Laundry Room Essentials

A laundry room is a necessity for any home, and there are several must-haves to make it functional and efficient. Here are some essential items to include in your laundry room:

- Laundry baskets or hampers to store and transport dirty and clean laundry with ease.

- A drying rack, hanging bar, or hooks to air-dry delicate items and hang clothes straight from the dryer.

- A utility sink for hand-washing, soaking soiled items, or even potting plants.

- Counter space for folding clothes and stacking towels.

- Cabinets or storage baskets to hide detergent, cleaning supplies, and other laundry essentials.

- Task lighting, such as under-cabinet strips, to illuminate specific work areas.

- A washer and dryer that suit your space and laundry needs, such as front-loading or stackable machines.

- A laundry cover to protect your appliances from dust, fingerprints, and humidity.

- Detergent, preferably liquid detergent, to ensure proper fabric care and better cleaning results.

Storage solutions: baskets, canisters, and hampers

Storage solutions are essential in any laundry room to keep the space organised and efficient. Here are some ideas for baskets, canisters, and hampers:

Baskets

Baskets are perfect for storing and organising laundry essentials, from detergent and fabric softener to dryer balls and stain removers. They can also be used to hide clutter and create a neat, tidy space. Opt for baskets with integrated handles to make them easy to carry and move around. Choose from a variety of materials such as wicker, rattan, bamboo, or fabric to suit your style and space. For a modern look, go for Nordic white storage baskets, or bring a natural charm to your laundry room with rattan baskets. If you want to add a pop of colour, fabric baskets come in multiple shades.

Canisters

Clear canisters with labels are a must-have to store detergent, fabric softener, and stain removers. They cut down on visual clutter and create an orderly base for your laundry room. Acrylic or glass canisters are great options for a sleek and polished look. If you want to add a unique touch, consider using glass mason jar dispensers for liquid detergents and fabric softeners.

Hampers

Hampers are essential for collecting and transporting laundry. They come in various materials, colours, and sizes to suit your needs and space. Opt for hampers with lids to keep dirty clothes out of sight and conceal any smells. Some hampers also feature removable liners, making it easier to carry laundry to the washing machine. If you need to separate clothes by colour, a double hamper with multiple compartments is a great choice. For added convenience, consider a hamper with wheels, especially if you have a large family or are dealing with heavy loads.

A folding table or ironing board

A folding table is a great option if you have the space, as it provides a sturdy and spacious surface for folding clothes, linens, and other laundry items. It can also be used for sorting laundry into piles, making it easier to manage large loads. Additionally, a folding table can be a great surface for storing laundry baskets and other supplies, keeping them within easy reach.

On the other hand, an ironing board is a more compact option that can be easily folded away when not in use. Modern ironing boards often come with built-in features such as a steam iron rest, a linen rack, and a heat-resistant cover, making ironing more convenient and efficient. Some ironing boards even have collapsible legs, allowing them to be folded down for compact storage.

If you're short on space, consider a wall-mounted ironing board or one that can be hung on the back of a door. These options provide the functionality of a traditional ironing board without taking up valuable floor space. You can also opt for a combination of a folding table and an ironing board, using the table as a surface for both folding and ironing.

Whether you choose a folding table, an ironing board, or a combination of both, having a dedicated space for these tasks can make your laundry routine more organised and efficient. It can also help keep your laundry room tidy and clutter-free, contributing to a more pleasant laundry experience overall.

A utility sink for hand-washing and soaking

A utility sink is a must-have in your laundry room. It is perfect for hand-washing and soaking clothes, as well as other tasks such as cleaning paintbrushes, rinsing dirty boots, and washing pets. When choosing a utility sink, consider the size and material that will best suit your needs.

Utility sinks come in a variety of sizes, from small bar sinks that maximise counter space to larger tubs that can accommodate bigger items. They are typically made from materials such as stainless steel, granite, or thermoplastic. Some utility sinks are freestanding, while others are designed to be wall-mounted or drop-in. When selecting a utility sink, it is important to consider the available space in your laundry room and the type of installation that will work best for you.

In addition to size and installation type, you should also consider the faucet and any included accessories. Some utility sinks come with a pull-out or pull-down faucet, while others may have a standard two-handle faucet. Some models also include a storage cabinet, shelves, or a washboard.

When designing your laundry room, it is essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. For example, if you plan to use the sink for tasks like cleaning paintbrushes or washing boots, you may prefer a larger sink or one made from a more durable material. On the other hand, if you primarily need a sink for hand-washing and soaking delicate clothing items, a smaller sink with a gentle washboard may be a better option.

By choosing the right utility sink for your laundry room, you can create a functional and efficient space that meets your unique needs. Whether you opt for a sleek stainless steel model or a classic white thermoplastic sink, having a utility sink in your laundry room will make a variety of tasks easier and more convenient.

A drying rack or hanging bar

There are many different types of drying racks and hanging bars available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and space. If you have a small laundry room, consider a wall-mounted or over-the-door drying rack. These can be easily collapsed and folded away when not in use, maximising your space. If you are working with a narrow corner, you can install double hanging rods, one on top of the other, to utilise the space efficiently. Alternatively, a slimline multi-arm swivel drying rack can be mounted on a narrow strip of wall, providing a minimalist look while being highly adjustable.

If you have a larger space, you may opt for a winged or accordion-style drying rack, which offers more drying space. The Honey-Can-Do Wooden Laundry Drying Rack is a popular option that has been praised for its durability, lightweight, and collapsible design. It provides ample space for a full load of delicate laundry items. For those with a lot of laundry or air-drying needs, consider the Minky Homecare Multi Dryer Indoor Drying Rack, which offers 82 feet of drying space and a variety of drying options.

If you are looking for a hanging bar, the Mainstays Hanging Clothes Drying Rack can hold up to 65 garments at once and is ideal for those with a lot of formalwear or long items to air dry.

Drying racks and hanging bars are essential for air-drying your clothes, maximising space, and providing convenience. They come in various styles to suit your unique needs and space constraints.

Task lighting and ambient lighting

When it comes to lighting your laundry room, task lighting and ambient lighting are essential to consider.

Task lighting is crucial for specific areas where you fold clothes, sort laundry, or read labels. Under-cabinet lighting or adjustable task lamps are great options for task lighting. You want to ensure that these areas are well-lit and free of shadows, making it easier to perform detailed tasks.

Ambient lighting, or general lighting, provides overall illumination for the entire room. Overhead fixtures such as flush mounts or recessed lights are commonly used for this purpose. These lights should be bright enough to eliminate shadows and create a comfortable and well-lit environment. Recessed lighting is particularly useful in smaller laundry rooms or those without windows, as it adds a layer of ambient light that helps with spotting stains.

When choosing bulbs for your task and ambient lighting, opt for a neutral or cool white color temperature (around 4000-5000 Kelvin) to mimic natural daylight. This lighting temperature will make it easier to identify stains or color variations in clothing. Additionally, consider energy-efficient options like LED bulbs, which last longer and reduce electricity consumption.

In terms of design, you can add a touch of style to your laundry room with accent lighting. Wall sconces or decorative pendant lights can enhance the room's aesthetic appeal while also providing additional illumination.

Overall, by combining task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting, you can create a functional and inviting laundry room that makes doing laundry a more enjoyable task.

Frequently asked questions