The Hardworking Laundry: Make Room for Folding
When you’re tight on space, consider building in surfaces that pull out, drop down and do double duty
Want to make the most of your compact laundry room? You’re in the right place. In this series, we’re hunting down smart solutions to pesky laundry room problems, from where to hang-dry clothes to how to store the detergent. Here are 10 examples of spaces that make room for folding clothes in close quarters.
1. Sink topper. Want a sink in your laundry room but don’t want to give up much-needed counter space? With a custom-fit sink cover like the one shown here, you can quickly transform your wash basin into a smooth surface for folding clothes. To get the most usable surface area, it’s best to choose a faucet that can pivot out of the way (like this one) rather than a fixed version.
2. Compact counter. In this laundry nook, the washer and dryer sit on opposite sides, each beneath a small counter just the right size for folding and stacking fresh laundry. Upper cabinets contain the necessary supplies, and pocket doors slide shut to hide it all away without taking up valuable floor space.
3. Wall-mounted table. A narrow laundry room can be hard to maneuver in, much less find a surface for folding clothes. Unless, that is, you take a cue from this smart space and mount a drop-leaf table on the wall. The slim profile takes up hardly any room yet opens to a generous size when you’re ready to fold.
4. Double-duty ironing board. A large, sturdy ironing board can be put to work for more than pressing shirts. Why not use it as a folding surface too? Petite (and even standard-size) ironing boards won’t offer enough room to fold a load of laundry, but the larger, sturdier versions are well suited to the task, and they store away neatly when not in use.
5. Built-in shelf. This neat little shelf hides between a set of stacked machines, sliding out when you’re in need of an extra folding surface. It may not offer enough room for a big load of clothes, but in really tight quarters it could be a big help.
6. Pullout folding surface. Expand the usefulness of your cabinetry by swapping out a drawer for a pull-out folding surface. And when you’re not using it for laundry, it can work as a gift-wrapping station.
7. Below-window counter. A window wall may nix the possibility of installing storage-heavy upper cabinets, but that doesn’t mean the space needs to go to waste. Instead of cabinetry, try adding a slim counter below the window and a hanging rod above it. If space is really tight, make the counter a fold-down version.
8. Drop-down mini table. In a laundry room so narrow it’s just big enough for one, this mini table is a game-changer. Most of the time it’s folded out of the way; when you need it, whether for folding laundry or pre-treating stains, you can fold it down with one hand.
9. Expandable shelf. A slide-out shelf expands to accommodate folding laundry when you need it and tucks away when you don’t. More wood shelves above provide space to store clean linens, and a sturdy industrial-style bin below keeps dirty clothes off the floor.
10. Petite folding table. In a laundry closet without much room to spare, a small-scale table makes just the right addition. Stow supplies in the cabinet above, fold laundry on the surface, and stash a basket on the floor to hold sorted items waiting to be washed.
Tell us: How do you find room to fold clothes in a compact laundry room? Share a photo in the Comments.
Tell us: How do you find room to fold clothes in a compact laundry room? Share a photo in the Comments.