A combined mudroom and laundry room might just be the hardest-working spot in your home. When family members track in dirt while you’re folding clean clothes, keeping things organized can feel like a real headache.
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The key to making it work? You need to create distinct zones and pick storage solutions that handle both mudroom gear and laundry supplies. With some smart planning, you can actually manage the chaos of coats, shoes, backpacks, and washing machines all in one area.
With the right layout, appliance choices, and storage, your space can handle heavy daily use and still look neat. You’ll see how to design zones that keep mudroom mess away from clean laundry, pick double-duty storage, and set up routines that make your day run smoother.
Planning the Layout for a Combined Mudroom Laundry
A solid layout gives you both storage and function, while carving out distinct zones for entering the house and doing laundry. You have to balance traffic patterns with where you put appliances to make the space work for your family.
Assessing Space Requirements
Start by measuring your available square footage and ceiling height. Most mudroom laundry combos need at least 6 feet of width and 8 feet of length.
Standard appliance dimensions:
- Side-by-side washer and dryer: 5-6 feet wide
- Stacked washer and dryer: 2.5-3 feet wide
- Front-loading units on pedestals: Add 12-15 inches height
Plan for 36 inches of clearance in front of appliances for loading and unloading. You can use this space as your main traffic path when laundry isn’t happening.
Include storage for cleaning supplies, seasonal stuff, and daily essentials. Figure about 2-3 linear feet of cabinetry per family member for coats, bags, and shoes.
Check your ceiling height if you want upper cabinets. Standard 8-foot ceilings let you install cabinets up to 42 inches tall above counters.
Optimizing Traffic Flow
Put your entryway functions along the main traffic path from door to the rest of your home. Keep this area clear of laundry obstacles.
Place benches and shoe storage where people naturally pause as they come in. Usually, that’s 3-4 feet from the door, so there’s room for the door to swing open and folks to step inside.
Traffic flow priorities:
- Clear path from the exterior door to the house interior
- Easy access to coat hooks and shoe storage
- Unobstructed movement to laundry appliances
Don’t put the mudroom bench right in front of the washer and dryer doors. Stagger these or try an L-shaped layout to keep paths separate.
If you have bottlenecks, try pocket doors or barn doors. They save floor space compared to regular swing doors.
Zoning Laundry and Mudroom Functions
Set up visual and functional separation between mudroom and laundry zones, even in a single room. This helps keep daily entryway chaos from getting in the way of laundry.
Zoning strategies:
- Paint colors: Pick different wall colors or accent walls for each zone
- Flooring: Use tile near the door and switch to something else at the laundry area
- Lighting: Put task lighting over laundry appliances and softer lighting in the mudroom
Put stacked washer and dryer units in corners or alcoves to keep them from dominating the entryway. That frees up more wall space for mudroom storage.
Use the laundry zone for utility storage like cleaning supplies and tools. Keep the mudroom zone for daily items like coats, backpacks, and sports gear.
Install countertops above front-loading washers for folding space and to separate laundry from mudroom functions below.
Choosing the Right Laundry Appliances and Placement
Picking the right washer and dryer for your mudroom takes some thought about space, function, and how they fit with your storage. The trick is finding units that clean well but don’t take over the room.
Washer and Dryer Selection
Go for compact or all-in-one units if your mudroom is tight. Standard full-size washers are 27 inches wide, while compact ones are usually 24 inches.
Compact washer and dryer perks:
- Fit into closets and tight corners
- Leave more space for mudroom storage
- Use less water and energy
- Handle small loads fast
All-in-one combo units wash and dry in the same machine. They save space, but they’re slower since you can’t start a second load while the first dries.
Look for Energy Star certified models to save on utilities. Front-loaders use less water than top-loaders and stack easily.
Handy features for mudrooms:
- Quick wash cycles for lightly soiled stuff
- Steam settings to freshen clothes
- Moisture sensors in dryers
- Quiet operation so you don’t hear them all over the house
Stacked Versus Side-by-Side Arrangements
Stacked washer and dryer units work great in narrow spaces. They only need about 29 inches of width and 80 inches of height, so you get more floor space for benches and storage.
