When planning a laundry renovation—whether it’s a compact inner-city setup in Surry Hills, a dual-purpose laundry/bathroom in Zetland, or a spacious family laundry in Castle Hill—one of the most overlooked decisions is surprisingly simple:

Should your tall laundry cabinets use sliding doors or hinged doors?

You’d think this choice doesn’t matter much…
But just like choosing between a front-loader and a top-loader, the “small decision” can massively influence how easy the laundry is to use every single day.

Let’s unpack this in a clear, practical, and Sydney-specific way, based on real renovation trends from suburbs across the North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West and Hills District.

Understanding the Purpose of Tall Cabinets in Sydney Laundries

Before choosing sliding or hinged doors, it helps to understand what tall cabinetry actually does for a laundry space.

Tall cabinets are commonly used for:

• Storing brooms, vacuum cleaners, ironing boards

• Organising bulk detergents and cleaning products

• Housing pull-out laundry hampers

• Storing appliances like steamers or handheld vacuums

• Keeping general household items out of sight

In homes from Strathfield to Chatswood, tall cabinets often act as a “utility control centre.” This means the door style directly affects:

• Accessibility

• Floor space

• Cleaning convenience

• Safety

• Durability

And of course—looks. In Sydney, aesthetics matter.

Sliding Doors vs Hinged Doors: What’s the Difference?

Let’s break down the pros, cons, and ideal use cases of each door type.

Hinged Doors: Classic, Practical & Highly Popular

Hinged doors are the traditional choice—simple, reliable and extremely functional. They’re the go-to for many families and renovation projects across Sydney.

Why Hinged Doors Work Well

1. Maximum Access

Hinged doors open fully and swing wide, giving you clear visibility from top to bottom.
Great for:

• Tall broom cupboards

• Storage with multiple shelves

• Spaces where you need to reach deep inside

If you live in places like Ryde, Epping, Westmead or Hornsby—where homes often have larger laundries—hinged doors give the most comfortable access.

2. Excellent Durability

Hinged doors use stronger hardware and fewer moving parts.
Perfect for high-frequency use areas such as:

• Family homes

• Share houses

• Busy households with kids

They’re less likely to jam or misalign—the dream of every practical Sydney homeowner.

3. Wide Design Range

Hinged doors offer more design flexibility:

• Hamptons shaker style (popular in the Northern Beaches)

• Modern flat panels (a hit in Zetland and Waterloo)

• Timber grains (common in Pymble & Turramurra homes)

They’re easier to match with existing kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.

When Hinged Doors Are Not Ideal

❌ When the laundry is very narrow

In tight laundry corridors—like those in Redfern, Darlinghurst or Potts Point apartments—the door swing can block access or hit the opposite wall.

❌ When appliances or benchtops are placed too close

If the cabinet is next to a washer/dryer stack, the swinging door might cause obstruction.

Sliding Doors: The Space-Saving, Modern Option

Sliding doors are becoming increasingly popular, especially in compact laundries across Sydney.

Why Sliding Doors Shine

1. Perfect for Tight Spaces

Sliding doors don’t swing outward at all.
They’re ideal if your laundry is:

• Inside a hallway cupboard

• Integrated into a bathroom (common in modern buildings)

• Built into tight apartment spaces in Rhodes, Mascot, or Wolli Creek

• Part of a combined mudroom/laundry layout

They allow full access without needing extra clearance.

2. Clean, Contemporary Look

Sliding doors produce a streamlined, sleek look—perfect for:

• Minimalist designs

• Scandinavian/Japanese-inspired styles

• Modern apartment aesthetics

If you’re renovating in places like Alexandria, Waterloo or Green Square, sliding doors fit the architectural style beautifully.

3. Great for Multi-Use Areas

If your laundry is next to a walkway or inside a high-traffic room, sliding doors prevent doors from swinging into people or blocking movement.

When Sliding Doors Are Not Ideal

❌ Limited Access at Any One Time

You can only open half the cabinet at once.
For tall storage, this can be inconvenient.

❌ More Complex Hardware

Sliding tracks require:

• Precise installation

• Regular cleaning

• Occasional alignment checks

In coastal suburbs like Coogee or Bondi, salt air can cause more frequent wear.

❌ Not Ideal for Deep Cabinets

Sliding doors can create difficult-to-reach back corners.

Which Door Type Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple guide based on real-world renovation patterns across Sydney.

Choose Hinged Doors If:

• You have a medium or large laundry room (e.g., Castle Hill, St Ives, Kellyville)

• You want full visibility and full access

• You prefer classic or Hamptons styling

• You’re storing bulky items (vacuum, mop bucket, ironing board)

• You want long-term durability with less maintenance

• Your cabinet is located in a wide or open area

Choose Sliding Doors If:

• Your laundry is compact or space-restricted

• It’s inside a narrow nook or hallway (e.g., Newtown terraces, Ultimo apartments)

• You want a modern, minimalist look

• Door swing clearance is limited

• The cabinet sits beside a walkway or appliance

• You’re designing for small apartments where every centimetre counts

Hybrid Options: Yes, They Exist!

Some Sydney homeowners choose a hybrid system—especially in custom renovations.

Examples include:

• Sliding doors for the upper section, hinged doors below

• Hinged doors for deep cleaning-storage zones, sliding doors for side cupboards

• Pockets doors (hinged → slide into cavity)

• Bi-fold doors (common in laundry-bath combos)

These hybrid solutions are regularly used in renovations in areas such as Balmain, Mosman and Northbridge, where homeowners want premium convenience with beautiful aesthetics.

Design Tips for Choosing the Best Door Type

1. Think About Daily Movement Patterns

Stand in your laundry area and imagine how you move.
Ask yourself:

• Will the door block access to the washing machine?

• Will it hit a bench, wall, or appliance?

• Does someone regularly walk past this area?

2. Check the Depth of Your Cabinet

Deep cabinets = hinged access
Shallow cabinets = sliding convenience

3. Consider Your Renovation Style

Hamptons → Hinged
Modern minimalist → Sliding
Scandi/Contemporary → Either, depending on layout

4. Look at Long-Term Use

For family homes, hinged is often more practical.
For tight apartments, sliding is usually the winner.

5. Ensure Professional Installation

Sliding doors must be installed perfectly.
Hinged doors should be aligned to avoid uneven gaps.
A licensed renovation professional makes all the difference.

Conclusion: There’s No One “Best” Option—Only the Best for Your Space

Sliding doors and hinged doors both have their strengths, and the right choice ultimately depends on your space, lifestyle, design taste and daily workflow.

If you’re renovating anywhere in Sydney—from the Eastern Suburbs to the Inner West, from the Lower North Shore to the Hills District—a well-designed laundry with the right cabinetry layout can transform how you use your home every day.

And remember:
A beautiful laundry isn’t just about aesthetics.
It’s about practicality, ease and long-term value—something every Sydney homeowner deserves.

Want More Smart Laundry Storage Ideas?

For tailored design advice, custom cabinetry, and expert home renovation services for your kitchen, bathroom or laundry, explore what MB9 can create for your home.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.