Small Bathroom Layouts with Stacked Washer Dryers
Adding laundry facilities into a small bathroom can maximize space and functionality. With some creative planning, you can design an efficient and stylish bathroom that seamlessly incorporates a washer and dryer. Using compact, stackable units and optimizing the layout are key for making laundry work in a tiny bath.
Strategic design provides both laundry access and a usable bathroom without sacrificing style or comfort. Here are helpful tips for planning and designing a functional small bathroom with stacked laundry.
Benefits of Compact Bathroom Laundry
Incorporating laundry into a small bathroom has several advantages:
- Saves space from a separate laundry room
- Adds convenience of doing laundry during bathroom routines
- Allows flexibility in small home floorplans
- Keeps laundry centralized and easy to access
- Allows doing laundry while getting ready or winding down
- Easier to maintain by containing lint and mess
Today's compact washers and dryers offer full functionality while fitting into tight spaces. Choosing the right size and configuration allows a small bath to still feel open and usable. Planning both laundry and bathing access makes the space fully multi-functional.
Design Considerations and Layouts
When incorporating laundry into a small bathroom, good design is needed to utilize the space effectively. Here are key factors to address in your layout:
- Ensure doorways are accessible when opening washer and dryer doors
- Confirm electrical and plumbing locations are convenient
- Select stackable or combo laundry units with a narrow footprint
- Plan for proper dryer venting to the exterior
- Include countertop or folding space near appliances
- Allow for laundry hampers or baskets to be accessible
- Include ventilation for moisture control
Stackable units work well for fitting laundry into tight bathrooms. Locating them in a closet, alcove, or against the wall maximizes remaining floor space. Top loaders allow stacking the dryer directly above while front loaders may require side-by-side installation.
Common Small Bathroom Laundry Layouts
- Hidden closet or cabinet with laundry machines
- Stacked units along one wall, corner, or between vanities
- Under-sink or in vanity laundry combo units
- Side-by-side floor units with narrow depth
- Laundry drawers installed below bathroom cabinetry
Design Tips for Integrating Laundry
To incorporate laundry seamlessly into a small bath, utilize design elements for both form and function. Creative touches can help laundry feel like part of the space. Here are ideas for an integrated look:
- Use matching colors and materials on machines and cabinets
- Incorporate laundry cabinets above appliances for a built-in look
- Add shelves or cubbies for laundry supplies and hampers
- Use pedestal drawers below stack sets for hidden storage
- Conceal laundry behind closet or pocket doors
- Select front loaders with finishes matching other bath fixtures
- Install units near electrical and plumbing lines to minimize changes
Keeping laundry organized helps maintain the clean look of a small bathroom. Baskets, shelves, and hampers near the machines provide needed sorting and staging space.
Maximizing Space with Stacked Laundry
For compact bathrooms, stacked laundry units provide an efficient way to fit washing and drying into a smaller footprint. Here are tips for maximizing space with stacked laundry:
- Look for 24-inch depth appliance sets to optimize narrow layouts
- Allow side access for venting behind dryers
- Install side-by-side units for his and hers sinks or vanities
- Choose front loaders that won't interfere with vanity doors
- Place units diagonally in a corner to gain side access
- Set under a window to utilize vertical space
Careful measuring for required clearances will ensure the layout works ergonomically. Stacking units helps save floor space while still allowing convenient access.
Laundry and Bathroom Combination Layouts
Combining bathing and laundry functions in one compact room allows maximizing a small footprint. Here are effective combo layout options:
- One wall with vanity and stacked laundry units
- Footprint places laundry and bathing in sequence
- Bathing area open while laundry access is concealed
- Half-bath with laundry closet or cabinet area
- Laundry Zone next to tub and shower area
A laundry and bath combo works well for guest baths, kid's bathrooms, and powder rooms. The pairing allows two useful functions in a room with one sink, toilet, and shower or tub option.
Planning Bathroom Stacked Laundry
Careful planning ensures your stacked laundry fits ergonomically into your compact bathroom. Here are steps for successful installation:
- Measure bathroom space and create layout plan
- Determine electrical and plumbing locations
- Order stackable washer and dryer set to fit layout
- Install units, safely securing for stacking
- Connect plumbing, electrical, and venting
- Test appliance functionality before finishing surfaces
Getting professional help for installing and connecting the laundry units is advised. The finished laundry area also needs upgraded flooring and moisture-resistant surfaces.
Maintaining a Functional Laundry Bathroom
Since laundry introduces increased moisture and lint into the bathroom, maintenance helps preserve surfaces and fixtures. Here are useful tips:
- Use mold-resistant paint and caulk throughout the space
- Run vent fans during laundry use to control humidity
- Leave washing machine doors open when not in use
- Clean dryer exhaust and ducts regularly to reduce fire risk
- Wipe down surfaces frequently to control lint and soap scum
Monitoring the space while operating laundry will identify any potential issues. Proper ventilation and surface care keeps the bath looking its best.
Selecting Bathroom Stacked Laundry Units
Choosing the right stacked laundry appliances ensures optimal function in your compact bathroom. Consider these factors when selecting units:
- High-efficiency washers use less water and energy
- Look for quiet operation suitable for small spaces
- Match dryer mechanics and capacity to washer size
- Review warranty coverage, reliability, and cost
- Choose finishes to coordinate with your bathroom decor
- Optimize size based on available space and layout
Laundry experts can help select the ideal stacked washer and dryer models for your needs. Reliable Energy Star certified units are best for bathroom installation.
Integrating laundry into a small bathroom creates appeal and convenience for homeowners. Buyers see additional benefits in a home with an efficient laundry bathroom combination:
- Multifunctional use of bathroom space
- More flexibility in floorplan layouts
- Convenient access for doing laundry
- Efficient use of plumbing in one location
- No need for separate laundry room