How to design storage around laundry benches for convenience? (Laundry Room | Cabinetry, Storage, Appliances & Fixtures)

Designing storage around laundry benches is one of the most effective ways to create a convenient, functional, and aesthetically pleasing Sydney laundry room. Laundry benches serve as both a workspace for folding, sorting, and treating clothes, as well as a base for practical storage solutions. Whether you live in a compact inner-city apartment in Surry Hills, a terrace in Balmain, or a family home in Mosman or the North Shore, optimising storage around laundry benches can significantly improve workflow, reduce clutter, and make everyday laundry tasks faster and more enjoyable.

1. Why Storage Around Laundry Benches Matters

Laundry benches are central to any modern Sydney laundry. They provide a flat surface for folding and sorting clothes, a workspace for treating stains, and sometimes even house laundry sinks. By integrating storage around these benches, homeowners can:

• Keep frequently used laundry items within arm’s reach

• Maximise under-bench space for detergents, pods, cleaning sprays, and laundry accessories

• Improve overall organisation and efficiency in daily laundry routines

• Maintain a clean and uncluttered visual appearance

In small Sydney apartments or high-density homes, efficient storage around benches is crucial to making the most of limited space.

2. Under-Bench Storage

Under-bench storage is one of the most practical ways to increase convenience:

• Cabinets: Full-length under-bench cabinets provide ample space for storing detergents, cleaning products, laundry bags, and baskets.

• Pull-Out Drawers: These are ideal for storing detergent pods, fabric softeners, and smaller laundry accessories. Pull-out drawers allow easy access to items at the back without bending or reaching.

• Deep Drawers: Perfect for bulk detergent bottles, bleach, and other large items, especially for family homes in Sydney’s North Shore or Eastern Suburbs.

• Adjustable Shelving: Allows for storage flexibility as laundry needs change, such as accommodating taller bottles or stacked baskets.

• Sliding Baskets or Hampers: Integrated pull-out hampers beneath the bench help with sorting and storing dirty laundry while keeping the area organised.

Under-bench storage ensures that everything you need for a laundry cycle is within easy reach, reducing time spent moving between cabinets.

3. Over-Bench Storage

While under-bench storage handles larger items, over-bench storage can help maximise vertical space:

• Wall Cabinets: Store less frequently used items like stain removers, laundry boosters, or extra cleaning supplies.

• Open Shelving: Offers quick access to items used daily, such as detergents, cloths, and sprays. Open shelving can also display baskets or labelled containers for a neat, organised look.

• Floating Cabinets: Provide a modern aesthetic and free up floor space, making the laundry feel more open.

Combining under-bench and over-bench storage creates a fully integrated storage system that makes laundry tasks more convenient and efficient.

4. Drawer Systems for Laundry Accessories

Integrating drawers around laundry benches is essential for small items:

• Shallow Drawers: Ideal for storing detergent pods, dryer sheets, clothespins, and stain pens.

• Deep Drawers: Suitable for larger detergent bottles or stacked laundry accessories.

• Pull-Out Shelves: Perfect for compact spaces, allowing full visibility and access to items stored at the back.

• Dividers and Compartments: Keep items separated and organised, reducing clutter and improving accessibility.

For Sydney families with multiple people using the laundry, labelled drawers can help each member know where to store and find their laundry accessories quickly.

5. Materials and Durability

Sydney homes, particularly those near the coast, are exposed to high humidity and occasional water splashes. Choosing durable, moisture-resistant materials is key:

• Moisture-Resistant MDF: Suitable for under-bench cabinets, resistant to warping.

• PVC or Thermofoil: Ideal for coastal areas such as Bondi or Manly due to high water resistance.

• High-Quality Laminates: Easy to clean and maintain, available in various finishes to match contemporary or traditional laundry styles.

• Sealed Timber: Offers a premium look for North Shore or Eastern Suburbs homes but must be sealed to prevent moisture damage.

Materials should also withstand heat from dryers and cleaning chemicals to ensure longevity.

6. Organisational Accessories Around Laundry Benches

To maximise convenience, consider these accessories:

• Pull-Out Hampers: Integrate into under-bench cabinets for sorting laundry efficiently.

