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Laundry room ideas 2023


22 laundry room decor and design ideas |

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(Image credit: Alex James / Sarah Shields / Kristen Nix)

Laundry room ideas was once a fairly limited design category. You stored the washer and dryer in a hall closet, in the basement, or if you were lucky, in a dedicated utility room off the kitchen somewhere. But these days, high-style, high-function laundry rooms are a must-have, and the design options have expanded to meet demand. Not only do today's laundry rooms provide a dedicated space for efficient laundering, but they also provide a unique set of design requirements that offer plenty of opportunity for creativity.

In this space, practicalities still take precedence, so when it comes to designing a laundry room, thinking like the most organized version of yourself is always a great place to start. A combination of space-enhancing storage solutions and carefully considering how you will move within the space (particularly when it’s full of laundry, as opposed to when everything is neatly folded and tidied into cupboards) are key to creating a space that’s efficient and ergonomic.  

Once you’ve made choices based on the functionality of a space, you can start to think about aesthetics, and work out how organizing your laundry room can make the space not just pleasing to look at but to use too.

Laundry room ideas

Whether you’re overhauling an existing laundry room and looking at laundry room makeovers for inspiration, are gaining a laundry area by planning a home addition, or want to move the laundry upstairs where it's more convenient, our laundry room decor ideas and designs are sure to provide plenty of inspiration.

1. Incorporate on-trend tones into your laundry room ideas 

(Image credit: Alex James)

If there are kitchen trends that you love, but are not prepared to commit to in such a large space, consider your laundry room the perfect test-canvas. After all, given its inevitably smaller dimensions, you will find yourself spending significantly less money making changes as trends come and go.

Here, London design duo Stephenson Wright finished cabinetry in Farrow & Ball ’s French Gray to create country charm.

2.  Add wallpaper to put the fun in function

(Image credit: Aimee Mazzenga)

Let's face it: laundry is a chore, which is even more of a reason to make your utility room ideas as beautiful as possible.

Chicago-based designer Kristin Challacombe brought in a bold floral wallpaper to add sophisticated style to a workhorse space. 'With four young kids living in this home, there’s always laundry to do, so I wanted to make the space beautiful," Challacombe says. "The wallpaper is Clarke & Clarke , and we pulled out the rich, blue color of the palm trees for the custom cabinetry.'

A black-and-white mosaic tile on the floor adds contrast, creating a room that's as stylish as it is sensible. 

3. Add an island for easy folding

(Image credit: Whittney Parkinson / Sarah Shields)

If you have the space for it, consider adding a small kitchen island or kitchen cart to your laundry room like designer Whittney Parkinson did, above. It creates a smart spot for folding towels or rolling towels, to help fold fitted sheets and clothes.

Having an island, or at least ample counter space, also gives you a place to pretreat clothes or to lay delicates flat to dry, as well as proving convenient for tasks such as washing stuffed animals or cleaning bath toys. For a bonus, choose an island with storage underneath to house laundry baskets or cleaning supplies. 

4. Let your laundry room double up as a mudroom

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

If you don’t have space to justify a room dedicated solely to laundry, consider other ways of ensuring your space is functional, and think about combining your laundry with mudroom ideas.

Here, a handy mudroom storage solution allows this stylish country laundry room to double up as a space for stashing outdoor shoes. 

Louise Wicksteed, design director at Sims Hilditch advises: 'In terms of decor, we recommend a stone flooring that will be easily cleaned should any spillages or leaks occur.’

5. Choose an all-white scheme to make a small space look and feel bigger 

(Image credit: Marloe Interiors)

A white laundry room scheme is a lovely option for a space that feels fresh, clean and organized. Plus, if you are looking for small laundry room ideas, a bright white will make your space feel larger and lighter with minimal effort. Complement a white scheme with good lighting and checking laundry symbols on your items will never be difficult to do.

Mandy Oestreich from Marloe Interiors offers the following advice: ‘For our Cotswold country home clients, we opted for a balanced mix of old and new to redesign their laundry room. 

'Black bronze knobs contrast beautifully against the white painted shaker style cabinets, whilst the light-colored quartz worktop completes the look – creating a classic and timeless space.’

6. Double your efficiency with tandem washer-dryers

(Image credit: Scott Davis)

Utah-based designers The Fox Group realized every large family's dream with this laundry room idea: double washer-dryers. The stacking configuration means that the extra capacity doesn't take up extra floor space, so you can borrow this idea even if you don't have an oversized laundry room.

