Just because your laundry room is small doesn’t mean it can’t be functional, organised, and stylish. With the right layout, even the most compact space can work hard for your household. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply rethinking the current setup, here’s what you need to know about the best layouts for small laundry rooms.
Assess Your Space and Priorities
Before deciding on a layout, take time to measure your space carefully. Think about how you use the laundry—do you need room for folding, drying, or ironing? Will the laundry be a standalone space or combined with another room, like a bathroom or mudroom?
Understanding what’s essential will help guide your design choices and ensure the layout meets your daily needs.
Single-Wall Layout: Compact and Practical
A single-wall layout is one of the most space-saving solutions for small laundries. In this design, all appliances, storage, and benchtops are arranged along one wall, keeping everything streamlined and accessible.
This layout works particularly well in narrow spaces or laundries tucked into hallways, where there’s limited room to expand. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and easy to integrate into multi-purpose areas.
Galley Layout: Great for Narrow but Long Spaces
If your laundry room is narrow but long enough to accommodate cabinetry on both sides, a galley layout might be ideal. This design places appliances and storage along two parallel walls, creating more benchtop space without sacrificing a clear central walkway.
The key to a successful galley layout is balance—choose slimline cabinetry to avoid making the space feel cramped and ensure appliance doors won’t block the passage.
L-Shaped Layout: Adding Corner Efficiency
An L-shaped layout makes great use of a corner by extending cabinetry and benchtops along two adjoining walls. This layout offers extra work surface and storage while keeping the centre of the room open.
It’s a practical choice for small laundry rooms that share space with a bathroom or mudroom, allowing the laundry zone to blend seamlessly into a multi-functional area.
Stacked Appliances: Saving Floor Space Vertically
Stacking your washer and dryer is one of the easiest ways to free up floor space in a small laundry. By placing appliances vertically, you create room beside them for a folding station, sink, or storage.
To keep things looking tidy, consider enclosing stacked appliances in custom cabinetry. This creates a sleek, built-in finish that hides clutter and maintains a streamlined aesthetic.
Maximise Storage with Vertical and Custom Solutions
When floor space is limited, looking upwards is key. Overhead cupboards provide valuable storage for detergents, cleaning supplies, and laundry essentials without taking up precious bench space. Tall cabinets are perfect for stashing brooms, mops, and ironing boards out of sight.
Custom cabinetry can make a big difference in small laundries, allowing every inch to be tailored to your needs. If you’re planning a laundry room renovation in Baulkham Hills, explore tailored cabinetry, pull-out hampers, integrated drying racks, and other smart storage ideas through these laundry room renovation Baulkham Hills services to get the most out of your available space.
Don’t Forget Ventilation and Lighting
Good ventilation is crucial in a laundry to prevent moisture build-up and mould. Install an exhaust fan or ducted dryer system to improve air circulation. If there’s a window, use it to bring in fresh air whenever possible.
Lighting also plays a big role. Bright LED lighting helps the space feel larger and more inviting, while task lighting under cabinets can improve visibility for folding or sorting.
Work with a Professional to Maximise Results
Small laundry spaces can be tricky to design, and every decision matters when square metres are limited. Working with an experienced professional ensures your layout is both functional and efficient, avoiding costly mistakes or missed opportunities.
A renovation specialist can help you select the right layout, materials, and storage solutions that fit your space and needs—turning even the smallest laundry into a hardworking hub for your home.
Parting Advice
A small laundry doesn’t have to feel cramped or cluttered. With thoughtful planning and the right layout—whether it’s a single-wall, galley, L-shaped, or stacked design—you can create a space that’s both practical and stylish.