• Slide-Out Detergent Trays: Keep frequently used detergents and pods within arm’s reach.

• Tiered Shelves: For storing smaller accessories like dryer sheets, clothespins, or stain removers in an organised manner.

• Hooks and Rods: Mount above the bench to hang laundry bags, spray bottles, or cleaning cloths.

• Labelled Containers: Helps quickly identify different detergents, pods, and cleaning products, particularly useful in multi-person households.

These accessories improve workflow, reduce clutter, and make the laundry process smoother and more efficient.

7. Ergonomics and Ease of Use

Designing storage around laundry benches should consider ergonomics:

• Height: Position benches and drawers at comfortable waist height to prevent bending or straining.

• Soft-Close Mechanisms: Prevent slamming, protect contents, and add a premium touch.

• Full-Extension Slides: Ensure drawers and pull-out trays are easy to reach, even at the back of cabinets.

• Accessible Counters: Leave space for folding, sorting, and pre-treating laundry, ensuring that storage doesn’t interfere with daily tasks.

Ergonomically designed storage not only enhances convenience but also ensures that laundry tasks can be completed comfortably and safely.

8. Aesthetic Integration

Storage around laundry benches should complement the overall design of the Sydney laundry:

• Neutral Finishes: White, grey, or timber tones match modern laundry designs and make small spaces feel more spacious.

• Handleless or Push-to-Open Drawers: Offer a minimalist, clean look while maintaining practicality.

• Coordinated Cabinets: Ensure under-bench and over-bench storage match each other and surrounding cabinetry for a cohesive aesthetic.

• Integrated Baskets or Containers: Provide a visually tidy appearance while keeping laundry accessories organised.

A well-designed storage system enhances both the functionality and visual appeal of your laundry.

9. Sydney-Specific Design Considerations

Sydney homes present unique challenges that should influence laundry bench storage design:

• Space Constraints: Inner-city apartments and terraces benefit from vertical storage, pull-out drawers, and compact cabinetry.

• Coastal Humidity: Homes in Bondi, Manly, or Mosman require moisture-resistant materials to prevent warping and mould.

• Family Households: Larger homes in the North Shore or Eastern Suburbs may need multiple drawers, pull-out shelves, and integrated hampers to manage the laundry needs of multiple family members.

• High-Use Urban Laundries: Daily washing cycles in apartments or family homes demand durable, easy-to-clean storage systems that remain functional under heavy use.

10. Professional Design and Installation

Working with a licensed Sydney renovator ensures storage around laundry benches is optimised for convenience, durability, and style:

• Custom sizing to fit under counters or between appliances

• Integration of pull-out trays, drawers, and adjustable shelves

• Use of moisture- and heat-resistant materials suitable for Sydney’s climate

• Seamless integration with cabinetry, benches, and workflow for maximum efficiency

Professional design guarantees that storage is both practical and visually cohesive, enhancing the overall laundry experience.

11. Maintenance Tips

Even the best-designed storage requires simple maintenance:

• Wipe down surfaces regularly to prevent detergent residue or dust buildup

• Check soft-close and full-extension mechanisms periodically

• Ensure the area around the bench remains dry to prevent moisture damage

• Inspect dividers, hooks, and inserts for wear and replace as needed

Regular maintenance ensures your storage solutions remain functional, efficient, and long-lasting.

Summary

Designing storage around laundry benches is essential for creating a practical, organised, and efficient Sydney laundry room. Under-bench cabinets, pull-out drawers, vertical storage units, and over-bench shelving keep detergents, cleaning supplies, laundry accessories, and hampers within easy reach. Incorporating organisational features such as dividers, tiered shelves, hooks, and labelled containers streamlines the laundry workflow and reduces clutter.

From compact apartments to family homes in the North Shore or Eastern Suburbs, ergonomic and aesthetically integrated storage around laundry benches enhances both usability and visual appeal. Durable, moisture-resistant materials ensure longevity, while carefully planned layouts maximise convenience and efficiency for busy Sydney households.

For expert guidance on designing storage around laundry benches and other cabinetry solutions in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to explore professional renovation services, innovative storage solutions, and high-quality materials that transform your laundry into a functional and stylish space.