Laundry Room Shelves: Height Above Washer

When it comes to laundry room shelves over a washer, there are a few things to consider to ensure functionality and practicality. Firstly, the depth of the shelf is important – while a deeper shelf provides more storage space, it can be harder to reach, especially for smaller items that get pushed to the back. Secondly, the height of the shelf should be easily accessible for adults but out of reach for children. A recommended height for the top shelf is between 6 and 8 feet, with adjustable shelves being a practical option to cater to changing needs. For mid-height shelves, a range of 3 to 5 feet is suggested, while bottom shelves should be around 2 to 3 feet from the ground for easy access.

Shelves should be between 6 and 8 feet high for optimal reachability and functionality

When installing shelves in your laundry room, it is generally recommended that the top shelf be placed between 6 and 8 feet high. This height range is considered optimal for several reasons, providing various benefits in terms of reachability and functionality.

Firstly, shelves between 6 and 8 feet high are easily accessible for adults but out of the reach of children, an important safety consideration. This height also allows for ample storage space for taller items commonly found in laundry rooms, such as laundry detergent bottles, cleaning supplies, and other bulky items. This ensures that these frequently used items can be conveniently stored and accessed without having to stretch or use a stepping stool.

Additionally, shelves at this height can accommodate items of various sizes. For example, the middle shelves can be placed between 3 and 5 feet high, making them ideal for storing folded laundry, laundry baskets, and other small to medium-sized items. Meanwhile, the bottom shelves can be situated between 2 and 3 feet from the ground, providing easy access to items like spare detergents, cleaning products, and storage bins.

The recommended height range also offers flexibility in terms of shelf depth. Shelves installed at this height can vary in depth, typically ranging from 12 to 20 inches, depending on the specific needs and available space in the laundry room. This allows for customization based on the type of shelving material used, such as particleboard, plywood, wire, or plastic.

Furthermore, the 6 to 8 feet height recommendation takes into account the dimensions of standard laundry appliances. For instance, stacked washers and dryers typically stand under 6 feet tall, while side-by-side configurations average 33 inches in height. By installing shelves between 6 and 8 feet high, you ensure that there is sufficient clearance for the appliances' doors to open and close without obstruction.

In summary, installing shelves in your laundry room between 6 and 8 feet high strikes a balance between accessibility, functionality, and safety. It allows for the storage of a variety of items, both large and small, while ensuring ease of access for adults and providing a level of childproofing. Additionally, this height range takes into account the dimensions of standard laundry appliances, helping to maximize the efficient use of space in your laundry room.

The depth of laundry room shelves typically varies from 12 to 20 inches

When deciding on the depth of laundry room shelves, it is important to consider the items that need to be stored. Shelves that are too deep may result in wasted space behind stored items. For example, closet shelves are typically 12 to 15 inches deep, providing storage space while preventing wasted space. Similarly, laundry room shelves should not be too deep, especially if they are intended to store items that need to be easily accessible, such as detergent and fabric conditioner. Narrow shelves are more effective in this case, as they allow for easy access without having to reach to the back of a shelf.

The placement of laundry room shelves is also crucial. They should be hung with consideration for how the space is used and what will be stored on them. It is generally recommended to install the top shelf between 6 and 8 feet high, providing ample space for taller items. The mid-height shelves should be placed between 3 and 5 feet high, suitable for folded laundry and small items. The bottom shelves should be between 2 and 3 feet from the ground, storing items like spare detergent and cleaning products. This ensures that items are easily accessible without the need for a ladder or bending down.

When designing a laundry room, it is essential to maximize space efficiently. Built-in shelves and storage compartments create a simple and clean décor while optimizing space. Wall-mounted shelves are ideal for small spaces as they provide storage without making the room feel cramped. Additionally, the location of the washer and dryer should be considered. Shelves can be mounted above or beside them for easy access to laundry supplies.

Adjustable shelves are a good option for flexibility and customisation

When designing or redesigning a laundry room, it is important to consider the items that need to be stored, the height of the user(s), and the room design. Adjustable shelves are a good option for flexibility and customisation, allowing you to adapt your storage to your specific needs.

For example, if you need to store bulky items such as laundry detergent bottles, the top shelf should be placed higher up, between 6 and 8 feet from the ground. If you need to store smaller items, you can adjust the shelf to a lower height. This flexibility is especially useful if you have multiple people using the same laundry room, as it can be customised to their individual needs.

Additionally, adjustable shelves can be moved up or down to accommodate different-sized items as your storage needs change over time. This is particularly useful if you often find yourself needing to store items of varying heights. With adjustable shelves, you can easily adapt your storage space without having to renovate your laundry room.

