How to create a bathroom-laundry combo

With so many of us spending more time at home, our spaces must be flexible enough to meet our needs, whether it’s a dining room-cum-home office or a bedroom with a corner set aside for exercise equipment. A bathroom-laundry combo is another genius way to free up space. Here’s what to consider when combining a bathroom and laundry in your renovation or new build.

Why Bathroom-Laundry Combos Are Trending Now

Combining a laundry and a family bathroom makes sense if you are trying to maximise living space in your home layout.

“The good news is, the latest washing machines and dryers are more compact than ever, saving you space, while still delivering all the smart features and functionality you need,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer ‒ Laundry.

Combining your wet areas can free up space that you can use for other purposes. Did someone say new home office? Second living room? Bigger kitchen perhaps?

“It is a practical solution as a way to save space,” says interior designer Corinne Bolton of Elm Interiors. “We have seen it in apartments, and it definitely works.”

“The latest washing machines and dryers are more compact than ever, saving you space, while still delivering all the smart features and functionality you need.”

How To Create The Dream Bathroom-Laundry Layout

Now the big question is, how do you fit a washing machine, dryer, sink and storage in along with all the bathroom fixtures?

For Corinne Bolton, a successful design hinges on ventilation (exhaust fan), circulation (ease of navigation) and aesthetics. “Aesthetics are important, and you may wish to put your laundry behind folding doors,” she says.

Concealing the laundry behind pocket, hinged, sliding or bi-fold doors, like you see in European laundries, will hide any clutter so the bathroom stays tidy.

If renovating, your laundry layout will need to work in with existing plumbing, plus access points. And keep in mind there might not be room for everything you’d find in a dedicated laundry. Corinne says a bench might not be possible in a small space. “You need to be clever about space and how you lay things out so that you can circulate in that room,” she says.

“Meanwhile, for a clever storage option, you can get a drawer, which sits on the floor, that the washing machine goes on and you can put products in that, while elevating the machine.”

How To Make Your Bathroom-Laundry Work For You

“Stacked appliances are great,” says Corinne. Why? Wall-mounting your dryer above a front-loading washing machine, or stacking your appliances on top of each other using a stacking kit, means you only need to allow for one appliance footprint in the floor plan. That way, you’ll free up space for storing cleaning products, your iron and other essentials.

Of course, choosing the right laundry appliances is crucial. The stylish and energy-efficient LG WashTower 12kg-9kg Combo Washer Dryer is a brilliant all-in-one stacked solution. Super-shy on space? The Miele 8kg-4kg Combo Washer Dryer is the more compact way to go if you don’t need a large dryer capacity.

“Heat pump dryers are also a wise move in steam-heavy spaces like bathroom-laundries because they don’t release moisture into the air,” says Peter Simic. The generous-sized Bosch 9kg Heat Pump Dryer means fewer loads for busy households.

In larger spaces, the Asko Vented Drying Cabinet makes a great inclusion with a 10kg drying capacity for footwear, bulky jackets and other items you wouldn’t place in a traditional tumble dryer.

Oh, and don’t forget the laundry accessories and grooming tools ‒ the ultimate finishing touches in a bathroom-laundry combo!

Visit us in store or online for a huge range of the latest washer and dryer appliances. Once you’ve got your appliances sorted, you’ll be well on your way to creating a functional yet stylish space. For more tips and inspiration, visit our home renovation ideas page.