When it comes to Sydney laundry renovations, homeowners across Chatswood, Balmain, Ryde, and Turramurra often ask the same question: “How do I make my laundry work for me, rather than feeling like a storage nightmare?” The solution often lies in smartly integrating shelves, cabinets, and a laundry bench — a combination that transforms functionality, storage efficiency, and even the aesthetics of your home.
A well-planned laundry layout ensures that everything you need is within reach, while keeping your space clean, organized, and stylish. But achieving this balance requires careful consideration of workflow, storage, and design. Let’s break it down.
1. Start with the Laundry Workflow
Before choosing materials or cabinet styles, consider how you use your laundry:
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Sorting and folding – Do you fold directly on the bench?
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Washing and drying – Are your washer and dryer side by side, or stacked?
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Storing laundry essentials – Detergents, softeners, baskets, cleaning products.
In smaller inner-city apartments in Surry Hills or Zetland, your bench may need to double as a folding station and storage hub. In larger homes in Mosman, Turramurra, or Lane Cove, the bench can also function as a work surface for ironing, stain treatment, or even a small laundry craft station.
Once your workflow is clear, you can design shelves and cabinets that support it seamlessly.
2. Choosing the Right Bench Height and Depth
The laundry bench is the core of the workspace, and its dimensions affect shelf and cabinet placement. Consider:
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Height: Standard is 900mm, but for taller Sydney homeowners, 920–950mm might feel more comfortable.
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Depth: 600mm is ideal, allowing enough workspace without feeling cramped.
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Material: Laminated or polyurethane-coated timber is perfect for wet environments, while stone or engineered stone adds a luxurious touch for larger homes.
A correctly sized bench ensures that overhead cabinets and shelves are reachable without strain, especially in homes with children or shorter family members.
3. Planning Cabinets Above and Below the Bench
A common question in laundry room renovations is “Should I use open shelves or cabinets above the bench?”
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Lower Cabinets: Essential for storing heavy items, laundry baskets, or cleaning supplies. Deep drawers or pull-out bins make access easier in tighter spaces, like terraces in Newtown or Paddington.
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Upper Cabinets: Perfect for keeping chemicals, extra detergents, or less frequently used items out of sight. Aim for cabinets mounted 450–500mm above the bench to provide adequate workspace clearance.
Tip: In older homes in Ashfield or Leichhardt, wall strength can be an issue. Use reinforced brackets and anchor into studs for safety.
4. Integrating Open Shelves for Easy Access
Open shelves are great for frequently used items, giving your laundry a modern, airy feel while keeping essentials within reach. Best practices include:
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Use shelves above the bench, but leave at least 450mm clearance from the countertop.
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Match shelf depth to cabinet depth (usually 200–300mm) for consistency.
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Add baskets or jars to reduce visual clutter and keep small items organized.
For apartments in Mascot or Waterloo, consider a single floating shelf to avoid a cramped feel. In spacious homes in Vaucluse or Killara, multiple shelves can create a high-end, boutique aesthetic.
5. Coordinating Cabinets and Shelves with Appliances
When integrating cabinetry and shelving, remember your washer, dryer, and other appliances:
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Side-by-side appliances allow for continuous bench space, perfect for folding and sorting.
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Stacked appliances free up floor space, giving room for more storage underneath the bench.
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Leave ventilation space and access to power outlets; this is especially important in older North Shore homes where original layouts weren’t designed for modern appliances.
A skilled renovator can design custom cabinets that snugly fit around your appliances, maximizing every inch.
6. Materials and Finishes for Sydney Homes
Sydney’s laundry rooms range from industrial inner-west spaces to luxury North Shore homes, so your materials need to suit your environment:
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Moisture-resistant cabinetry: Laminated or polyurethane finishes are a must.
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Benchtop materials: Laminated timber, stone, or engineered surfaces for durability.
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Open shelf options: Solid timber with moisture-proof coating, metal, or floating laminate shelves.
Choosing the right combination ensures your laundry stays looking good and functional for years, even with the humidity in Eastern Suburbs homes like Bondi or Coogee.
7. Smart Storage Solutions
Efficient storage transforms a laundry from chaotic to calm. Consider:
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Pull-out hampers under the bench for sorting clothes.
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Sliding drawers for detergents and cleaning products.
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Hooks or rails for drying racks, ironing boards, or reusable laundry bags.
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Modular baskets for smaller items on open shelves.
This approach works well in smaller city homes in Glebe, Redfern, or Marrickville, where maximizing space is critical.
8. Styling and Practical Tips
Open shelves and cabinets are not just functional — they can elevate your laundry aesthetics:
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Coordinate cabinet colors with bench surfaces for a clean look.
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Add LED strip lights under shelves for visibility and style.
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Use uniform jars and baskets for a “designer” look.
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Leave negative space to avoid visual clutter.
Even if your laundry is functional, it can look intentional and elegant — an important consideration for homeowners in designer-conscious areas like Mosman or Double Bay.
9. When to Call a Professional Renovator
Laundry bench integration can seem simple, but poorly planned shelving or cabinetry can cause:
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Limited workspace
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Unsafe shelving
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Poor appliance fit
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Moisture damage
A professional renovation company in Sydney can assess your home, design tailored cabinetry and shelving, and ensure structural integrity. They can also consider local building regulations, electrical and plumbing integration, and proper ventilation — all crucial for long-term durability.
At MB9 Australia Pty Ltd, our team combines custom design, practical workflow, and Sydney-specific solutions to create laundries that are functional, stylish, and future-proof.
10. Local Examples and Inspiration
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Chatswood & Lane Cove: Families prefer full cabinetry with integrated folding benches and pull-out hampers.
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Newtown & Redfern: Compact layouts with floating shelves and narrow benches maximize space without sacrificing style.
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Mosman & Vaucluse: Luxury benchtops, large floating shelves, and high-end cabinetry create a boutique feel.
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Turramurra & Ryde: Spacious homes benefit from L-shaped benches with a mix of cabinets and open shelves for ultimate storage flexibility.
Understanding local home types and lifestyle habits is key to designing a laundry that works seamlessly for Sydney families.
Conclusion
Integrating shelves and cabinets with a laundry bench is more than just putting furniture together — it’s about workflow, storage efficiency, aesthetics, and longevity. From small inner-city apartments to luxurious North Shore homes, a thoughtful design transforms your laundry into a space that’s functional, visually appealing, and easy to maintain.
For more information about laundry, kitchen, bathroom, and full home renovation services in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to explore what MB9 Australia Pty Ltd can do for your home.
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