Should I have open shelving for frequently used items? (Laundry Room | Cabinetry, Storage, Appliances & Fixtures)

When planning a laundry room renovation, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether to incorporate open shelving. Open shelves can create a light, accessible, and functional space, but they also require thoughtful design to maintain order and aesthetics. In Sydney homes, from compact apartments in Zetland and Redfern to family homes in Mosman, Lane Cove, or Turramurra, the decision depends on space, lifestyle, and usage patterns.

This guide explores the advantages, challenges, and practical considerations of open shelving in laundry rooms, providing strategies to maximise functionality while keeping your space stylish and easy to maintain.

1. Understanding Open Shelving in Laundry Rooms

Open shelving refers to cabinets or racks without doors, allowing items to be immediately visible and accessible. Unlike traditional closed cabinetry, open shelves bring a sense of openness and light, making small or narrow laundries feel more spacious.

Benefits:

• Quick access to frequently used items like detergents, softeners, spray bottles, or cleaning cloths.

• Visual cues help prevent items from being misplaced.

• Enhances modern, airy aesthetics, ideal for apartment laundries in Zetland or Redfern.

• Allows flexible organisation with baskets, bins, or trays for smaller items.

Challenges:

• Requires tidy, consistent organisation; clutter is visible at all times.

• Dust and detergent residue may accumulate on open surfaces.

• Limited protection for items sensitive to moisture or light.

2. Choosing Items for Open Shelving

Not everything belongs on open shelves. Consider frequency of use, size, and exposure risk:

• Frequently used items: Detergents, stain removers, spray bottles, cleaning cloths.

• Small accessories: Dryer sheets, softener pods, lint rollers (use labelled bins or baskets).

• Avoid storing: Chemicals that are hazardous to children, heavy or bulky items, or items prone to spills.

Tip: For small apartments in Surry Hills or Zetland, open shelves work best for daily-use laundry essentials, while family homes in Mosman or Turramurra may combine open shelving with closed cabinets for bulk storage and safety.

3. Open Shelving Design Strategies

A. Height and Accessibility

• Position shelves at waist or eye level for quick access.

• Reserve top shelves for items used less frequently.

• In compact spaces like Redfern or Zetland apartments, vertical stacking helps maximise storage without encroaching on working space.

B. Depth and Spacing

• Ideal shelf depth: 250–300mm for laundry supplies.

• Space between shelves: 300–400mm to accommodate taller bottles or cleaning tools.

• Adjustable shelving provides flexibility as storage needs change, particularly in growing households in Mosman or Lane Cove.

C. Materials for Easy Maintenance

• Laminate shelves: Water-resistant, smooth, and easy to wipe clean; perfect for apartment laundries.

• Melamine: Affordable and durable, ideal for medium-traffic areas.

• Powder-coated metal or stainless steel: Excellent for wet or high-humidity zones, including laundries in North Shore or Vaucluse homes.

Selecting materials that resist moisture and spills ensures shelves remain hygienic and durable.

4. Organisation Tips for Open Shelving

• Use Baskets and Bins: Group items into labelled baskets for detergent pods, cloths, or spray bottles.

• Tray Systems: Prevent spills from reaching the shelf below; ideal for liquid detergents or softeners.

• Colour Coding: Helps family members identify contents quickly and maintain a tidy system.

• Vertical Dividers: Keep cutting boards, trays, or flat items upright and accessible.

In family homes in Mosman, Lane Cove, or Turramurra, these organisation strategies are essential for keeping open shelving functional and visually appealing, especially in busy households.

5. Combining Open Shelving with Closed Cabinetry

For many Sydney homes, the best solution is a hybrid approach:

• Open shelves for frequently used items and visually appealing laundry essentials.

• Closed cabinets for hazardous chemicals, bulk detergent, or items sensitive to moisture.

• Drawers or pull-out baskets for smaller, clutter-prone items.

This approach works well in compact terraces in Newtown and luxury homes in Mosman, balancing convenience, safety, and aesthetics.

6. Styling Considerations for Open Shelving

Open shelves are visible by design, so styling matters:

• Keep items neatly arranged in uniform containers or matching bottles.

• Incorporate decorative elements, like a small plant or framed print, for a modern look.

• Avoid overcrowding; empty space improves usability and prevents a cluttered appearance.

In apartments in Surry Hills, Zetland, and Redfern, this styling adds personality without sacrificing functionality. In larger family homes, open shelving can be a focal point while keeping laundry essentials organised.

7. Maintenance and Cleaning

• Wipe shelves regularly to remove dust, detergent splashes, and moisture.

• Consider removable trays or liners for easy cleaning.

• Rotate items to prevent dust accumulation on rarely used bottles or boxes.

Even in high-traffic laundries in Mosman, Lane Cove, or Turramurra, these practices keep open shelving hygienic and attractive.

8. Local Insights for Sydney Homes

• Compact apartments (Zetland, Redfern, Surry Hills): Open shelving maximises visibility and accessibility in small laundries. Use baskets to maintain order.

• Terrace homes (Newtown, Waterloo): Combine open shelves above the laundry bench with closed cabinetry below for a functional workflow.

• Family homes (Mosman, Lane Cove, Turramurra): Open shelves highlight decorative storage items while closed cabinets house bulk detergent and hazardous chemicals.

• High-end homes (North Shore, Vaucluse): Premium materials like PU-painted or acrylic shelves provide a sleek, low-maintenance finish for a sophisticated look.

9. Professional Renovation Matters

Open shelving may appear simple, but proper installation is key:

• Ensure shelves are level, anchored securely, and can bear weight of heavy detergent bottles or cleaning sprays.

• Materials must be waterproof or moisture-resistant to prevent warping.

• MB9 Australia Pty Ltd ensures professional installation of open shelving, cabinetry, and accessories for long-lasting performance and a polished finish.

Professional guidance guarantees your laundry space is both functional and visually appealing.

Conclusion

Open shelving is an excellent choice for frequently used items in the laundry room, providing quick access, visual organisation, and a modern aesthetic. The key is strategic placement, durable materials, organisation solutions, and occasional hybrid use with closed cabinetry.

Whether you live in a compact apartment in Zetland, Redfern, or Surry Hills or a family home in Mosman, Lane Cove, or Turramurra, open shelving can enhance your laundry workflow, keeping your space tidy, practical, and stylish.

For more information about laundry, kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation services in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au to see how MB9 Australia Pty Ltd can help you design a functional and modern laundry solution.