Make the most of every centimetre with compact layouts, durable finishes and custom cabinetry designed for Perth and WA conditions.
Working with a very small laundry room or a Euro laundry in an apartment? These small laundry room design ideas are proven in Perth homes. From clever joinery and built-in storage to moisture-resistant materials and practical appliance choices, our custom solutions turn a small laundry area into a hard‑working, good‑looking space.
At Joyce Kitchens, we design and build custom laundries, kitchens and wardrobes across WA. If you’re already exploring kitchen renovations Perth or planning a new build, pairing your kitchen, bathroom and laundry design often delivers better flow and value.
Core Ideas for Tiny Laundry Rooms
- Stack and slide: Stack a front‑loader and heat‑pump dryer, add a slide‑out bench or folding station over appliances.
- Custom cabinetry WA: Full-height cabinets, adjustable shelving, and pull‑outs (hamper, broom, and cleaning caddies) maximise vertical space.
- Shallow but smart: 450–500 mm deep cabinetry with a compact under‑mount sink works well in narrow rooms.
- Integrated thinking: Finger‑pull profiles or slimline handles, soft‑close drawers and concealed LED strip lighting keep it clean and functional.
- Durable finishes: Moisture-resistant MDF or high‑grade melamine cabinetry, quality hinges (e.g., Blum hardware) and a tough, water‑resistant benchtop.
- Ventilation first: Proper venting for dryers and adequate make‑up air protects cabinetry, appliances and walls.
- Multi‑use: Consider a combo laundry–mudroom or laundry–scullery approach if your layout allows.
A compact laundry concealed behind bifold or sliding doors—often within a bathroom, kitchen or hallway. Ideal for apartments and tiny laundry room ideas.
A dense board treated to resist swelling from humidity—commonly used for cabinet carcasses and doors in laundries, kitchens and bathrooms.
Our Small Laundry Renovation Process (Perth & WA)
- In‑home or showroom consult: Measure your space, discuss wish‑list (e.g., DIY small laundry room ideas vs fully managed), appliances and budget.
- Concept & layout: We test straight, L‑shape or galley layouts and storage zones for washing, drying, sorting and cleaning.
- Selections: Benchtops, cabinet finishes, splashback tiles, hardware, sink and tapware to suit your style—shaker, coastal, minimalist or classic.
- Technical check: Ventilation and services (plumbing, power, GPOs, lighting) planned to AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and good practice for wet areas.
- Manufacture: Precision-built cabinetry to AS/NZS 4386 guidelines for domestic joinery. Made for Australian conditions.
- Installation & handover: Coordinated trades, tidy site, and quality check so your small laundry area works perfectly.
Compliance and industry guidance: See HIA (Housing Industry Association) and Master Builders WA for homeowner resources and renovation advice.
Materials and Finishes That Perform in WA
Small laundries are high‑moisture environments. Stable, wipeable finishes with robust hardware make all the difference.
Cabinetry and Doors
- Melamine cabinetry for durable, budget‑friendly interiors.
- Two‑pack polyurethane or high‑pressure laminate doors for a sleek, hard‑wearing finish; shaker profiles available for a classic look that ties to a shaker kitchen aesthetic.
- Soft‑close drawers and quality hinges (e.g., Blum hardware) to protect joinery and keep noise down.
Benchtops and Splashbacks
With Australia’s engineered stone ban in effect, many WA homeowners are selecting porcelain (sintered stone), laminate, solid surface or natural stone for laundries.
You may see “engineered stone benchtop” mentioned online; however, Australia has implemented a prohibition on engineered stone due to silica risks. Consider porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, laminate or natural stone instead. For more, see Safe Work Australia.
Comparison: Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Laminate for Laundries
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture & stain resistance | Excellent; non‑porous, highly stain resistant | Very good; wipeable, modern finishes resist swelling if edges are sealed |
| Heat resistance | Outstanding; suitable for Perth heat and sunny aspects | Moderate; avoid direct heat and steam exposure at joins |
| Aesthetics | Premium; stone, concrete or marble looks, thin profiles | Huge range; stone‑look laminate can be very convincing |
| Typical WA supply & install | Approx. $1,000–$2,200 per m² | Approx. $300–$600 per m² |
| Best for | Luxury, durability, sun‑exposed spaces | Value, quick install, budget‑friendly refresh |
Appliances and Fittings
- Front‑loader (600 mm) for under‑bench installs; compact 450–500 mm models suit very small laundry rooms.
