Laundry rooms tend to be spots where you stand for long stretches, sorting clothes, folding, or just waiting for the machine to finish. Without a good place to sit, these chores get tiring fast, and honestly, nobody needs more discomfort during laundry day.
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Adding seating to your laundry room can change it from a purely functional space into a comfortable area. You can actually sit while folding clothes, organizing, or just taking a breather. The right seating solution even gives you extra storage underneath for detergents, baskets, or whatever supplies you need close by.
It doesn’t matter if you have a big laundry room or just a closet nook—there’s a seating option for you. Built-in benches with hidden storage, stylish stools that tuck away, or something in between, just pick what fits your space and makes chores a bit less of a drag.
Benefits of Adding Seating to Your Laundry Room
With seating, your laundry room feels way more comfortable and efficient. It improves your daily routine and makes the space more inviting for everyone in the family.
Enhancing Functionality and Organization
Seating gives you a dedicated workspace for folding clothes without killing your back. Sitting while sorting laundry is just so much better than constant bending.
A bench with built-in storage keeps your supplies right at hand. Detergents, fabric softener, and stain removers fit neatly in drawers or shelves under the seat.
Key functional benefits include:
- Less back strain during folding
- Storage for laundry and cleaning supplies
- Temporary spot for clean clothes during sorting
- Surface for treating stains or hand-washing
An organized laundry room means you spend less time hunting for stuff and more time getting things done.
Many people add cushioned seats for long folding sessions. It’s a small change, but it honestly makes laundry less of a chore.
Creating a Family-Friendly Space
Seating turns the laundry room into a spot where family can actually help out. Kids can sit safely while learning to fold towels or sort clothes.
A family-friendly laundry room encourages everyone to chip in. When kids have a comfy place to sit, it’s easier to get them involved.
Family benefits include:
- Safe spot for kids during laundry lessons
- Cozy space for family chats while working
- Place for pets to hang out while you do chores
- Spot for teens waiting on their clothes
The room feels less like a utility closet and more like a shared space. Parents can teach responsibility and spend time together at the same time.
You might even use the seat for quick chats with whoever pops in. It helps the laundry room feel more connected to the rest of the house.
Increasing Laundry Room Value and Appeal
Well-designed seating adds visual appeal and a sense of value. Buyers notice a laundry room that feels thoughtfully planned instead of just thrown together.
Built-in benches or stylish seats make the space look finished and intentional. That kind of detail says a lot about your home’s overall quality.
Value-adding features include:
- Custom built-in storage benches
- Seating that matches your home’s vibe
- Multi-functional furniture for space-saving
- Professional-level organization
Real estate pros say upgraded laundry rooms catch buyers’ eyes, especially those who want functional homes. Investing in good seating pays off both now and when it’s time to sell.
A prettier laundry room just makes you feel better about spending time there. When it looks good, you’re more likely to keep it tidy.
Planning and Designing Your Laundry Room Seating
Start by measuring your space and picking seating that fits both your room and your style. The right bench or chair should work with your layout and make laundry tasks easier.
Evaluating Space and Layout
Grab a tape measure and check the width, depth, and height you have to work with. Most laundry rooms do best with seats around 18 inches deep and 17-19 inches high.
Check the space between your washer, dryer, and any cabinets. You’ll need at least 36 inches of clear path to move around comfortably.
Key measurements to note:
- Wall length for the seating
- Distance from appliances
- Ceiling height
- Door swing clearance
Look for dead corners or space near windows. Those spots are perfect for compact seating that won’t get in the way.
Think about how people carry baskets through the room. Make sure the seating won’t block any high-traffic areas.
Choosing the Right Seating Style
Built-in benches work great in small rooms since they don’t hog extra floor space. You can stash detergent and supplies underneath.
Freestanding chairs give you the freedom to move them around. Pick ones with smooth surfaces that clean up easily.
| Seating Type | Best For | Storage | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in bench | Small spaces | High | None |
| Storage bench | Medium rooms | Medium | Limited |
| Folding stool | Tight spaces | None | High |
| Cushioned chair | Large rooms | None | High |
Storage benches offer a bit of both—seating and hidden storage for cleaning stuff or linens.
