Top Design Tips For A European Laundry
Have you observed the trend of shrinking laundry rooms in modern homes? It’s a noticeable shift, as many homeowners now perceive expansive laundry spaces as unnecessary. A well-designed, compact area with just enough room for a washer and dryer can be fully functional, embodying the essence of European laundries, which are gaining popularity.
The allure of European-style laundries lies in their ability to maximize living spaces. They are the perfect solution for those aiming to enlarge their living areas without compromising functionality. A renovation supported by proficient local plumbing services can seamlessly integrate this efficient design, enhancing your home’s layout and spatial experience.
If you’re considering introducing a European laundry into your home or seeking a property already featuring this modern, compact design, this guide is your companion. It will offer insights into discerning essential features and those that can be eschewed.
Think about the location
When planning to add a European laundry to your home, choosing the right location is crucial. While the existing floor plan is a significant factor, other essential aspects need consideration.
Many homeowners eye unused closets or cupboards for transforming them into a European laundry space. However, it’s vital to consider the feasibility of installing necessary plumbing in these areas. The convenience of having European laundries close to kitchens and bathrooms isn’t just a design preference – it’s a practical choice. These locations allow for easier installation of pipes.
Having laundry appliances close to the kitchen also centralizes the water pipes, simplifying the process of monitoring water damage or mold. If you’re fortunate to have a spacious closet or cupboard near the kitchen or bathrooms, it could be an ideal spot for your European laundry. Spaces under staircases can also be excellent alternatives, combining convenience and efficient use of space.
Decide how much space you need
When designing a Euro laundry, it’s important to consider exactly how you’re planning to use that smaller space. Doing so can help you determine exactly how small (or large) you want the finished space to be.
For instance, are you looking to build a Euro laundry that’s just composed of a storage shelf, laundry basin, and a cavity to position a washer-dryer combo? Or are you looking to install a separate washer and dryer side-by-side or stacked on top of one another? The answers to these questions will determine the sizing and configuration of your ideal Euro laundry space.
It’s also important to consider how you’re planning to do your laundry every week. Are you ironing or steaming clothes at home, and would you want space to store these laundry amenities or even complete these tasks in your Euro laundry? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then adding a fold-out ironing board and some space to work in your laundry can help boost its functionality.
Some other additions to your laundry nook could include linen cupboard space, a closet rack for hanging ironed or steamed clothing, and a retractable drying line for delicates. And don’t forget about bench space for folding dry laundry!
Pick your layout
As we mentioned, when it comes to installing your washer and dryer, you have two options: stacked or side-by-side. A stacked pair is a pretty iconic image, and is often what many of us may imagine when picturing European laundries, but that doesn’t make it the only choice. Some advantages of a side-by-side setup include the ability to place both machines below a counter, swiftly allowing for some wider bench space. Installing your machines side-by-side also allows for the option of top-loaders, if that’s what you’d prefer.
A stacked setup will of course be more space-efficient alongside being generally quieter and less prone to rattling. The fact that you will be loading and unloading one of the units at height is worth taking into consideration. But installing your washer and dryer on the floor can also come with its fair share of challenges, especially if you have knee or back issues. Making these considerations now can naturally help you finetune your ideal laundry layout prior to commencing renovations.
Pick a space with adequate ventilation
Ventilation is crucial in every laundry room and is especially so in European-style laundries. These are often located centrally within the home, unlike other designs placed near back doors, leading to potential ventilation issues.
European-style laundries are typically positioned centrally, offering convenience but also posing a risk of inadequate ventilation. Proper air circulation is essential to prevent the buildup of excess moisture, ensuring both the efficiency of laundry appliances and maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
One effective solution is to invest in a condenser dryer. These appliances contain an internal reservoir to trap moisture from clothes, reducing ambient humidity. Although a condenser dryer might be costlier and slightly less energy-efficient than vented dryers, it’s instrumental in managing moisture in confined spaces.
Vents or slatted laundry doors offer another solution, promoting air circulation to disperse moisture. For a comprehensive approach, consider installing mechanical ventilation systems like exhaust fans to ensure optimal air quality and moisture control. Always consult with a professional for installation to guarantee safety and effectiveness.
Reducing noise and vibration
As well as reducing the visibility of your laundry, you may also want to reduce its presence further by keeping it out of sound and out of mind. It’s always an option to upgrade the seal around your doors or to invest in soundproof doors for your Euro laundry space. You could also install further sound insulation on and within the walls of your laundry area.
Look into how much your machine is vibrating. Simply installing some rubber feet or non-slip material under the machine can work wonders when it comes to reducing the noise generated by your washer and dryer. It also pays to be mindful of whether you are overloading or underloading your machine as this can be another sure-fire path to excess noise production.
Sometimes, the best way to reduce noise from your machines can be simple to upgrade them. Upgrading your washer and dryer for more modernized models can help you reduce noise production, and can even help the planet by cutting down on the water and energy consumption of your laundry activities.
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While dedicated laundry room spaces come with their own advantages, there is a reason that European laundries have seen an uptick in popularity – especially in inner-city residences. However, it’s important to remember that European laundry shouldn’t be synonymous with being tiny. There are many ways to make your Euro laundry feel a lot bigger than it actually is, and cultivating a flexible and functional design can have a major impact here. If you can ensure that your laundry space works well for you, no doubt you’ll be enjoying its benefits for years to come.
