The laundry is evolving from a purely functional space into one where style meets efficiency. With homes getting smaller and apartment living more common, making the most of every bit of your laundry space is crucial.
At Stone Benchtops Direct, we know that adding a laundry bench can transform your laundry, making it more practical and more beautiful. Here are our favourite space-saving ideas for adding a laundry bench to your home.
The Fold-Down Laundry Bench
The fold-down laundry bench is one of the cleverest solutions for small spaces. It is mounted on the wall and folds up when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. It is perfect for small apartments or homes with a compact laundry.
When installing a fold-down bench, make sure the wall is strong enough to support the bench and anything placed on it. Use quality hinges and supports to handle the weight, and keep the design simple so it blends with the rest of your laundry.
Multi-Level Benchtops for Laundry
A multi-level laundry benchtop gives you work surfaces at different heights for different tasks, such as a higher surface for folding and a lower one for sorting. This makes your workflow more efficient and makes the most of vertical space.
For added visual interest, use contrasting colours or finishes for each level. Build storage into the different levels to keep detergents and fabric softener close at hand, and choose rounded edges to avoid knocks in a busy laundry.
Incorporate Storage Solutions
Adding a laundry bench is an excellent opportunity to add storage. Built-in cabinets, drawers and shelves under the bench keep your laundry organised and free up space for other tasks.
Deep drawers are ideal for bulky items like detergent containers and laundry baskets, while shallow drawers can hold smaller items such as pegs and stain removers. Open shelving works well for everyday items or a few decorative touches.
Utilise Corners and Nooks
Corners and nooks in a laundry often go unused. A custom-shaped laundry bench that fits these spaces can make a significant difference, giving you room for folding, sorting or even a small workspace.
To ensure the bench fits perfectly, the space needs to be measured accurately. Lighter colours help brighten a corner, and a corner tub can make the most of the space.
Add a Rolling Cart
A rolling cart can serve as an extension of your laundry bench. Tuck it under the bench when not in use and pull it out when you need extra workspace or storage. Choose one with locking wheels for stability, multiple shelves for supplies, and a flat top for folding or holding baskets.
Install Overhead Cabinets
Overhead cabinets above your laundry bench free up bench space by storing less frequently used items out of sight but within reach, leaving your laundry benchtop clear for daily tasks.
Glass doors can make the room feel more spacious, under-cabinet lighting brightens your workspace, and pull-down shelves make higher cabinets easier to reach.
Sliding Benchtops
A sliding laundry benchtop can cover your washer and dryer when not in use, giving you a generous work surface. When you need the machines, simply slide the benchtop back. This idea works particularly well in narrow spaces. Make sure the sliding mechanism is smooth and rated for the weight of the benchtop.
Integrated Ironing Board
An integrated ironing board that folds out from your laundry bench saves space and removes the need for a separate ironing station. Make sure it is sturdy when extended, and include a small drawer for the iron and accessories.
Wall-Mounted Drying Racks
Wall-mounted drying racks above or beside your laundry bench fold flat when not in use, keeping the room uncluttered. They are perfect for air-drying delicates without taking up floor space. Choose adjustable, rust-resistant racks, and stagger them at different heights for maximum drying space.
Compact Tub Integration
A compact tub built into your laundry bench makes pre-treating stains and hand-washing delicates easy. Even in a small laundry, a well-designed tub adds function without taking up too much space. An undermount tub keeps the look sleek and maximises bench space, and a pull-out tap adds convenience.
Laundry Benchtop Ideas for a Quick Summer Refresh
You don’t need a full laundry renovation to make a big difference. Replacing the benchtop on its own is one of the quickest ways to refresh the space before summer, when beach towels, sports gear and holiday guests put your laundry to work.
- Run the benchtop over the machines. A continuous benchtop over front-loading machines creates a generous folding area and hides the gap at the back.
- Add an undermount tub. An undermount laundry tub gives a cleaner look and makes it easy to wipe lint and spills straight into the tub.
- Match your kitchen. Using the same surface as your kitchen benchtop creates a consistent look through the home.
- Add a splashback. A stone splashback above the tub protects the wall from splashes and is simple to keep clean.
- Choose a silica-free surface. Our silica-free benchtops are durable, easy to clean and well suited to the moisture of a busy laundry.
See more ideas on our laundry benchtops page, or read how to create your dream laundry with a stone benchtop.
Laundry Bench FAQs
What is the best height for a laundry bench?
Most laundry benches sit at a similar height to kitchen benchtops. If your bench runs over front-loading machines, the height is set by the machines underneath, so measure them before you plan the benchtop.
Can a stone benchtop go over a washing machine and dryer?
Yes. A stone benchtop can span over front-loading machines with the right support underneath. We will check the span and support needed at your measure.
Is stone a good choice for a laundry benchtop?
Yes. Stone is durable, easy to wipe clean and handles the water and detergents of a busy laundry well.
Update Your Laundry Bench Today
Adding a laundry bench is a practical and stylish way to make the most of your laundry. Our in-house team measures, fabricates and installs custom stone benchtops across Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle, with an itemised quote and one point of contact from start to finish.
Request a quote and let’s talk about the right laundry bench for your home.