Laundry room pantry combo spaces are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes. Combining the laundry and pantry into one efficient space saves room and creates a multifunctional area in your home. Here are 12 great ideas to make the most of a laundry room pantry combo:
1. Built-In Shelving and Cabinets
Installing custom built-in shelving and cabinetry is key to maximizing storage and organization in a laundry-pantry combo. Having a place for everything ensures the space stays tidy. Open shelving is great for frequently used items while enclosed cabinets hide clutter. A mix of both works well. Some ideas:
- Floor to ceiling shelves on one wall for pantry food items.
- Base cabinets for laundry supplies and cleaning items.
- Upper cabinets for overflow pantry goods and small appliances.
- Pull-out trays, lazy susans and slide-out bins for easy access.
2. Rustic Wood Accents
Bring warmth into the space and tie-in adjacent rooms with natural rustic wood touches. Some options:
- Wood open shelving made of reclaimed barnwood planks.
- Hanging a wooden ladder horizontally for towels or pantry goods.
- A vintage wood and metal cart for laundry sorting.
- Exposed wood beams or a reclaimed wood mantle over washer/dryer.
Rustic wood accents add vintage character and coziness to the practical laundry-pantry space.
3. Vintage Details
Incorporate charming vintage details to give the laundry-pantry area old-world appeal. Ideas include:
- Antique signs and prints related to laundry or cooking.
- An old galvanized metal tub, washtub or basket to hold supplies.
- Vintage crates or buckets for open storage.
- Distressed wood shelves and framed botanical artwork.
- Farmhouse style pendant lighting over the washer/dryer.
Vintage accents personalize the space with nostalgia and classic style.
4. Iron Utility Sink
An industrial farmhouse style utility sink is useful for more than just laundry. Add one for general cleaning tasks, bathing pets, or prepping veggies from the pantry. Look for:
- Cast iron sink on metal legs with industrial style.
- Gooseneck faucet and cross handles in matte black or brass.
- Integrate into cabinetry or place freestanding for flexibility.
- Drain pipe shelf below for rolled towels or cleaning tools.
A utility sink expands the functionality of the laundry-pantry space.
5. Colorful Backsplash
Inject personality and visual interest by installing a colorful tile backsplash. Some favorite options:
- Handmade subway tiles in cheery colors like azure blue or lemon yellow.
- Vintage inspired floral tile patterns.
- An eclectic mix of recycled glass or ceramic tiles.
- Bold mosaic backsplash in geometric shapes.
A vibrant backsplash transforms a plain wall into an eye-catching focal point.
6. Built-In Ironing Station
Save space and conceal the mess with a built-in ironing board cabinet or fold-down ironing desk. Look for:
- A cabinet with retractable ironing board that hides inside when not in use.
- A dedicated laundry station with pull-out ironing board.
- Narrow wall-mounted ironing boards that flip down when needed.
- A fold-down desk or tabletop ironing surface.
Having an iron and board handy in the laundry-pantry area keeps this task quick and easy.
7. Drying Rack Station
Designate space for a wall-mounted drying rack to air dry delicate items and hang freshly washed clothes. Consider:
- A two-tier rack with wood dowel rods built right into the wall.
- Industrial metal pipe drying racks on pulleys that lift up when not in use.
- Rustic wood ladders as double drying rods.
- Space saving retractable clothes rods or fold-down drying racks.
Integrated drying space keeps wet laundry organized and off counters.
8. Bright Lighting
Proper lighting is essential in a laundry-pantry utility area. Ideas include:
- Powerful ceiling flush mount lights to brighten the full space.
- Under cabinet lighting to illuminate countertops and tasks.
- Pendant lights over the washer-dryer zone for task lighting.
- Natural light from a window, if available.
Choose fixtures with high lumen output bulbs in crisp white or natural light.
9. Herringbone Tile Floors
Herringbone pattern tile floors nicely bridge the gap between laundry room and pantry. Benefits include:
- Visual interest from the chevron tile pattern.
- Easy-clean durability and water resistance.
- Contrasting grout lines add texture.
- Classic style suitable for any design aesthetic.
Consider natural stone or ceramic tiles in black & white, greys, or earth tones.
10. Repurposed Furniture
Give new life to old furniture pieces in the laundry-pantry space. Vintage find options:
- An old cupboard or armoire for concealed storage.
- Vintage carts or wagons on wheels to carry supplies.
- Repurposed dressers act as makeshift countertop and storage.
- Antique butcher blocks or farm tables as folding/sorting surfaces.
Breathing new life into salvaged furniture is eco-friendly and adds charm.
11. Laundry Sorting Station
Stay organized with a dedicated laundry sorting zone to make washing hassle-free. Ideas:
- A countertop or tabletop complete with sorting bins.
- Sort colored versus whites in vintage crates or baskets.
