Just get the same brand and design and it's ok to mix and match front with top loader. Here is a decor blogger's experience with a set like that, I love how hers looks :) http://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2016/04/lg-washer-and-dryer-review-four-years.html

Those are beautiful. However, I was referring to a dryer with a pedestal base attached. It makes it much higher (about 16 inches) and you do not have to bend down so far to get clothes out. I am getting older and have arthritis and thinking more about making things more functional.

Karen Timmerman, do whatever makes you happy and comfortable without concern for how it looks or what other people may think. It's your home and your machines. Anyway, I doubt "high traffic area" means your mudroom is a public through-way. :-)

I have the same LG set as in the link Rugknots posted. Really like them...so far.

Karen, I haven't seen what you're asking about, either. The visual of the dryer being that much taller than the washer does seem off. However, I can certainly understand your need. You have an interesting question! Let's hope someone here has a good idea.

dadoes is right...it's your home!

If you go with a top loader, make sure it has an agitator and that you can reach to bottom easily. I'm 5'3" and would need tongs to reach the bottom of most of them.

Just wanted to add I'm totally with you on preferring a top load washer. However, any chance you'd consider a front load washer with pedestal? Some people seem happy with theirs. Seems they've worked out some of the mold issue problems.

@ Anne Duke Why should it definitely have an agitator? I really prefer agitator-free. Eitherway, I'm strictly a fan of top loaders.

@ Karen Timmerman I think you've really got to go with the coordinating front loader if appearance is a priority. Just my two cents.

Mine doesn't have an agitator...no twisting problems at all. However, as you can see in the link Rugknots posted, the washer is quite deep. I'm almost 5' 10" so it's fine, but maybe an issue for someone fairly short.

One thing's for sure...don't shop for a certain brand. Shop for features that best fit your needs. It sounds crazy but it took me almost 2 years to find something I liked after our previous washer died (at only 4 yrs. old). Reviews online can make you NUTS! What one person loves, another will trash.

There is a laundry forum here so be sure to ask there.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/laundry

I am in the top loading washing machine camp - but...I have found that the newer machines are far more deeper than the older machines. As a fairly short person this has been aggravating - I will be considering a front loader next time around...maybe.

@gigirambles, it's true some do seem deeper. I really like my new washing machine, but it would be a problem if I was 5' 2" or so, for sure.

Agitators are harder on your clothes. Top loaders without agitators are essentially front loaders turned on their sides, LOL, but I think that's part of why they're deeper.

Thats right and IMO with an agitator wears out your clothes faster, I have had front loaders for the last 20 yrs and would never go back to a top loader.I also think it is nice to have both the same height to allow a surface for folding so probably why you don’t see this .

My new washer--top loader with agitator--twists and tangles clothes like no washer I've ever used. It is a night and day difference from my old agitator washer. This is a 2-stage agitator, while the old one was a one-stage. So agitator/no agitator isn't really the issue.

Keep in mind also, that online reviews are self-selecting; people with complaints are far, far more likely to post than people who are contented. The results are skewed thusly.

I’ve had Whirlpool Duet front load washer and dryer on pedestal for about 12 years. Recently the washer “died” and we replaced it with a top load Speed Queen. The dryer stil works fine. It does look kinda wonky but they are located in my garage so I don’t care.

I don't see any issue with one machine on a pedestal. Have you checked whether a top loader will open fully with your cabinets above? And what is the full height of the dryer+pedestal? Will you need to raise your cabinets to accommodate the washer lid and dryer+pedestal height?

@knicetime, you have a good point about wonky and the basement. The visual part doesn't matter as much. When our Whirlpool Cabrio washer died the dryer was still perfectly fine. Our laundry room is off the kitchen and half bath, so it gets traffic. I wanted a matching set, so we donated the dryer to Habitat for Humanity. They were pretty happy when they came to pick it up. It made me feel a little less guilty about buying a new dryer.

@Carolinaflowerlover could you share a photo? I think it would help me decide. Thanks!