Put the dryer on top for easier access to controls. Most people use the washer more, so it makes sense. Install a pull-out shelf between units for detergent or to catch stray socks.
Side-by-side setups need 54-60 inches of width but have their own perks:
- Both machines are at a comfy height
- You get counter space on top
- Loading and unloading is easier
- The weight is spread out more evenly
Set up a folding station with a countertop over side-by-side units. It gives you space to sort clothes and organize mudroom stuff right away.
Hidden Washer and Dryer Solutions
Hidden washer and dryer setups keep your mudroom looking tidy but still give you access when you need it. Try sliding barn doors or bifold panels to hide the laundry area.
Build appliances into mudroom cabinetry for a seamless look. Leave about 6 inches above the units for ventilation and access. Make sure you have electrical outlets and proper venting inside.
Cabinet integration options:
- Floor-to-ceiling panels that slide away
- Hinged doors that fold back
- Pocket doors that slide into the wall
- Curtains for a budget option
Watch out for ventilation when hiding your dryer. Gas dryers need proper exhaust, and electric ones get hot. Make sure there’s enough airflow to avoid moisture issues.
Put hidden units near your main traffic path. You want to reach them easily but not block coat storage or shoe racks.
Maximizing Storage with Cabinets, Shelves, and Cubbies
Smart storage mixes closed cabinets with open shelves to handle both everyday stuff and hidden clutter. The right combo of built-ins gives you a place for everything from detergent to muddy boots.
Built-In Cabinets and Shaker Cabinets
Built-in cabinets anchor your storage system. White shaker cabinets look great and fit with pretty much any style.
Install tall utility cabinets from floor to ceiling for cleaning supplies, vacuums, and seasonal gear. These keep clutter out of sight and use vertical space well.
Base cabinets with drawers beat doors for laundry supplies. You can just pull out a drawer to grab detergent or stain remover, no digging required.
For a bold look, try dark green cabinets on the bottom and white ones up top. Two-tone cabinets add personality and prevent the room from feeling too generic.
Built-ins around windows help you use every inch of wall space. Mix closed storage and open cubbies in the same system for flexibility.
Open Shelving and Display Options
Floating shelves above your washer and dryer put daily essentials within reach. Mount them about 18 inches above the machines for easy grabbing.
Open cubbies are perfect for family storage. Give everyone their own cubby with hooks underneath for backpacks, shoes, and jackets.
Use clear storage bins on shelves for little things like dryer balls or clothespins. That way, shelves look neat and you can still see what’s inside.
Wall-mounted hooks below open shelves double your storage. Go for heavy-duty hooks that can handle wet coats and big bags.
Mix open and closed storage on the same wall. Keep nice-looking baskets or bins out, and hide cleaning chemicals behind doors.
Designing the Mudroom Area for Function and Organization
Where you put storage elements really matters if you want an efficient mudroom. The right mix of hooks, cubbies, and benches can turn this spot into a functional entry.
Hooks for Jackets and Backpacks
Wall-mounted hooks make it easy to grab what you need every day. Install hooks at different heights so both adults and kids can reach.
Put hooks 48-60 inches from the floor for adults. For kids, 36-42 inches is usually just right.
Heavy-duty hooks hold winter coats and loaded backpacks without drooping. Look for hooks rated for at least 15 pounds.
Space hooks 6-8 inches apart to avoid crowding. That way, thick coats don’t get tangled.
Double hooks save wall space by holding two things at once. They’re great for sweaters or small bags.
Flip-down hooks are handy if you want them to lay flat when not in use. They’re perfect for tight spaces where regular hooks might get in the way.
Cubbies for Shoes and Accessories
Open cubbies keep shoes sorted and let them dry out. Size each one for your family’s biggest shoes.
Build cubbies 6 inches deep for most shoes, or 8 inches if you have a lot of boots.
Low bins inside cubbies catch smaller shoes and stop them from falling out. Wire baskets let air flow through.
Adult shoe cubbies work well at 12 inches wide and 8 inches tall. For kids, 10 inches wide and 6 inches tall usually does it.
