Homes come in all shapes and sizes, and let's face it, not everyone has the luxury of a spacious laundry room. Whether you're working with a compact apartment, a narrow laundry nook, or even a cupboard tucked under the stairs, there are plenty of clever ways to make the most of your space without sacrificing style or functionality.
If you've got front-loading machines, stacking them is one of the quickest ways to free up floor space. With a proper stacking kit (always essential for safety), you can instantly reclaim half your laundry area. This newly available space can be transformed into a storage zone with base cabinets, a home for laundry baskets, or even a compact benchtop for folding.
Stacking works particularly well in narrow spaces like hallway laundries or converted cupboards, where every square metre counts. Just make sure you leave enough clearance above for accessing the dryer door comfortably.
When floor space is at a premium, the walls become your best friend. Installing shelving above your washing machine and dryer creates valuable storage for detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, and all those cleaning essentials that tend to clutter benchtops. Floating shelves offer a modern, streamlined look while keeping everything within easy reach.
For those really committed to maximising vertical space, consider a floor-to-ceiling cabinet. These tall, narrow units make use of every centimetre of wall height and can house everything from cleaning supplies to spare towels and bed linen. The key is choosing a design that complements your home's aesthetic, whether that's sleek white cabinetry for a contemporary feel or warm timber for a more coastal vibe.
Maximise tight laundry spaces by installing floating shelves above your washer and dryer to keep detergents, baskets, and cleaning essentials organised and within easy reach.
A benchtop over your appliances is a game-changer for laundry efficiency. It provides the perfect surface for folding clothes, treating stains, or sorting washing. Many Australian homes are now incorporating extended benchtops that run along one wall, creating both workspace and storage underneath.
Consider adding a small sink to your benchtop setup if plumbing allows. This is incredibly handy for soaking delicates, hand-washing woollens (essential for those winter jumpers), or pre-treating stubborn stains before they hit the machine. Pair it with a stylish tap and you've got a feature that's both practical and visually appealing.
A built-in benchtop over the appliances provides essential workspace for folding clothes and treating stains, while the integrated sink handles hand-washing tasks.
Sorting laundry doesn't have to mean ugly plastic baskets scattered across the floor. Built-in pull-out hampers are a sleek solution that keeps dirty clothes hidden away while making sorting effortless. Designate separate bins for whites, colours, and delicates so that washing day becomes a matter of simply grabbing a basket and starting a load.
Alternatively, wall-mounted sorting systems or tiered baskets can work beautifully in smaller spaces. Look for options in natural materials like seagrass or canvas that bring warmth and texture to the room.
This clever tilt-out hamper integrates discreetly into the lower cabinetry, eliminating the need for unsightly plastic baskets on the floor.
Not every load needs the dryer, and with the rising cost of electricity, air-drying is both economical and better for your clothes. The trick is finding drying solutions that don't permanently eat into your space.
Retractable clotheslines can be mounted on any wall and tucked away when not in use. Wall-mounted fold-down racks offer similar flexibility, perfect for apartments or smaller homes where a permanent drying area isn't feasible. For those with higher ceilings, a ceiling-mounted pulley system (like the classic Sheila Maid) allows you to hoist wet clothes up and out of the way while they dry.
If you have outdoor space, even a small courtyard or balcony can accommodate a fold-away clothes airer that makes the most of Australia's sunny climate.
This wall-mounted fold-down drying rack swings up completely flat when not needed, offering an economical alternative to tumble drying whilst preserving valuable floor and benchtop space in compact laundries.
There's hidden storage potential everywhere if you know where to look. The inside of cabinet doors can hold hooks for cleaning brushes, small mesh bags, or even a mounted ironing board that folds away. Magnetic strips are brilliant for corralling metal items like scissors, pegs, or safety pins.
The gap between your washing machine and the wall (or between stacked appliances and an adjacent wall) might seem useless, but a slim rolling cart can slide perfectly into these spaces. Use it to store frequently grabbed items like stain removers, fabric refreshers, or dryer balls.
Don't forget about the space above the door. A small shelf installed here can hold items you don't need daily but want to keep accessible, like spare light globes, cleaning gloves, or that bottle of eucalyptus oil you only use occasionally.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry with pull-out wicker baskets, open cubbies, and integrated appliances proves that every inch counts when designing a highly functional laundry room.
Good lighting is often overlooked in laundries but makes a significant difference when you're checking for stains or matching socks. If your laundry lacks natural light, consider adding under-cabinet LED strips or a bright overhead fixture. Task lighting above the benchtop ensures you can see exactly what you're doing, while ambient lighting creates a more pleasant environment overall.
Large steel-framed windows flood this sage-green laundry with natural light for precision stain checking, while pendant fixtures provide layered task lighting that transforms the workspace into a bright, functional environment.
Never underestimate the power of a good hook. Install several along a wall or the back of the door for hanging clothes that need to air out, keeping the iron handy, or storing reusable shopping bags. A small rail can serve the same purpose while adding a touch of style, especially if you choose brass or matte black finishes that complement your fixtures.
Over-the-door organisers with multiple pockets are perfect for storing all those small items that tend to go missing: dryer sheets, lint rollers, stain sticks, and spare pegs. They keep everything visible and accessible without taking up any precious floor or shelf space.
Wall-mounted hooks in a coordinating finish provide functional hanging storage while maintaining this laundry room's cohesive, clutter-free aesthetic.
The best laundry setup is one that suits your household's specific needs. If you have young children you might prioritise the storage of liquids at higher heights, while those in apartments might focus on compact, multi-purpose solutions. Think about your laundry routine and what causes the most frustration, then tackle those pain points first.
Whether you're working with a full room or a converted cupboard, these ideas can be mixed and matched to create a laundry space that's both hardworking and easy on the eyes. After all, if you're going to spend time doing the washing, you mi
Feature Image: Horton Construction, Northern Beaches Builder
