Your laundry room is one of the most frequently used spaces in your home. Remodeling your laundry room can make this utilitarian space much more enjoyable and efficient to use. Here is our ultimate guide to planning and executing a laundry room remodel.
Choosing a Layout
The layout of your laundry room is key to creating a functional space. Here are some popular layout options to consider:
- Side-by-side machines: This traditional layout places the washer and dryer next to each other along one wall. Be sure to allow for at least 36 inches between machines for loading and unloading.
- Back-to-back machines: Stacking the washer and dryer can save space. Be sure to check that your machines are stackable before choosing this layout.
- L-shaped layout: Place machines along perpendicular walls. This creates an efficient workflow and allows for folding/sorting tables.
- U-shaped layout: Machines line three walls for maximum efficiency. This works well for large laundry rooms.
- Pocket layout: Machines are tucked into closets or alcoves off the main laundry room. This hides unattractive appliances.
Consider existing plumbing and venting locations when choosing your layout. Easy access to water hookups and venting will save on remodeling work.
Smart Storage Solutions
Laundry rooms are notorious for clutter. Include plenty of storage in your remodel to keep things neat.
- Hanging racks: Install racks above machines for air drying delicate items.
- Hampers: Sort dirty clothes with multiple hampers. Use rolling hampers on casters for easy transport.
- Shelving: Open shelving stores supplies and baskets neatly. Swap some shelves for drawers for hidden storage.
- Cabinetry: Base cabinets and wall cabinets store detergent and tools out of sight. Include a fold-down ironing board.
- Pegboard: Mount pegboard to hang irons, cleaning tools, and clothespins within reach.
Choosing Flooring
Laundry room floors take a lot of abuse. Choose a durable, water-resistant flooring material such as:
- Porcelain or ceramic tile
- Luxury vinyl tile
- Sheet vinyl
- Epoxy floors
Avoid carpeting, which can mildew and trap dirt. Include floor drains if possible to deal with overflow.
Useful Countertops
Countertops transform a laundry room into a true workspace. Good countertop materials include:
- Laminate: Durable and affordable, available in many colors.
- Quartz: Resistant to stains, heat, and scratches.
- Stainless steel: Easy to disinfect, heat and rust resistant.
- Tile: Provides a waterproof and decorative surface.
Include plenty of surface area for folding and sorting clothes. Mount ironing boards on walls or cabinetry to save space when not in use.
Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation keeps laundry rooms comfortable, prevents mold growth, and whisks away odors.
- Use insulated vent hoses between dryer and wall vent.
- Install a vent fan keyed to a humidity sensor to remove moist air.
- Choose exterior vent hoods with self-closing dampers to prevent drafts.
- For maximum air flow, use rigid metal venting over flexible plastic hoses.
Adequate Lighting
Bright lighting makes laundry tasks safer and easier.
- Use LED fixtures for energy efficiency and long life.
- Install overhead ceiling lights for overall illumination.
- Include task lighting over folding/ironing areas.
- Use moisture-resistant fixtures and avoid overhead lights directly above machines.
Helpful Upgrades
Upgrading appliances and adding specialty features can streamline laundry day.
- Fast drying, energy efficient washers and dryers
- Drying racks for air drying clothes
- Steamer stations to refresh clothes
- Utility sinks for hand-washing and pretreating
- Built-in ironing boards and counters
- Fold-out racks for hanging clothes
- Smart home technology like voice assistants
Attractive Finishing Touches
Don’t forget the design details that make a laundry room enjoyable:
- Paint or wallpaper over existing drywall for an instant refresh.
- New cabinet hardware in brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or matte black.
- Frame a decorative mirror over counters to brighten the room.
- Incorporate baskets, storage containers, and organizers to corral supplies.
- Add an area rug in front of folding counters for comfort underfoot.
With good planning and design, your utilitarian laundry room can become one of the most functional and beautiful rooms in your home. Our ultimate laundry room remodeling guide highlights the key layout considerations, storage solutions, material choices, and design upgrades to transform this hard-working space. With these tips in mind, you can create a customized laundry oasis tailored to your family’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laundry Room Remodeling
Laundry room remodeling projects often generate lots of questions. Here are some of the most common FAQs about renovating this important home space:
How much does it cost to remodel a laundry room?
The average major laundry room remodel costs $2,000-$5,000. Factors like layout changes, appliance upgrades, and material choices impact the total cost. Small cosmetic updates can be done for under $1,000.
What size should a laundry room be?
Ideally, a laundry room should have at least 60 square feet of floor space. This allows for side-by-side appliances with room for folding and storage. In tight spaces, stackable machines can reduce the needed footprint.
What should I put in my laundry room?
Essential elements include machines, ventilation, storage for supplies, countertops for folding clothes, utility sink, and automatic lighting. Consider clever extras like drying racks, steam stations, and built-ins for ironing.
What is the most popular laundry room layout?
The side-by-side layout with machines aligned along one wall is the most common. It’s efficient for workflow and allows for counters and cabinets along the opposite wall. Other great options are L-shaped, U-shaped, or pocket layouts.
How do I add storage to my laundry room?
Use wall cabinets, base cabinets, shelving, and freestanding storage pieces to add storage. Install hanging racks above machines to air dry delicates. Use bins, baskets and hampers to corral cleaning supplies.
What flooring works best in a laundry room remodel?
Choose durable, water-resistant materials like luxury vinyl tile, porcelain or ceramic tile, epoxy floors, or sheet vinyl. Avoid carpeting, which traps moisture. Include floor drains if possible.
What can make a laundry room look better?
Painting walls, updating lighting fixtures, and installing new cabinet hardware instantly refreshed a laundry room. Other great upgrades include wallpaper, framed mirrors and art, rugs, and baskets for organization.
Conclusion
Remodeling your laundry room pays dividends in terms of utility, organization, and beauty. As one of the most used spaces in a home, it deserves thoughtful planning and design. Our guide outlines the key considerations around layout, storage, appliances, ventilation, and aesthetics. With smart planning and design choices, you can create the ultimate laundry retreat tailored to your needs and preferences. Investing in this hard-working room pays ongoing dividends in convenience and enjoyment.