- Add labeled canvas bags for lights, darks, delicates, etc.
- Hang a shelf with hooks and bins for pre-treating stains.
A centralized sorting area improves laundry workflow and efficiency.
12. Extra Storage Solutions
Creative storage solutions maximize every inch of space in the laundry-pantry zone. Ideas:
- Mounted wire shelves for backup pantry items.
- Wall-mounted rail with S-hooks for utensils and bulky tools.
- Slim storage cabinet for laundry pods, detergent, etc.
- Spice racks and vertical paper towel holders.
- Baskets or cubbies to corral odd items.
Make use of small spaces with inventive storage hacks and organizational tools.
Designing Your Laundry Room Pantry Combo
When designing a laundry room pantry combo, it’s important to consider the functional needs of both spaces. Here are some key tips:
- Allow for generous countertop folding space near the washer/dryer.
- Incorporate upper and lower cabinets for laundry supplies.
- Have accessible shelving for go-to pantry essentials.
- Include a sink, either utility style or standard kitchen version.
- Dedicate part of the room to food storage and prep.
- Ensure adequate ventilation, lighting and electrical outlets.
- Select durable, water-resistant flooring and countertops.
Finding harmony between the laundry and pantry functions results in a highly functional and livable space.
Storage Must-Haves for Laundry Room Pantries
Outfitting the laundry room pantry with smart storage solutions makes the space fully functional. Helpful items include:
- Retractable drying racks/rods for air drying clothes.
- Hanging wall racks for brooms, irons and frequently used tools.
- Drawers, bins and baskets to compartmentalize supplies.
- Portable caddies for transporting laundry items.
- Shelving units to maximize vertical storage.
- Wall-mounted racks for detergent pods, cleaning sprays, etc.
- Spice racks and overhead pot racks for pantry goods.
Multi-purpose storage makes everything easily accessible yet out of sight.
Choosing Materials and Finishes
Selecting durable, low-maintenance materials suited to the laundry-pantry setting is key. Some top options:
- Flooring – porcelain or ceramic tile, luxury vinyl plank, seamless epoxy, concrete.
- Walls – tile, beadboard, shiplap or tongue & groove wood, wallpaper.
- Countertops – quartz, solid surface, butcher block, stainless steel.
- Cabinetry – plywood construction, thermofoil, laminate, solid wood.
- Hardware – satin nickel, matte black, brass, oil-rubbed bronze.
Moisture-resistant, easy-clean finishes handle heavy usage while looking great.
Clever Laundry-Pantry Combo Layouts
The layout of the laundry-pantry area should maximize function and flow. Some smart configurations:
- Place washer/dryer along one wall with countertop folding space adjacent.
- Position the pantry zone on an opposite wall with base cabinets and open shelving.
- Locate the sink/prep area between the washer and pantry.
- Design custom built-in cabinetry, shelving and drying racks.
- For larger combos, define separate laundry and pantry sections.
- Ensure all major appliances and fixtures are easily accessible.
Optimizing the layout enhances multi-tasking efficiency.
FAQs About Laundry Room Pantry Combos
What size should a laundry-pantry combo be?
Ideally a laundry-pantry combo room should be a minimum of 6 x 8 feet. This allows enough space for side-by-side or stacked laundry machines, some countertop folding area, base cabinet storage, and shelving for pantry essentials.
How do you blend laundry and pantry functions?
Use cohesive colors, materials and finishes throughout to seamlessly blend laundry and pantry functions. Also incorporate multifunctional furniture like storage ottomans or rolling carts. Define zones with rugs, lighting or borders.
What flooring works best in a laundry-pantry room?
Water-resistant luxury vinyl plank or tile flooring withstands leaks and splashes while providing cushioning comfort underfoot. Tile with dark grout disguises dirt between cleanings.
Should the washer/dryer connect to the pantry water supply?
It’s ideal to have separate plumbing hookups for the washer and sink so heavy laundry usage doesn’t affect sink water pressure. Connecting to a 1/2″ supply line is sufficient for most laundry needs.
How do you reduce humidity in a laundry-pantry space?
Proper ventilation is key. An exterior venting exhaust fan helps remove moisture from the air. Also run a dehumidifier to control humidity levels and prevent mold.
Final Thoughts on Laundry-Pantry Combos
Combining the laundry and pantry creates an incredibly functional workspace in any home. Taking advantage of unused nooks as mini laundry-pantry stations is a smart idea in smaller homes too.
With good planning, organizational and storage solutions, the laundry pantry duo can work in harmony. The key is finding the right balance between the needs of both spaces. Focus on moisture control, ergonomics, multi-functioning furniture and built-ins.
Incorporating the trending laundry room pantry combo into your home’s floorplan is worth considering. This clever hybrid space maximizes utility while looking beautiful. With the right approach, you can create a laundry-pantry area that meets your family’s needs in style.