Laundry rooms are often one of the most overlooked spaces in a home, yet they play an essential role in our daily lives. Especially in small homes or apartments, finding enough space to house a laundry room can be a challenge.
Even with limited square footage, it’s still possible to create a functional and visually appealing laundry room with a top loading washer. With some smart design solutions, a small laundry room can be transformed into an efficient and organized space that makes the chore of doing laundry less stressful.
In this blog post, I will explore some of the best small laundry room ideas with top loading washer, offering creative and practical solutions to make the most of your limited space. Whether you’re looking to maximize storage, add style, or improve functionality, I’ve got you covered with these small laundry room ideas.
Which items in small laundry room with top loading washer need to consider for makeover?
In a small laundry room with a top loading washer, the following items can benefit from a makeover:
- Cabinets or shelving: Consider adding more storage options, like additional cabinets or shelves, to make use of vertical space and keep laundry supplies organized.
- Lighting: Adequate lighting is important in a laundry room to help you see what you’re doing. Consider adding task lighting over the washer and dryer or a bright overhead light to improve visibility.
- Flooring: Durable and easy-to-clean flooring can make a big difference in a laundry room. Consider replacing old or damaged flooring with a material that can withstand spills and stains.
- Color: Choosing light, neutral colors on the walls and cabinets can help make a small laundry room feel brighter and more spacious.
- Organization tools: Consider adding laundry hampers or sorting systems to help keep dirty clothes organized and a designated place for laundry supplies.
- Drying space: Consider adding a drying rack or clothesline to your laundry room to reduce energy costs and make it easier to air-dry delicate items.
- Decor: Adding personal touches like artwork, plants, or decorative storage containers can help make a small laundry room feel more inviting and less utilitarian.
How to make the most of a small laundry room with top loading washer?
Utilize vertical space
In a small laundry room, every square inch counts. When you’re working with limited floor space, it’s essential to think vertically to maximize your storage and organization options. Utilizing the vertical space in your laundry room is key to creating a functional and efficient space that works for you.
Not only will it provide additional storage options, but it will also keep your floors clear and prevent clutter from taking over. Here are some ideas for how to utilize vertical space in your small laundry room:
- Shelving: Install shelves on the walls above your washer and dryer to create additional storage space for detergent, fabric softener, and other laundry essentials. Consider using baskets or bins to keep things organized and avoid clutter.
- Wall-mounted drying racks: If you don’t have space for a full-sized drying rack, consider installing a wall-mounted drying rack that can be folded down when not in use. This will free up valuable floor space and still provide you with a place to hang clothes to dry.
- Over-the-door storage solutions: Take advantage of the back of your laundry room door by installing an over-the-door organizer. Use it to store small items like stain remover, dryer sheets, and lint rollers.
Use multi-purpose furniture
When you have a small laundry room, it’s important to use storage solutions that are both practical and space-efficient. One way to do this is by using multi-purpose furniture. This means choosing furniture that can serve more than one function.
- Storage ottoman: A storage ottoman is a great option for a small laundry room. You can use it to store laundry supplies, such as detergent and fabric softener, and it can also double as a surface for folding clothes.
- Bench with storage baskets: A bench with storage baskets underneath can be a great addition to a small laundry room. You can use it to store laundry supplies or even to hold baskets of dirty laundry. Plus, the bench can provide a comfortable spot to sit while you fold clothes.
- Rolling cart: A rolling cart with shelves can be a versatile addition to a small laundry room. You can use it to store laundry supplies or even as a portable folding surface. Plus, you can easily move it around as needed.
- Bookshelf with fold-down table: If you have a small laundry room with limited space, a bookshelf with a fold-down table can be a great option. You can use the shelves to store laundry supplies and linens, and the fold-down table can be used as a surface for folding or ironing clothes.
- Ironing board with storage: If you need to iron clothes in your small laundry room, consider getting an ironing board that comes with built-in storage. This way, you can store your iron and other supplies in one convenient spot.
Optimize storage space
When you have a small laundry room, it’s essential to maximize every inch of available space, and this includes optimizing your storage solutions.
- Use baskets and bins: I found that using baskets and bins was a great way to keep my laundry supplies organized and accessible. I use small baskets to store dryer sheets, stain removers, and fabric softener, while larger bins hold detergent bottles and bleach. This way, I can easily find what I need without having to dig through a messy pile of supplies.
- Install a closet rod: Adding a closet rod to my small laundry room was a game-changer. I use it to hang up clothes that need to air dry or to keep my ironed clothes wrinkle-free. It’s also helpful for storing hangers when they’re not in use.
- Utilize stacking storage solutions: Because I have limited floor space in my laundry room, I found that using stacking storage solutions was a great way to make the most of my vertical space. I use a three-tier rolling cart with shelves to hold laundry baskets and a shelf unit to store towels and linens. This allows me to keep everything off the floor and out of the way.
- Use over-the-door organizers: I also found that over-the-door organizers were a great way to optimize my storage space. I use one to store my ironing board and iron, and another to hold my extra hangers. This way, I don’t have to sacrifice valuable floor space for these items.
Consider light and color
In designing a small laundry room, it’s important to consider the impact of light and color on the perception of space. From my own experience, I discovered that using light colors for the walls and cabinets had a significant effect on making my laundry room feel more spacious and open.
- Use light colors: Using light-colored paint on the walls and cabinets is an easy way to make a small laundry room with a top loading washer feel more open and spacious. Light blues, greens, and whites are great options to brighten up the space.
- Use mirrors: Mirrors can help reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space in a small laundry room. Placing a mirror on one wall or above a cabinet can make a big difference.
