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What to Do if You Don’t Have Space for a... Utility Room
No dedicated laundry space? A professional can help you creatively integrate a washing machine and dryer into your home
A dedicated space for washing, drying, ironing and folding clothes is a dream not every house can accommodate. The classic ‘washer under the kitchen worktop’ arrangement does the job, but these designers’ clever approaches show there are ways to get some of the utility room functionality, even if you don’t have a full utility space.
Browse these brilliant ideas for tucking away washing machines, tumble dryers and functional mess, and save your favourites to an ideabook.
Also in this series: What to Do if You Don’t Have Space for a… Home Office l What to Do if You Don’t Have Space for a… Dining Room
Browse these brilliant ideas for tucking away washing machines, tumble dryers and functional mess, and save your favourites to an ideabook.
Also in this series: What to Do if You Don’t Have Space for a… Home Office l What to Do if You Don’t Have Space for a… Dining Room
Set aside some of your kitchen space
Most homes already have a washing machine in the kitchen, so, if space allows, why not set aside a dedicated laundry nook, as in this kitchen by Cor Domi? This nook incorporates some of the key functions of a utility room: a washing machine, a dedicated sink, and plenty of storage, including a cupboard tall enough to hold an ironing board.
This utility corner is meant to be tucked away behind big doors when not in active use, but Cor Domi still made sure it fits the design of the rest of the kitchen, with the same black cabinetry and brass hardware.
Tempted to create a utility space? Get advice from an interior designer or builder.
Most homes already have a washing machine in the kitchen, so, if space allows, why not set aside a dedicated laundry nook, as in this kitchen by Cor Domi? This nook incorporates some of the key functions of a utility room: a washing machine, a dedicated sink, and plenty of storage, including a cupboard tall enough to hold an ironing board.
This utility corner is meant to be tucked away behind big doors when not in active use, but Cor Domi still made sure it fits the design of the rest of the kitchen, with the same black cabinetry and brass hardware.
Tempted to create a utility space? Get advice from an interior designer or builder.
Tuck a utility area into an existing cupboard
If you don’t have a space for a new nook, try tucking your machines or a mini utility room into an existing storage cupboard, if structure, plumbing, wiring, ventilation and permissions allow.
This example from Good Bones Design Build works an entire utility room, including machine, sink and storage, into this cupboard area, but you could alternatively focus on just a washing machine and shelving.
If you don’t have a space for a new nook, try tucking your machines or a mini utility room into an existing storage cupboard, if structure, plumbing, wiring, ventilation and permissions allow.
This example from Good Bones Design Build works an entire utility room, including machine, sink and storage, into this cupboard area, but you could alternatively focus on just a washing machine and shelving.
Borrow space from elsewhere
In this home, designer Allison Lind has set up a utility nook in the entrance hall. There’s room for a washing machine and storage, as well as a worktop for folding clothes and easy access to the outdoors for hanging.
In this home, designer Allison Lind has set up a utility nook in the entrance hall. There’s room for a washing machine and storage, as well as a worktop for folding clothes and easy access to the outdoors for hanging.
Use an extension
Narrow side return extensions are perfect for a combined utility and boot room, as in this extension by Bean Interiors.
There’s plenty of space here for a washing machine and tumble dryer, as well as a bespoke unit that incorporates a worktop for folding, a drying rail, a shelf for baskets, and storage for both laundry and ironing supplies, as well as coats and shoes.
Having the garden door open into the utility room also makes it easy to carry washing outside to dry or to bring cut flowers in to the utility sink.
Another option is taking over an under-utilised space, such as the middle room in an extended home, or physically splitting a larger room in two to make a utility area.
Narrow side return extensions are perfect for a combined utility and boot room, as in this extension by Bean Interiors.
There’s plenty of space here for a washing machine and tumble dryer, as well as a bespoke unit that incorporates a worktop for folding, a drying rail, a shelf for baskets, and storage for both laundry and ironing supplies, as well as coats and shoes.
Having the garden door open into the utility room also makes it easy to carry washing outside to dry or to bring cut flowers in to the utility sink.
Another option is taking over an under-utilised space, such as the middle room in an extended home, or physically splitting a larger room in two to make a utility area.
Consider a conservatory
While a utility room may be the perfect way to utilise a narrow side return, you can carve out utility space in any extension.
Here, utility cupboards with masses of functionality have been incorporated into a conservatory without blocking the view, the plain doors closing to form an unobtrusive white wall.
Discover why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software.
While a utility room may be the perfect way to utilise a narrow side return, you can carve out utility space in any extension.
Here, utility cupboards with masses of functionality have been incorporated into a conservatory without blocking the view, the plain doors closing to form an unobtrusive white wall.
Discover why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software.
Make the most of awkward angles
Could you tuck a utility cupboard into the eaves of a loft or onto a landing? Here, designer Amy Hunt has made use of previously dead space at the top of the stairs by building in a cupboard for a washing machine and shelves for linens and laundry supplies.
Just remember that you’ll need to work with a professional to take weight, plumbing, wiring and ventilation into account to make this work safely and legally.
Could you tuck a utility cupboard into the eaves of a loft or onto a landing? Here, designer Amy Hunt has made use of previously dead space at the top of the stairs by building in a cupboard for a washing machine and shelves for linens and laundry supplies.
Just remember that you’ll need to work with a professional to take weight, plumbing, wiring and ventilation into account to make this work safely and legally.
Incorporate into a bathroom or cloakroom
Locating a washing machine and tumble dryer in a bathroom is the standard solution in many European countries, but it can be harder (though not impossible, as this example shows) to do in UK homes, because of strict Building Regulations on electrical wiring in wet areas.
In this ground floor cloakroom by Studio Fabbri, a bespoke birch ply unit houses the washing machine, dryer and storage, creating visual unity in this multifunctional space.
Tell us…
Have you fitted a utility room into your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
Locating a washing machine and tumble dryer in a bathroom is the standard solution in many European countries, but it can be harder (though not impossible, as this example shows) to do in UK homes, because of strict Building Regulations on electrical wiring in wet areas.
In this ground floor cloakroom by Studio Fabbri, a bespoke birch ply unit houses the washing machine, dryer and storage, creating visual unity in this multifunctional space.
Tell us…
Have you fitted a utility room into your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
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If you want to work one of the following ideas into your home, there are some practical considerations to bear in mind. First of all, remember that washing machines will need to be placed near existing plumbing – in or next to a kitchen or bathroom, as in this set-up by Emilie Fournet Interiors.
Also note that even seemingly simple set-ups require careful planning: Building Regulations include strict requirements for plumbing, wiring and ventilation. Likewise, your property may need soundproofing or structural reinforcement to support the weight and vibrations of a washing machine in alternative locations, and you will need to incorporate sufficient ventilation for your appliances.
It’s essential to work with qualified professionals – including a Gas Safe-registered plumber or heating engineer, along with a qualified NICEIC-registered electrician, who can assess your property and find ways to work your favourite solutions into your home safely.
Check out the following ideas for tucking in a utility area.
More: How to Plan the Perfect Utility Room