Stack cubbies up the wall to save space. Put children’s cubbies at the bottom so they can reach.
Add labels to each cubby so everyone knows where their stuff goes. This helps keep things organized.
Wicker baskets in bigger cubbies can hold hats, gloves, or scarves. Pick ones with handles for easy cleaning.
Benches with Storage
A storage bench gives you a place to sit while putting on shoes and hides things you don’t use every day. Go for benches 16-18 inches deep for comfy seating.
Benches 18 inches high suit most adults. That height makes it easy to sit and put on shoes.
Lift-top benches stash away seasonal gear like winter boots when you don’t need them. The hidden storage keeps clutter out of sight.
Add cushions for comfort. Waterproof or washable fabrics are best for a mudroom bench.
Put cubbies under the bench for stuff you use a lot. That way, you get seating and storage in one.
Benches with built-in shoe storage that slides out are a smart way to keep shoes off the floor.
Keep benches out of main walkways so people can sit down without blocking the entrance. Leave at least 30 inches of space in front.
Organizing Laundry Essentials and Workflow
For efficient workflow, put your most-used laundry essentials where you can reach them easily. Pair the right countertop materials with smart storage to make sorting, washing, and folding much smoother.
Folding Station and Countertop Choices
Your folding station needs a tough surface that stands up to daily use. Wood countertops bring warmth and last a long time, which is great for busy spots.
Pick countertops at least 24 inches deep so you have room for folded clothes. That way, stuff doesn’t fall off while you’re working.
Material Options:
- Wood: Easy to repair, feels cozy
- Quartz: Stain-resistant and easy to clean
- Laminate: Budget-friendly, lots of patterns
Put your folding station between the dryer and storage. This cuts down on steps when moving laundry.
Install drawers or cabinets under the counter for detergent and fabric softener. Try gold or brass hardware to match your mudroom’s style.
Keep part of the counter clear for folding. Too much clutter makes laundry harder than it should be.
Sorting with Baskets and Bins
Sorting systems keep laundry chaos at bay in your mudroom. Wire baskets let air move through dirty clothes, which just makes sense.
Set up three or four categories—whites, darks, delicates, towels. Label each container so everyone knows where to toss their stuff.
Basket Materials:
- Wire baskets: Great airflow, easy to clean
- Wicker baskets: Natural look, sturdy build
- Plastic bins: Waterproof, lightweight
Rolling baskets make hauling heavy laundry easier on your back. Try to get wheels that lock so they don’t roll away.
Store clean laundry in different baskets from the dirty stuff. Use color coding or labels to keep things from getting mixed up.
Put sorting baskets close to the entrance from the house. That way, it’s easy to drop dirty clothes right when you walk in.
Hanging Rods and Drying Areas
Install a hanging rod above your folding spot so you can hang up wrinkle-prone clothes right away. Mount it 6-8 inches below any cabinets for easy grabbing.
Pick a rod that extends when you need it and tucks away when you don’t. That really frees up space in a small mudroom.
Set the rod at a height everyone can reach. Usually, 72 inches from the floor works for most folks.
Drying Solutions:
- Retractable hanging rod
- Wall-mounted drying rack
- Over-door hanging space
Keep a stash of matching hangers in a drawer or basket nearby. Uniform hangers look tidy and let you fit more clothes on the rod.
Add some hooks to the wall for things that need to dry flat. Sweaters and delicates usually need this kind of care.
Try to keep your drying area away from busy walkways so clothes don’t get knocked down or damaged.
Incorporating Style and Personal Touches
A mudroom-laundry space can show off your style and still work hard. The right colors, decorations, and materials make the room feel welcoming, even when you’re just folding towels.
Choosing Colors and Materials
White cabinetry is the go-to for most mudroom-laundry setups. It brightens things up and works with any accents you might want later.
Dark green cabinets bring a bit of drama and hide dirt better than lighter shades. They look especially sharp in farmhouse-inspired spaces.
Shaker cabinets have those clean lines that never really go out of style. They work with both classic and modern designs without taking over the room.
For countertops, go for something tough like quartz or butcher block. Those materials handle daily messes and still look good while you’re folding.
