Your basement laundry room doesn’t have to be boring. As the perfect place for tossing your dirty socks and T-shirts, it may seem entirely uninspired, but there are design ideas below that would inspire. There are many different styles and designs of basement laundry rooms from which to choose. However, all have one common expectation-convenience and benefit. If you want to remodel a basement laundry room, you have to make it practical and uncluttered so that all your utilities are easy to reach.
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Basement Laundry Rooms Pros and Cons
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Building a complete laundry area in your basement can be both advantageous and disadvantageous. Be sure you understand the pros and cons before setting up one in your home.
Pros Basement Laundry Rooms
- A basement is a secluded part of your home, so it’s the perfect place for laundry. Placing your laundry room down there will hide those gross clothes from view, which prevents you from having to display them all the time if you have a basement laundry room.
- Your basement is usually the hub of your home’s utility system. Building a laundry room will save you time and money by making it easy to route wiring, plumbing, or drain pipes into your home without having to spend a long while planning out intricately.
- Basements are often dark, but by building a modern laundry room with sufficient lighting and features that will create the illusion of space, you can greatly improve the look and feel of your basement. Add your basement laundry room with lighting, furniture, paint, and a rug that will brighten up your basement.
- Many people desire a functional basement; some even consider it the most important part of their home. Utility features such as a laundry room are an essential component that will improve your home’s value.
Cons Basement Laundry Rooms
- Areas under the ground level are prone to moisture, mold, and mildew. It would help if you took the right measures to prevent those damaging elements from causing problems in your laundry room. We’ll talk more about this below.
- Basements are located one level down from the busiest section of your home. To reach it, you must travel down a flight of stairs that may be challenging if you have to carry laundry up or downstairs.
- When you have nowhere to hang them up, cleaning your clothes is much more difficult than if you were upstairs. And the secluded location of the basement can make it hard for laundry to be heard while washing or drying. You might end up leaving your clothes too long in the machine.
How To Build A Laundry Room In The Basement
You might be thinking that building a laundry room in the basement is as easy as hanging clothes to dry, but things are much more complicated. Although you have to prepare everything beautifully to transform that dark and damp space into a cozy laundry room, here are the steps you need to follow for this:
First, assess the basement and do any necessary decluttering. Make sure the main water valve is shut off and inspect pipes for leaks. After this, measure the space to plan out your remodeling project. Once that is done, install a new drain and vent pipes.
You can also check the electric lines. If they need replacement, make sure to replace them. The next step is you start installing the sink system and connect the washer and dryer to pipes.
Once you’ve finished building your house from the ground up, start tackling interior features like flooring and wall painting. Last but not least, install storage solutions such as racks, shelves, and cabinets to suit your needs.
Preparing Your Basement for a Laundry Room
As noted, before building a laundry room in your basement, you need to prepare it first. Being below grade and prone to water damage, a basement is especially challenging when creating the perfect space for doing laundry.
Mold infestation in your laundry room is disastrous for clothes, which is why you will want to take steps to prevent the moisture from getting there in the first place.
Check The Condition Of Structure Your Basement And Foundation
Basement cracks and water trapped between the foundation and slab are signs that your home could use a bit of maintenance. A professional waterproofing company can inspect your basement for structural issues and recommend solutions to fix them.
Consider Adding A Sump Pit To Contain Excess Water
Constructing a perimeter drain to lead water away from the wall is important to prevent water from seeping through the walls and causing mold, mildew, flooding.
A sump pit should also be installed with a large water basin that flows through your drain to provide a backup for your drain system.
Inspect Your Plumbing System
A plumbing leak can be a major problem for homes. If you see damp walls with mold and mildew or sense foul odors coming from behind the wall, your plumbing system might need repair. Contact professional plumbers to fix any plumbing-related concerns.
Use Waterproof Materials
If you haven’t yet, consider protecting your basement walls with waterproof material. Mold-proof PVC molding, waterproof wall panel and ceiling, and water-resistant underfloor system are some of the options that can help prevent unwanted incidents soon.
Install Macerating Pump
In most cases, the wastewater from your basement laundry room must go up to reach the main plumbing system. If this is so, you will need a pump that automatically pumps sewage upward. This type of pump is called a macerating pump.
Flooring Material of Basement Laundry Room
Flooring for a laundry room in a basement is not one type that can be considered the best. The main quality to look for in flooring is that it doesn’t get too slippery, and it absorbs water well. Here are some of the best types of flooring materials you might consider:
- Solid wood/hardwood
- Concrete
- Laminate wood
- Engineered wood
- Luxury vinyl planks
- Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles
Keep in mind that carpets and floor mats/foam are not appropriate for basement laundry rooms.
