Most recent home design trends follow a dual-purpose outlook that often combines aesthetics with an underlying organisation-based layer. As a result, you may find that beneath a home’s layout lies clearly delineated areas serving specific purposes. For example, even in an open-plan house, most homeowners will use furniture to outline the boundaries of different spaces. This desire to demarcate is giving rise to the ever-more-popular laundry space.
A laundry space is a designated area in a home or building where you carry out your laundry tasks. However, you may find that its size hinders your ability to make the most of its availability.
A well-designed laundry space can make laundry tasks more efficient and enjoyable. If you have a small laundry area, optimising every inch is essential. Here are some tips to help you maximise your small laundry space:
Location
Choose a location that is easily accessible and convenient for laundry tasks. For example, it is common to have a laundry space near the kitchen or bathroom.
Storage
When working with a small laundry space, the area’s walls are some of your most valuable assets, as long as you use them wisely. So, consider adding shelves or cabinets for storing laundry supplies such as detergent, fabric softener, and stain removers. You may also want to include storage for towels, bedding, and other linens. Moreover, you can mount drying racks or hangers on the walls to save floor space.
Appliances
First, consider having built-in appliances. This approach helps you create a clean, streamlined look. Additionally, it may be best to consider installing doors that allow you to ‘hide’ your appliances away when they are not in use.
Secondly, invest in high-quality washing and drying machines that handle your household’s laundry volume. If you have limited space, you may want to consider a washer/dryer combo unit.
Opt for smaller washing machines and dryers that can fit in tight spaces. Alternatively, you can consider stackable units that save floor space or are suitable for narrow areas.
Lighting
Adequate lighting is essential for laundry tasks, especially folding clothes or checking for stains. Therefore, make sure to have good overhead lighting as well as task lighting.
Painting the walls with light colours can make the small space brighter and feel more open. This effect often creates the illusion of a larger area.
Vertical Space
Look up. Instead of using a standalone folding table, consider installing a wall-mounted table that you can fold down when not in use. Over-the-door organisers are also viable and adequate storage alternatives for laundry supplies and other small items without taking up floor space.
Organisation
If you have a cabinet or a space under the counter, consider installing pull-out baskets or drawers for dirty laundry or storage. This addition can help keep the area organised and maximise the use of the available space.
Multi-purpose furniture, such as a storage ottoman or a bench with built-in storage, is also a worthy alternative. They are not only space-saving options but may also provide additional storage.
Ventilation
A small laundry space should have proper ventilation to remove moisture and prevent mould and mildew.
A small laundry space doesn’t have to be the bane of your existence. Instead, implementing these tips presents the chance to make the most of your laundry space, regardless of size.