Another benefit of adjustable shelves is the ability to create custom spaces between shelves. For instance, if you need to store tall items, you can adjust the shelves to have more space in between. This ensures that you make optimal use of your laundry room and can efficiently store a variety of items.

When choosing adjustable shelves, consider the type of shelving material, such as particle board, plywood, wire, or plastic. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. For example, wire shelving is strong and durable, while plywood can be easily customised to fit your space.

In conclusion, adjustable shelves are a great option for laundry rooms as they provide flexibility and customisation. By choosing adjustable shelves, you can ensure that your storage space is tailored to your specific needs and can be easily adapted as your needs change over time.

For safety, ensure there's enough space for a washer lid to open and close without obstruction

When installing shelves or cabinets in a laundry room, it is essential to consider safety and functionality. One crucial aspect is ensuring there is sufficient space for the washer lid to open and close without obstruction. This not only prevents damage to the machine and its components but also maintains a safe environment for users.

The height of a top-load washer with the lid open varies by model and manufacturer, typically measuring between 42 and 52 inches. To accommodate this, the recommended distance between the top of a washer/dryer pair and the bottom of a cabinet is approximately 39 inches. This ensures that the lid has ample space to operate without obstruction.

Additionally, it is important to consider the user's reach when placing shelves or cabinets. The maximum reach for an average person is the length of their arm from fingertips to shoulder. As the arm is raised, the maximum reach decreases, and at shoulder height, it is approximately 24 inches. Therefore, the placement of shelves or cabinets should be easily accessible, taking into account the height of the user and the height of the washer/dryer pair.

For top-loading washers, it is crucial to allow for enough clearance when opening and closing the lid. A recommended guideline is to measure the height of the top edge of the open lid and then add about 6 inches to determine the required clearance. This extra space ensures that users do not scrape their knuckles or pinch their fingers when accessing the washer.

Safety is a primary concern, and the placement of shelves or cabinets should not interfere with the operation of the washer lid. By providing adequate space and considering the user's reach, you can create a functional and safe laundry room layout.

Consider your storage needs and the types of items you'll be storing when designing shelves

When designing shelves, it's crucial to carefully consider your storage needs and the specific items you plan to store on them. This thoughtful approach will ensure that your shelves are not only functional but also optimised for the available space. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you design shelves that meet your unique requirements:

Identify Your Storage Needs

Firstly, take an inventory of the items you intend to store. This can include laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, folded laundry, laundry baskets, and other small items typically found in a laundry room. Group similar items together and decide on the best way to organise them on the shelves. This will help you determine the ideal number of shelves, their placement, and any additional storage solutions you may need.

Determine Shelf Height and Spacing

The height and spacing of your shelves will depend on the items you plan to store and the users' heights. Generally, it is recommended that the top shelf be placed between 6 and 8 feet high, allowing ample space for taller items. Mid-height shelves, between 3 and 5 feet high, are suitable for folded laundry and smaller items. Bottom shelves, around 2 to 3 feet from the ground, are perfect for spare detergents, cleaning products, and storage bins. Ensure that the spacing between shelves is comfortable for you and that items are easily accessible without straining or the need for a ladder.

Choose the Right Shelf Depth

The depth of laundry room shelves typically ranges from 12 to 20 inches, depending on the type and size of the shelf. A shelf between 16 and 18 inches deep is the most common choice as it provides ample storage space without taking up too much room. However, you may opt for adjustable shelving to accommodate items of different sizes. Additionally, consider the shelving material, as particleboard, plywood, wire, or plastic shelves may have varying depth options.

Customise for User Height

It's important to customise the shelf height based on who will be using the laundry room. For example, if children will be accessing the shelves, ensure that items intended for them are within their reach. Similarly, if you have users of varying heights, you may need to adjust the shelf heights accordingly to ensure comfortable access for everyone.

Utilise Different Storage Solutions

In addition to traditional shelves, consider incorporating other storage solutions such as baskets, bins, or containers. Clear bins allow you to easily identify the contents, while baskets can provide a stylish and functional storage option. You can also utilise the space above the washer and dryer by installing cabinets or creating a drying rod for line-dried clothing.

Plan for Accessibility and Safety

When designing your shelves, ensure that frequently used items are easily accessible. Place items that are used less often on higher shelves. Additionally, consider safety, especially if you have children. Design the shelves so that hazardous items are out of children's reach, and avoid placing heavy items on high shelves to prevent accidents.

Frequently asked questions