Laundry Room Layout Ideas For Small Spaces

where to put washer and dryer in small house

If you're short on space in your home, there are several options for where to put your washer and dryer. The most common locations for clothes-washing facilities when you don't have a separate laundry room are the kitchen, bathroom, hallway nook, or mudroom.

If you have a small home, you might not have the luxury of adding an entire room for laundry. In that case, you could consider putting your washer and dryer in the kitchen, either in a walk-in laundry room or inside kitchen cabinets.

Another option is to utilise a hallway closet, which is typically centrally located in homes and links bedrooms together, making them ideal for laundry.

If you have a mudroom, this can also be a convenient place to put your washer and dryer, especially if you have young children.

If you're fortunate enough to have a spare bedroom, you could convert it into a laundry room, or you could even put your washer and dryer in the garage.

Ultimately, the best location for your washer and dryer will depend on your unique circumstances, including your lifestyle, the amount of laundry you do, and whether you want guests to see your dirty clothes.

Characteristics Values
Space Sufficient space for washer and dryer, with clearance to open appliance doors and remove clothing without obstruction
Stacking Dryer can be stacked on top of front-loading washer to save floor space
Plumbing Requires connection to water pipes and drainage
Ventilation Requires a handy way to vent the dryer out of doors, unless a ventless dryer is used
Location Kitchen, bathroom, hallway nook, or mudroom are common locations
Noise Insulation and noise-arresting pads may be required to mitigate noise and vibration
Multipurpose Laundry room can double as a workstation, or be combined with a mudroom

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Stacking washer and dryer to save space

If you're short on space, stacking your washer and dryer is a great way to save valuable floor space in your home. Here are some tips and considerations for stacking your washer and dryer:

Determine if Your Washer and Dryer Can Be Stacked

Before stacking your washer and dryer, it's important to check if they are designed to be stacked. Not all washers and dryers are stackable, so refer to the instruction manual or consult the retailer to verify that your specific models can be safely stacked. If you're purchasing new appliances, look for stackable washer and dryer sets or front-loading machines, which are more commonly stackable.

Purchase a Stacking Kit

To securely stack your washer and dryer, you'll need to buy a stacking kit. A stacking kit typically includes hardware to secure the machines together and rubber feet to keep the dryer from sliding. Stacking kits may be available specifically for your make and model, or you can opt for a universal stacking kit.

Measure Your Space

Ensure you have adequate horizontal and vertical space to accommodate the stacked unit. There should be at least 1 inch of clearance on each side of the stack and at least 6 inches behind the unit for the dryer vent. Measure the area and confirm the location of the dryer vent, power outlets, water supply lines, and washer drain pipe to ensure the units can reach them when stacked.

Recruit Help and Use Appliance Lifting Straps

Washers and dryers are heavy appliances, so it's essential to recruit one or two people to help with the lifting. Consider using appliance lifting straps to make the process safer and easier.

Install the Stacking Kit and Stack the Units

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the stacking kit and securely fasten the washer and dryer together. Place the washer in the desired location, then lift the dryer on top of the washer with the help of your assistants. Position the dryer according to the manufacturer's guidance, typically with a slight overhang at the back.

Level the Units and Test for Wobbling

Adjust the feet beneath the washer to level the unit and check for any wobbling. Run a cycle on both appliances and monitor them for excess vibration or instability. Adjust the positioning if necessary.

Consult a Professional if Needed

If you have any doubts about the safety of your setup or need to relocate things like water supply lines or electrical outlets, don't hesitate to consult an appliance professional or licensed contractor. They can provide expert advice and ensure your washer and dryer are properly installed and compliant with local building codes.

Stacking your washer and dryer is a great space-saving solution, but it's important to follow safety guidelines and ensure your appliances are compatible with stacking. By carefully planning and executing the stacking process, you can create a functional and efficient laundry area in your small house.

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Using a hallway nook

If you're working with a small house, one option for a washer and dryer is to utilise a hallway nook. This can be an effective way to make use of an otherwise unused space, but there are some considerations to keep in mind.

First, you'll need to ensure you have the necessary clearances. This includes room to open appliance doors and remove clothing without banging into walls or passersby. It's also ideal to have a little extra space for a laundry sink, shelves, or storage drawers or cabinets.

Next, you'll need to consider the plumbing and ventilation requirements for your washer and dryer. The hallway nook will need access to water pipes and drainage, which may require major plumbing work. Additionally, you'll need a way to vent the dryer to the outdoors, unless you opt for a ventless model.

To help minimise noise and maintain aesthetics, you can insulate the walls and install bifold or pocket doors. Curtains can also be used to conceal the washer and dryer, adding a decorative touch to the space.

When it comes to configuration, you can stack your washer and dryer to save floor space, or place them side by side if you have the room. Utilise the space above the appliances with shelves or cabinets for storage, and consider adding hooks underneath for hanging items.

