Look, I get it. You’re staring at your cramped apartment or that awkward corner of your house thinking, “How the heck am I supposed to fit both a bathroom AND laundry space here?” Spoiler alert: it’s totally doable, and you might actually end up loving the setup more than separate rooms.
I’ve spent way too many hours scrolling through design ideas (blame my Pinterest addiction), and I’m here to share the absolute best laundry-bathroom combos that blend function with serious style. No fluff, just real solutions that actually work.
Why Combine Your Laundry and Bathroom?
We want to talk about the reasoning behind this combination before we get into the designs. First, you are halfway there because the spaces will need plumbing. Additionally, combining these rooms is less expensive, which means you have less space available for other uses, such as a true closet.
Here’s the thing: when done right, a laundry-bathroom combo doesn’t feel cramped or chaotic. It feels intentional and smart. The key is maximizing every inch while keeping things visually clean.
Design #1: The Stacked Wonder
Ever walked into a bathroom and thought, “Where’s the washer?” That’s the magic of vertical stacking.
Place your washer and dryer in a specific bathroom closet or alcove. If you add frosted glass doors or a sliding barn door, you’ll have hidden laundry that doesn’t shout “utility room.” This method keeps the bathroom looking like a bathroom, which is why I adore it.
Key features:
- Space-saving vertical design
- Concealed behind stylish doors
- Works perfectly in narrow bathrooms
- Keeps noise contained
Design #2: The Open Shelf Integration
This one’s for people who don’t mind showing off their appliances. Place your washer-dryer combo along one wall and surround it with open shelving for towels, toiletries, and laundry supplies.
The trick? Make those shelves appear deliberate. Use coordinating colors, matching baskets, and perhaps some plants (fake ones work too, no judgment). Your appliances stop being an eyesore and instead become a part of the design when everything is in harmony.
Design #3: The Hidden Nook
Got a weird alcove or awkward corner? Perfect. Tuck your laundry machines into that space and add custom cabinetry that matches your bathroom vanity.
This design feels super high-end because everything looks built-in and purposeful. Plus, you get extra counter space on top for folding or holding your skincare routine essentials.
Design #4: The Minimalist Dream
White on white on white. Minimalist designs work incredibly well for combo spaces because they reduce visual clutter.
Use white or light colored appliances, white tiles and light wood decorations. The result? Tranquil room that is larger than it is. Believe me, this is a method that pins up well on Pinterest
to take photographs.
Design #5: The Industrial Chic
Exposed pipes? Metal fixtures? Industrial style embraces the utilitarian nature of both bathrooms and laundries.
Use tiles, which look like concrete, black metal frames, and Edison light. Your washer and dryer will not seem out of place they will seem to belong in an upscale loft.
Design #6: The Under-Counter Hideaway
Here’s a clever one: install front-loading machines under your bathroom counter. They slide right in like dishwashers.
You’ll need to plan this during renovation, but the payoff is huge. Your bathroom looks completely normal until someone opens those cabinet doors. It’s like a functional magic trick.
| Design Type | Best For | Key Benefit | Style Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stacked | Small spaces | Maximizes vertical space | Modern/Clean |
| Open Shelf | Organized folks | Easy access | Casual/Relaxed |
| Hidden Nook | Awkward corners | Custom look | Polished/Refined |
| Under-Counter | Renovations | Seamless integration | Sleek/Contemporary |
Design #7: The Scandinavian Simplicity
Scandinavian design is basically made for small, multifunctional spaces. Think light woods, white walls, and clever storage solutions.
Add floating shelves, a simple stool for sitting while you fold, and lots of natural light. The vibe is calm, clean, and ridiculously Instagram-worthy.
Design #8: The Tile Statement Wall
Who says laundry areas can’t be gorgeous? Create a bold tile accent wall behind your machines.
The appliances can be made a design by things as simple as plain subway tiles in a strange color, rather than hiding. Incidentally, it is among my favorite tricks to make the space appear meaningful.
Design #9: The Pocket Door Solution
Space tight? Pocket doors are your best friend. They slide into the wall instead of swinging out, giving you more usable floor space.
Install one between your bathroom and laundry area, or use multiple pocket doors to create separate zones within one room. It’s a game-changer for tiny apartments.
Design #10: The Farmhouse Fusion
Shiplap walls, vintage-style fixtures, and a farmhouse aesthetic can make your combo space feel cozy instead of cramped.
