Adding a laundry sink can completely change your utility space, giving you a spot for hand-washing delicates, treating stains, and handling messy chores. With a bit of planning and the right installation steps, you can add a sink to most laundry rooms and create a stylish focal point that boosts both function and design.
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You’ll want to think about your space and the existing plumbing before picking your sink style. Whether you love a classic farmhouse apron-front or a sleek modern utility sink, the installation process stays pretty similar. Most homeowners can tackle it with basic tools and some plumbing know-how.
Styling around your new laundry sink isn’t just practical—it’s actually fun. Exciting design possibilities open up, from storage ideas and finish choices to adding decor that reflects your home’s vibe. Thoughtful design can really make your laundry room a space you’ll enjoy using.
Planning Your Laundry Sink Addition
A good laundry renovation starts with careful planning. Figure out where the sink will go and what your space can handle. Take a look at your current layout, find the best spot for functionality, and check the plumbing before you jump in.
Assessing Your Laundry Room Layout
First, measure your laundry room and note where the appliances sit. Jot down where the washer and dryer are, plus any storage or counters.
Draw a quick sketch of the room layout. Mark electrical outlets, switches, windows, and doors. This makes it easier to see what space you’re working with.
Think about your workflow:
- How do you move between the washer and dryer?
- Where do you sort clothes?
- Would a sink nearby make any tasks easier?
Look for dead space or corners you’re not using. Corners often fit utility sinks well. The area next to your washer usually offers easy plumbing access.
Don’t forget storage needs around the sink. You’ll want room for detergents and cleaning supplies. Try to leave at least 12 inches of counter space on one side of the sink.
Choosing the Right Location
Keep your sink within three feet of existing water lines to save on plumbing costs. The best spot puts the sink close to your washer for easy access to hot and cold water.
Good locations include:
- Next to the washing machine—that’s the easiest plumbing access
- In a corner—saves floor space
- On the same wall as appliances—keeps everything together
Don’t put sinks right across from the dryer door. It’ll block the door and mess up the flow.
Give yourself at least 24 inches of workspace next to the sink. That’s enough for hand-washing and stain-treating. Wall-mounted sinks fit tight spots but don’t offer much counter space.
Make sure you can use the sink comfortably. You shouldn’t bump your head or elbows on anything nearby.
Plumbing and Installation Considerations
Check your plumbing setup before you decide on a final spot. Look for existing water supply lines and drainage you can use.
Main plumbing factors:
- How far are the water supply lines?
- Is there a drain you can tap into?
- Do you have enough water pressure for extra fixtures?
- What do local building codes require?
Most laundry rooms share plumbing with the washer. You can usually branch off these lines for your sink. That’s way cheaper than running all new pipes.
If you need new water lines or major drainage work, call a plumber. Simple connections to existing plumbing are pretty doable for DIYers.
Check if you need a permit for new fixtures. Some places require them, so factor in permit costs and inspection time.
Selecting the Perfect Laundry Sink
The right sink can make your laundry room both beautiful and practical. Depth, style, and material all matter for function and looks.
Utility Sinks: Robust and Practical
Utility sinks are the workhorses here. These deep basins (usually 10-25 inches) handle everything from soaking stains to washing muddy shoes.
Most utility sinks use tough materials like stainless steel or composite. The extra depth keeps water from splashing when you’re hand-washing or cleaning big stuff.
Why people love them:
- Deep for soaking
- Wide enough for bulky things
- Scratch-resistant
- Easy to clean
Undermount styles blend into countertops for a sleek look. Drop-in models are easier to install or swap out.
These sinks are great for busy families. You can pre-treat stains, wash sports gear, and handle messy projects.
Farmhouse Sinks for Classic Charm
Farmhouse sinks bring timeless style to laundry rooms. Their apron-front design sticks out past the counter, making them a real eye-catcher.
Fireclay and porcelain are top picks for farmhouse sinks. Both resist stains and stay looking good for years.
The exposed front gives you design options. Go with white for a classic look or choose a color to match your decor.
Things to keep in mind:
- Needs custom cabinet work
- Heavier than standard sinks
- Costs more
- Not a lot of size choices
Farmhouse sinks fit best in bigger laundry rooms. The style pairs well with shaker cabinets and vintage hardware.
Wall-Mounted Sinks for Space-Saving
Wall-mounted sinks save floor space in small laundry rooms. They attach straight to the wall studs, so you don’t need a cabinet.
You’ll need to reinforce the wall and make sure plumbing is accessible. The exposed pipes underneath can be covered or left bare for an industrial look.
Depths usually run 6-12 inches. Go deeper if you plan to soak really dirty stuff.
