When it comes to home remodeling, deciding where to place your washer and dryer is more important than many homeowners realize. Should you install them in the bathroom, kitchen, basement, or maybe even create a dedicated laundry room?
Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option, so you can make the smartest, most practical choice — especially if you’re remodeling your home in a city like Chicago, where space is often limited and every square foot matters.
🚿 Option 1: Washer & Dryer in the Bathroom
✅ Pros:
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Convenient water supply & drainage already in place
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Perfect for smaller apartments and condos
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Easy to wash towels and linens right where they’re used
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Modern compact units or washer-dryer combos fit well into bathroom furniture
❌ Cons:
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Limited space for storage or movement
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Humidity may affect appliances over time if ventilation isn’t good
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Noise from the machines can interfere with your relaxation
💡 Best for: Smaller homes or apartments where space is at a premium and where bathroom size allows.
🍽 Option 2: Washer & Dryer in the Kitchen
✅ Pros:
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Common in European-style homes, especially in compact urban apartments
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Plumbing is already available
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You can cook and do laundry at the same time (multitasking!)
❌ Cons:
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May disrupt the kitchen’s design or cleanliness
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You’ll need good soundproofing to minimize noise
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Not always ideal from a hygiene or aesthetic perspective
💡 Best for: Apartments without a separate laundry or utility room, and where kitchen space is flexible.
🧼 Option 3: Dedicated Laundry Room
✅ Pros:
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The most practical and organized solution
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Plenty of room for sorting, folding, ironing, and storage
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Keeps noise and laundry clutter away from living areas
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You can install full-size appliances and even add a sink or drying rack
❌ Cons:
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Requires more space and plumbing/electrical setup
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Not always feasible in smaller homes
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Increases renovation costs
💡 Best for: Families, larger homes, or homeowners who value organization and space.
🛋 Option 4: Hallway Closet or Utility Niche
✅ Pros:
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Great for space-saving remodels
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Easily hidden behind cabinet doors
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Central location makes laundry easy to access from bedrooms
❌ Cons:
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Limited appliance size
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Needs good sound and moisture insulation
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Not much room for extra storage or folding
💡 Best for: Compact homes where a laundry room isn’t possible but convenience is key.
🧱 Option 5: Basement Laundry Area
✅ Pros:
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Keeps appliances out of the way
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Plenty of space for large loads and additional storage
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Ideal spot for noisy machines
❌ Cons:
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Less convenient if you need to carry laundry up/down stairs
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Basements can be cold and damp
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May require extra plumbing or waterproofing
💡 Best for: Older homes with basements or when remodeling an underused lower level.
🛠 What to Consider Before Choosing a Location:
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🔌 Access to plumbing and electricity
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📐 Available square footage
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🔊 Noise levels and insulation
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💨 Ventilation and humidity control
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👨👩👧 Household size and frequency of laundry use
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🧯 Safety requirements and appliance access
🧰 Expert Tip: Stack or Side-by-Side?
If you’re working with limited space, consider stackable washer-dryer units — they’re ideal for bathrooms, closets, or corners of the kitchen. For a larger laundry room, side-by-side models give you a countertop for folding and more flexibility.
🏡 Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with the right planning, you can find the perfect place for your washer and dryer — whether that’s in the bathroom, kitchen, or a dedicated laundry room.
✨ Thinking of remodeling your home in Chicago?
Let our experts at Easy Remodeling help you design a functional, beautiful, and energy-efficient laundry solution tailored to your space.