Think about the capacity of washing machines and dryers if you’re buying new models. If you’re undertaking tasks such as washing a down comforter, tumble drying a duvet, or washing a weighted blanket, this is crucial and without a machine of sufficient size, you won’t be able to do these jobs in a home appliance.

Other design ideas we love about this space include the checkerboard floor, the oversized farmhouse utility sink, and enclosed cabinetry, and the built-in laundry room shelving idea that makes cleaning up easier. 

7. Flood your laundry room with light 

(Image credit: Lifestyle Floors)

If you’re incorporating a laundry room into your home as part of an addition or extension, consider designing a space that backs straight onto your outside space.

Not only is this beautiful space flooded with natural light, making it a spot even those who loathe laundry might enjoy spending time, it is also extremely practical. Rather than relying on a tumble dryer, it provides easy access to the garden where you can allow laundry to air dry.

Achieve a similar finish with flooring from Lifestyle Floors . Pictured above is their Dawn Herringbone finish.

8. Choose complementary shades for connecting spaces 

(Image credit: Berry Alloc)

If you are designing a laundry room that connects directly to a kitchen, or dining area, consider opting for shades that complement your kitchen color scheme to achieve a cohesive finish.

Here, a laundry room with a cream finish works perfectly in conjunction with an on-trend, deep, dark and atmospheric kitchen scheme. These complementary shades ensure cohesion within the space, without looking too matchy.

Berry Alloc has a similar wood floor finish.

9. Invest in a traditional drying rack

(Image credit: Martin Moore/Darren Chung)

Drying racks, also called airers, are super-practical when the tumble dryer temperature guide forbids even use of the delicate setting on a dryer. But they are wonderful for adding a touch of rustic charm to your laundry room ideas, too.  

Use them for towels and bedlinens as well as to dry a comforter – and hang decorative items too, for laundry room decor ideas that will make the scheme feel more lived in.

This super stylish laundry room scheme was designed by Martin Moore .

10.  Choose custom carpentry for a high-end finish 

(Image credit: Carpetright )

Working with a carpenter is key to achieving a bespoke finish that not only suits your specific requirements, but also allows you to incorporate customized laundry room storage ideas, to make the most of the space you have available.

Look to fit tall laundry closet ideas to hang items such as clothes that are airing or to store an ironing board; and smaller laundry room cabinet ideas for keeping washing powders and cleaning kit out of sight. This clever corner seat adds a cozy cottage feel to this laundry room while allowing it to double up as a functional mudroom. Plus, each of the deep benches can be used for lift-up storage.

11. Maximize the vertical space available  

(Image credit: Alex James)

Another of our favorite design tips when it comes to small laundry room ideas is to maximize vertical space, like designers Stephenson Wright did in their client's home, above. 

Here, wall to ceiling cabinets ensure plenty of storage potential for detergents and ready for using bleach in laundry, as well as a convenient spot for stashing laundry baskets.

The soothing shade of gray gives this functional spot a relaxing feel. 

12. Consider a dark shade for a stylish laundry room  

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball )

This stunning laundry room proves that the moody interiors trend works just as well in small spaces as it does in large, lust-worthy black and white kitchens.

Opting for a dark feature wall that comprises paintwork, cabinetry and paneling adds plenty of character while ensuring the small space does not feel overwhelmed.

You can recreate the look with the shade Railings from Farrow & Ball .

13. Put your laundry on a pedestal

(Image credit: Sarah Shields)

A pedestal washer and dryer is a convenience you won't want to live without once you try it. It essentially eliminates the need to bend over when you're changing the laundry or cleaning a washing machine, making the whole process easier.

While most top washer-dryer brands sell pedestals for their machines, the look isn't necessarily elevated. Instead, try a custom-built pedestal that matches your laundry room cabinets, like designer Whittney Parkinson created for a lucky client. 

14. Consider adding a fun feature to your laundry room

(Image credit: Kristen Nix Interiors)

If you are tempted by patterned kitchen flooring or a bold paint palette but cannot commit to something a little more out there in any other room of the house, consider giving it a go in your laundry room ideas.

Kristen Nix, director of Kristen Nix Interiors , provides the following insight: ‘Designing a laundry room is an opportunity to play with color and have fun with tiles.  

'We wanted this laundry room to be fun – so we ran the tile on the diagonal and pulled in the blue in the cabinet paint. We papered the ceiling and walls, which helped make the space feel finished and special.’

