32 Best Laundry Room Layout Ideas
Let’s be honest—laundry rooms often get the short end of the stick.
They’re usually squeezed into tiny corners, tucked into basements, or treated like a utility space no one really thinks about until the mountain of clothes takes over.
1. Side-by-Side Washer and Dryer Setup
This is the most classic laundry room layout, and for good reason—it’s simple, functional, and easy to organize. Placing your washer and dryer side by side allows you to install a countertop above them for folding clothes, stacking baskets, or even hiding supplies in pretty bins.
When I switched from a stacked unit to side-by-side, I suddenly felt like I’d been given extra square footage. That counter space is pure gold. Plus, if your washer or dryer ever needs replacing, it’s easier to swap one without disturbing the other.
2. Stacked Washer and Dryer
For homes tight on space, a stacked washer-dryer layout is a lifesaver. You’ll typically see these in apartments or closet-style laundry rooms. The vertical arrangement frees up precious square footage, leaving room for shelves, hampers, or even a slim folding station.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, about 47% of new laundry rooms in smaller homes opt for stacked units to save space. It’s proof that compact doesn’t mean inefficient—it just means smarter design.
3. Galley-Style Laundry Room
Think of this as the kitchen layout for laundry rooms. Machines on one wall, storage and counter space on the opposite. This style works beautifully in narrow rooms because you can create a “work triangle” similar to kitchens—load, fold, and store in a straight flow.
When I helped a friend redo her galley laundry space, she went from feeling cramped to feeling like she had her own mini dry-cleaning shop.
4. Mudroom-Laundry Combo
If your entryway is always drowning in shoes, coats, and backpacks, combining your mudroom with your laundry room is a smart fix. This layout saves space by making one room serve two purposes: dirty shoes and dirty clothes both have a home.
According to Zillow, homes with combined mudroom-laundry rooms often resell for more because families love the convenience. It’s like the Swiss army knife of layouts—practical, compact, and hardworking.
5. U-Shaped Laundry Room
If you have a larger space, a U-shaped layout is perfect. Place the washer and dryer on one wall, then use the side walls for cabinets, a sink, and maybe even hanging rods. It creates a room where everything is within reach without feeling cluttered.
I once visited a U-shaped laundry that had folding on one side, drying racks on the other, and machines in the middle. It felt like stepping into an efficient control center.
6. L-Shaped Laundry Room
An L-shaped layout is one of the most flexible options. Machines go along one wall, and the perpendicular wall can hold storage, a sink, or an ironing station. This setup works whether your laundry room is big or small—it’s all about using that corner wisely.
If you’ve ever balanced a pile of laundry while trying not to drop socks on the stairs, this layout lets you set things down easily in between steps.
7. Laundry in the Kitchen
Not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated laundry room. In Europe, it’s common to have the washer in the kitchen, tucked under the counter. If your home layout doesn’t allow for a separate laundry space, integrating it into the kitchen keeps things neat.
Add a cabinet door to disguise the machine, and guests may not even realize it’s there.
8. Laundry Closet Layout
A laundry closet is basically the magic trick of home design—it hides all the mess behind doors. Perfect for small apartments or hallways, this layout usually involves a stacked washer-dryer and some shelving above.
I once lived in an apartment where I could shut the closet doors and pretend the laundry didn’t exist until I was ready. That kind of out of sight, out of mind design is underrated.
9. Laundry in the Bathroom
Pairing your laundry space with a bathroom makes sense—plumbing is already there, and it’s convenient to toss in towels right after a shower. This layout is common in Europe and increasingly popular in smaller U.S. homes.
The only downside? You’ll want good ventilation so your bathroom doesn’t smell like wet laundry.
10. Dedicated Folding Station
Instead of balancing clean laundry on your bed or couch, add a dedicated folding station to your layout. Even a small countertop above front-loading machines can change how efficient you feel.
In fact, research shows that dedicated laundry zones reduce the average laundry time per load by 20%. That’s hours back in your week.
11. Built-In Drying Racks
Not everything belongs in a dryer. Including pull-out drying racks in your laundry layout keeps your clothes lasting longer. These racks can be wall-mounted, slide-out drawers, or ceiling-mounted lines.
When I installed a retractable drying line above my washer, I realized I’d been over-drying delicate clothes for years. Now, they actually last more than one season.
12. Laundry and Home Office Combo
Sounds odd, but in smaller homes, combining a laundry and home office works surprisingly well. While clothes are spinning, you can tackle emails. Just make sure to use cabinets or screens to visually separate the zones so it doesn’t feel chaotic.
This is multitasking at its best—productivity plus fresh laundry.
