If you want a rod I would do stackables and have a rod on one side with a cabinet on the bottom for laundry detergent and stuff. You could also do cabinets above the washer and dryer and get a retractable laundry cord so you can hang clothes but put the cord away when it's not needed.

I have a stacked set and I like it. So I'd stack it so I could get some more floor space for base cabinet and hanging area above. If you put in base cabinets be sure they are drawers and not doors. It makes getting in and out of the cabinets so much more efficient!

something like this, if room might be handy:

I like this mirror, it could be used anywhere to increase perceived size of room:

I would lower the machines and put a shelf across both. You would have a great folding area. Then add a wall mounted fold down drying rack Ballard Designs, Home Depot, Pottery Barn all have good ones or if your handy, we made one to the size we wanted. You have a nice window for light

This is our small laundry room, similar to yours. Go vertical up the walls if you can with shelves, hanging bars, hooks, accordion drying racks, etc. I love the pedestals for storage and I still using the top of the washer and dryer for folding/sitting folded piles of clothes even though it's higher. The small amount of cabinets have laundry baskets and the cat litter box in the lowers and cleaning products/pet supplies in the uppers.

We went from a very large mudroom/laundry room at our last house to this... it was painful at first but now it's working great for us! Good luck.