Perks:
- Leaves floor open for storage
- Makes cleaning the floor easier
- You can pick the height
- Often more affordable
Add a shelf underneath for supplies. Wall-mounted sinks work great in narrow spots where cabinets won’t fit.
Their clean lines look awesome in modern or minimalist spaces.
Freestanding and Integrated Sink Options
Freestanding sinks give you flexibility in layout. These units come with legs or pedestals and can go anywhere with plumbing.
Vintage-style freestanding sinks add character to traditional rooms. Modern versions keep things sleek for contemporary spaces.
Integrated sinks blend right into countertops and cabinets. Undermount installs create a smooth surface that’s easy to wipe down.
Installation types:
- Freestanding: Move it anywhere, vintage vibe
- Undermount: Seamless and easy to clean
- Drop-in: Simple and budget-friendly
Integrated sinks need pro installation but look sharp. Hidden edges keep dirt from building up and give a clean finish.
Pick based on your space, plumbing, and style. Each choice has its own strengths.
Laundry Sink Installation Steps
Installing a utility sink takes some prep, proper plumbing connections, and solid mounting. These steps help your new sink work right and last.
Preparing the Site
Shut off the main water supply before doing anything. Find the shut-off valve where water enters your house and turn it clockwise.
Turn on a nearby faucet to make sure the water’s off. Nothing should come out.
Clear out the area where you’ll install the sink. Move any stored items out of the way.
Measure the spot to make sure the sink fits. Standard utility sinks need 24 inches of width and at least 18 inches of depth.
Mark where the wall brackets will go. Use a level so your marks are straight.
Check that water lines are within 3 feet of your spot. Closer is always easier.
Gather your tools:
- Pipe wrenches
- Hacksaw or pipe cutter
- Level
- Drill and bits
- Plumber’s putty
- Teflon tape
Plumbing Hookups and Adjustments
Cut into the hot and cold water lines with a pipe cutter. Sand off any metal burrs.
Install tee fittings on both lines. These let you add new pipes while keeping water to your washer.
Run new supply lines from the tees to your sink. Use the same pipe material as your existing lines if you can.
Connect the drain line to your main system. Most utility sinks need a 2-inch drain pipe for good flow.
Wrap Teflon tape around all threaded connections. Go around 3-4 times for a tight seal.
Turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks at each joint.
| Connection Type | Pipe Size | Material Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water supply | 1/2 inch | Copper or PEX |
| Cold water supply | 1/2 inch | Copper or PEX |
| Drain line | 2 inch | PVC or ABS |
Securing the Sink and Ensuring Stability
Mount the sink brackets to wall studs. A filled utility sink gets heavy and needs solid support.
Use a stud finder to locate studs. Mark their centers.
Drill pilot holes a bit smaller than your screws. This keeps the wood from splitting.
Drop the sink into the mounted brackets. Most utility sinks slide right in if the brackets are set up right.
Connect the faucet to the supply lines. Hand-tighten first, then snug with a wrench.
Put plumber’s putty around the drain fitting before you install it. This seals the sink and drain.
Run water at full pressure to test the setup. Check underneath for leaks.
Adjust the sink to make sure it’s level. An unlevel sink drains badly and might leak.
Caulk where the sink meets the wall. This keeps water from getting behind and causing damage.
Styling Around Your Laundry Sink
Smart design choices can turn your laundry sink into a highlight, not just a fixture. Cabinetry hides pipes and adds storage, decorative tiles bring personality and protect walls, and a good color scheme ties it all together.
Cabinetry and Storage Solutions
Custom cabinetry around the laundry sink gives a built-in look and maximizes function. You can build a faux cabinet frame that slides around your utility sink to hide the base and plumbing. This makes it easy if you need to access pipes later.
Install upper cabinets above the sink for detergents and supplies. Set them 18-24 inches above the sink rim for easy reach. Pick soft-close hinges to avoid slamming.
Open shelves work as an alternative to cabinets. Floating shelves on each side of the sink keep essentials handy. Wood shelves add warmth, while metal brackets give an industrial touch.
Base cabinets with drawers beat doors for storing heavy stuff like bulk detergent. Deep drawers pull out fully, so you can reach everything. Use dividers to keep things sorted.
Laundry Tiles Ideas and Backsplashes
A tile backsplash protects your walls and adds style. Subway tiles are a classic for their clean look. Try a running bond or herringbone pattern for some texture.
Large tiles minimize grout lines and look seamless. Go for 12×24 inch tiles for a modern feel. Porcelain tiles resist stains and moisture better than stone.
