Combining a laundry area with a bathroom is a smart space-saving solution for small homes, apartments, and condos. By tucking a washer and dryer into a bathroom, you consolidate water-related activities into one room and free up space elsewhere. From hidden laundry behind cabinet doors and stacked units in corners to under-counter installations and vertical storage solutions, here are twelve laundry in bathroom designs to inspire your next renovation.
1. Hidden Laundry Behind Cabinet Doors
Conceal your washing machine and dryer behind custom cabinet doors that match your bathroom vanity. When the doors are closed, the room looks like a sleek, uncluttered bathroom. When open, the laundry area is fully accessible. This design works best with front-loading machines that can be installed under a countertop. Use the space above for folding or storage.
2. Stacked Laundry in a Corner
If floor space is tight, stack your washer and dryer in a corner of the bathroom. Use a vertical stacking kit to place the dryer above the washing machine. Build a narrow cabinet or shelf beside the stack for detergent and supplies. This design leaves the rest of the bathroom free for a vanity, toilet, and shower or tub. Use a corner to maximize every inch.
3. Laundry Under a Countertop
Install front-loading washer and dryer units under a continuous countertop, next to or opposite the bathroom vanity. This creates a seamless work surface for folding clothes, setting down laundry baskets, or displaying toiletries. Use the cabinets above for laundry supplies and extra towels. This design works well in larger bathrooms or in homes where the bathroom doubles as a mudroom.
4. Laundry in a Wet Room
A wet room design makes the entire bathroom waterproof, allowing you to place the washer and dryer anywhere without worrying about water damage. The open, seamless design works especially well in small spaces. Use a glass partition or half-wall to separate the shower area from the laundry area. Keep both the washer and dryer elevated on a waterproof base to protect them from standing water.
5. Laundry Tower Between Vanity and Shower
Build a tall, narrow laundry tower that fits between the bathroom vanity and the shower enclosure. Stack the washer and dryer vertically in this tower, with a pull-out hamper below or shelves above for supplies. This design makes use of an otherwise wasted gap and keeps all laundry functions in one compact footprint. Use the tower to also store extra toiletries.
6. Laundry Behind Bifold or Pocket Doors
Save even more space by hiding the laundry area behind bifold doors or a pocket door. Bifold doors fold neatly to the side, while pocket doors slide into the wall cavity. When the laundry is not in use, close the doors to hide any mess. This design is perfect for renters or for homeowners who want a clean, minimalist look. Choose doors that match your bathroom cabinetry.
7. Laundry with Pull-Out Drying Rack
Incorporate a pull-out drying rack above the washer and dryer or inside a tall cabinet. The rack slides out when needed for air-drying delicates and tucks away when not in use. This is especially useful in bathrooms without space for a freestanding drying rack. Choose a retractable clothesline or a wooden accordion rack that complements your bathroom decor.
8. Laundry with Built-In Hamper
Build a pull-out or tilt-out hamper into your bathroom laundry cabinetry. The hamper can be divided into lights and darks and sits directly below or beside the washer. When the hamper is full, simply pull it out, sort the laundry, and load the machine. This design keeps dirty clothes concealed and makes laundry day more efficient. Use mesh bags for easy transport.
9. Laundry and Linen Storage Combo
Combine your laundry area with linen storage in one tall cabinet unit. Use the lower section for the washer and dryer (stacked or side by side). Use the upper section for shelves or drawers holding towels, sheets, and toiletries. Keep laundry detergent and other supplies on a shelf between the machines and the linens. This is a highly efficient use of vertical space.
10. Laundry in a Powder Room
Even a small powder room (half bath) can accommodate a stacked washer and dryer. Use a vertical stacking kit to fit both machines in a corner or closet. Keep the rest of the room minimal—a pedestal sink, a small toilet, and perhaps a narrow shelf for supplies. This is an excellent solution for apartments or small homes with no other laundry space. Add a motion-sensor light for convenience.
11. Laundry with Glass-Front Upper Cabinets
Add elegance to your bathroom laundry area with glass-front upper cabinets above the washer and dryer. Use the cabinets to display neatly folded towels, pretty glass jars, or decorative items. Interior lighting makes the display even more striking. The glass-front cabinets add style while providing storage. This works well in bathrooms where the laundry area is visible and you want it to look polished.
12. Laundry Behind a Sliding Barn Door
Add rustic charm to your bathroom laundry area with a sliding barn door that conceals the washer and dryer. The door slides on a track mounted above the opening, saving space and adding visual interest. Use a solid wood door or a door with a frosted glass panel. The barn door can be left open during laundry use and closed when guests visit. This works well in farmhouse or rustic-style bathrooms.
Conclusion
Combining a laundry area with your bathroom is a practical and space-efficient solution for small homes, apartments, or any home where every square foot counts. Whether you choose to hide the laundry behind cabinet doors, stack the units in a corner, install them under a countertop, or use a tall tower between fixtures, there is a design to suit your space and style. Consider the workflow—from hamper to washer to dryer to folding—and design your layout accordingly. With thoughtful planning, your bathroom laundry area can be both beautiful and highly functional.