Design a laundry that sorts itself. From inbuilt laundry hampers to narrow washing basket modules and pull-out laundry drawers, here’s how Joyce Kitchens creates tidy, durable storage that works beautifully in Perth homes.
Why smart laundry hamper storage matters
Well-designed laundry hamper storage keeps dirty clothes out of sight, sorts loads in seconds and improves hygiene. Integrated hampers—whether a pull-out laundry drawer, tilt-out doors or a laundry caddy—also protect floors and walls from damp baskets and reduce clutter.
- Faster sorting: dedicate baskets for lights, darks and towels.
- Better hygiene: ventilated laundry basket organisers reduce odours and mildew.
- Safer spaces: soft-close drawers and child-safe hardware keep fingers protected.
- Seamless style: match your laundry to your shaker kitchen or modern finger-pull cabinetry.
Core design insights for better laundry hamper storage
Popular hamper solutions
- Pull-out laundry drawer: a full-extension drawer with twin or triple laundry cupboard baskets for instant sorting.
- Inbuilt laundry hamper (tilt-out): hinged front for single or double bins—great for narrow laundries.
- Narrow washing basket module: 250–300 mm wide slide-out caddy for tight spaces or laundry nooks.
- Mobile laundry caddy: a slim, wheeled frame that docks inside a cabinet and rolls to the clothesline.
- Under-sink baskets: shallow pull-outs for delicates or cleaning cloths, keeping them separate from main loads.
Prefer built‑in solutions? Explore DIY laundry cabinet ideas for tilt‑out hampers and ventilated doors that keep clothes sorted yet out of sight.
Sizing and ergonomics (Australia-ready)
- Common cabinet widths: 300 mm (narrow), 450 mm and 600 mm. Twin or triple sorters fit neatly in 450–600 mm modules.
- Depth: plan a minimum internal depth of 500–520 mm to clear basket frames and soft-close runners.
- Height: 720–760 mm for base cabinets; allow for benchtop thickness and kickboard height.
- Appliance clearance: most Australian front-load washers are ~600 mm wide; allow 20–25 mm tolerance plus ventilation.
A cabinet-integrated basket system—tilt-out or pull-out—designed to sort and contain washing with proper ventilation and soft-close hardware.
Ventilation and hygiene
- Choose perforated powder-coated wire or ventilated polymer baskets.
- Specify vented cabinet backs or discreet grille slots to meet airflow needs.
- Use removable liners to machine-wash regularly and prevent odours.
- Consider a small, concealed deodoriser pod within the cabinet (non-contact with clothes).
Style integration
Continue your home’s design language into the laundry. Shaker cabinet fronts and a durable engineered stone benchtop echo a classic kitchen renovation, while finger-pull handles, melamine cabinets and soft-close drawers suit contemporary spaces. Add a practical splashback behind sinks to manage moisture.
Safety, quality and compliance
- Premium soft-close runners and Blum-style hinges keep motion controlled and quiet.
- Moisture-resistant substrates and sealed edges protect against swelling.
- Refer to Australian standards and guidance for wet areas and cabinetry, such as AS 3740 (waterproofing of domestic wet areas) and AS/NZS 4386 (domestic built-in cabinets). See the National Construction Code from the ABCB and guidance from HIA and Master Builders WA.
Our renovation and custom cabinetry process
- Design consultation: discuss your laundry flow, hamper capacity, appliance sizes and ventilation needs.
- Measure & plan: precise site measure; confirm power, plumbing and door swings.
- 3D designs: see your laundry hamper storage, overhead cabinets and under-mount sink in context.
- Material selection: choose finishes, from 2-pack paint and melamine to engineered stone or laminate benchtops.
- Local manufacture: custom cabinetry WA — built for Perth conditions and lead times.
- Installation & handover: licensed trades for plumbing/electrical; detailed care guide and warranty.
Whether part of broader kitchen renovations Perth or a stand-alone laundry upgrade, we tailor every detail—from laundry basket organisers to integrated appliances—so your space looks sharp and works hard.
Materials and finishes for durable laundry hampers
Cabinetry substrates and finishes
- Moisture-resistant MDF (MR MDF) or HMR particleboard with tough melamine or 2-pack finish.
- ABS edge-banding to seal out steam and splashes.
- Plywood options for premium moisture performance in high-exposure zones.
A hard-wearing, painted and catalysed coating for doors/drawer fronts that delivers a seamless, high-end look—ideal to match shaker kitchen profiles.
Hardware and baskets
- Full-extension, soft-close runners rated for heavy loads.
- Powder-coated steel frames with removable polymer liners for easy cleaning.
- Optional tilt-out fronts with robust, adjustable hinges.
Benchtops near hamper zones
Benchtops above hamper cabinets cop moisture and movement. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose.