- Add good lighting: Good lighting can also make a small laundry room feel brighter and more welcoming. Consider adding an overhead light fixture or task lighting above your work area. Natural light is also a great option if available.
- Create a focal point: Adding a bold pop of color or pattern to one wall can help draw the eye away from the small size of the room. Consider adding a colorful backsplash or painting one wall a bright color.
10 small laundry room styles with top loading washer
Here are 10 decor styles for small laundry room ideas with top loading washer:
Farmhouse
Incorporate elements such as rustic wood shelves, woven baskets, and vintage-inspired signage to create a cozy and charming atmosphere.
Modern
Opt for sleek and minimalist designs, such as floating shelves, chrome hardware, and a monochromatic color scheme to create a clean and streamlined look.
Industrial
Utilize metal shelving, exposed brick, and concrete floors to create an edgy and modern industrial vibe.
Coastal
Add touches of blue and green with seashell decor, driftwood accents, and a light and airy color palette to create a calming coastal oasis.
Traditional
Incorporate classic elements such as patterned wallpaper, traditional cabinetry, and decorative molding to create a timeless and elegant space.
Eclectic
Mix and match different styles, textures, and patterns to create a unique and eclectic look. For example, pair a vintage rug with a modern light fixture and colorful art.
Scandinavian
Keep it simple and clean with white walls, light wood accents, and black or neutral details to create a cozy and minimalist Scandinavian style.
Bohemian
Incorporate vibrant colors, patterns, and textures with plants, macrame accents, and woven baskets to create a boho-inspired laundry room.
Retro
Add a touch of nostalgia with vintage-inspired appliances, bright colors, and retro wallpaper for a playful and fun vibe.
Glam
Add touches of gold or silver with sleek metallic hardware, a statement light fixture, and glamorous decor accents for a luxurious and sophisticated laundry room.
Small laundry room ideas with top loading washer
Make the most of vertical space with wall-mounted shelves and storage baskets in your small laundry room.
Add a pop of color to your laundry room with a bright accent wall or cabinet.
Incorporate multi-purpose furniture, like a folding ironing board or a storage bench, to save space in your small laundry room.
Use a tension rod and some S-hooks to create extra hanging space in your small laundry room.
Keep laundry supplies organized with labeled storage bins and containers.
Consider adding a built-in hamper or sorting system to keep dirty clothes off the floor.
Install a drying rack or clothesline to make air-drying clothes more convenient and energy-efficient.
Choose a durable and easy-to-clean flooring option, like tile or vinyl, for your small laundry room.
Add a decorative rug or runner to add a touch of personality to your laundry room.
Make the most of natural light by keeping windows unobstructed and using sheer curtains or blinds to diffuse harsh sunlight.
FAQs
How large is a laundry room?
The size of a laundry room can vary greatly depending on the layout and design of a home, as well as personal preferences and available space. However, a common size for a laundry room is around 5 feet by 8 feet, or 40 square feet, which is enough space for a washer, dryer, and some storage options.
What can I put on my laundry room walls?
- Wallpaper or paint
- Wall decals or stickers
- Shelving units or storage cabinets
- Hooks or pegboards for hanging items
- Mirrors or artwork
- Corkboard or dry erase board
- Floating shelves or display shelves
- Woven baskets or wire baskets for storage
- Fabric curtains or window treatments
- Wall-mounted drying racks.
How to hide the top loading washer?
3 ways you can hide the top loading washer in small laundry room
- Conceal with a curtain
- Create a built-in cabinet
- Use a folding screen
How much room is needed for a top load washer?
For a top-loading washer, it’s recommended to have at least two feet of clearance on top of the appliance to allow for easy opening and closing of the lid. Additionally, the washer should have enough space around it for proper ventilation and maintenance access.
The exact amount of room needed may vary depending on the model and manufacturer, so it’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s specifications for clearance requirements. A space of at least 30 inches wide by 32 to 34 inches deep is recommended for a top-loading washer.
Why are there no top load dryers?
There are no top-loading dryers available on the market because they would be impractical and inefficient. Top-loading washers have a vertical orientation, which allows gravity to assist in the washing process, but this design would not be effective for a dryer.
A top-loading dryer would require a drum that is mounted vertically, which would result in clothes getting bunched up and tangled during the drying process. Additionally, a top-loading dryer would not be able to accommodate a large capacity, which is important for drying large loads of laundry efficiently.
For these reasons, manufacturers only produce front-loading dryers, which have a horizontal drum orientation and a larger capacity, allowing for more efficient drying and better results.
What if you don’t have a laundry room to put top loading washer?
If you don’t have a dedicated laundry room, there are still options for using a top-loading washer.
- One option is to place the washer in a nearby closet or utility room with proper ventilation and electrical connections. You may need to modify the space slightly to accommodate the washer, such as adding shelving or storage solutions.
- Another option is to use a portable or compact top-loading washer, which can be used in a variety of spaces, including apartments, RVs, and small homes. These units are typically smaller than traditional top-loading washers and can be moved easily to different locations as needed.
- Finally, you could also consider a combination washer-dryer unit, which combines both appliances into a single unit and can be a space-saving solution for smaller homes or apartments.
Conclusion
A small laundry room with a top loading washer doesn’t have to be a challenge to design and decorate. By utilizing vertical space, multi-purpose furniture, storage optimization, and thoughtful consideration of lighting and color, you can transform your small laundry room into a functional and stylish space. With the small laundry room ideas with top loading washer in this post, you can make the most of your space and make laundry day a little more enjoyable.