Some Ideas to Build Basement Laundry Rooms
It’s time to plan the construction of your dream basement laundry room after preparing your basement for the laundry room. Here is everything you need to consider when building a new basement laundry area.
Maximize Storage
Storage is important in any room, but laundry rooms can be particularly problematic. The first issue to address is opening enough floor space for the washer and drier. Normal cabinets won’t solve this problem, so installing a drawer under the machine will help add more surface area if you’re standing clothes on end in the meantime.
Make a Concealable Laundry Room
It can be hard to make your laundry room concealable if you also want it to serve as an entertainment and workspace. One way to do this is by placing a custom double door set for your washer and dryer.
Equip your Laundry Room with Amenities
It can be a great idea to purchase and mount a television in your laundry room or plant some flowers at the room entrance. Doing laundry is often tedious and boring, so if you have mind-comforting amenities set up, your washing time will be more enjoyable.
Basement Laundry Room Design Ideas Inspiration
Basement Laundry Room Makeover
Basement Laundry Room Makeover by SimplyFutbol.com
One good first step in getting your basement laundry room makeover is to choose a white wall for your space and to add some accent features of similar color. You can create contrast with the wall and compliment the colors by installing a wooden floor with textures or patterns.
To help get more creative with the room, go for a white wall. Filling your home with decor is key to making it lively. You don’t want any clutter in this small space, so be sure to have some storage and laundry baskets readily available by the under-counter basin.
You can use the space in this room by being creative with where you place all your stuff. For example, the shelves on one side wall could display some items that would otherwise remain hidden.
Basement Laundry Room Flooring Ideas
The basement laundry room below shows a unique design from top to bottom. Not only does the wall and flooring offer interesting detail, but there is also plenty of space for holding supplies. Say goodbye to every other boring basement laundry room with this one addition.
The pattern on the wall can be nice to look at while doing laundry. You have a storage in the middle of the room and two shelves you could put clothing if there are not as many racks. The arrangement of features in this room makes it better for cleaning clothes since you can work around them when moving from one area to another with less.
Small Laundry Room Ideas With Sink
This picture provides a good example of natural decor in the laundry room. You can see that the wooden cabinet and shelves bring this idea alive. Natural rock decoration on the wall will catch your eye in this place as well.
Installing the sink on the counter is not a requirement. Not everyone wishes to place it there. However, if you have it available as an option, you can utilize it to wash your clothes and accessories by hand.
Laundry Room Decorating Ideas Cupboard
The type of laundry room you design depends on your needs and preferences. For small spaces, it’s best to avoid stacking machines - but this situation is different since the high ceilings allow for vertical space concepts that can be adapted. As such, additional spaces may be created vertically on the wall. These designs would better suit taller houses.
This room features a closed cabinet and sinks that you can use to hide your laundry things. The room looks neat and cozy to be in. If tidiness is the concept of your style, this design will be favorable to you.
Basement Laundry Room Wall Cabinets
This laundry room design is a clever way to make the most out of your space. You can create an area for doggy housekeeping and enjoy time with friends in the basement while keeping up on chores. This design maximizes space and also adds more flexibility to satisfy various needs.
The small sink can be used for washing your dog fully or hand-washing items. The rug and light colors make the room more comfortable; the warm vibes in this space add to your experiences while staying here.
Adorable Basement Laundry Room Ideas
Pinterest.com
Laundry can feel like a tedious chore for many who don’t have the energy after a long day of work or school. Luckily, there are plenty of laundry services available to get your clothes cleaned without having to handle anything yourself.
It can be hard to feel like getting laundry done when you have a basement that has not been well maintained. A basement with adorable detail might make doing the chore a little more enjoyable.
Beauty and Simplicity Basement Ideas
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If you like simplicity and sophistication, try a minimalist design with neutrals or monochromatic black and white. Add color details for an interesting effect, such as red stools.
Simply hanging a rod underneath your table will make the area both functional and visually appealing. This is true regardless of what type of design you have, whether classic, minimalist, or rustic.
Clean and Neat Basement Laundry Room Ideas
Pinterest.com
If you’ve got a basement space that’s big enough to function for more than one thing and is unfinished, consider giving the illusion of your laundry room being separated from other parts.
Curtains are the simplest thing you can do to get this look. Curtains will define your space by creating a border between laundry and the remaining space. Another option is to use curtains to hide dirty clothes, which will help keep the entire basement laundry area looking neat and clean.
