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Key Measurements for a Dream Laundry Room
Get the layout dimensions that will help you wash and fold — and maybe do much more — comfortably and efficiently
Steven Randel
13 de junio de 2022
Laundry rooms rule. If you have the luxury of space, laundry rooms can be more than places to clean clothes; they can be welcoming, accessible places for more activities, such as caring for pets, sewing, doing DIY projects, wrapping packages, starting seedlings and more.
As with kitchens, there are a number of considerations and dimensions to be aware of during the planning stages for a multipurpose laundry room. Below are several functions you might want to consider and some basics for how to lay everything out.
As with kitchens, there are a number of considerations and dimensions to be aware of during the planning stages for a multipurpose laundry room. Below are several functions you might want to consider and some basics for how to lay everything out.
Primary Areas and Functions of Laundry Rooms
1. Entry and prep. If you install a laundry sink, you will probably want to place it where you enter the room and set down the items to be washed. Here you can sort, apply fabric treatments and soak stains if necessary.
2. Washing. It is good to have a countertop where you can place your sorted loads before putting them in the washing machine.
3. Drying. You’ll also want another section of countertop for items that need to be line dried, as well as space to fold dried laundry.
4. Storage and ironing. Following the typical sequence, you then need space to put things in preparation for ironing. (Note that ironing space may be less desirable in this room if you want to watch TV while you iron, or if the dry cleaner does much of your pressing.) Folded ironing boards measure about 14 inches wide, 60 inches long and 3 inches thick (36 by 152 by 7 centimeters).
1. Entry and prep. If you install a laundry sink, you will probably want to place it where you enter the room and set down the items to be washed. Here you can sort, apply fabric treatments and soak stains if necessary.
2. Washing. It is good to have a countertop where you can place your sorted loads before putting them in the washing machine.
3. Drying. You’ll also want another section of countertop for items that need to be line dried, as well as space to fold dried laundry.
4. Storage and ironing. Following the typical sequence, you then need space to put things in preparation for ironing. (Note that ironing space may be less desirable in this room if you want to watch TV while you iron, or if the dry cleaner does much of your pressing.) Folded ironing boards measure about 14 inches wide, 60 inches long and 3 inches thick (36 by 152 by 7 centimeters).
5. Extras. Of course, some people with large spaces want to use their laundry room as a craft or sewing area, mudroom or dog washing station, or to hide the litter boxes. These are very specific to each of us; planning spaces with a little extra room for these functions lets individual habits dictate their use.
Note: Conversions to metric dimensions are approximately translated from standard U.S. dimensions. Each country can be unique in its standards. Investigate the customs in your locale or work with a design pro before committing to a plan.
Note: Conversions to metric dimensions are approximately translated from standard U.S. dimensions. Each country can be unique in its standards. Investigate the customs in your locale or work with a design pro before committing to a plan.
Washing Machine and Dryer Configuration
Side by side. Washers and dryers placed side by side are typically designed to fit within 60 inches (152 centimeters) of width, but some manufacturers make more compact machines.
If you place front-loading machines side by side, you will have a nice, broad surface on top of them.
Side by side. Washers and dryers placed side by side are typically designed to fit within 60 inches (152 centimeters) of width, but some manufacturers make more compact machines.
If you place front-loading machines side by side, you will have a nice, broad surface on top of them.
If you have a top loader and want folding and work space, you can add counters next to the appliances or elsewhere in the room. It will help to have between 18 and 42 inches (46 and 61 centimeters) of free counter space on either side.
The space above the machines can be used for a drying rod set at about 76 inches (193 centimeters) high. Some newer washers and dryers stand taller than a conventional 36-inch-high countertop, which can work to your advantage if you’re tall.
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The space above the machines can be used for a drying rod set at about 76 inches (193 centimeters) high. Some newer washers and dryers stand taller than a conventional 36-inch-high countertop, which can work to your advantage if you’re tall.
