Software
Houzz Logo Print
daledouma

need help with laundry room

8 years ago


I would love some input as to the layout of this room. We aim to have countertop over the washer dryer and have a washtub beside the washer ideally. due to the typical swing of the doors of the laundry it suggests the dryer be beside the washtub. any thoughts on how to improve this? Or do we just settle on finding the rare machine that opens the opposite direction? the storage on the other side is currently planned floor to ceiling to maximize storage.

thank you in advance

Comments (20)

  • 8 years ago

    Since it is a small room, it would work to have the washer where it is, the sink right next to the washer (where the dryer is currently located, storage where the sink is, and the dryer directly opposite the washer.

  • 8 years ago
    Have you considered a pocket door?
  • 8 years ago

    Many dryers are available which allow you to change the way they open. The only thing you have to be concerned with if it matters to you if the washer and dryer do not match i.e are of different brands. As long as they are the same color it should be fine. You want the dryer to open away from the washer otherwise if the washer is a front loader it will almost be impossible to transfer the clothes. The washer should be next to the sink if it is not already-they can share plumbing lines easier.

  • 8 years ago

    A pocket door could be the solution. They are not my favourite but in this case might be the answer. We were considering swapping the swing of the door for the dryer and using a top loader so no appliance doors were in the way but that eliminates the countertop on top of the appliances. We were hoping for floor to ceiling storage on the other side which is why we haven’t thrown the sink or countertop across the walking space. These are good ideas though and thanks for the input so far. I still feel like there may be a “perfect option” we haven’t thought of yet...

  • 8 years ago

    most (all?) electrolux models have reversible doors on both the washer and dryer

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I was having trouble finding washers with reversible doors. Will need to look at these ones. That would work nicely as many dryers can switch door direction.

  • 8 years ago

    A sliding barn door might also work, if your decor allows for this.

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    The electrolux 517 and 617 front loader washers have reversible doors. So that would allow the configuration you want.

    Fortunately for you, the electrolux machines are actually pretty solid machines that perform really well.
  • 8 years ago

    I guess I should have looked into that brand. Never considered it honestly.

  • 8 years ago

    You could put the washer and dryer on the other wall with a broom pantry. Then have sink across from the washer in countertop with under and upper cab storage on the other.

  • 8 years ago

    The swing of my LG would be toward your window. Just make sure you have enough room for the door to fully open and you can stand/bend in front of it. And don't f0rget about the dryer vent.

  • 8 years ago
    We have a pocket door & it is the perfect solution. Our dryer could have the door open either way.----just had to remind the installer when he came.
  • 8 years ago
    I forgot to add that mine is an LG dryer.
  • 8 years ago

    Is this new or existing construction? I had a setup with a stacked washer and dryer, where the washer door opened towards a sink. If I had soaked or washed something in the sink and then moved it to the washer, the door on the washer was always in the way. In a room that size I would move the washer and dryer to the storage area, and move the sink the where the washer was at.


  • 8 years ago

    It is new build. In my head I pictured the washer door opening all the way so it would be flush with the cabinet below the sink. Did your machine not open all the way or was it still an issue? Thanks for the input

  • 8 years ago

    It was an Electrolux washer, the door opened 180 degrees, but the bulge on the interior of the window stuck out almost a foot. It just had a knack for getting in the way.

  • 8 years ago

    Do you really use the sink? I find with todays washing machines and pre treater sprays, I soak very rarely. I ended up not putting one in my new laundry room and honestly have never missed it.

  • 8 years ago

    Had one and didn't use it much. Now that I have a rambunctious little boy that if I put him in a straight jacket and locked him in a padded room, he'd still come out covered in mud, blood and grass stains, missing his underwear and wearing a different little boy's socks, I could really use a sink.

  • 8 years ago

    we have a number of kids... the sink is quite important at least for this stage in life.