Material Selection Tips:
- Wood: Feels warm but needs sealing
- Metal: Industrial vibe, easy to clean
- Stone: Durable, looks fancy
Adding Decorative Elements
Potted plants add a little life without eating up storage space. Go for easy ones like snake plants or pothos—they can handle weird lighting.
Wall art brings in personality without cluttering up your counters. Pick stuff that can stand up to moisture and temperature swings.
Decorative baskets pull double duty as storage and style. Woven baskets in natural materials fit right in with farmhouse looks and keep things organized.
Simple Decorative Ideas:
- Vintage-style hooks for coats
- Patterned wallpaper on one wall
- Colorful storage bins that fit your theme
- Statement light fixtures
Lighting and Flooring Considerations
Good lighting matters—it makes chores easier and gives the room some mood. Mix overhead lights with under-cabinet lighting where you fold or sort. If you’ve got windows, natural light is always a win.
Herringbone tile floors look interesting and hold up well over time. The pattern fits traditional or modern styles.
Pick flooring that can handle water, mud, and lots of footsteps. Luxury vinyl, ceramic tile, and sealed hardwood all do the job.
Flooring Options:
- Tile: Water-resistant, easy to clean
- Vinyl: Budget-friendly, comfy underfoot
- Hardwood: Looks great but needs sealing
Try tossing an area rug in high-traffic spots for extra comfort and a pop of style. Washable rugs are a smart choice and can tie the whole look together.
Maintenance and Keeping the Space Clutter-Free
A mudroom laundry only stays organized if you keep up with it. Daily habits and smart storage stop messes from taking over. Getting the whole family involved makes a big difference.
Cleaning Routines
Daily maintenance takes just five minutes and saves you from bigger messes later. Wipe down counters after folding and sweep up lint and dirt.
Empty the lint trap after every dryer cycle. That quick task keeps things clean and safe.
Weekly deep cleaning keeps your mudroom laundry fresh:
- Wipe down washer and dryer surfaces
- Vacuum behind appliances
- Clean cabinet doors and handles
- Empty the trash
Monthly tasks stop bigger problems:
- Organize supply shelves
- Toss expired products
- Check coat pockets
- Wash storage baskets
Use a small trash can on the counter for pocket junk and lint. It keeps your workspace tidy.
Keep cleaning supplies in a cabinet or a metal caddy with a handle. That way, you can grab everything you need and move it around easily.
Decluttering Strategies
Remove things that don’t belong in your laundry room every few days. Use a basket to collect stray items and put them back where they go.
Give everything a home. Assign shelves for detergent, fabric softener, and cleaning products so counters stay clear.
Follow the one-in-one-out rule for cleaning supplies. When you get new detergent, finish the old one first.
Sort through coat and shoe storage monthly:
- Donate what doesn’t fit
- Move off-season stuff to other closets
- Repair damaged items right away
Install wall hooks at different heights for everyone in the family. This keeps coats off benches and floors.
Keep only current season items in mudroom storage. Move winter coats to bedroom closets once summer rolls around.
Use clear bins for small things like dryer balls and stain sticks. You’ll see what’s inside and avoid buying extras.
Family Organization Tips
Give each family member their own storage spot in your mudroom laundry. Stick labels or photos on cubbies, hooks, and baskets—especially for little kids.
Try making a simple chore chart for laundry room jobs. Swap out weekly tasks like emptying hampers and wiping down surfaces.
Show family members how to sort clothes right away when they come in. Put three hampers for lights, darks, and delicates right by the door.
Keep a small bowl or tray for pocket stuff like coins, tissues, or random receipts. Just remember to empty it every week so it doesn’t get out of hand.
Hang up a family command center on one wall. Toss on a calendar, a pen holder, and maybe a small basket for papers that matter.
Make it easy for everyone to help out:
- Hang rods low enough for kids to reach
- Use picture labels on bins
- Keep a step stool handy for those high shelves
Set up rolling hampers so kids can wheel their clean clothes back to their rooms. It helps them actually put things away (well, most of the time).
Give everyone a spot for their own stuff. When people know where things go, the space almost organizes itself.