Black Beauty: Why Dark Appliances Are The New Must-Have In Laundries

Why Should I Consider Dark Laundry Appliances?

If you are looking for a bold laundry vibe, this is it. According to a recent survey by Houzz, black appliances are growing in popularity, second only to stainless steel as home renovators’ finish/colour of choice. And appliance manufacturers are sitting up and taking notice, releasing more washers and dryers in deeper hues.

“There has been a recognised trend over the last decade, with consumers moving away from traditional white finishes and drawing from different colour palettes to create a different, minimalist aesthetic,” confirms Shannon Tweedie, Home Appliances Marketing Manager at LG Electronics Australia.

The black steel finish is only part of the attraction with the LG WashTower 17kg-10kg Combo Washer Dryer, an innovative all-in-one design that is big on function, as well as form. The huge 17kg capacity washer means you save time by washing fewer loads (with more clothes) and you save on running costs with the 4 star WELS water rating and 10 star energy rating.

Equally clever and stylish is the black steel LG TWINWash Dual Washer System that lets you wash a regular load up top and a smaller load down below – all at the same time. 

What Are The Colour Options With Dark Laundry Appliances?

Deep greys to black and dark stainless steel are all options in the brave new world of dark laundry appliances. Chrome trims and tinted glass often feature in these sleek designs, which span all types of washer and dryer. For a uniform look, it’s best to match your washer and dryer shade.

Top loader devotees can get in on the act with the Samsung 8.5kg Top Load Washer in black with 12 washing programs, which let you tailor each load for optimum cleaning, and an impressive 4 star WELS water rating. Or the stainless steel LG 9kg Top Load Washer with plenty of capacity for a family of five or more. Prefer a front loader? Whether stacked or positioned side by side, the black LG 9kg Front Load Washer and the LG 9kg Heat Pump Dryer make a striking pair. And if you cannot decide between a black or grey finish, no problem. The Haier 8kg Front Load Washer is a deep grey with contrasting black control panel. An ideal capacity for smaller families (three to four people), it has advanced wash options that target stubborn stains and kills more than 99.99% of bacteria.

What Spaces Suit Dark Laundry Appliances?

While black appliances suit a modern aesthetic, there are no hard and fast rules. “Consumers are getting more and more creative with their design choices and spaces,” says Shannon Tweedie. “Once, laundries were hidden rooms, behind closed doors. Now we are seeing more and more people having fun with these spaces, and using colours and beautiful textures to really bring the area to life.” 

A dark washer and dryer can also deliver an instant makeover, so think about that when it comes time to upgrade your appliances. “Black can revive the look of a tired laundry while also complementing almost any design because of its ability to contrast well with colours and other shades of white and grey,” says Shannon Tweedie.

What Are The Design Rules With Dark Laundry Appliances?

Shannon Tweedie’s top tip is to look for darker-coloured appliances if you want a strong contrast – a black appliance in an otherwise light coloured room – or if you want to go tone-on-tone with dark wood cabinetry and black appliances. The second option matches adjoining surfaces in colour and texture to create a look that is cohesive, polished and definitely high-end.

How Do I Care For Dark Laundry Appliances?

There are no special requirements when it comes to cleaning dark appliances. Simply wipe down with a damp cloth to keep them looking their best. For stainless-steel surfaces, manufacturers recommend a soft, dry microfibre cloth. “For difficult messes, use a small amount of warm soapy water and wipe in the direction of the metal’s grain,” advises Shannon Tweedie. 

What Else Do I Need To Consider?

Good looks are one thing but when it comes to washing machines and dryers, functionality comes to the fore. Before upgrading, make sure your new appliance has all the smart features you need to make life easier, and that it delivers on energy efficiency so you save on running costs.