Open racks in a laundry room might sound like a simple choice, but in reality, it’s one of those design decisions that can completely change how functional—and how enjoyable—your laundry space feels. Whether you live in a compact apartment in Waterloo or Rhodes, a Victorian terrace in Newtown or Balmain, or a spacious family home in Lane Cove, Turramurra or Castle Hill, choosing whether or not to include open racks for quick-access items is a key part of modern laundry planning.

And let’s be honest—laundry is already enough of a chore. Anything that makes it easier, faster, or less frustrating is a win.

So let’s explore whether open racks should make it into your laundry renovation.

1. What Are Open Racks and Why Do They Matter?

Open racks are exactly what they sound like: open, easy-to-reach shelves or rail-style racks where you can instantly grab commonly used items without opening doors or digging through drawers.

These racks are typically used for items such as:

• cleaning sprays

• towels

• wash bags

• laundry powders

• dryer sheets

• cleaning cloths

• baskets for socks or delicates

• frequently used tools (brushes, rollers, stain pens)

In busy Sydney households—especially those with kids, pets, or active lifestyles—open racks often become the “launch pad” of the laundry room. Everything you need for daily use is right there.

2. The Big Question: Should You Include Open Racks?

In most cases, yes.
Open racks are incredibly useful for Sydney homeowners because they create instant access to essentials while adding visual character and practicality. But like all design choices, they work best when matched to your lifestyle, space and habits.

Let’s break down the benefits.

3. Benefits of Open Racks in Sydney Laundries

A. Faster Access for Busy Households

Sydney life is a busy life. Whether you’re rushing out for work in the CBD, packing sports uniforms for weekend games in the Hills District, or managing a full household in the North Shore, the last thing you need is to waste time hunting for something small.

Open racks give you that supermarket-style “grab and go” convenience.

B. Ideal for High-Frequency Items

Open racks work especially well for items used multiple times a week—or multiple times a day.

Examples:

• stain removers (if you’ve got young kids in Epping or Ryde, you know the struggle)

• lint rollers (pet owners in Mosman, Randwick or St Ives = absolutely yes)

• quick-dry towels

• fabric sprays

• clothespins

• laundry tablets

If something needs to be grabbed with wet hands or while juggling 10 things at once, open racks make the job easier.

C. They Make Small Laundries Feel Bigger

For apartments in Zetland, Chatswood, Macquarie Park, Ultimo, and other high-density areas, open racks create the illusion of more space compared to bulky cabinets.

When used correctly, they lighten up the laundry visually and help avoid that boxed-in feeling.

D. They Add Personality to the Laundry Room

Open racks can be styled beautifully:

• matching jars

• woven baskets

• neatly folded towels

• labelled containers

• soft colours that complement the cabinetry

This instantly turns a simple laundry into a Pinterest-worthy utility room—something many Sydney homeowners now prioritise as laundries increasingly double as multi-purpose spaces.

E. Great for Ventilation

Certain items need airflow—like damp cloths, cleaning rags, and brushes. Open racks help air circulate freely, reducing odour buildup.

4. Downsides to Consider (and How to Fix Them)

Open racks are great, but not for everyone. Here’s what you need to think about.

A. They Collect Dust If Unused

If you install racks but never use them for quick-access items, they become dust collectors.
Solution: Keep only frequently used items on display.

B. They Expose Your Storage to Guests

If your laundry connects to your kitchen or hallway—a common layout in Sydney’s newer apartments—open racks mean people can see everything.
Solution: Use decorative baskets to hide smaller items.

C. Not Ideal for Homes with Young Kids

Cleaning products should never be accessible to children.
Solution: Keep chemicals in childproof cabinets and use open racks only for safe items like towels or wash bags.

5. What Items Should You Store on Open Racks?

To get the most benefit, stick to items that are:

• safe

• used often

• visually tidy

Recommended for open racks:

• microfibre cloths

• lint rollers

• extra hand towels

• dryer sheets

• stain-removal pens

• laundry pods (in a jar with child-safe lids)

• small baskets for odd socks

• delicates bags

• fabric fresheners

Avoid storing:

• bleach

• cleaning chemicals

• sharp tools

• liquids that can leak

• messy containers

6. Best Locations for Open Racks in a Laundry

A. Above the Benchtop

This is the most convenient location because your essentials are right where you sort and treat clothes.

B. Next to the Washer & Dryer

Perfect for easy reach during loading and unloading.

C. Inside Tall Utility Cabinets (Open Section Only)

Great for homes in suburbs like Pymble, Wahroonga, Hunters Hill, where laundries tend to be spacious and multipurpose.

D. Beside a Hanging Rail

For those who like to hang shirts straight from the washer or steamer.

7. Sydney-Specific Laundry Trends That Influence This Choice

A. Compact Inner-City Living

Areas like Surry Hills, Potts Point, Redfern often have laundries tucked inside kitchen cupboards or small alcoves. Open racks help maximise every centimetre.

B. Coastal Suburbs

In Coogee, Bondi, Manly, coastal humidity means airflow is valuable. Open racks reduce mould risks and odours.

C. Family Homes in the North Shore & Hills

Larger laundries in Turramurra, St Ives, Cherrybrook, Baulkham Hills often mix closed cabinetry with open racks to balance practicality and style.

D. Renovated Terraces in the Inner West

Homes in Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe often favour the blend of modern cabinetry and open timber racks to match their character-filled interiors.

8. Design Tips for Stylish and Practical Open Racks

1. Choose Moisture-Resistant Materials

• powder-coated metal

• laminated timber

• sealed hardwood

2. Use Matching Baskets

Woven, metal, or fabric baskets instantly make everything look cleaner.

3. Keep It Minimal

Overfilled racks look messy. Stick to essentials.

4. Add LED Strip Lighting

Lighting under the racks helps with visibility and adds a luxury touch—popular in modern Sydney renovations.

5. Coordinate with Kitchen or Bathroom Finishes

If your home has a consistent style, your laundry should follow the same theme.

Final Recommendation: Should You Include Open Racks?

Yes—if you want fast access, better organisation, airy design, and a more enjoyable laundry experience.
Open racks are especially beneficial in busy households, compact laundry rooms, and Sydney suburbs where every bit of storage space counts.

But they work best when balanced with closed cabinetry. Use open racks for the items you reach for daily, and keep everything else hidden behind doors for a cleaner, streamlined look.

If designed correctly, open racks can elevate your laundry from a purely functional room to a beautifully organised, highly efficient workspace.

Planning a Laundry Renovation in Sydney?

To learn more about kitchen, bathroom, laundry and full home renovation solutions across Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au and discover how MB9 Australia Pty Ltd can help create a beautifully designed and highly functional home.