Laundry Room Ideas: Built-In Cabinets, Drying Solutions & Easy-Care Finishes
A well-planned laundry turns everyday chores into a calm, efficient routine. With the right layout, storage and materials, even compact spaces feel refined. Eco Squared designs, supplies and installs European-style cabinetry across the Sutherland Shire & surrounds - including Oyster Bay, Taren Point, Alfords Point and Dolans Bay - tailoring laundries that look luxurious and work beautifully.
Why a planned laundry matters
Keeps clutter out of sight with purpose-built storage.
Speeds up wash–dry–fold with intuitive zones and bench space.
Adds value with durable, easy-clean finishes that match your home.
Layouts that earn their keep
Single-wall: Perfect for apartments and narrow rooms; under-bench appliances with a continuous folding surface and overheads to the ceiling.
Galley: Two parallel runs with clear circulation; great for families who need separate wash and fold zones.
L-shape: Wrap a corner for extra bench length and a dedicated wet zone at the sink.
Tip: In tight homes, a European laundry behind pocket or bi-fold doors can still feel premium with full-height cabinetry and integrated lighting.
Storage, organised from the inside out
Tall utility cupboard for brooms, mops and vacuum with charging point.
Pull-out hampers (lights/darks/towels) near the machine.
Wide drawers for consumables and spare linens; add dividers for pegs and small items.
Open shelf or niche above machines for daily detergents.
Ceiling-height overheads to maximise capacity and remove dust ledges.
Wet zone & sink choices
Undermount or inset utility sink with a pull-out spray tap for hand-washing and bucket filling.
Stone, porcelain or stainless upstands/splashbacks for easy wipe-down.
Floor waste where possible for peace of mind.
Appliances & ventilation
Front-loader + heat-pump dryer under the bench keeps a continuous folding surface.
Stacking kits free floor area in very compact rooms.
Ducted or well-ventilated dryers prevent moisture build-up; add an extraction fan if natural ventilation is limited.
Drying solutions that actually work
Ceiling airer/maid’s rack above the bench or sink.
Retractable lines for quick hangs, hidden when not in use.
Integrated hanging rail under overheads for shirts and delicates.
Surfaces & finishes (luxury that lasts)
As an authorised Oppolia partner, Eco Squared specifies low-emission board options, premium melamines, matte or satin lacquers and warm woodgrains, all on soft-close hardware.
Benchtops: Porcelain/sintered stone for heat, stain and moisture resistance; high-quality laminate for budget-smart builds.
Floors: Non-slip porcelain tiles or water-resistant hybrids; run the grain with the room for a larger feel.
Lighting & power
Under-cabinet LEDs for bright task light at the bench.
Warm-neutral (3000–3500K) across fittings so whites stay clean and colours read true.
Sensors inside tall cupboards and hampers; GPOs for irons/steam stations and cordless vacs.
Good / Better / Best pathways
Good: Single-wall layout, under-bench machines, overheads to ceiling, pull-out hamper, under-cab LEDs.
Better: Add tall utility cupboard with charging, drying rail, laminate bench with glass splashback.
Best: Galley or L-shape with porcelain benchtops and splashback, ceiling airer, heat-pump dryer, full lighting pack, pocket doors to conceal the room.
Common mistakes to avoid
Too little bench space for folding.
No ventilation for dryers.
Skipping pull-out hampers - baskets end up on the floor.
Stopping cabinetry short of the ceiling (lost storage and dust).
Transform Your Space with Eco Squared
Embrace the elegance and functionality of European design with Eco Squared. Our Oppolia partnership provides access to premium materials and cutting-edge manufacturing, tailored for the way Sydney lives.
Get a Free SMART QUOTE
Film a quick 360° video and Text/WhatsApp 0466 119 712 (no home visit required).
Prefer email? info@eco2.com.au
FAQs
What is the best layout for a small laundry?
A single-wall or compact L-shape with under-bench appliances, full-height overheads and a drying rail gives maximum function in minimal space.
How deep should laundry cabinets be?
Plan ~600 mm for under-bench appliances and storage; overheads can be 300–350 mm deep with a rail or niche beneath.
What benchtop is best for laundries?
Porcelain/sintered stone handles heat, water and stains with minimal upkeep; high-pressure laminate is a strong budget option.
Do I need a sink in a European laundry?
It’s strongly recommended a compact undermount/inset tub with a pull-out spray makes hand-washing and clean-ups far easier.
How do I ventilate a laundry without windows?
Use a heat-pump or properly ducted dryer and add a ceiling exhaust sized to the room; keep door undercuts for make-up air.