Laundries

Maximising storage in small laundries

Smart joinery turns even the most compact laundry into a workhorse. Here are our top tips for designing functional, beautiful laundries.

By Urban Precision February 27, 2026 5 min read

A small laundry doesn't have to feel small. With the right design moves you can fit everything you need and still keep the room calm and open — because making a compact space work is as much about spatial design as it is about storage. Here's how we approach it.

Make the room feel larger

  • Take cabinetry full height to draw the eye up and add storage at the same time.
  • Use handleless or flush fronts for clean, uninterrupted lines.
  • Keep to light colours and add good task lighting so nothing feels cramped.
  • Run one continuous benchtop where you can — an unbroken surface reads as more space.

Earn every centimetre

In a tight room, the trick is to use dimensions you'd normally waste. Build upwards with overhead cupboards and a slim full-height cupboard for the broom and vacuum; use the full depth of cabinets with pull-outs so nothing gets lost at the back; and let surfaces do double duty — a benchtop over a front-loader instantly becomes a folding station.

Keep it clutter-free

The reason a well-designed laundry feels bigger is that everything has a home and stays out of sight. Concealed pull-out hampers, a dedicated shelf for detergents, and a spot for the iron and cleaning gear mean the benchtops stay clear — and clear surfaces are what make a small room feel spacious.

Plan around the workflow

Finally, arrange the room to follow the way laundry actually moves: sort, wash, dry, fold. When those steps sit in a logical line, even a narrow galley layout feels efficient rather than tight, and you're not carrying baskets back and forth.

Even a cupboard-sized laundry can be genuinely lovely to use when every element is planned around your space. Bring your must-haves to a consultation and we'll design a layout that fits.

Why this matters

Custom joinery is one of the most impactful investments you can make in your home. Done well, it transforms how you use a space — adding storage, workflow, and beauty all at once. Done poorly, it dates fast and starts to fail within a few years.

“The difference between good joinery and great joinery is in the details — the finish, the hardware, the way it feels every day.”

What we recommend

We always start by understanding how you actually use a space. From there, we develop a design that solves real problems, then specify materials and hardware that will perform over the long term.

  • Start with a clear understanding of how you want to use the space.
  • Invest in premium hardware — it pays back over decades.
  • Choose finishes that suit both your style and the way you live.
  • Don't compromise on installation quality.

Want help planning your project?

Our team can help you think through the design and material choices for your next joinery project. Book a free on-site inspection and we'll walk you through the options.

Book Free Inspection
← Back to Blogs
Call Us