Updating my laundry closet as been on my mind for a long time. And I call it a “closet” on purpose because it is nowhere large enough to be called a “room.” My current set up has been in place since 2004. The stacked machine has been in service since before I moved in!
I always think it’s a bad idea to buy appliances when you “need” them because sometimes your choices are limited and you can’t always get competitive pricing. You end up making a decision based on urgency which usually isn’t great.
My washer and dryer are okay but definitely on its final legs. I can’t use the hot wash setting on the washer and I can’t have loads larger than medium. If I put the setting on large, water flies out of the machine! The dryer works fine though I did have it serviced about 5-6 years ago because it wasn’t getting hot enough.
So, the time has come.
WHAT I LIKE
I like top loading machines with an agitator! Because of the limitations of my space, I can’t get what I like. I looked at Pinterest to see some different ideas and marvel at the beautiful and creative laundry spaces! Even though my space is not pretty, it is functional and I am forever grateful to have the ability to do laundry inside of my home.
Looking at these 3 rooms, there are elements that I really like. I love the wild, loud wallpaper, the cabinets, the shelves and lighting. I also like the blue and white floor but I am really torn as to whether or not I will attempt a change in flooring (will explain later).
I will also note that in all of these photos the machines are stacked but I would actually like to NOT have my machines stacked! Stacking is a space saving feature which I might find is necessary for my space.
NEEDS AND WANTS
I will definitely need some storage space for laundry items as well as for some vacuums and mops that I keep in this closet.
Additionally, there is currently a functional plug in florescent light that I plan to change out. The new light will also likely be plug in but more up to date and fun!
In terms of storage, I like the idea of cabinets but the space is really not large enough so I’m thinking some open type of storage might work. I also want to use the vertical space so I may get something tall and not super wide.
Picture laundry items in these cubbies instead of magazines and boxes. This is just one idea-I’m definitely still looking for alternatives.
WALL DECOR
I have pretty much decided that instead of painting I’m going to do wallpaper and I want to do something not subtle. This is an area where the doors are generally closed so it won’t clash with anything else. Here are 4 examples:
It would appear that I am partial to flowers!! I haven’t completely decided yet and I continue to look. I did learn that because my walls are textured, I will need a vinyl wallpaper. This is why it’s important to do some research and find out any possible obstacles. One of the issues with a thinner wallpaper is that the wall texture could show through. The other is that it may not stick as well. I likely wouldn’t care about the wall texture showing through especially since it’s in a closet but it’s good to know.
CURRENT SITUATION
My space is long enough but the depth is very shallow. It’s so shallow that I cannot have a standard depth washer and dryer. Standard depth is 27″. I need a depth of 24″ or less. As you can imagine, there are few options.
This is the all in one stacked unit that I inherited when I bought my condo. It has done well by me for these 19 years but I’m ready for a change. The machine is turned sideways because there is not enough room to close the doors (because of the hoses) when the machine is facing front toward the hallway.
This is a view of the inside of the room. In the front of the machine is laundry type stuff and behind the machine are mops and vaccums as well as my ironing board and clothing rack (which I think I’m getting rid of).
You can also see the florescent light there as well as the water hookup and dryer vent. The new dryer is ventless. There is also plenty of height for a tall cabinet.
WISHES & DREAMS
If it’s possible, I would like to have the machines unstacked facing front toward the hallway. It is my hope that with a thinner washing machine hose and no dryer hose, the machines can be back towards the wall allowing the doors to close without issue. Right now, the doors rub against the machine as I open and close them.
If facing front doesn’t work, I’d like the machines stacked and moved as far back (to the right of the closet) as possible with lots of space left in the front. I would also go for the machines being stacked and facing front if that works. I definitely have plenty of head space for stacking.
In terms of the flooring, since there is carpet and I don’t think I’m ready to tackle ripping it up in just that room is to lay down a fun rug runner for color and variety!
WHAT I’M GETTING
After consultation with staff from Best Buy, I decided on the LG ThinQ washer and dryer set. It’s got more fancy stuff than I will likely ever use and of course, they both work with home assistants like Alexa and Google Home (I’m an Alexa woman). In terms of the dryer, I learned that this model comes with a hose to drain the water into the same hose that the washer uses which means that I wouldn’t have to empty the dryer’s drain tray each load.
Prior to installation, I will have to get my plug upgraded to a 220 wattage. I’m hoping that I can have it be a dual plug so that the washer and dryer can be plugged into the same plug and I can keep the other plug for the light or other items.
So, this project will be a slow burn. The machines have been ordered but the earliest delivery date is November 14! I had thought starting to change out the decor but I’ve decided to wait until the machines are in their spot and see what I’m working with.
If you have any thoughts or ideas, please share in the comments.
