Avoiding Common Design Mistakes for IKEA Laundry Rooms

Solutions for insuring a smooth and stress-free IKEA laundry room design

Sometimes, the key to an effective IKEA design is not what you include, but what you don’t.

As certified designers who specialize in all things IKEA we know this very well.

That’s why when people come to us for laundry room design ideas, there are common design mistakes that we always educate our customers about so that they can avoid those issues.

The laundry room is an area that deserves this attention.

After all, it’s a unique space used for multiple purposes, which can accommodate many types of products and configurations while incorporating IKEA SEKTION cabinetry framework.

The key is to use the space wisely!

That’s where our design team comes in, because we’re not just kitchen design services here at IKD.

We know that organization, configuration and selecting the right products will make all the difference in your IKEA laundry room.

So, maybe you’ve been searching on HOUZZ or Pinterest for laundry room design ideas and are ready to take the next step.

If that’s the case, and you’re excited to get started on your IKEA laundry room we’d like to share some tips so you’ll know how to avoid some common IKEA design mistakes.

This will not only make your laundry room function efficiently, but will do so without breaking the bank.

Let’s take a look!

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Assess your Laundry Room Needs

One of the first things we always advise for any IKEA project is to assess your needs.

We recommend that you make a list, just as you would make a grocery list.

Only this list includes all the things you’ll need in your laundry room. This will help identify how your laundry room should be laid out.

For instance, you might think you need a drying rack but will you really need it? Perhaps if you do a lot of hand-washing of clothing, then you might want the IKEA MULIG drying rack. And, consider where you want to put your sink.

Also, will more than one person be performing tasks in the space? If so, height of your IKEA cabinetry and shelving should be considered, both to reach detergents easily, or to access seasonal clothing storage.

Lastly, consider your counter space needs, especially if you intend to fold clothes in your laundry room.

Too Small and Too Cramped

One of the biggest mistakes we see from non-professionals is trying to fit too much into an already small laundry room.

We’ll help you maximize storage space in all rooms in your home, but in your IKEA laundry room especially.

And if you have a larger laundry room, that doesn’t mean every inch should be crammed tight!

Keeping things tidy and maximizing counter space is imperative. So, think of SEKTION pull-outs, corner cabinets and high cabinets as storage options.

Ultimately, you want your space to be efficient and workable.

Sink Next To a Tall Cabinet

We’re well aware that sinks are often much needed in a laundry room.

That’s why we recommend selecting a small sink that doesn’t take up too much space.

Regardless of what size sink you choose though, placing a sink right next to a tall cabinet or vertical surface won’t give you enough counter space to work on – and can ultimately cause costly water damage.

Not good.

Or really evaluate if you do have the space for a small sink at all. If you only intend to use the washer and dryer primarily, then seriously reconsider the idea altogether.

Appliance Info

The last tip we’d like to share is about your appliance choices.

We cannot stress enough to make sure you review your appliance info carefully.

For example, washer-and-dryer specifications indicate the clearances needed on the sides and on the back of the appliances depending on the type and installation.

So you’ll need to plan accordingly.

With the back clearance, is there enough circulation in front of it?

Is there enough clearance for that adjacent cabinet?

Are your appliances front load or top load?

You don’t want to place low shelving above a top-load washer because it won’t leave enough room to comfortably maneuver the lid.

Similarly with a front-load washer/dryer, you want enough room for the door to swing out unobstructed – especially when you’re trying to transfer wet wash to the dryer.

As you can see, there are always consideration and design options for a perfect laundry room with a perfect workflow.

By avoiding these mistakes in your IKEA laundry room, you’ll greatly improve the overall style and sensibility of the room and your entire home.

And IKD can make that happen for you!

Learn more about how we can design your IKEA kitchen, bath and closet at https://inspiredkitchendesign.com.