7 Mistakes to Avoid in a Small Laundry Renovation

A small laundry renovation can be just as exciting (and tricky) as redoing your kitchen or bathroom. And when you’ve only got a tight corner or narrow nook to work with, every decision matters. From choosing the wrong cabinetry to forgetting about ventilation, here are the top seven mistakes we see in small laundry renovations, and how to avoid them.

Read more: How to Create a Beautiful and Functional Laundry Room

1. Skimping on Laundry Storage Space

Just because your laundry room is small doesn’t mean it can’t be smart. One of the most common design mistakes is not maximising vertical space. Think floating shelves, wall cabinets, or open shelving above your laundry sink.

Consider incorporating pull-out hampers, hooks for cleaning supplies, or even a slide-out ironing board tucked behind a cabinet door.

Need inspiration? Browse our full range of laundry products to help streamline your space.

Floating shelves are one of the easiest ways to add storage to a small laundry 

2. Not Planning for Bench Space

A functional laundry area should give you somewhere to fold clothes or place your laundry baskets. We see it all the time, people prioritise machines and storage but forget about the benchtop.

Even a shallow counter above a front loader washing machine or washer/dryer combo makes all the difference. Consider durable laminate or stainless steel benchtops that can handle the humidity of laundry day.

Planning for enough bench space is essential for small laundries 

3. Choosing the Wrong Laundry Layout

A compact laundry needs to work hard for its size. Whether it’s part of a mudroom, tucked into a hallway nook, or hidden behind bi-fold doors in the living room, flow is everything.

Think about how you move through the space. Can you open both the washer and dryer comfortably? Is the laundry sink accessible? Will the cabinetry or doors clash with other rooms? A well-thought-out small laundry design should feel seamless, not squashed.

Related read: Japandi Interior Design Ideas for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Laundries

Small laundries rooms can feel bigger with the right layout 

4. Forgetting About Ventilation

It’s easy to overlook airflow in a small space, but poor ventilation can lead to mould, damp smells, and damage to your finishes.

If you don’t have access to natural light or windows, make sure your renovation includes a decent extractor fan or ducted dryer. This is especially important if you’re dealing with moisture-prone finishes like laminate cabinetry or tiled splashbacks.

5. No Dedicated Drying Space

We get it – there’s not always room for a full drying rack. But that doesn’t mean your only option is draping towels over doors.

Look for ceiling-mounted or fold-down drying rails, or build one into the underside of a wall cabinet. You could even install a pull-out rail above the sink or machine.

The right storage solutions can help you keep your clothes organised and your floors clear.

6. Ignoring the Importance of a Good Laundry Sink & Tapware

This might sound obvious, but choosing a laundry sink that’s too small, or skipping it altogether, can make everyday tasks harder.

A deep, durable stainless steel laundry sink is perfect for soaking, rinsing, and everything in between. If you’re short on space, go for a compact laundry model that fits into a tight cabinet or corner without sacrificing depth.

Just as important? Your laundry tapware. A pull-out laundry mixer gives you added flexibility for cleaning and reaching every corner of the sink. And if you’re designing with style in mind, match your tap finish – like brushed nickel tapware, matte black tapware or classic chrome tapware – to your handles or shelf brackets for a cohesive look.

Explore our laundry sink collection for modern styles designed with Australian homes in mind.

The right laundry sink and tapware combo in a small laundry is essential

Read more: How to Choose the Right Laundry Sink 

7. Overdoing the Design and Underdoing the Practicality

We love a stylish laundry room, but don’t let Pinterest distract you from real-life function. Some of the most beautiful design ideas fall flat when the space doesn’t actually work.

Do you really need a stone splashback, or would that budget be better spent on more bench space? Can you open all your cabinetry without blocking the washing machine door? Can you access your laundry hampers without awkward lifting?

Form should always follow function, especially in a renovation project where every centimetre counts.

Make Your Small Laundry Work Harder (and Look Better)

Designing a small laundry doesn’t mean compromising on function or style. By avoiding these common mistakes and planning around your real day-to-day habits, you can create a laundry space that’s genuinely enjoyable to use.

From laundry sinks and accessories to modern tapware, Buildmat has plenty of what you need to bring your laundry renovation to life.

Small Laundry Renovations FAQs

What’s the best layout for a small laundry room?

For narrow spaces, a side-by-side washer and dryer with a benchtop above is a great solution. If space is extra tight, stackable machines with adjacent open shelving or wall cabinets can also work well.

Can I fit a laundry into a hallway or kitchen nook?

Absolutely. Many compact laundry designs are built into cabinetry that hides everything away when not in use. Just make sure to allow for plumbing, ventilation, and countertops for folding.

Do I really need a sink in a small laundry room?

If you ever soak, rinse, or clean muddy items (think pets or shoes), you’ll thank yourself for installing a sink. Look for space-saving designs like a square laundry sink that still offer good depth.

What’s the best splashback material for a laundry?

Tiled splashbacks are a popular choice because they’re easy to clean and water-resistant. Go for a matte or gloss finish depending on the look you want, or match your splashback to your bench for a seamless feel.

How do I add value with a small laundry renovation?

By choosing durable, functional materials and maximising storage. Buyers love thoughtful touches like built-in hampers, floating shelves, and sleek stainless steel sinks. A good laundry renovation can absolutely increase appeal and functionality.