Laundry Layout (below a bay window)

9 years ago

Hi all,

Does anyone here have any layout advice for how best to position a pair of laundry machines in a bay window opening? No, the machines will not in the window, but in the basement below the bay window, and the foundation walls take the same shape. The dimensions are very irregular:

The room is now framed and drywalled with the exception of the bay window wall as I need to do the electrical and connect up the plumbing once I figure out a layout. The drawing looks very crowded, but it isn't as bad as it looks. I need to keep access space in front of the utilities and furnace/HW so I've marked these on the drawing. The machines are stackable and 24" square.

My goals are to make the space efficient and attractive, with a sink, cabinet storage and enough counter space to get the job done.

I have 3 ideas roughly sketched out and I'd love some feedback.

Thanks everyone!

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Comments (8)

practigal
9 years ago
Where it says "keep clear" do they mean that you really should have nothing including yourself in that area? Or just that they don't want you to put anything permanently in that space. Are you going to put in a floor drain? Does that change where you would locate any of the items?I would expect that you would use your washer and dryer a lot more often then the freezer. And if you were going to go for a stacked configuration I would be inclined to put the washer and dryer by the door and the freezer further into the room. My personal preference is that the washer and dryer be at a very comfortable height and, if possible, for there to be a table for you to use for folding...
grahamw
Original Author
9 years ago
1) keep clear means that I cannot place an appliance in that spot. No issues with standing there, baskets or even a temporary drying rack. Just that I need clearance around the services/utilities by code or for maintenance.
2) there is a floor drain near the furnace/HW tank
3) the stand-up freezer is used almost daily in my house. I have the freezer on large casters as it is over our sump pump.
4) the washer/dryer cannot be moved from the wall where I've placed them as this is where the drain rough out is located.
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grahamw
Original Author
9 years ago
Just to add a few more thoughts:
- I don't envision us spending a huge amount of time actually folding laundry or ironing in this room.
- Collecting and sorting is usually done upstairs in the bedrooms.
- The floors are epoxy coated concrete which looks great and is very functional for a utility room, but isn't that comfortable to to stand on for a long period of time.
- The reality is that most folding/ironing will probably be done in an adjacent room which has a TV.

Sketch A:
- I like the idea of a tall cabinet to the left of the stacked machines as it will give me a place to put taller things (vacuum, broom, etc)
- I will be able to put a standard sized sink immediately to the right of the machines.
- The downside is there is not much counter space... but how much do I really need?

Sketch B:
- A nice long counter to work on.
- No tall cabinet as drawn, but I could put one to the left of the machines.
- It may prove difficult to find a sink that will fit in that small irregular cabinet to the right of the machines.

Sketch C:
- A nice long counter to work on.
- Easy placement of a sink.
- The 'cabinet' to the left of the machines looks odd and I cannot carry the wall angle as it would impede access to my electrical service panel. I am also very restricted on the maximum machine width of 24" so there would be no up-sizing. Leaving it out would also look odd given the depth of the stacking machines and the angle of that little space.

Thanks again!
practigal
9 years ago
You may want to consider a pullout counter so that you have the extra space only when you need it. I agree, getting broom and vacuum cleaner storage is much more important than a folding area....
robo (z6a)
9 years ago
Sketch b with a tall cab to left of washer and removable countertop over washer and dryer. Pedestals on washer and dryer if you dislike bending.
Annie Deighnaugh
9 years ago
I'd do B...you may have to pull the machines out a few inches from the wall so they fit side by side...typically the washer is on the left, dryer on the right. But ours are not right up against the wall anyway as there are hoses and such in the back.
live_wire_oak
9 years ago
B isn't physically possible without pulling the machines forward. Typical WD sizes are 27''W (some are 30'') x 30''-36'' deep. The minimum wall size for a wall with a WD is 60''. The stacked configuration A is the only workable layout, but even then, you're not allowing enough depth. Also, in B you have the positions reversed from what the usual door swing is on todays machines. That's critical for correct utility placement.
Karenseb
9 years ago
I like sketch B with the machines side by side and pulled forward enough to fit. A cabinet on the left. Definitely make sure you can put your washer on the left side of the dryer. Instead of a built in shelf to the right, I would look for an inexpensive table that you could use in that space. You could store baskets underneath and maybe put a rod to the right of the dryer for temporary hanging of clothes taken from the dryer.The table could fit the space or could be long and narrow for folding, placed at a right angle to the dryer and somewhat in front of the furnace. Then it could be moved in case of needing furnace servicing.

Laundry Layout (below a bay window)

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practigal

grahamw
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Laundry Layout (below a bay window)

Comments (8)

practigal

grahamwOriginal Author

Related Discussions

grahamwOriginal Author

practigal

robo (z6a)

Annie Deighnaugh

live_wire_oak

Karenseb

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grahamw
Original Author

grahamw
Original Author