Cushioned seats are just more comfy for longer chores. Go for water-resistant fabrics that can handle a humid room.
Coordinating With Laundry Room Design
Try to match your seating materials with your existing cabinets and countertops. Wood benches look great with classic laundry room styles.
Pick colors that work with your walls and floors. Lighter shades can make tight spaces feel bigger.
Popular combos:
- White bench + gray walls for a crisp, modern look
- Natural wood + white cabinets for a warm, classic feel
- Metal frame + fabric cushion for a more industrial vibe
Let your seating blend in with the room, not overpower it. Simple lines usually look better than anything too fancy.
Try adding a throw pillow or cushion in your accent color. It’s a subtle way to tie everything together.
Types of Seating Options for Laundry Rooms
The right seat can turn your laundry room into a spot you don’t mind hanging out in. Built-ins save space, but standalone options let you change things up whenever you want.
Built-In Benches
Built-in benches give you a permanent seating spot that fits right into your laundry room’s design. You can add them to custom cabinetry so everything matches.
Put built-in benches along empty walls or under windows. You use space that would otherwise go to waste and create a natural place to sit.
Window benches are awesome if your laundry room gets nice sunlight. Sitting there to fold clothes just feels better.
Add a cushioned top for comfort, and pick a fabric that resists moisture and stains. Laundry rooms can get steamy, after all.
Built-in benches usually cost more upfront. But they add lasting value and you never have to move them.
Standalone Chairs and Stools
Standalone seats let you rearrange your laundry room whenever you want. Accent chairs work in bigger rooms with extra floor space.
Folding stools are a lifesaver in small laundry rooms. Just stash them against the wall or in a closet when you’re not using them.
Rolling office chairs make it easy to move between work areas. Choose ones with wheels that won’t scratch your floors.
Bar stools fit nicely with tall counters or folding stations. They don’t take up much space but still give you a comfy spot to sit.
Pick chairs with washable slipcovers or easy-care fabrics. Steer clear of anything too delicate—spills happen.
Multipurpose Seating With Storage
Storage benches double as seats and organizers. The hidden compartments hold cleaning supplies, extra linens, or even out-of-season stuff.
Ottoman-style storage seats are great for tiny laundry rooms. They can even serve as a footrest if you have another chair.
Look for benches with lids that lift up or cushions you can remove. Make sure there’s some ventilation so things don’t get musty.
Some storage benches have pull-out hampers or removable fabric bins. These make sorting clothes way easier.
Go for moisture-resistant materials. Solid wood or engineered wood with a protective finish beats particle board in a humid laundry room.
Material Choices and Finishing Touches
When picking materials for laundry room seating, balance durability and style. Look for water-resistant surfaces, natural woods, and tile accents that can handle daily use.
Selecting Durable and Easy-to-Clean Materials
Laundry rooms see moisture, spills, and heavy use. Choose materials that stand up to water and wipe clean easily.
Vinyl and synthetic fabrics are best for seat cushions. They clean up fast and resist stains from bleach or softener.
Laminate surfaces on benches handle wear better than natural materials. They mimic wood or stone, cost less, and need almost no upkeep.
Metal frames made from powder-coated steel or aluminum won’t rust in a humid room. Avoid raw metals—they’ll corrode.
For upholstered seats, pick fabrics with stain-resistant treatments. Microfiber and performance fabrics repel liquids and are a breeze to clean.
Sealed surfaces keep moisture out of wood or particle board. Go for pre-sealed pieces, or add a waterproof finish yourself.
Incorporating Wood Accents
Wood brings warmth to your laundry room but still keeps things practical. Choose treated woods that handle dampness.
Cedar and teak naturally resist water, so they’re great for bench tops or accents without much extra work.
Painted wood finishes guard against humidity better than stains. Use semi-gloss or satin paint for easy cleaning.
Reclaimed wood adds character if you seal it well. Marine-grade polyurethane works best for moisture protection.
Try wood-look alternatives like luxury vinyl plank for bench surfaces. You get the look without worrying about water.
Wood accents work best as trim or decorative pieces, not as the main seat. Use them for bench legs, backrests, or storage cubbies.
