About Laundry Rooms

Laundry rooms should be an efficient location to care for and store laundry, clothing and cleaning supplies. Choosing a floor plan that suits the needs of the homeowner is essential in making the laundry space functional and practical. Easy access to a folding area and location to hang dry clothes should be included in every laundry room.

Function

A laundry room's main purpose should be an area in which to clean garments and other household washables. Some laundry rooms are combined with other rooms such as utility rooms and bathrooms, making it difficult to conceal soiled laundry. Many rooms utilize shelves to store clean clothes or household tools such as hammers, drills, brooms and dusters. For multipurpose rooms, choosing a spacious location that has ample room to perform laundry and other household tasks aids in productivity and prevents overcrowding.

Designs

Most laundry rooms incorporate a design theme that extends from the rest of the living area. Many modern or contemporary laundry rooms feature front-loading washers and dryers from brands such as Kenmore, Amana and Whirlpool. Stainless steel countertop spaces with large utility sinks are great additions to the contemporary laundry room. Deep farmhouse-style sinks can be used in place of utility sinks and are popular in French country or traditional-styled laundry rooms. Many country laundry rooms showcase vintage soap advertising signs and wallpaper borders inspiring country decor. Country-inspired laundry rooms may incorporate wicker baskets to hold items such as clothespins, sewing kits and fabric glues. Simple white designs incorporate clean-cut rooms that maintain a look of purity and freshness.

Features

In newer homes, laundry chutes are utilized for laundry rooms located in the basement or lower level --- offering tidiness and convenience. Some of the main features of a laundry room are built-in closed cabinets used to conceal unsightly cleaning products and small appliances. Closets or bins that conceal dirty laundry offer good storage capabilities in a laundry room. A pull-out ironing board and clothes rack for hanging pressed items is essential in simplifying various laundry tasks. Drying racks or clotheslines with hangers pamper delicate laundry that cannot be dried in a dryer. Laundry rooms that have ceramic or linoleum floors make debris and dirt cleanup easier as opposed to carpeting.

Size

Most laundry rooms are around 10 feet by 10 feet square --- allowing room for a washer and dryer, small sink and significant storage space. Larger laundry rooms that contain extra counter space with built-in desks double as locations where arts, crafts and household projects can be completed. For those with limited space in their laundry room area, a double-stacked washer and dryer will substitute for larger units.

Effects

Having a laundry room that fits the needs of the family or homeowner allows the laundry to flow efficiently. Having hampers set up for dirty clothes and tables for folding and sorting will help keep the area debris free. Organization is key in the laundry room and makes it easier for household members to recognize where to find their clean laundry. Having laundry products shelved within easy reach of the washer and dryer will allow for easy access of laundry soap and fabric softener agents --- producing neat, pressed and fresh-smelling laundry.