5 Savvy Tips For A More Efficient And Stylish Laundry Room

According to StudyFinds, 68% of people dread doing laundry. Depending on the number of people in your household and your activity level, laundry might also be a daunting chore. However, it could become much less tiresome when the laundry area is more organized and welcoming. The ability to be organized comes from how the room is designed and optimized to meet your household's needs and the equipment available. So improving this area may require you to start from scratch.

Some factors that can guide how you design your laundry room include how often the laundry needs to be done, what time of the day it's done, what needs washing, and if any air-drying is required, via House Plans Helper. Designing a laundry room most suited for you will make all the difference in reducing the dread of this chore. Here are savvy tips for a more efficient and stylish laundry room!

Laundry rooms are typically located in garages or basements due to the noise of the machines, but some people like having them close so that they're easier to get to. Choose what location in your home works best for you. Superdraft recommends somewhere between indoors and outdoors or water-approved places like the bathroom or kitchen if space is limited. If the laundry room is closer to the bedrooms or other areas where people frequent, consider rugs and a soundproof door, advises Curated Interior.

Some other spaces that can be combined with the laundry room are the mudroom or an extra closet. However, if the mudroom is in a transitional area like a hallway or the front of the house, you need to be mindful of keeping it clutter-free. The closet behind the door can also be optimized to have flexible storage items or other laundry tools that can be pulled out and tucked back in, says Organized Interiors.

Your laundry room should be laid out to make the process more efficient and seamless. If you're working with a tight space, stacking your washer and dryer on top of each other will be the best choice. Front-loading washers also tend to clean clothes better and give you a break from bending down constantly, says HomeServe. Another tip to maximize a small space is to use the wall. Try to hang up items like drying racks and ironing boards, so they don't take up floor space.

With your appliances now vertical, you should have more counter and storage space! Consider sorting the laundry, loading it in, and then bringing it out to fold, says Curated Interior. Where do you grab the detergent and dryer sheets from facing the washer? This will help you determine how to layout the room. If there is sufficient space to keep the place organized, try to have closed storage to hide clutter.

When the laundry room has unsorted items, washing can feel overwhelming before you even begin. Get containers and bins to store everything you need in an organized manner, so you don't have to see them every time you come into the room. Detergents, dryer balls, and other products you use every time you wash your clothes can be in a portable caddy that can be pulled out when you need them, like this option showcased on Practical Perfection, which sits between the washer and dryer. Other items like mesh bags and stain brushes that you might not use frequently can be stored out of sight.

Larger items like steamers and drying racks should also have dedicated spaces. Store the steamer in a safe, dry place and hang the drying rack on the wall to save space. The laundry is the main star of the show, so make sure you have baskets or bins that are big enough to hold the clean and dirty linens comfortably. That is, ensure they aren't constantly overflowing and making the room look messy.

The washer and dryer are essential appliances in a laundry room. How this chore feels and the process that goes into it is significantly impacted by how these machines work, so choose smartly. There are many options with priorities ranging from energy efficiency to durability. The different appearances also come with their pros and cons. For example, washers that load from the top tend to use less water and are more affordable than those that load from the front. However, they are usually smaller and harsher on materials, via Consumer Reports.

The right appliance will also support your needs perfectly. Your dryer should have twice the capacity of the washing machine so you can wash and dry at about the same pace, advises Digital Trends. Some other perks you can consider when getting machines are low-noise, self-cleaning, and steaming. A utility sink is another appliance you might include in the laundry room to take care of your handwashing needs.

For a more efficient and stylish laundry room, prioritize functional style. The countertops, floors, and other surfaces should look good but sturdy enough to withstand anything. Stone for the countertops is the most aesthetically pleasing option, but a solid surface material is more durable, affordable, and easier to repair, via Designing Idea. There are endless styles on floors, but your choice should be waterproof and resistant to scratches and stains, and it should also be highly durable and easy to maintain. Storage baskets and shelves should also be made of water-resistant materials. ArchDaily advises steel and plastic over wood, which must be adequately treated.

Now for the décor! The laundry room won't be seen as much as other parts of the house, so take the opportunity to do something fun with it. Invite color and texture with plants or an interesting wallpaper pattern. You can also hang up some relevant wall art or add a statement lighting fixture to make it feel elegant, suggests Practical Perfection.