What Should I Put in My Utility Room?
Include these five things in your laundry zone to ensure you’ve made the most of the space
Amanda Pollard
28 April 2022
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
If you’re lucky enough to have space for a dedicated utility area in your home, it’s a good idea to plan it carefully. Decide what you want to incorporate before the layout is finalised, as forward thinking will allow you to make the most of the space you have. Here’s a rundown of must-have features and some tips on the size, type and position of each element.
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
A well-placed washing machine
The utility room is your dedicated laundry zone, so it’s a no-brainer that you’ll need a washing machine. However, it’s worth thinking carefully about its position.
Of course, an appliance located at ground level is perfectly fine, but you could also consider a more ergonomic option. In this utility space designed by Studio35 York, the washing machine is raised off the ground and a pull-out platform is positioned below it. The owner can easily pull garments out of the drum into the laundry basket without bending down and putting a strain on his or her back.
The utility room is your dedicated laundry zone, so it’s a no-brainer that you’ll need a washing machine. However, it’s worth thinking carefully about its position.
Of course, an appliance located at ground level is perfectly fine, but you could also consider a more ergonomic option. In this utility space designed by Studio35 York, the washing machine is raised off the ground and a pull-out platform is positioned below it. The owner can easily pull garments out of the drum into the laundry basket without bending down and putting a strain on his or her back.
A pull-out laundry basket
Similar ergonomics can be applied to your laundry basket. To avoid lugging a heavy load to the washing machine, locate your largest basket in the utility room – you can always have a smaller version in the bedroom or bathroom that you can use for transferring little and often.
Try a basket on wheels like the one in this space by Higham Furniture. An area has been left empty beneath the worktop to tuck the bin away, but it can be rolled out when needed and easily moved next to the appliance.
Similar ergonomics can be applied to your laundry basket. To avoid lugging a heavy load to the washing machine, locate your largest basket in the utility room – you can always have a smaller version in the bedroom or bathroom that you can use for transferring little and often.
Try a basket on wheels like the one in this space by Higham Furniture. An area has been left empty beneath the worktop to tuck the bin away, but it can be rolled out when needed and easily moved next to the appliance.
A drying rail
Clothes dried on a washing line outside are the ideal, but sometimes that’s just not possible – which is where a trusty indoor drying rail can come into its own. Maximise space in your utility room by installing a drying rack up high, preferably hanging from the ceiling.
In this home designed by Richard Parr + Associates, the utility room has a metal drying rail attached to a panel on the ceiling. It hangs in front of the window to catch the drying rays of any sunlight streaming in from outdoors.
Clothes dried on a washing line outside are the ideal, but sometimes that’s just not possible – which is where a trusty indoor drying rail can come into its own. Maximise space in your utility room by installing a drying rack up high, preferably hanging from the ceiling.
In this home designed by Richard Parr + Associates, the utility room has a metal drying rail attached to a panel on the ceiling. It hangs in front of the window to catch the drying rays of any sunlight streaming in from outdoors.
A practical sink
If you have the space, a sink will be invaluable in your utility room. Use it to hand-wash garments, to apply stain remover before machine washing, or to clean more heavy-duty items.
In this utility room designed by Lisette Voute Designs, the ceramic basin is positioned right next to the washing machine. It’s an ideal spot, as the owner can quickly throw pre-rinsed items into the drum without splashing the floor.
If you have the space, a sink will be invaluable in your utility room. Use it to hand-wash garments, to apply stain remover before machine washing, or to clean more heavy-duty items.
In this utility room designed by Lisette Voute Designs, the ceramic basin is positioned right next to the washing machine. It’s an ideal spot, as the owner can quickly throw pre-rinsed items into the drum without splashing the floor.
Perfectly planned storage
To really make the most of a utility room, storage is key. The hardworking space usually needs to house a multitude of items, including a cumbersome vacuum cleaner and ironing board. Maximise every inch of your room by measuring out your storage to fit exactly what you need.
Here, the team at Kia Designs have built a cupboard with the right dimensions needed for a vacuum cleaner, appliances and cleaning items. They’ve also included nifty wall-hung storage for the iron and ironing board.
If you’re planning to invest in some bespoke storage for your utility room, find carpenters and joiners in your area.
To really make the most of a utility room, storage is key. The hardworking space usually needs to house a multitude of items, including a cumbersome vacuum cleaner and ironing board. Maximise every inch of your room by measuring out your storage to fit exactly what you need.
Here, the team at Kia Designs have built a cupboard with the right dimensions needed for a vacuum cleaner, appliances and cleaning items. They’ve also included nifty wall-hung storage for the iron and ironing board.
If you’re planning to invest in some bespoke storage for your utility room, find carpenters and joiners in your area.
If you have more space, also consider including the following:
Outerwear storage
If your utility room is next to the back door, hooks, shelves and cabinets for boots, shoes and coats will be particularly useful. It’s here that you can keep all those outerwear items you don’t need every day and that would usually be cluttering up the hall.
In this scheme, the team at Design Squared Architects have incorporated a bench with pull-out drawers for shoes. The fronts are handily ventilated to allow the footwear to breathe.
Outerwear storage
If your utility room is next to the back door, hooks, shelves and cabinets for boots, shoes and coats will be particularly useful. It’s here that you can keep all those outerwear items you don’t need every day and that would usually be cluttering up the hall.
In this scheme, the team at Design Squared Architects have incorporated a bench with pull-out drawers for shoes. The fronts are handily ventilated to allow the footwear to breathe.
Pet paraphernalia
A utility room is ideal for stashing any extra food or equipment you might need for your pet. Plan a cabinet to store items and consider including a spot for your furry friend to rest away from the noise in the rest of the home.
In this utility room, the Canadian team at Soda Pop Design have built in two spaces for pet beds. The cosy recesses are just the right size for the small dogs to feel snug, safe and quiet.
Tell us…
Are you planning a utility room in your home? Is there anything else you’d include apart from these essentials? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
A utility room is ideal for stashing any extra food or equipment you might need for your pet. Plan a cabinet to store items and consider including a spot for your furry friend to rest away from the noise in the rest of the home.
In this utility room, the Canadian team at Soda Pop Design have built in two spaces for pet beds. The cosy recesses are just the right size for the small dogs to feel snug, safe and quiet.
Tell us…
Are you planning a utility room in your home? Is there anything else you’d include apart from these essentials? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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We managed to fit washing machine with tumble dryer on top behind the door of our downstairs loo. It has one outside wall and plumbing was not too expensive.
Had to remove the door to get them in but well worth the effort and bought a condenser tumbler dryer so no venting required.
I would add a dog washing shower for big dogs if you have them and small dogs can use the sink. Essential in the uk where the weather is not great for outdoor washing. Planning this for my utility room in a property I have just bought.
HU- the weather is pretty much the same here in France, but when we had a dog (a rescue Artesian basset who lived in a kennel, and then a rescued 'veteran' Alpine basset, who lived in the hallway), we just used buckets of warm water to wash them outside in the summer, and then dried them down a bit and they finished off lounging in the sunshine. Never bothered in the colder months!