- Heat‑pump dryer for low energy and minimal venting; add a duct kit or external vent to reduce moisture.
- Under‑mount sink with gooseneck mixer tap; consider a deep bowl and pull‑out spray for hand‑washing.
- Splashback in large‑format tiles or acrylic panels to reduce grout lines and maintenance.
Layouts and Styles for Small Laundry Rooms
Best Layouts
- Straight‑line: Perfect for a tiny laundry room or Euro laundry behind doors; stack appliances, add overheads and a hanging rail.
- L‑shape: Gives sorting space and room for a larger sink; great in small rooms where a corner is available.
- Galley: Works in narrow rooms; keep one side shallow (300–400 mm) for storage, the other for appliances and the benchtop.
Style Touches That Travel From Kitchen to Laundry
- Shaker fronts or V‑groove panels to tie in with a shaker kitchen.
- Finger‑pull profiles and matte finishes for a clean, contemporary look.
- LED strip lighting under overheads to brighten tasks and nooks.
- Floating shelves for canisters, stain removers and easy‑grab items.
Two WA Case Examples
Subiaco Euro Laundry: We converted a hallway cupboard into a concealed laundry (washer–dryer stack, 20 mm porcelain benchtop, melamine cabinetry, soft‑close drawers). A slide‑out hamper and broom pull‑out created order in a 1.4 m niche.
Fremantle Cottage Laundry: In a very small laundry room under the stairs, shallow L‑shape cabinetry with a compact under‑mount sink, stone‑look laminate benchtop and tiled splashback delivered folding space and smart storage without crowding the stairwell.
What Does a Small Laundry Renovation Cost in Perth?
Costs vary with size, finishes and whether plumbing/power needs moving. Typical ranges for laundry room ideas for small rooms:
- Custom cabinetry and install: $4,500–$12,000+
- Benchtops: Laminate $300–$600 per m²; Porcelain/Sintered $1,000–$2,200 per m²
- Appliances: Front‑loader $700–$1,800; Heat‑pump dryer $1,000–$2,500
- Plumbing & electrical: $1,500–$3,500 (allow for GPOs, lighting, and venting)
- Splashback & tiling: $700–$2,000 depending on material and area
- Full compact laundry: Commonly $8,000–$25,000+ in Perth
Approvals: Most laundry refits don’t need council approval unless structural changes or new openings are involved. Strata approvals may be required for apartments (especially for venting). Always confirm before work begins.
Practical Pre‑Renovation Checklist
- Measure the room and doorways; confirm appliance widths (often 600 mm) and clearances.
- Decide stack vs side‑by‑side appliances; choose venting path for the dryer.
- Pick a benchtop material suitable post‑engineered stone ban (e.g., porcelain/sintered, laminate, solid surface).
- Nominate storage zones: hampers, laundry liquids, ironing board, broom/mop, pet gear.
- Lock in tapware, sink size, and splashback height (often 450–600 mm).
- Plan task lighting and GPOs; check AS/NZS 3000 distances from wet areas.
- If DIY elements are planned, clarify which tasks you’ll handle vs our team.
FAQ
What is the best layout for a very small laundry room?
For a very small laundry room, a straight‑line or Euro laundry layout works best. Stack a front‑loader and heat‑pump dryer, add overhead cabinets with a hanging rail, and a slim under‑mount sink with a pull‑out mixer. Keep benchtop depth to 500–600 mm and use pull‑outs for hampers and cleaning gear.
How much does a small laundry renovation cost in Perth?
Most compact laundry renovations in Perth fall between $8,000 and $25,000+, depending on cabinetry, benchtops (laminate vs porcelain/sintered), appliances, and any plumbing/electrical changes. A design consult will refine your budget and scope.
Can I fit a washer and dryer in a tiny laundry room?
Yes. A stacked configuration saves space in a tiny laundry room. Choose a front‑loader (often 600 mm wide) and a compatible heat‑pump dryer. Include proper ventilation or ducting to protect joinery and reduce moisture build‑up.
What benchtop is best for a small laundry in WA now that engineered stone is banned?
Porcelain/sintered stone is a top choice for durability and heat resistance, while laminate offers excellent value and fast installation. Solid surface and natural stone are also options. Your designer will recommend a compliant, water‑resistant finish for WA conditions.
Do I need council approval to renovate my laundry in WA?
Usually no, if you’re not altering structure or external openings. You may need strata approval for apartments (especially for venting). For general guidance, consult industry bodies like HIA or Master Builders WA and check with your local council.