European Laundry Design: Create a Compact, Stylish Laundry Space at Home

A European laundry is the ultimate solution for combining style and functionality in small spaces.

Designed to pack all your laundry room needs into a compact, concealed setup, these clever laundry zones are typically hidden within cupboards, closets, under stairs, or integrated into kitchens or bathrooms. They’re perfect for maximizing space without compromising on practicality or design. Whether you’re short on room or simply love the idea of a streamlined, minimalist look, a European laundry offers endless possibilities.

Here’s how to design one for your home, from choosing the right location and dimensions to ensuring proper plumbing and adding smart storage solutions. #letsgo

Fisher & Paykel • European Laundry

Where to Place Your European Laundry: Finding the Ideal Spot

Choosing the right location is the first step in a European laundry design. Since this type of laundry setup will likely share real estate with another room or space in your home, it’s critcial its position balances accessibility with practicality.

In the Kitchen or Bathroom: Common spots for European laundries include the kitchen or bathroom, where there is existing plumbing already available. This location generally makes plumbing a little more straightforward and provides easy access for use, especially for smaller homes or apartments. Bathrooms are especially practical for locating a European laundry cupboard, as it ensures the laundry zone is positioned well away from entertaining areas.

Hallways, Under Stairs and Cupboards: If you’re aiming for a seamless, integrated look, a hallway cupboard or a built-in closet works very well — because no one’s the wise!. Concealed behind doors, it keeps your laundry area out of sight, maintaining a clean aesthetic in your home.

Z+S Tip • Ventilation Considerations: Good ventilation is essential in a European laundry cabinet, especially when integrating a dryer. Ensure there’s either ducted, mechanical ventilation and/or a door with slatted panels to allow airflow and reduce humidity. You also have the flexibility to leave the laundry doors open during dryer cycles to maximise ventilation.

Deposit Photos • European Laundry Cupboard

European Laundry Dimensions and Layout Guidelines

To design a functional European laundry, getting the dimensions right is key. Even though space is limited, your setup needs to be optimised for comfortable, practical use.

Standard Depth and Width: European laundry cupboards typically require a minimum depth of 650-700mm to allow for standard-sized appliances to sit snuggly inside, however a cupboard that’s 700 — 800mm deep is far more practical to provide ample room for washing machine water hoses and doors. For the cupboard width, around 1200-1500mm will provide enough room for a small sink and/or essential storage to sit beside a stacked washer/dryer set up.

Stacking Options: For very narrow spaces, consider stacking the washer and dryer vertically. Stacking kits ensure the appliances stay secure, and this laundry setup frees up space for storage or a folding surface alongside.

Benchtop and Sink: If space allows, adding a benchtop provides a useful surface for folding clothes. A small sink is also practical for handwashing, even in compact setups. Consider an under-mount sink to keep the look streamlined and maximize counter space.

The Building Company • European Laundry Bifold Doors

Pinterest • European Laundry Cabinet

Plumbing and Electrical Requirements

Proper plumbing and electrical setups are essential for a safe and efficient laundry set up. Planning these ahead ensures your laundry functions smoothly.

Plumbing Needs: A washing machine requires both hot and cold water connections as well as a drain. If you’re installing a sink, it will need its own plumbing. Ensuring water points are within easy reach of appliances is key for a seamless setup.

Power Points and Switches: You’ll need power points for both the washing machine and dryer. Install these inside the sink cupboard or somewhere discreet beside the washer and dryer, rather than behind your laundry appliances where they’re hard to access. You might also like power installed above the benchtop height for easy access, ensuring there is enough distance from the sink and tap to meet local building regulations. If you’re including lighting, switches should be positioned within the unit or just outside the cupboard for convenience. And don’t forget mechanical ventilation! An exhaust fan within your laundry cupboard will deter mold and moisture build up and can be switched alongside a light swtch.

Drainage and Waterproofing: Make sure to install proper drainage to prevent any water damage. Waterproofing the area is crucial in case of leaks, especially if your European laundry is near living spaces.

Vision Design Studio • European Laundry In Bathroom

Decor Pod • European Laundry Door

Smart Storage Solutions for a European Laundry

A well-designed European laundry has smart storage to keep essentials organized and easy to access, all while maintaining a clean, clutter-free look.

Overhead Cabinets: Use the space above the washer and dryer for overhead cabinets. These can store wahsing baskets, detergents, cleaning supplies, and any laundry accessories. For a polished look, opt for closed cabinets that keep items hidden where your European laundry is not concealed by large doors.

Pull-Out Hampers: A pull-out hamper system, integrated within a lower cabinet, is an excellent way to keep dirty laundry out of sight. It adds functionality while keeping the area neat and organized.

Vertical Storage: Narrow pull-out shelves can fit between the appliances or on one side, offering space for cleaning products and small laundry items. These maximize storage without requiring additional width in your laundry nook.

Three Birds Renovation • European Laundry Layout

Sarah Yarrow • European Laundry Sliding Doors

Design Features to Elevate Your European Laundry

Even in small spaces, a European laundry can be stylish and cohesive with the rest of your home. Here are design elements that can make a big impact.

Cabinet Doors and Finishes

Cabinet doors in a European laundry are essential for maintaining a tidy look, especially in open-plan homes, and will help reduce noise transfer when the washer or dryer is running. Conceal your laundry behind the type of door that will provide the most convenient access, use and movement for your configuration and laundry size. European laundry sliding doors or bifold doors may prove more functional than standard hinged cabinet doors, depending on your laundry location.

Door Finishes: To ensure cohesion in your home design, use a door material and colour that aligns with your overall home interior style. Matching your new European laundry cabinets to other cabinetry in your home, will also help conceal it so it sits seamlessly in any space. For a modern look, matte or woodgrain cabinet doors create a contemporary, sleek, understated elegance, while gloss finishes can add brightness and make the space feel larger.

Integrated Handles: Integrated or push-to-open handles keep your design seamless, blending well with other cabinetry, especially if your laundry is in the kitchen. Regular or pull handles are the best choice for heavy doors, as they will provide more grip for easy opening.

Pinterest • European Laundry Design

Homes By Ivy • European Laundry Ideas

Colour Palette and Materials

The colour palette and materials should complement your home’s style, creating a cohesive look even when the doors are open.

Neutral Tones: Soft whites, greys, and earthy tones work well in European laundries, creating a clean and calming space. Opting for neutral colours willl not only ensure longevity in your home design, they’ll also make the laundry area feel more open and airy.

Splashbacks and Tiles: Add a small splashback behind the sink or washer to protect walls. Subway tiles, small mosaics, or even a marble-look splashback can bring texture and interest without overwhelming the small space. To keep costs at bay, you might even be able to utilise benchtop off cuts for your new splashback.

Lighting and Ambiance

Lighting can make a significant difference in how functional and inviting your European laundry feels. Good lighting is especially important if the space is enclosed or tucked away in a darker corner.

Under-Cabinet Lighting: LED strips under overhead cabinets provide task lighting and illuminate work surfaces, making it easier to handle laundry tasks.

Overhead Lighting: A small recessed light or even a compact wall light above the area adds both function and style, ensuring the space is well-lit without taking up additional room.

Alison Lewis Interiors • European Laundry Storage

Designing a European laundry that’s both practical and stylish is all about maximizing space, planning storage, and choosing design elements that complement your home. By carefully considering its placement, plumbing, dimensions, and storage needs, you can create a European laundry that not only looks beautiful but also works seamlessly with your daily routine. With thoughtful choices in cabinetry, lighting, and materials, your European laundry can be a hidden gem in your home that’s every bit as functional as it is stylish.

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