Natural Laundry Room Ideas
Photo by Melyssa Robert Designer
A transitional laundry room with an original design may be a great choice for those who love to keep things orderly. It features ivory cabinets and quartz countertops, and two separate washers and dryers next to one another. There are notably open shelves nearby that allow ample storage of everything you need, from clothespins to sponges.
Basement With Laundry Room and Bathroom
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Mixing your laundry room with the idea of a bathroom is not new and not something that all people choose to do. Whether or not this plan will work for you depends on whether or not your bathroom has enough space available.
If you only have a small bathroom, it’s possible to use the space available for more practical purposes. If you have the option of installing shelves next to the toilet, do it! If not, try stacking your clothes in one corner and keep them out of sight before guests arrive.
Laundry Room Integrate With Mudroom Ideas
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Is your basement also a mudroom? You can incorporate the mudroom space with your basement laundry. This will allow family members to clean themselves after coming indoors from outdoor activity and change into fresh clothes afterward.
Make it as efficient and effective to arrange your household items, where the washing is done, ironing, and folding area. A sink or semi-bathroom makes it easier to clean up if you use them before going upstairs.
Modern Laundry Room
Jagoe Homes Inc.
Modern design is also an excellent choice for a laundry room. With its contemporary model, this room example is provided with black and white colors. On the floor, a large hexagon tile is installed in various colors.
Furthermore, white shaker cabinets, countertops, and wall-to-countertop sinks clutter the room. Space is a bit too small, but it still manages to be stylishly clean despite all of these features with its sleek modern look.
Clean White Laundry Room on Basement
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Staying in your basement too long to complete an activity such as laundry can make you feel bored and thirsty for a change. However, the idea of spending money on supplies or adding more work to your already busy schedule may be enough reason for you not to do so.
Coming up with new layout ideas to spruce up your basement can be daunting. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution on the table: paint, and you can change the look of any room in a matter of hours.
Laundry Room Bohemian Ideas
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The laundry room can be used in a versatile way. For example, you can clean dishes while the machine is running. But if there’s space for tasks not requiring water, like folding clothes, for instance, then make sure to include an anti-slip backsplash solution near the door to protect from falls and spills.
There are a variety of options for backsplashes. For example, the material can be marble, ceramic, tile, steel, stainless, or various natural stones. Patterns also vary: For instance, you can choose bohemian or floral prints if you’re feeling brave, but traditional is just as good!
Luxury Basement Laundry Room
Luxury Renovations
A large basement can also be made into a contemporary laundry room. With small ventilation for air and light, black cabinets, single upper cabinet installed next to washing machines arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way with fixtures fitted well- the whole design is designed like what you would see from a typical modernized laundry facility.
Sleek Laundry Room
Cassie Daughtrey Realogics Sotheby’s Realty
In a coastal style, the laundry room gives off an outdoor vibe. Although it is in the basement, its light blue color, and natural lighting brighten the whole room.
Above, there are washers and dryers. The furnishings are soft, the carpet is clean, especially the flowery one.
Natural Stone Tile Flooring
One of the most appropriate flooring options for a laundry room/mudroom is natural stone tile. Compared to ceramic tiles, they are less slippery and easier to clean. They also go well with any color scheme, given their range of hues.
The built-in shelves for the washing machine and dryer also drawers help make this an old-school type of laundry room with a Southern contemporary feel.
Aisle Style Luxury Basement Laundry Room
A compact but stylish laundry room does not require an entire room for storage. Instead, embrace the aisle style with a few shelves and wall cabinets to improve space allocation in an otherwise cramped area.
When designing a laundry room, it is essential to make the space as vertical and organized as possible. This way, you can maximize storage capacity in an area that would otherwise be limited by square footage for a typical laundry area. The washer and dryer can go on one side with cabinets or shelving where a washroom or more storage options are available on the other side.
Open Floor Bathroom-Laundry Room
Consider installing an in-wall washing machine/dryer that blends into the corner of a room to conserve space. They’re almost imperceptible in the room because they look like circular drawers on one side.
A color matching washing and drying machine set is a must for the cohesive arrangement.
Vertical Storage
Machines like washing machines and dryers are easily squeezable so that they can be put on shelves. You may want custom storage for other items, including soap, laundry detergent, and clothes in the hamper. For these items, there is also traditional vertical storage usually seen.
You can install floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets and drawers beneath them. Here’s one thing to keep in mind about this idea.
Conclusion
Adding a laundry room to your basement will allow you the opportunity to transition one of those unused rooms into something functional. No matter how large or small the space, there are many ways for turning it into an area where clothes can be washed and dried without feeling like home life is getting in their way. You’ll feel more productive if you don’t have to worry about taking care of dirty workaround other living quarters, so go ahead and make this change now!