How to design cabinets for under-bench storage? (Laundry Room | Cabinetry, Storage, Appliances & Fixtures)

Designing cabinets for under-bench storage is one of the most effective ways to maximise space, organisation, and functionality in a Sydney laundry room. Whether your home is a compact apartment in Surry Hills, a terrace in Balmain, or a spacious family house on the North Shore, smart under-bench cabinetry can transform your laundry into a tidy, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing space. Well-planned under-bench storage allows you to combine appliances, folding surfaces, and storage all in one streamlined area, making laundry tasks simpler and more enjoyable.

1. Understanding the Role of Under-Bench Storage

Under-bench cabinets are the backbone of modern laundry room design. They serve multiple purposes:

• Concealing appliances: Washers, dryers, or dishwashers can be neatly hidden behind cabinet doors for a sleek, minimalist look.

• Organising cleaning supplies: Detergents, softeners, brushes, and cloths can be stored in easy-to-access drawers or cupboards.

• Providing folding surfaces: Counters above under-bench cabinets create functional areas for folding laundry, sorting clothes, or even potting plants in multi-purpose utility laundries.

• Optimising compact spaces: In small Sydney apartments or terraces, under-bench cabinets make full use of limited floor space, reducing clutter while keeping everything within arm’s reach.

The combination of functionality and aesthetics makes under-bench storage a cornerstone of any laundry renovation in Sydney.

2. Measuring and Planning Under-Bench Cabinets

Accurate measurement is the first step in designing effective under-bench storage. Measure the height, depth, and width of the available space, taking into account the dimensions of appliances such as washers, dryers, and laundry sinks.

• Height: Standard under-bench cabinets in Sydney are around 720–900mm, allowing for a comfortable countertop above and adequate space below.

• Depth: Most cabinets are 600–650mm deep to fit appliances while leaving room for plumbing and ventilation.

• Width: Plan cabinets according to appliance placement and additional storage needs, leaving some flexibility for future upgrades or changes in laundry equipment.

Allow for clearances around appliances—at least 50–70mm behind washers and dryers for hoses and airflow. For plumbing under laundry sinks, leave removable panels or cut-outs to allow maintenance without dismantling cabinetry.

3. Cabinet Configurations for Under-Bench Storage

Several common under-bench cabinet configurations are popular in Sydney homes:

• Full-Length Cabinets: Running the entire length of the laundry wall, these cabinets conceal appliances while offering continuous storage underneath. They also create a sleek, modern look, ideal for designer homes in Mosman or Eastern Suburbs.

• Segmented Cabinets: Dividing the under-bench area into smaller sections allows for customisation. For example, one section can house the washer, another the dryer, and another can serve as storage with pull-out drawers or shelves.

• Drawer Cabinets: Deep drawers below the counter are ideal for storing folded laundry, cleaning products, or laundry baskets. Soft-close mechanisms improve functionality and durability.

• Combination Cabinets: Combining cupboards, drawers, and pull-out hampers maximises storage efficiency. This layout is particularly effective in high-volume family laundries, common in Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches homes.

4. Pull-Out Storage Solutions

Pull-out storage is a Sydney laundry trend for efficient under-bench storage:

• Pull-out Hampers: Separate compartments for whites, colours, and delicates simplify sorting. Pull-out hampers reduce clutter and can be hidden behind cabinet doors, maintaining a clean look.

• Pull-out Shelves: Ideal for cleaning supplies, detergents, or laundry accessories. These shelves allow easy access to items stored at the back of deep cabinets.

• Pull-out Ironing Boards: For urban apartments with limited space, pull-out ironing boards stored under the counter save room while remaining functional.

5. Material Considerations for Under-Bench Cabinets

Sydney’s coastal humidity and frequent laundry use make material choice crucial for durability:

• Moisture-Resistant MDF or PVC: Perfect for under-bench cabinets exposed to water splashes or high humidity.

• High-Quality Laminates: Affordable, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of finishes to match the style of your home.

• Painted or Sealed Timber: Offers a premium look for designer homes but requires proper sealing to resist moisture damage.

