Should I include cabinets above the washer and dryer? (Laundry Room | Cabinetry, Storage, Appliances & Fixtures)

When renovating a laundry room, homeowners often wonder whether installing cabinets above the washer and dryer is worth the investment. This simple design decision can dramatically impact storage, workflow, and aesthetics, particularly in Sydney homes, whether it’s a compact apartment in Zetland or Redfern, a terrace in Newtown, or a family home in Mosman, Lane Cove, or Turramurra.

This guide will cover the benefits, design considerations, material choices, and local insights to help you determine if above-appliance cabinetry is right for your laundry renovation.

1. Understanding Above-Appliance Cabinets

Cabinets above the washer and dryer are wall-mounted storage units positioned directly over laundry appliances. They provide a convenient, space-efficient way to store laundry essentials such as:

• Detergents, fabric softeners, and bleach

• Cleaning sprays and stain removers

• Laundry baskets or foldable hampers

• Ironing supplies, lint rollers, and clothespins

They are especially valuable in laundry rooms with limited floor space, a common situation in Sydney apartments and smaller houses.

2. Key Benefits of Installing Cabinets Above Appliances

A. Maximising Vertical Space

• Laundry rooms in Zetland, Redfern, and Surry Hills apartments often lack storage. Wall cabinets allow homeowners to utilise vertical space efficiently, freeing up room for folding benches or hampers below.

B. Decluttering the Laundry Room

• Items like detergent bottles, sprays, and clothespins are hidden behind cabinet doors, giving a clean and organised appearance.

• In family homes in Mosman, Lane Cove, or Turramurra, this helps manage the clutter of multi-family laundry routines.

C. Enhancing Workflow

• Cabinets keep essentials within arm’s reach, minimising trips across the room to fetch detergent or tools.

• Positioning cabinets directly above appliances ensures quick, ergonomic access for daily laundry tasks.

D. Stylish Integration

• Matching cabinet finishes to the rest of the laundry or kitchen cabinetry creates a cohesive, high-end look, which is particularly appealing in luxury homes on Sydney’s North Shore or Vaucluse.

3. Design Considerations

A. Cabinet Height

• Standard wall cabinets are usually installed at least 50–60 cm above the top of the washer and dryer to allow clearance for appliance lids and access to controls.

• In compact units in Redfern or Zetland, space can be tighter, so consider slim cabinets or open shelving if clearance is limited.

B. Depth and Size

• Typical cabinet depth: 300–400 mm.

• Depth should match appliance width to maintain a clean line and prevent protrusion.

• Taller cabinets may provide additional storage for bulk items but must remain accessible.

C. Cabinet Type

• Closed cabinetry is ideal for concealing detergent spills and reducing dust.

• Open shelving may be suitable for frequently used items in small apartments, but it requires consistent organisation.

• Hybrid design: combination of open shelves for daily essentials and closed cabinets for bulk storage works well in family homes in Mosman or Lane Cove.

D. Workflow Integration

• Position cabinets near folding benches or laundry baskets to improve efficiency.

• Ensure appliances can be easily pulled out for maintenance without obstruction.

4. Material Choices for Durability

Laundry rooms are high-moisture environments, so materials must resist warping, swelling, and staining:

• Melamine or Laminates: Durable, affordable, and moisture-resistant; suitable for apartments in Zetland, Redfern, or Surry Hills.

• Moisture-resistant plywood: Good for medium to high-traffic family laundries.

• PU-painted or acrylic finishes: High-end option for North Shore or Vaucluse homes, offering a sleek, waterproof, and easy-to-clean surface.

Tip: Select cabinet hardware that is corrosion-resistant, such as stainless steel handles and soft-close hinges, especially in humid laundry environments.

5. Ergonomics and Safety

• Cabinets should be installed at a height that avoids strain, especially in multi-user homes.

• Ensure secure anchoring to wall studs to support heavy detergent bottles and avoid accidents.

• For households with children, consider cabinet locks for hazardous chemicals.

• In multi-family homes in Mosman or Turramurra, multiple sets of cabinets may be helpful to separate storage zones for different family members.

6. Styling and Organisation

• Uniform containers or baskets: Keep bottles and accessories neatly organised.

• Labelled storage bins: Help family members find and return items quickly.

• Colour coordination: Adds a visually pleasing look to high-visibility cabinets.

• Decorative touches: Small indoor plants, framed prints, or decorative jars can elevate aesthetics in visible areas, particularly in modern apartments in Surry Hills or Zetland.

7. Local Trends in Sydney Laundry Renovations

• Compact apartments (Zetland, Redfern, Surry Hills): Slimline cabinets or hybrid open shelves maximise space while keeping essentials organised.

• Terrace homes (Newtown, Waterloo): Above-appliance cabinets combined with a folding bench below optimise workflow.

• Family homes (Mosman, Lane Cove, Turramurra): Larger cabinets for bulk storage, with ergonomic placement for multiple users.

• Luxury homes (North Shore, Vaucluse): High-end finishes, PU-painted or acrylic surfaces, and integrated LED lighting for a sophisticated, practical laundry.

8. Professional Installation Matters

• Cabinets above washers and dryers must be properly secured to wall studs to support weight.

• Alignment, clearance, and integration with appliances are critical to prevent operational issues.

• MB9 Australia Pty Ltd provides custom cabinetry solutions, ensuring your above-appliance cabinets are functional, durable, and visually cohesive with your overall laundry design.

Conclusion

Including cabinets above the washer and dryer is highly recommended for most Sydney laundry renovations, providing efficient storage, clean aesthetics, and improved workflow. By considering cabinet height, depth, material durability, ergonomics, and family workflow, homeowners can maximise space and functionality, whether in compact apartments in Zetland and Redfern or family homes in Mosman, Lane Cove, or Turramurra.

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, stylish, and organised laundry space.