some nice nature + butterflies to your laundry room and it’ll become your favourite room!