The Laundry: A space which works for you!
May 2026
The laundry area is a busy space. You may find yourself soaking/cleaning clothes, sorting items, choosing detergents, selecting the right wash cycles, drying or air-drying garments and folding clothes.
It should be a well-configured room which is a productive space to wash, dry and fold fabric or clothes.
Even this small space has addressed the activities of a laundry but the fact that they are occurring at the same level (waist-level) makes this work for someone short in stature (adult or child), sitting, using a wheelchair or walker. This is age friendly and universal in design at work.
Can Universal Design (UD) and age-friendly features help make the space productive? You bet!
Ideal Laundry Room? There are many UD and age friendly features here. Recessed dryer rack, front end loaders, adequate turning radius,
UD hardware on cabinets, lots of lower cabinets with toe kicks, lots of upper cabinets and shelving, lighting which is functional and pretty and a large folding area or work station.
Could it be better? Yes, with side by side washer and dryer and the recessed dryer rack closer to 40” from the floor. I would appreciate a sink in this space.
A compact laundry with an adjustable folding area & shelves and a sink. The Elfa shelves/bins/closet pole are all adjustable so you can rearrange them where and as you need them.
Remember great UD is flexible and easy. Elfa is a great UD product for that reason. Currently, I can reach all items on the top shelves. When the time comes and I can’t, I know that I can reconfigure the shelves for what I need next. Anyone using a wheelchair or mobility device will find this space too small as it lacks the turning radius and anything above the dryer is out of reach.
I love a laundry space that is not only functional but pretty too. Use color, texture, decorative items and lighting to make the space enjoyable as well as functional.
The folding drying rack (great UD) is very helpful at the right height, think 40” from floor. If you hang up lots of clothes move it up to a height that is easy for all to access. I love that it can be recessed into the wall. Great UD ! It takes up little floor space.
Reachers or grabbers are great UD products. The length can be extended and it takes minimal effort to use. Perhaps you use one in the kitchen to grab items off top shelves. You can use a reacher to move clothes from washer to dryer, dryer to the folding table and pick up items dropped on the floor! Look out as kids love to play with reachers!
All the light from the windows in the laundry room make it comfortable to work in and brings the outdoors in. Front controls on washer & dryer. Great UD.
Notice the large turning radius in the space.
The floor allows you to see objects on it, easy to clean and is level. There is a large folding area. All great age-friendly and UD!
Lower cabinets have the toe kick so one can get close to the sink/counters.
Age friendly/ UD feature: Pull out cabinet between the front loading washer and dryer makes good use of space and allows detergents, cleaners, dryer sheets etc. to be handy for anyone.
These front loading machines can be raised up to a more useable height(ergonomic) and then the riser removed later if circumstances change. Nice work surface which rests on top of the machines. Good use of space.
Here is a drying rod with a light. Great UD! Great use of space.
Notice the UD hardware and the sink faucet has an automatic sensor, lower drawers and cabinets that pull out ,all great UD.
When using age-friendly/ UD options think about the most motorically involved person who may use the space. Can they reach the upper cabinets, sink, and closet pole?
This particular design is great for small spaces and for people who are at least 5’5” tall that can stand independently.
Optimum UD checklist for Laundry rooms:
Adequate turning radius 6’
Floor is level, non slippery, easy to clean and you can see things on it.
Adequate lighting for tasks.
Drying racks/rods mounted at 40” height from floor. Adjustable are even better!
Front loading machines with front controls that are touch buttons.
Folding area.
Sink/soaking area.
Located on main floor.
Reacher/grabber for picking up items.
Drawers, or cabinets open at the bottom, if upper shelves consider adjustability, or pull downs.
UD hardware on cabinets doors etc. and faucets.
There was a time when this was the laundry!! Good thing times have changed!
Don’t go back…..Age friendly and Universal Design features can make laundry day Fun!