Add a farmhouse sink, some rustic wood shelving, and maybe a cute sign (though let’s not go overboard with the signs). This style works especially well if you’re working with older architecture.
Design #11: The All-White Everything
When in doubt, go white. All-white designs make spaces feel larger and brighter.
White tiles, white cabinets, white appliances—you get the idea. Add texture through different materials (matte vs. glossy, smooth vs. textured) to keep it from feeling sterile.
Design #12: The Smart Storage Solution
This design prioritizes built-in storage everywhere possible.
Drawer organizer beneath sink, cabinets on the overhead, pull out hampers, every inch has its reason. It is the most effective with those who actually do laundry (you know who, Pinterest schemers who do not ever actually do it).
Design #13: The Coastal Retreat
Bring beach vibes with coastal design elements. Light blues, sandy neutrals, and natural textures create a spa-like atmosphere.
Your washer-dryer setup sits alongside seashell decor and ocean-inspired tiles. It’s surprisingly relaxing to do laundry when your space feels like a mini vacation.
Design #14: The Compact Corner
Got literally just a corner to work with? Corner installations maximize L-shaped spaces.
Place your stacked washer-dryer in the corner, add a small vanity along one wall, and use the other wall for a narrow shower. Everything fits like a puzzle.
Design #15: The Luxury Spa
Why shouldn’t your laundry-bathroom combo feel luxurious? Add high-end finishes like marble countertops, rainfall showerheads, and sleek appliances.
Cover your machines with personalized panels to your cabinetry. As soon as everything seems costly (although it may not be), no one will wonder why your washer must be co-located with your bathtub.
Design #16: The Color Pop
Tired of neutrals? Add bold color through your appliances or accent walls.
Colored laundry machines are in the moment- consider navy blue, forest green or even blush pink. Combine them with complementary tiles or color of paint to have a space that is personal and unique.
Design #17: The Glass Partition
Create visual separation without losing space using glass partitions.
A clear or frosted glass wall divides the laundry zone from the bathroom proper while keeping the area feeling open and bright. It’s particularly great for studio apartments where every room counts.
Design #18: The Multi-Level Layout
Play with different floor heights or platform installations to define separate zones.
Raise the laundry area slightly or create a sunken bathtub section. These architectural elements add interest while clearly delineating different functions within the same room.
Design #19: The Mirror Maximizer
Strategic mirror placement makes small combo spaces feel twice as large.
Install a large mirror above your washer-dryer or across from your vanity. The reflection creates depth and bounces light around, making everything feel more spacious.
Design #20: The Rustic Modern Mix
Combine rustic warmth with modern efficiency. Think reclaimed wood shelves paired with high-tech, energy-efficient appliances.
This hybrid style feels both lived-in and current. It’s for people who want functionality without sacrificing personality.
Design #21: The Narrow Galley
Working with a long, narrow space? Embrace the galley layout.
Install one wall full of your sink and your vanity and the other full of your laundry machines. The color scheme should remain the same and the items should be kept straight up to avoid the claustrophobic effect.
Design #22: The Convertible Space
Here’s a wild one: movable partitions or curtains that let you reconfigure your space as needed.
When you’re doing laundry, pull the curtain for privacy. When you need a larger bathroom, open it up. This flexibility is perfect for people who host guests or have changing needs.
Making It Work: Practical Tips
Look, designing a combo space isn’t just about aesthetics (though that’s fun). Here are some real-world considerations:
Ventilation is crucial. Steam from showers plus dryer heat equals potential mold issues. Install a powerful exhaust fan—it’s not sexy, but it’s necessary.
Noise matters. If your bedroom shares a wall with this space, consider sound-dampening materials or run your machines during the day. Nobody wants to hear the spin cycle at midnight :/
Waterproofing everywhere. Even if your machines aren’t near the shower, moisture happens. Use water-resistant materials throughout.
The Bottom Line
IMO, laundry-bathroom combos get a bad rap they don’t deserve. Sure, they’re born from necessity—but that doesn’t mean they can’t be gorgeous, functional, and even enviable.
You can be minimalist, maximalist, hidden, on display, and whatever your space and style will fit this design. The real secret? Adhere to the idea rather than compromising on it.
And now your Pinterest board is likely to be overflowed (mine is). Choose what you like among various designs and make it something that is unique to you. Anyway, the most beautiful design is the one that simplifies your everyday routine and makes your surrounding more beautiful.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some laundry to do—in my perfectly designed combo space, of course.