Mosaic tiles bring in color and pattern. Glass mosaics bounce light around and make small rooms feel bigger. Stick to neutrals if you want the option to change decor later.
Tile from counter to ceiling for full protection and impact. This works especially well with vertical subway layouts. End the tile at a window or cabinet edge for a tidy finish.
Color Schemes and Decor Themes
Light colors open up laundry rooms and keep them bright. White and cream feel fresh and spa-like. Use texture for interest instead of bold colors if your space is small.
Navy blue and gray give a sophisticated twist to all-white schemes. They also hide small stains better than pure white.
Modern themes use clean lines, minimal hardware, and neutral colors. Flat-panel cabinet doors and sleek faucets fit right in. Keep decor simple and useful.
Farmhouse themes bring in natural materials and vintage touches. Shaker cabinets, apron-front sinks, and wood accents set the mood. Add open shelves with baskets for storage.
Industrial themes use metal finishes and exposed pipes. Stainless steel sinks, pipe shelving, and concrete counters work here. Soften things up with cotton rugs or other textiles.
Incorporating Nostalgia and Unique Touches
Pairing vintage sink styles with carefully chosen design elements gives your laundry space a timeless, personal feel. The trick is to balance authentic pieces with modern function, so you get a look that honors the past but works for today.
Vintage Sink Styles and Fittings
A farmhouse sink really sets the tone if you want some nostalgic charm in your laundry room. These deep, apron-front sinks, which started out in farm kitchens, bring a ton of authentic character wherever you put them.
Pick materials that boost that vintage look:
- Cast iron with a white enamel coating feels classic and tough
- Fireclay gives you that handmade, slightly imperfect vibe
- Copper develops a warm, aged patina as it gets older
The faucet you choose honestly makes or breaks the style. Wall-mounted bridge faucets with cross handles totally nail that early 1900s look. Oil-rubbed bronze or aged brass finishes show off real, lived-in wear.
Let the plumbing show instead of hiding it away. Vintage-style shut-off valves and brass supply lines can turn into cool decorative details that fit right in with your theme.
Mixing Old and New Design Elements
Try displaying vintage laundry accessories around your sink for a bit of personality. Antique washboards hanging on the wall work as art and conversation starters. Old glass mason jars can hold your everyday detergents but keep that old-school feel.
Mix in some modern touches so things actually work for your life:
- Put modern LED bulbs in pendant fixtures that look vintage
- Use new cabinets with distressed finishes and classic hardware
- Go for appliances in fun retro colors like mint green or cream
Wooden accents—like reclaimed shelves or a butcher block counter—bring in warmth and texture. Add some stainless steel here and there for a little contrast.
Vintage laundry signs can add a bit of humor or nostalgia. Pick ones that match your color scheme and tell a story about the good old days.
Maximizing Functionality and Style
A thoughtfully designed laundry sink does more than just wash clothes. With the right accessories, your sink can become a real workhorse for everything from delicate washing to scrubbing muddy shoes.
Smart Features and Accessories
The right add-ons will turn your laundry sink into a multi-functional workstation. A pull-down faucet with different spray settings makes rinsing and cleaning so much easier.
Some handy accessories:
- Soap dispensers you mount right on the sink or wall
- Drying racks that fold up out of the way when you’re done
- Pull-out cutting boards for treating stains before you wash
- Under-sink organizers to keep all your cleaning stuff neat
Try a backsplash behind your sink, maybe with subway tiles or waterproof panels. It’ll keep your walls safe from splashes and look good, too.
Good lighting above the sink makes a world of difference. Put LED strips under your wall cabinets or hang a pendant light for a little extra focus.
A removable washboard or a spot to keep your scrub brush close by can be surprisingly useful. Hang a few hooks on the side of your cabinet for gloves or brushes you use all the time.
Dual Sinks and Multi-Use Designs
If you want to keep things efficient in a busy laundry room, try a two-sink setup. Put in a deep utility sink for soaking, and add a smaller prep sink for quick rinses or just filling up a spray bottle.
Popular dual-sink layouts:
- Side-by-side sinks at the same height
- Staggered heights with a shallow bowl and deep basin
- Corner installations that save wall space
People often combine the sink with other features these days. A sink-and-counter combo gives you a spot to fold laundry right next to where you wash.
Pick a sink with a built-in washboard or a ribbed bottom if you deal with stubborn stains. These features let you skip the separate scrubbing tools.
Farmhouse-style sinks really shine in laundry rooms. Their deep basins handle big stuff like comforters or even pet bedding.
Go for stainless steel or composite materials—they hold up against stains and scratches.
Wall-mounted sinks open up the floor underneath. You can stash storage baskets or even tuck a little step stool down there.