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture resistance | Excellent; non-porous surface resists spills | Very good if edges are sealed; avoid standing water |
| Heat resistance | Good for laundry use; avoid extreme heat shock | Moderate; use trivets for hot dryer items or irons |
| Typical installed cost (Perth) | $400–$700 per lin m (profile and brand dependent) | $120–$300 per lin m (edge and texture dependent) |
| Look & feel | Premium, seamless with under-mount sink options | Wide range of colours; excellent value |
| Maintenance | Low; wipe clean, avoid harsh abrasives | Low; avoid saturating joins and cut edges |
| Best fit | Long-term durability and upscale finish | Budget-friendly refreshes and rentals |
Layouts and styles that work in WA homes
Compact and narrow laundries
- Stack the washer/dryer and use a 300 mm narrow washing basket pull-out beside them.
- Choose tilt-out inbuilt laundry hampers to reduce door projection in tight passages.
- Use overhead cabinets for detergents; keep hamper drawers below the engineered stone benchtop for sorting space.
Family laundries and mudroom combos
- Triple-sort pull-out (darks/lights/towels) with 35–50 L baskets.
- Dedicated sports gear hamper; pet-care caddy for towels and leads.
- Durable melamine cabinets with 2-pack feature doors or shaker profiles to match adjacent living areas.
Case example: Mount Lawley terrace
We transformed a 1.2 m-wide laundry nook with a 450 mm tilt-out inbuilt laundry hamper, overhead cabinets, a compact under-mount sink and a laminate benchtop. The client gained hidden sorting and bench space without changing appliance locations.
Case example: Joondalup family home
A busy household needed faster turnaround. We installed a 600 mm pull-out laundry drawer with three ventilated baskets, soft-close runners and finger-pull handles, plus a splashback. Result: easier sorting, fewer floor baskets and faster wash cycles.
To create a cohesive home, many clients carry details from their kitchen—such as shaker kitchen doors, scullery-style storage, overhead cabinets and hardware—into the laundry for a unified renovation result.
Costs and budgeting in Perth/WA
- Retrofit pull-out hamper (hardware + basket set): typically $250–$450 supplied and fitted into suitable existing cabinetry.
- New inbuilt laundry hamper cabinet (450–600 mm): from $450–$900 including soft-close hardware and baskets.
- Full laundry cabinetry upgrade with hamper storage: usually $6,000–$15,000+, depending on size, 2-pack finishes, benchtop choice and accessories.
- Benchtops: laminate $120–$300 per lin m; engineered stone $400–$700 per lin m installed.
- Trades and compliance: allow $800–$2,000 for plumbing/electrical adjustments and any wet-area works (refer to AS 3740 for waterproofing scope).
Every project differs. Appliance relocations, custom heights and premium hardware (e.g., heavy-duty soft-close drawers and Blum hinges) influence pricing.
Practical planning checklist
- Measure space for 300/450/600 mm hamper modules and verify door swings.
- Confirm appliance dimensions, ventilation and service clearances.
- Choose basket type: wire, polymer or fabric with washable liners.
- Specify ventilation: perforated baskets plus vented cabinet panels.
- Select finishes: melamine or 2-pack doors; laminate or engineered stone benchtop.
- Hardware: soft-close runners, quality hinges, child latches if required.
- Workflow: place hampers near the washer with a bench above for pre-sorting.
- Future-proof: allow space for a laundry chute or additional sorter if the family grows.
Ready to streamline your laundry?
From space-saving narrow washing baskets to elegant inbuilt laundry hampers, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs custom cabinetry in Perth and across WA. Talk to us about matching your laundry to your kitchen renovations Perth and creating storage that lasts.
FAQ
What size cabinet do I need for an inbuilt laundry hamper?
Most homes use 300, 450 or 600 mm-wide modules. A 300 mm cabinet suits a single narrow washing basket; 450 mm suits twin baskets; 600 mm can fit twin or triple sorters. Allow 500–520 mm internal depth for baskets and soft-close runners, and standard base height of 720–760 mm plus benchtop and kickboard.
How do you ventilate hamper cabinets to prevent odours and mould?
Use perforated wire or ventilated polymer baskets, specify vented cabinet backs or discreet grille slots, and avoid sealing the cabinet airtight. Removable liners help with regular cleaning. Keep a small air gap behind the cabinet and don’t over-pack the baskets.
Can I retrofit a pull-out laundry drawer into my existing cabinets?
Yes—if the internal width and depth are adequate and the cabinet box is sound. We can often convert a hinged door base cabinet into a pull-out laundry drawer using heavy-duty, soft-close runners and a basket frame. A quick site check confirms suitability.
Are fabric or wire baskets better for Australian laundries?
Powder-coated wire offers excellent airflow and durability. Fabric baskets are gentle on delicates but should include removable, machine-washable liners. Quality polymer baskets are a low-maintenance middle ground and easy to wipe clean.
How much does custom laundry hamper storage cost in Perth?
As a guide, retrofits are typically $250–$450, new inbuilt hamper cabinets from $450–$900, and full laundry cabinetry upgrades $6,000–$15,000+. Benchtops add $120–$300 per lin m for laminate or $400–$700 per lin m for engineered stone, depending on specification.