13. Basement Laundry Layout
For decades, the basement laundry was the default. While it’s less convenient than having laundry near bedrooms, it’s still a popular choice. The key is making it feel less like a dungeon. Add bright lighting, storage, and maybe even a rug to warm up the space.
14. Garage Laundry Setup
If you’re short on indoor space, the garage can host a laundry zone. The downside is temperature changes, but with proper insulation and ventilation, it can work beautifully. Bonus: it keeps noise away from the main living areas.
15. Hidden Pull-Out Hampers
No one likes tripping over laundry baskets. Incorporating pull-out hampers into cabinets is a game-changer. It keeps dirty clothes organized (colors, whites, delicates) without cluttering the floor.
16. Laundry and Pantry Combo
Another clever two-in-one design: a laundry-pantry combo. It maximizes utility space while keeping essentials close. This works best in homes where the laundry is off the kitchen.
I once saw a pantry-laundry hybrid that had shelves of canned goods above the dryer. It felt like a tiny general store.
17. Small Nook Laundry Layout
Got an awkward corner? That’s the perfect spot for a nook-style laundry. Slide in a stacked washer-dryer, add a small shelf, and suddenly that wasted space has purpose.
18. Farmhouse-Style Layout
Sometimes layout is about style as much as function. A farmhouse-inspired laundry with open shelving, apron sinks, and rustic finishes makes the room feel warm. And let’s be real—anything looks less like a chore when it’s pretty.
19. Laundry With Utility Sink
Including a utility sink in your laundry layout is a huge help. From rinsing muddy shoes to soaking stained clothes, it saves countless trips to the kitchen. If you have the space, make it a priority.
20. Pet-Washing Station Addition
Pet owners, this one’s for you: include a pet washing station in your laundry room. It’s essentially a tiled mini-shower at floor level, perfect for cleaning muddy paws. This layout idea has grown in popularity, especially among new builds.
21. Open-Shelf Storage Layout
Skip the closed cabinets and opt for open shelving. It’s budget-friendly, makes supplies easy to grab, and keeps the space visually airy. Just invest in matching baskets or jars so it doesn’t look chaotic.
22. Laundry with Window Placement
If possible, put your laundry space near a window. Natural light makes folding more pleasant, and ventilation helps keep things fresh. I promise you, folding socks feels 20% less boring in sunshine.
23. Double Washer and Dryer Setup
Large families sometimes need double machines to keep up. A dual setup makes sense if laundry is constant in your house. While the upfront cost is higher, the time saved is worth it.
24. Laundry and Craft Room Combo
Why not combine two utility spaces? A laundry-craft combo makes sense if you already have tables, sinks, and cabinets in place. Plus, it’s kind of fun to fold laundry while keeping an eye on a DIY project drying nearby.
25. Overhead Cabinets Layout
Adding overhead cabinets above machines maximizes vertical space. It’s perfect for storing detergents, stain removers, and extra linens without cluttering the floor.
26. Narrow Hallway Laundry
Sometimes, the only space is a hallway. With clever bi-fold or pocket doors, a hallway laundry layout works just fine. You just need good organization—think slim shelves and stackable baskets.
27. Laundry Island
In larger laundry rooms, consider adding a laundry island in the center. It can be used for folding, sorting, or even ironing. Just like in kitchens, it becomes the hardworking hub of the room.
28. Washer and Dryer Under Counter
Instead of leaving machines exposed, tuck them under a continuous countertop. This design gives you one seamless workspace, which is both practical and visually clean.
29. Sliding Barn Door Entry
Technically not part of the machines, but the entrance matters. Swapping a swinging door for a sliding barn door saves space and adds charm. Especially handy in tight hallways.
30. Compact Studio Apartment Layout
In studio apartments, laundry often has to share space with living areas. A compact enclosed laundry nook with soundproofing can make life easier without disturbing your daily flow.
31. Luxury Spa-Inspired Laundry
If budget allows, treat yourself to a spa-inspired laundry layout—think natural stone, soft lighting, and built-in storage. Folding towels feels downright indulgent in a space like this.
32. Outdoor Laundry Room
In warmer climates, an outdoor laundry space can actually work. Covered patios or utility outbuildings can house machines while keeping indoor space free. It’s unconventional but practical in the right setting.
Conclusion On 32 Best Laundry Room Layout Ideas for Every Home
The right laundry room layout isn’t just about where the washer and dryer go—it’s about making the entire chore more efficient and less frustrating. From side-by-side setups to dual-purpose combos like mudroom-laundry spaces, there’s a solution for every home size and lifestyle.
I’ve lived with almost every kind of laundry room you can imagine: cramped closet setups, a basement dungeon, a spacious U-shaped dream. And every time I tweaked the layout, I noticed the difference immediately—it either made laundry smoother or turned it into an obstacle course.
