Those are all options for sure. If your goal is to maximize storage, I think you could do a lot of damage by just reclaiming the storage space above the w/d. With a front loading washer, of any type, you gain back the space right above the units, and could build in deeper shelves above both the w/d, using the space all the way to the ceiling. If you opt for pedestals for the w/d (which makes them very ergonomic!) you would have the drawers below, also, though you'd want to be sure the bifold doors don't block those drawers too much. Open shelving over the w/d would be fine, since the whole closet has doors. You might need to support the shelving by tying into the ceiling above, but if you use sturdy materials and good rail supports along the walls, you could have some great storage space in all that open air! Just measure the tallest things you want each shelf to accommodate (like the laundry basket, etc), and make sure you have enough clearance at each level. What other functions do you want the laundry station to have? You can kind of use the top of the w/d themselves as a shelf, but I'd recommend against that as things have always fallen off of my front-loading washers during the spin cycles. But that space could be used as a folding area, for sure (not as convenient height-wise if you do pedestals.)

Agree with Melody Paskett.

Good ideas and probably the least expensive option too since rewiring would be $$. I was hoping to store some kitchen appliances in this closet since its right off the kitchen and those would be awkward to pull down off the shelves. But could definitely rethink that and move some other things around. Thank you!

@melody. Something like this?

I'd rethink the front load machines. I'm getting rid of mine. You need to leave the door open or mold builds up (the detergent dispenser also - I'd build more shelves and even bring them around the sides and up to the ceiling. Can you put regular doors that open out. Bi-folds are a pain. If looking for the best top load W/D check out the Speed Queen.

regarding mold... it all depends on your detergent. I switched detergents when i got a front loader after doing some research on it. I used molly's suds for awhile, then switched to seventh generation free and clear. I leave my washer door slightly ajar, which is important, so make sure you have space in your closet to do that. I've never gotten mold in either place, and it's been 5 years. I've used afresh to clean it a handful of times, but only after switching to seventh generation since it has more "stuff" in it than molly's suds does.

oh I also don't use liquid fabric softener either. I imagine that would gunk up a front loader even more.

Yes, you do need to leave the washer door ajar (and I use a facecloth to absorb excess water if I've done a slow-spinning load), but that's enough to keep it from getting mouldy. I use liquid detergent, but I am careful not to use too much and I dilute it a lot (as the instructions indicated). I think I was using way too much before - now I use barely more than a tablespoon per load. I will never go back to a top loading machine - I've been using front load washers for 15 years.

Leave the appliances alone. They're fine.

Install something like the Closet Maid products. Remove the existing shelf and install two pairs of standards, one pair over the washer and one pair over the dryer. Run the standards from below the appliance control panels to, say, a foot from the ceiling. Attach shallow wood shelves to the standards just above the control panels for detergent, bleach, etc. Install deeper wire shelves above those for other stuff. By using two sets of standards you'll have a lot of flexibility in how you arrange the shelves which you can move around anytime. If you buy the wire shelves at Home Depot, an employee will cut them to the lengths you need.

Not sure this is any help, but this was a closet converted to laundry room. I agree your appliances seem fine. I'm not a fan of front loaders.

https://blog.jennysteffens.com/our-little-laundry-room-creative-tips

If you can afford a heat pump dryer you won't need to run a new electrical line.

I have heard they take forever to dry clothing. Mixed reviews.

I have the same layout with only a closet instead of a laundry room. We tore out the fixed shelves and put in two wire racks with adjustable shelves to add more vertical storage to the closet.