By being creative and making use of available resources, you can transform a hallway nook into a functional and stylish laundry area in your small house.

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Placing in a mudroom

If you're looking for a place to put your washer and dryer in a small house, consider placing them in a mudroom. A mudroom is an excellent option as it provides an entrance from the outside, making it easy to remove dirty shoes and clothes and toss them straight into the washing machine. Mudrooms also offer shelves for storing detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry products.

Even if your mudroom is small, it can still accommodate a washer and dryer, along with some essential elements like cabinets, shelves, and hangers. To create a functional and stylish space, consider adding a storage bench, cabinets, a sink, and other essential appliances. You can also hide the washer and dryer behind doors or curtains to maintain a tidy and uncluttered look.

To maximise space in a small mudroom, opt for a stacking washer and dryer, which will free up room for seating and additional storage. Decorating with light colours and shades can also help to visually expand the space and reflect light, making it appear larger.

  • Utilise built-in cabinets and shelves for storage. Built-in cabinets can accommodate laundry detergents and cleaning supplies, helping to keep the space organised and clutter-free.
  • Install a hanging rod above the washer and dryer to create a designated space for drying laundry.
  • Include low bins and plenty of hooks and cubbies to keep items off the ground and easily accessible, especially for children.
  • Consider adding a DIY butcher-block counter over the washer and dryer to provide extra functionality and a convenient place for folding clothes.
  • If you want to disguise the washer and dryer, try using curtains mounted on a tension rod. You can also use upper cabinetry with glass-panelled doors to store and display laundry supplies and accessories.
  • For a stylish touch, add fun wallpaper to an accent wall, which can make the space feel bigger and more inviting.

By incorporating these ideas, you can create a well-organised and efficient washer and dryer area in your mudroom, even in a small house.

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Installing in a spare bedroom

If you have a spare bedroom that's rarely used, you can consider turning it into a laundry room. Designer Joanne Padvaiskas says, "You can plunk [washing machines and dryers] anywhere if you have the budget for plumbing, electrical and running a duct to the outside."

Dan Andrews, a resident of upstate New York, converted one of his spare bedrooms into a full bathroom with laundry. He ran hardwood flooring throughout the room, made a red cabinet, and topped it with a piece of Corian. He spent about $3,000 on this project, excluding the appliances, and estimates that hiring out for the labour in his area might have cost around $5,000.

If you don't need the spare bedroom, it can offer a large amount of space for a self-contained laundry room. However, if you don't have plumbing nearby, the project can get costly. Also, if you're planning to have the room serve multiple functions, you'll want to keep in mind how traffic and use will interfere with doing laundry.

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Putting in the basement

Putting your washer and dryer in the basement of a small house is a great option if you want to keep the noise and mess of laundry out of the way of your main living space. It's also a good choice if you don't want guests to see your dirty laundry, or if you want to avoid having to carry laundry up and down stairs.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to putting your laundry in the basement. One of the main issues is that basements tend to be dark, damp, and unfinished, which can make doing laundry an unpleasant task. Another problem is that you might forget to check on your laundry if you can't hear the buzzer from another part of the house. Finally, you'll need to consider the cost of running plumbing and electrical connections to the basement if they're not already in place.

To make your basement laundry room more inviting, consider adding lighting, cabinets, paint, and a comfortable rug. You could also install a laundry chute to make it easier to get laundry from upstairs to the basement. If you're worried about forgetting to check on your laundry, set a timer on your phone to remind yourself, or look for a washer with a longer spin cycle so your clothes have more time to dry.

Overall, putting your washer and dryer in the basement of a small house can be a great way to keep your laundry out of sight and out of mind, as long as you're prepared to deal with the potential drawbacks.

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Frequently asked questions

If you're working with limited space, you can consider putting your washer and dryer in your kitchen, bathroom, hallway nook, mudroom, or garage. If you have a basement, you can also set up your washer and dryer there.

To maximise space, you can stack your dryer on top of your front-loading washer using wall brackets. You can also install shelves or cabinets above or next to your machines to store laundry supplies. Additionally, leave enough space in front of your machines to easily load and unload clothes, and consider adding a counter or table for sorting and folding clothes.

When choosing a location, it's essential to ensure you have sufficient space to open appliance doors and remove clothing without obstruction. You should also consider proximity to plumbing and drainage, ventilation requirements, and traffic flow patterns in your home.

Putting your washer and dryer in the kitchen can be convenient as it is typically a central location in the home. However, the noise from the appliances and the need to keep them clean from grease and cooking splatters can be drawbacks.

Installing the washer and dryer in the bathroom can be discreet and convenient for dirty clothes. However, if there is only one bathroom, laundry may need to be scheduled around other family members' needs.

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