What’s The Average Laundry Room Size By Dimensions?

Laundry is a chore, but having a nice-sized laundry room can certainly boost your mood while you complete it. Many homes come with a laundry room, and it's usually pretty high on the list of requirements for first-time homebuyers. You may be wondering what the average dimensions of a laundry room are. Well, we've researched the topic in-depth and have an answer for you. 

The average laundry room size in the United States is 35 square feet. In dimensions, this would typically be a 5-foot by 7-foot room.

Laundry rooms come in a variety of sizes. Keep reading as we discuss the minimal size for a laundry room, and, if you have more space, what you can do to make an elaborate laundry room fit for any family. We'll also answer some other questions you might have about laundry rooms. 

Laundry Room Dimensions, Based On Necessities

Laundry rooms range from closet-sized to large mudroom with laundry room combos. To know how much space you'll need for a laundry room, you need to know what you want your laundry room to have. First, we'll go over what a laundry room should have, and then we'll discuss how much space you'll need.

What should a laundry room have?

At a bare minimum, a laundry room should have a washer and dryer. You'll also probably need some shelves or cabinets to keep your laundry supplies in. A larger laundry room should have counter space for folding or an area for ironing clothes and a place to hang clothes. Many people like to include a sink in their laundry room too. Don't forget to include an area to store larger supplies like laundry baskets when they aren't in use. 

Washer & Dryer

Large laundry room with white cabinets and electrolux washer and dryer appliances, What's The Average Laundry Room Size By Dimensions?

Let's discuss the dimensions and space needed for the standard appliances and features of a laundry room. If you already have an idea of the appliances you want, make sure to research their dimensions. Most websites will list the dimensions of the appliances. Measure your space beforehand to make sure it will fit. 

Washers and dryers measure approximately 27 inches wide however they vary in heights and depths. Washer depths range from 25 to 28 inches deep, and dryers range from 25 to 32 inches deep.

Your laundry room will need to be at least 5-foot wide to accommodate both a washer and a dryer. To comfortably load a washer and dryer, you should have at least 3-foot of space in front of them. If you plan on stacking your washer and dryer, you should have at least 8-foot ceilings.

Laundry Room Sinks or Utility Sinks

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Beautiful laundry room with rish wooden doors and white washer and dryer

If you want to add a sink to your laundry room, keep in mind that laundry or utility sinks are much bigger than a kitchen or bathroom sink. They range between 10 and 25 inches deep. Single laundry room sinks can be around 24 inches wide, and double laundry room sinks can reach 40 inches or more.

How deep are laundry room cabinets?

Laundry cabinet with washing machine and space for detergents storage, What's The Average Laundry Room Size By Dimensions?

Laundry room cabinets are usually 12 to 24 inches deep. Wall cabinets are typically 12 inches deep, while base cabinets are typically 24 inches deep. You don't want them too deep that you can't reach items in the back. 

Another thing to consider if you have a top-loading washer is how high you place the cabinets. The general rule for hanging cabinets is 54 inches from the floor, but you will need enough space between the washer and the bottom of the cabinets to easily open the washer lid. For this reason, you might have to hang the cabinets higher.

If you want some inspiration for some unique laundry room cabinet ideas, check out our other blog post here: "15 Unique Laundry Room Cabinet Ideas."

Laundry Room Doors

Modern laundry room with grey cupboards on the wall near a wooden door with a glass panel closed

An important thing to consider that might've slipped your mind is what type of door your laundry room has and whether it opens inward or outward.

For laundry room closets, a bi-fold or concertina door or a sliding door is often used. This allows you to push the door to the side to reach the appliances. If you choose a bi-fold door, you will need to make sure there is enough space to adequately open the washer and dryer doors without them bumping the door.

For small to medium-sized laundry rooms, consider having the door opening outward so that you don't lose any potential workspace in your laundry room. For a large laundry room, you likely have enough space to install a door that opens inward without it affecting any laundry duties.

What is considered a laundry room?

So we've talked about how much space you might need for a laundry room, but what actually qualifies it as such? Well, officially, for a room to be considered a laundry room, it needs to have a washer or dryer hookup.

That being said, not every home or apartment has these, and maybe for you, a laundry room is just an area for you to fold or iron your clothes. So if you have a small room with a sink or cabinets and you dedicate it as an area to do your laundry, that can be called a laundry room! Let's take a closer look at the types and sizes of laundry rooms.

Laundry Closets

Laundry room with wood floor, washing machine at closet,white wall, shelving, clothes and curtains

The smallest type of laundry room is more of a laundry closet. Often found in apartments or smaller homes, laundry closets have just enough space for a washer or dryer with shelves or a cabinet above or beside if you have a stackable washer or dryer. Most laundry closets have doors or curtains to hide the appliances. Just make sure these don't impede your ability to load and unload the laundry.

Laundry closets are typically a 5-foot by 3-foot area.  If you plan on stacking your washer and dryer, you need to consider the height of the closet ceiling too.

Small Laundry Rooms

small Laundry room with stacked washer and dryer next to dark wood cabinets and a sink

A small laundry room might not be equipped with more than a laundry closet, but it usually allows for more movement around the appliances. Small laundry rooms will be rooms between 5-foot to 6-foot wide and 7-foot long. If you have a small laundry room, stacking a frontloading washer and dryer can allow room for a sink and more cabinet space. 

Medium-Sized Laundry Room

Laundry room with modern steel appliances

A medium-sized laundry room will have plenty of room to do all of your laundry-related duties, including ironing. Of course, the ease of this depends on the dimension and the layout of other features such as sinks or cabinets. A medium-sized laundry room will measure around 7-foot by 9-foot.

Large Sized Laundry Room

Showcase interior design of a utility laundry room in a residential home. with utility sink and fixture, washer and dryer, storage area.

If you're lucky enough or plan to have a large laundry room, you have an abundance of options when it comes to your laundry room.  You can plan on including all of your laundry room needs and wants. A large laundry room can also be doubled as a mudroom. 

Not all clothes can be put in the dryer, so it's also a good idea to consider adding a clothes hanging area to your laundry room. If you need some ideas for this, check out this blog post: "7 Great Laundry Room Hanging Ideas."

Final Thoughts

Laundry room with view to fenced back yard. What's The Average Laundry Room Size By Dimensions

Now you know the average laundry room size, but hopefully, we've also helped educate you on other laundry room sizes and what they might include. Laundry might seem less like a chore with a nice space to do it in!

Once you've figured out how big your laundry room is going to be, next, you might be wondering what kind of flooring to choose. Here's another blog post going over some great floor ideas for a laundry room: "15 Great Laundry Room Floor Ideas

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