• Countertops: Durable materials such as laminate, stone, quartz, or stainless steel are ideal for folding and sorting surfaces above under-bench cabinets. Stone or quartz provides a high-end finish, while laminate is cost-effective and easy to maintain. Stainless steel is practical for high-use utility areas.

6. Workflow Considerations

Under-bench storage should enhance laundry workflow. Sydney homeowners often follow a sequence from washing to drying, folding, and storage:

1. Washing/Drying: Place appliances side by side under the bench for easy transfer of wet laundry.

2. Sorting: Use pull-out hampers or divided drawers adjacent to appliances.

3. Folding: Continuous countertop space above cabinets provides a dedicated folding area.

4. Storage: Use drawers and cupboards to store folded items or laundry essentials within arm’s reach.

A well-thought-out under-bench design reduces steps, keeps the workspace organised, and ensures an ergonomic workflow, particularly in busy family homes.

7. Maximising Storage Efficiency

Smart design ensures every centimetre under the bench is functional:

• Adjustable Shelves: Accommodate various-sized bottles, baskets, or folded linen.

• Corner Solutions: Rotating shelves or L-shaped under-bench cabinets maximise awkward corners, useful in terraces and apartments.

• Vertical Drawers: Multi-tier drawers allow stacking of folded laundry without wasting space.

• Hidden Compartments: Small pull-out trays for laundry accessories, clothespins, or small cleaning tools keep surfaces clear.

Efficient storage solutions are particularly important in Sydney’s compact inner-city apartments, where space optimisation is critical.

8. Accessibility and Maintenance

Accessibility is essential for under-bench storage:

• Soft-Close Drawers and Doors: Enhance usability and reduce wear.

• Removable Panels: Provide easy access to plumbing, electrical connections, and appliances without dismantling cabinetry.

• Ergonomic Design: Counters and drawer heights should be comfortable for folding, sorting, and reaching storage.

9. Ventilation

Proper ventilation is necessary to prevent moisture build-up under cabinets, particularly in Sydney’s humid summer months. Ensure appliances have adequate clearance behind the bench, and consider louvered doors or small gaps for airflow. Good ventilation reduces the risk of mould and prolongs the life of cabinetry.

10. Aesthetic Integration

Under-bench cabinets should match the style of the home for a cohesive look:

• Consistent Finishes: Coordinate cabinet colours and textures with kitchen or bathroom cabinetry.

• Neutral Colours: White, grey, or timber tones create a modern, spacious feel.

• Sleek Handles or Push-to-Open Doors: For a minimalistic, streamlined appearance.

11. Future-Proofing

Design under-bench cabinets with flexibility in mind. Appliances may need replacing, storage needs can change, and household routines evolve. Adjustable shelving, modular drawer systems, and configurable pull-out hampers ensure the laundry remains functional for years.

12. Sydney-Specific Trends

Sydney homeowners increasingly prefer:

• Seamless under-bench cabinetry with concealed appliances.

• Pull-out hampers and deep drawers for efficient sorting and storage.

• Continuous countertop surfaces for folding and workspace.

• Moisture-resistant finishes to withstand humid summers.

• Compact, multifunctional designs in inner-city apartments.

• High-end finishes for luxury homes in Mosman, North Shore, or Eastern Suburbs.

These trends combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring Sydney laundry rooms are both practical and stylish.

Summary

Designing under-bench cabinets for laundry rooms is about maximising storage, workflow, and visual appeal. By carefully planning layout, measuring accurately, choosing moisture-resistant materials, and integrating drawers, pull-outs, and hampers, Sydney homeowners can create efficient, ergonomic, and beautiful laundries.

From compact inner-city apartments to large family homes in the North Shore or Eastern Suburbs, well-designed under-bench storage provides concealed appliance solutions, ample storage, and functional folding surfaces. Proper ventilation, accessibility, and future-proofing further enhance usability, making daily laundry tasks easier and more enjoyable.

For expert Sydney-focused laundry room renovation advice, visit www.mb9.com.au to explore cabinetry solutions, storage optimisation, and innovative designs that transform your laundry into a functional and elegant space.