How to Create the Perfect Washer Dryer Closet

Laundry: We all have to do it, whether we like it or not. But it’s entirely possible to fit a washer and dryer into your home without dedicating space to a dedicated laundry room—all you need is a closet. We spoke to interior designers about the key functional and aesthetic issues to consider when designing a laundry room. Takeaway? Don’t be afraid to have a little fun!

Define electrologistics
The first step when building a washer dryer is to consider the electrical logistics involved in such an installation. “Electric ventless (recirculating) units are the easiest to install and require the least effort,” explains designer Hayanne Krasnow.

Once you have made this important decision, you can focus on other functional and aesthetic adjustments. “Tile the floor of the closet it will go into and try adding a drain. If that doesn’t work, add a drip pan to prevent overflow, suggests Krasnow. “When you’re done, add a lamp to the closet and try to use any extra storage space!”

Evaluate area and lifestyle
Your washer-dryer may have appliances next to each other or two in one. The option you choose will reflect the amount of space you’re working with, but your lifestyle plays an important role. As designer Bea Copeland says, “Are you doing one person’s laundry? Family of six? Is there room for the appliances to be placed side by side, or do they need to be stacked on top of each other? Compact devices can be stacked. Overlapping is ideal if space is limited. , but remember to always place the washer on the bottom and the dryer on top.” But don’t shove your equipment into a cabinet and stop working—as Copeland notes, “Be sure to leave enough space on either side of the equipment so it can be easily pulled out for repairs and maintenance.”

When it comes to storage, “Think about extra items you might want to keep on hand, like detergent bottles, and make sure the shelves are the right size to accommodate them,” says Copeland. Again, the amount of storage space you need will depend on your lifestyle and laundry preferences.

Don’t Forget a Door

“When it comes to creating a laundry room, it’s important to enclose the entire room,” recommends designer Tanya Hembree. “This helps reduce noise and hide any clutter that may arise.” This time it’s a thick door! Also, keep in mind that the technique you choose will determine the parameters of your door. Hembree adds, “Make sure you use double doors for side-by-side placement and 36-inch-wide doors for stacking.” that you can get your troops through the door.”

Turn on enough light
Proper lighting is essential in your wardrobe. “Lighting is important to provide functionality to a small space,” commented Copeland. “Recessed lighting is a great option for cabinets, as are LED strip lights that can be hidden above decorations.” But you might want to look beyond those solutions and look for something even more high-tech, Copeland adds. “Door-activated lighting is ideal when your hands are full with a basket of clothes.”

Add a little personality
Whether laundry is your favorite household chore or one of your worst, it needs to be done – perhaps several times a week – no matter! So why not turn your linen closet into a fun space? “Just because it’s a functional space doesn’t mean it has to be boring. You can have fun with painted walls, patterned tiles, and even using materials that can be found in other areas of the home, like matte black hooks or wood shelves,” suggests Copeland. .

Designer Jamie King agreed and incorporated Farrow & Ball wallpaper into the laundry closet she designed. “This way, when the door is opened, it leaves a beautiful image,” she shares.

Just be mindful of the specific materials you choose based on the nature of the space. “Just like in the kitchen, avoid materials that absorb moisture,” she adds. “For example, instead of matte paint, choose semi-gloss or eggshell paint.” When it comes to flooring, “tiles are ideal because they keep water and moisture out.”