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Laundry Room Design Dilemma Storage & Closet

How to utilize this space (linen closet)

5 years ago

Our house is currently down to the studs & we have the ability to create whatever we want with this space that was previously used as a linen closet. The drawing is a view from the top; it measures approximately 9' tall from the floor up to the ceiling. It is in a narrow hallway and, once the house is done being remodeled, this space will be directly across from our washer & dryer. My husband would like to have some sort of folding station in this space. But it is also our only possibility for a linen closet. Before we tore it down, this linen closet had 4 shelves from end to end. If we duplicate that design, we lose the opportunity to have a workable "laundry" area. Any design ideas for the best use of this space?

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Comments (5)

Tracey Woods
5 years ago
How busy is the hallway, how wide is it and what does it connect? Could you lose the barn doors and open it completely up? Nice big counter and built in storage.
jmw thanked Tracey Woods
Angel 18432
5 years ago
Nice long counter for folding etc. Cupboards at top for linens, with doors that close so you don't see the items. Drawers on bottom. Those ends are going to be rather useless. Can you take down the wall sections.
jmw thanked Angel 18432
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You could actually do a couple different things. You could have one rod and use hangers. You would have to fold them a bit to fit on the hanger and not drag on the floor, but that's usually how they come from the cleaners. For heavy cloths, use two hangers together for added strength. You could also hang multiple rods at slightly different heights and depths. If you have a walk in closet this works great, but will still work with a reach in. Hang the highest rod the farthest back, then one a bit lower and closer and even a third lower and closer than the second. Then you can hang the cloths right on the rod instead of on a hanger. I like the rod because of it's larger diameter it doesn't leave creases in the cloths. You can also overlap them on these rods. For optimum use of space, you'd need to use multiple rods and overlap. Is that totally confusing?!
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Ok, suspicions confirmed! Thanks, desertsteph! Lascatz, how do you fit all that in 12 inches? Pegboard? I thought a lot about where to put the pantry. It is currently where the fridge and pantry are pictured with 12 inch deep fixed shelves and much wasted space. I really want to avoid all tall cabinets on the short wall against the bathroom as it makes the space feel closed in (fridge is currently there). It was hard to decide between having the Advantium next to the fridge or the pantry, and in the end I wanted the pantry by the fridge and to steal the 6 inches for an 18 inch drawer stack vs 12 inch. I agree a straight line isn't ideal, but the space is small, and that's the only option that works without major structural changes or filling up that short wall floor to ceiling. Or we could lose the Advantium, but DH is pretty excited to get one and it's the only thing he's asked be included other than a double sink! So any additional ideas for making a 24 inch cabinet into utility/cleaning storage? Looks like I can work on converting the utility closet to a pantry while I'm waiting for the remodel to begin, kind of excited about that as it feels like it's starting!
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It sounds like you don't really need it right now so I'd put a door on it until its need really presents itself. In the meantime, you could consider adding the door and baseboard trim inside the closet. Also, is it HVAC in the ceiling? If yes, you may want to address/mask it so it's not something you see when you use the closet. Unless......... What's on the opposite side of the wall? Could you use the closet or floor space there?
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loobab
5 years ago
Think about how you live and what you will realistically do as the years go on.

Do you really want to stand in a narrow hallway folding the laundry?

I sure wouldn't.

Especially as you get older you won't.

You'll prefer bringing the laundry somewhere you can sit down and do it.

Why not keep the laundry closet a laundry closet, which every home really needs.

Unless you don't do the laundry at all, and have paid domestic help and will for the rest of your life, in which case my concern isn't relevant.
jmw thanked loobab
auntthelma
5 years ago
Another idea is to have the folding table on the washer and dryer. If both are front load, you can have a counter on top of them. That leaves the linen closet for storage.
jmw thanked auntthelma
jmw
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. It is a narrow hallway, at the top of the stairs and there are 3 bedrooms & 2 full baths up there. The laundry will be stackable units so I can't have the folding table above them. I like the idea of getting rid of the barn doors & opening it all up & having a big counter with cabinets above/below. Then it's just a matter of cost & going over budget $$$$
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