Adding Tile Backsplash for Style
A tile backsplash behind your seat protects the wall and looks great. Pick tiles that go with your seating.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles shrug off water and cleaning products. They come in wood-look, stone-look, or simple colors.
Subway tiles give you a crisp, timeless look. Lighter shades help small laundry rooms feel airier.
Large format tiles mean fewer grout lines, so cleaning up is quicker.
Textured tiles add interest behind a simple bench. Just keep patterns subtle so they don’t clash with other storage.
Match your tile backsplash to your seating. If you’ve got wood accents, try warm-toned tiles. For metal seating, cool grays or whites work well.
Integrating Seating With Laundry Room Features
Smart seating placement around laundry room essentials makes everything more comfortable and efficient. Try combining built-in benches with storage cabinets, and put seats near work zones like sinks.
Pairing Seating With Storage Solutions
Built-in bench seating fits right in with custom cabinets. Install a bench above lower cabinets for extra storage underneath.
Storage Options Below Benches:
- Pull-out drawers for detergent and supplies
- Open cubbies for laundry baskets
- Cabinet doors to hide cleaning products
- Shoe storage compartments
Match the bench height to standard cabinets—about 18 inches. That way, everything lines up and looks clean.
Keep the bench depth between 15-18 inches. You’ll have enough room to sit without crowding the floor.
Add cushions that go with your cabinet finish. Vinyl or leather is best—they’re easy to wipe down if things get wet.
Think about adding outlets near the bench. You can charge your phone or plug in small appliances while you sit.
Combining Seating With a Farmhouse Sink Area
A farmhouse sink really creates a handy work zone, and it just makes sense to put some seating nearby. Try placing a small stool or chair within three or four feet of the sink.
This setup feels pretty ideal for hand-washing delicate stuff. You get to sit down and actually be comfortable while scrubbing or spot-treating stains.
Seating Options Near Sinks:
- Rolling stools you can tuck under the counter
- Wall-mounted fold-down seats
- Corner bench seating
- Vintage wooden chairs
Go for water-resistant materials if you’re putting seating near your farmhouse sink. Metal stools with a sealed finish stand up to splashes without much fuss.
Keep the seat low enough so you can still reach the sink easily. For most folks, something between 16 and 20 inches tall works best.
You might want to add a small side table or maybe a shelf nearby. It’s useful to have a spot for supplies while you’re at the sink.
Decor and Styling Ideas for Laundry Room Seating
The right colors and personal touches can make basic laundry room seating feel like a real design moment. If you pick smart textiles and add thoughtful accessories, your seating can actually blend in with your home’s style and feel a lot more comfortable.
Coordinating Colors and Textiles
Try picking colors that tie your laundry room to the spaces next to it. Got blue accents in your kitchen? Toss a couple of blue throw pillows onto your laundry bench, and suddenly the rooms just flow together.
Neutral base colors work best for seating:
- White or cream cushions
- Gray upholstery
- Natural wood tones
- Beige fabric covers
Bring in color with pillows or throws. Swapping these out is easy if you ever want to change things up. Choose fabrics that can handle a bit of moisture, since laundry rooms do get humid.
Cotton and linen make great choices for throw pillows. I’d skip silk or velvet in here. Washable covers are a lifesaver and keep everything looking fresh.
Match your seating style to your laundry room’s vibe. Clean-lined cushions look great in modern spaces. If you’re into farmhouse style, ruffled pillows totally fit.
Personalizing With Accessories
Small touches really make your seating area feel special. A soft throw blanket pretty much begs you to sit down while the laundry tumbles away.
Pick one that fits your color scheme, or just go with whatever feels cozy.
Simple accessories that add personality:
- Small decorative pillows
- Woven baskets underneath for storage
- A side table for folding or drinks
- Wall art above the seating area
Try to keep accessories practical, not just pretty. Toss a basket under your bench, and you’ll have an easy spot for cleaning supplies.
A small tray on the side table can catch all those lost buttons or random coins you find in the wash.
Plants bring a little life to laundry room seating areas, even if the space feels a bit dull. Go for low-light options like pothos or snake plants.
Set them on floating shelves, or drop a floor planter right by your bench.
At the end of the day, your laundry room should show off your style and still work for your daily routine.