Not Just a Laundry Room - Bathroom Combo Layout Ideas
In many homes, space is at a premium. This leads savvy homeowners to look for creative ways to maximize every inch. One solution that is gaining popularity is combining the laundry area with the bathroom. At first glance, this unorthodox layout may seem strange. However, with thoughtful planning and design, bathroom-laundry room combos can be highly functional and efficient.
Read on for ideas to inspire your next small space renovation!
Assessing Bathroom-Laundry Combo Layout Options
The first decision will be choosing the overall layout plan for your laundry-bathroom space. There are a few common approaches, each with their own pros and cons to weigh.
Concealed Laundry Layout
One layout option is to conceal the laundry area completely behind closed doors, drawers or removable panels. At first glance, the room appears to be a typical bathroom. However, clever hidden storage solutions discreetly tuck away laundry essentials.
The benefit of this approach is optimizing the illusion of space. With the laundry zone concealed, the room feels more open and unified. However, ease of functionality is reduced since accessing the machines requires opening panels every time.
Bathroom-Laundry Niche Layout
Another choice is carving out a specific laundry niche within the main bathroom area. This typically means delineating a corner or section of the room for laundry appliances and storage. The laundry niche may be open to the rest of the bathroom or closed off with partitions.
The perk of a laundry niche layout is differentiation of spaces while still encouraging openness. However, careful storage solutions are still needed to prevent clutter from taking over. Leaving the laundry area exposed may also allow moisture to spread.
Divided Laundry and Bathroom Layout
You can also opt for fully separating the laundry and bathroom spaces with a wall or partition. This divided layout clearly delineates the different functional areas. Some designs incorporate a sliding barn door or pocket door to toggle between rooms.
The advantage of dividing rooms is privacy and not compromising on function. Challenges arise when space requirements still remain tight behind closed doors.
Take time to analyze the pros and cons of each approach above before moving forward. Consider factors like available square footage, number of occupants, functionality priorities and your aesthetic vision.
Employing Space Saving Strategies
Since most laundry-bathroom combos are borne out of limited space, it's essential to carefully optimize what is available. We share our favorite space maximizing ideas below:
Strategic Storage Solutions
Creative storage is key in a condensed laundry zone. Use floor-to-ceiling shelving, hanging racks, narrow vertical storage and multi-use hampers to limit clutter. Install shallow shelves above appliances to hold essentials. Use the wall space wisely too with mounted storage rails or peg boards.
Compact Laundry Appliances
Ensure your washer and dryer units fit the room footprint. Stackable versions that arrange appliances vertically can drastically reduce the machines' footprint. If space remains ultra-tight, consider compact portable washing machines. These mini units hook right up to your sink during laundry day then tuck away in storage.
Multi-Purpose Sink and Folding Area
Maximize functionality of every section in a condensed laundry bath. Install a sink in the laundry zone to pretreat stains or hand wash delicates. This sink pulls double duty for the bathroom as well. Surrounding countertop space encourages tidy folding too.
Repurposing every inch available helps ease the constraints of a combined laundry-bathroom area. Apply similar savvy space hacks while planning storage, appliances and workflow.
Key Functionality Considerations
With moisture and humidity concerns heightened, functionality planning is critical in laundry-bathroom floorplans. Keep these key factors in mind:
Proper Ventilation Is Essential
Prevent mold, mildew and moisture damage by installing bathroom exhaust fans to keep the combined space properly ventilated. Strategically place adjustable ceiling vents to target the highest humidity zones like near laundry appliances.
Dehumidifiers and Fans Control Air Quality
We also recommend running dehumidifiers frequently to regulate moisture from bathing, washing and drying. Quiet yet powerful fans supplement ventilation and adjust stuffy air pockets. Position portable dehumidifiers and fans near known problem spots.
Incorporate Natural Lighting
Humid, dark spaces invite trouble. Where possible, brighten up the laundry-bathroom area with natural light. Windows, skylights and sun tunnels prevent dampness while making rooms feel more open. Just take care not to install windows behind shower areas.
Designate A Separate Drying Space
Containing wet laundry is key to prevent excess humidity from spreading. Carve out a unique drying space to keep moisture regulated. Install retractable clotheslines or compact drying racks for air fluffing clothes. This space allows freshly washed items to dry completely before being returned to closets and drawers.
Moisture control ultimately protects your home plus makes laundry-bathroom zones far more comfortable and healthy for inhabitants. Prioritize functionality factors like fans, lighting and drying space in all combo layouts.
Creative Aesthetic Design Ideas
Functionality reigns supreme, but aesthetics still matter when designing a laundry-bathroom area. Use these creative ideas to delineate spaces with style:
Distinguish Zones With Shelving and Lighting
Floating shelves, pendant lighting and vertical storage dividers subtly separate laundry and bathing areas. The eye naturally transitions as you move from space to space. Matching laundry hamper bins and bright task lighting also designate areas.
Cohesive or Contrasting Design Schemes
Another approach is making laundry zones disappear into the background with matching tiles, wall colors and cabinetry. For more definition, make laundry areas pop with eye-catching paint, flooring or a vibrant backsplash.
Thoughtful design choices make awkward laundry-bathroom combos feel cohesive. Embrace creative delineations to avoid a disjointed hodgepodge of spaces competing.
Convenient Laundry Sorting Solutions
Prevent laundry piles from taking over compact bathrooms. Incorporate sorting essentials like multiple laundry bins and drop chutes to transport clothes to appliances quickly. Label sorter drawers by fabric type or assign family member hampers.
With some creativity, even ultra-tight floorplans can become beautiful and harmonious laundry-bathroom sanctuaries.
Seeking Professional Design Guidance
Compressing two complex spaces like a bathroom and laundry room into one requires skill. Consult these experts early when constructing your layout:
Work With A Laundry-Bath Designer
Bringing a professional designer onboard who specializes in laundry-bathroom combos is wise. Their experience creating efficient layouts, suggesting space-saving ideas and selecting optimal products is invaluable.
Hire An Experienced Contractor
Finding a general contractor used to maneuvering around plumbing, electrical and ventilation challenges in tight laundry-bath footprints is also key. An experienced builder helps the project run smoothly from permits to final walkthrough.
With refined layouts and professional workmanship, your unconventional laundry-bathroom addition can be both beautiful and totally functional.
FAQs
We answer common questions about laundry-bathroom combo spaces below:
What size should a laundry-bathroom be?
As compact as some layouts may be, building codes still dictate minimum sizes in most regions. Generally at least 30 to 40 square feet are required for a legal laundry-bathroom. Carefully review local regulations.
Which layout works best in small spaces?
When space is extremely limited, choosing a concealed laundry layout can help maximize the feeling of spaciousness. Hiding appliances and laundry storage preserves the room's open visual flow.
How much does a laundry-bathroom remodel cost?
Costs vary immensely based on layout, customization and more but plan for $3,000 to $15,000 typically. Using stackable laundry appliances rather than full-size units can reduce appliance costs though.
For additional cost control, source cabinets, lighting and tiles from budget-friendly suppliers as well. Just ensure durability and moisture-resistance still rate highly.
Combining laundry zones into bathrooms makes excellent use of limited square footage. With purposeful layout options, strategic functionality planning and a touch of design creativity, laundry-bathroom combos can be successful.
Just remember that smart storage solutions, moisture control and professional guidance lay the groundwork for an efficient, harmonious space. Use the helpful tips above to start re-imagining what your next small scale remodel can encompass!