Browse thousands of laundry room ideas on Houzz
Stacked. Stacking the machines is an option when space is limited. If this is your requirement, be careful to have or buy machines that can be stacked. The width of the space shrinks to less than 30 inches (76 centimeters) for most models when they are stacked, and the height usually is under 6 feet. Shorter people may need to use a step stool to reach the top controls of stacked machines.
Plan your laundry room with an interior designer on Houzz
Plan your laundry room with an interior designer on Houzz
Standard Cabinet Dimensions
Allow at least 42 inches (107 centimeters) of width between opposing cabinets and walls.
Depth. Like kitchen cabinets, standard laundry room cabinets have a depth of 24 inches (61 centimeters) for the base and 12 inches (30 centimeters) for the upper.
Widths. Widths are standard, beginning at 9 inches (23 centimeters) and going all the way up to 48 inches (122 centimeters) in increments of 3 inches (8 centimeters) for most prebuilt cabinets. You can get any width with custom-made cabinets, but if you stay with the standards, you will save money even with custom-built units.
Allow at least 42 inches (107 centimeters) of width between opposing cabinets and walls.
Depth. Like kitchen cabinets, standard laundry room cabinets have a depth of 24 inches (61 centimeters) for the base and 12 inches (30 centimeters) for the upper.
Widths. Widths are standard, beginning at 9 inches (23 centimeters) and going all the way up to 48 inches (122 centimeters) in increments of 3 inches (8 centimeters) for most prebuilt cabinets. You can get any width with custom-made cabinets, but if you stay with the standards, you will save money even with custom-built units.
Height. Base cabinets are designed to have a countertop that’s 36 inches (91 centimeters) high. The height of the upper cabinets will depend on your ceiling height and how far you can reach. Positioning them at least 18 inches (46 centimeters) above countertops is standard, while 24 to 42 inches (61 to 107 centimeters) in 6-inch (15-centimeter) increments commonly defines the height of the wall cabinet itself.
Find a custom cabinetry professional
Find a custom cabinetry professional
Extra Laundry Room Features
Craft area. In this generously proportioned laundry room, a countertop at left is a broad, flat surface for package wrapping and crafting. Notice that its height matches the countertop to the right (with the sink), which is 36 inches high. Two counter-height stools provide seating.
Keep in mind that stools come in two heights: counter height, with seats about 24 inches (61 centimeters) high; and bar height, with seats about 28 inches (71 centimeters) high.
The countertop on the rear wall is about 6 inches higher to accommodate taller machines.
Craft area. In this generously proportioned laundry room, a countertop at left is a broad, flat surface for package wrapping and crafting. Notice that its height matches the countertop to the right (with the sink), which is 36 inches high. Two counter-height stools provide seating.
Keep in mind that stools come in two heights: counter height, with seats about 24 inches (61 centimeters) high; and bar height, with seats about 28 inches (71 centimeters) high.
The countertop on the rear wall is about 6 inches higher to accommodate taller machines.
Mudroom. This laundry room also serves as a mudroom, with a bench, hooks and cubbies for taking off dirty shoes and hanging up wet garments. The bench height should be about 14 inches (36 centimeters) above the floor. Set your hooks at about 54 to 60 inches (137 to 152 centimeters) above the floor, but make certain that if a bench is below, you still have enough room for coats and other things to hang.
Notice the large sink on the back wall. If you frequently hand wash delicates, a place like this would be perfect for doing so.
Notice the large sink on the back wall. If you frequently hand wash delicates, a place like this would be perfect for doing so.
Pets. The cutout in the cabinet panel on the lower left for the litter-box entry is whimsical and fun, while keeping the box out of sight.
Laundry Room Layout Ideas
This cutaway plan illustrates a laundry room sequence with common appliance, spacing and cabinet dimensions.
This cutaway plan illustrates a laundry room sequence with common appliance, spacing and cabinet dimensions.
Your turn: What laundry room splurge is at the top of your list? What cool detail did you include in your laundry room design? Share in the Comments.
More on Houzz
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Shop for housekeeping and laundry products
More on Houzz
How to Remodel the Laundry Room
7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Laundry Room
Work with a remodeling professional
Shop for housekeeping and laundry products
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