15. Keep it simple with a stylish gray scheme

(Image credit: Neptune)

If bold shades, prints, and patterns are not for you, a trusty shade of gray is always a safe bet. Plus, this classic tone is guaranteed to stand the test of time.

Here, gray paint adds a modern and sophisticated feel to the space, while white shaker style cabinetry and wicker storage baskets ensure this laundry room still has plenty of storage potential.

16. Make your space work for you

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

Ultimately, what is most important when designing a laundry room is ensuring that the space works for you. 

Whether that means retractable washing lines, built-in ironing boards, drawers for appliance instructions and a guide to laundry symbols, or cozy corners designed for dogs, as above, the options are endless.

 17. Zone your space to maximize efficiency 

(Image credit: DeVol Kitchens)

If you are lucky enough to be blessed with a laundry room that can be zoned, consider it an option that maximizes efficiency.

Zoning is the perfect way to layout a laundry room. We are picturing one area equipped with appliances which is designed for washing and drying laundry, and another set up for folding and ironing clothes to perfection.

18. Make a feature of your laundry room cabinetry

(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)

Laundry room shelving and cabinetry doesn’t have to be all about practicality. In fact, it’s an ideal way to bring in decorative touches that help make the space charming as well as useful. Stick to displaying a selection of smaller objects and pictures to give the room a more airy feel.

The space behind the sink is ideal – particularly if vases are part of the mix so they’re near the faucet. In this location, bespoke build-in shelving is a sensible option to keep the contents securely in place above the sink. The lovely marble laundry room countertop idea adds a sense of sophistication to the playful cabinetry.

19. Consider the layout of your laundry room

(Image credit: Jon Day)

When trying to make the most of limited space in which you’re undertaking tasks such as washing bed sheets and washing woollen blankets take time to consider the natural flow through rooms, recommends Victoria Wormsley of French-Brooks Interiors . 

‘Think about how people are going to pass through the space and ask if you really need each and every door (but be aware that some will need to be retained for fire regulations, particularly when it comes to kitchens and utility areas). Where possible, remove doors and architraves to improve the flow.’

20. Opt for a deep sink

(Image credit: Future)

A deep butler sink is practical for tasks such as washing whites that can’t go into the machine and other handwashing tasks; if possible, place it beneath a window so you can enjoy your garden while standing at it.  

Keep the sink close to the washing machine, too, as it will make plumbing – and transferring laundry – easier. And install a run of countertops on either side if you have the space. A pretty blind will add a touch of color and softness as a finishing touch.

21. Pay attention to flooring

(Image credit: Mel Yates)

A low-maintenance, durable floor is a key feature in a laundry room. Natural stone retains heat in the winter and is cool in summer. Wood-effect ceramic floors give the beauty of timber but are more practical and hard-wearing. As to whether you continue the bathroom floor into the utility, this is dependent on whether you are looking to unify the space or create a statement room in its own right. Patterned floors can delineate the space and provide wow factor when glimpsed through a glass or open door.

22. Be bold with color

(Image credit: Martin Moore Design / Darren Chung)

Laundry and utility rooms are really receptive to bold decorating styles. Strong colors and patterns can work well in a smaller space – perhaps matching the accent color used within the main kitchen. Also consider echoing the kitchen cabinet design but in a different finish to achieve good continuity and flow between spaces, particularly if there is open or glazed access between the two. Speaking of glazing, the best laundry rooms are naturally lit – it improves the ambience when spending time within the room and is valuable when performing tasks such as ironing. Always aim to include a window or skylight if you’re planning a laundry room in a new extension.

What are the best laundry room cabinet ideas?

Cabinets are a natural part of a thoughtful laundry room design. They allow for all-important laundry room storage, while also closing the door on visible clutter.

Laundry room cabinet ideas range from simple to complex, and affordable to high end. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, here are a few ideas we love, from easy to more involved.

Consider laundry room shelving
Laundry room shelving provides an easy alternative to cabinetry, since it's quick to install and readily available. While shelves don't hide away clutter the same way cabinets do, you can still create an orderly space with items like matching storage baskets, pretty glass jars, and a label maker. 

Add a kitchen cabinet above a washer dryer
If you need laundry room cabinetry but aren't planning a full renovation any time soon, a simple off-the-shelf kitchen wall cabinet is a more than adequate stand in. Most big box home improvement stores offer unfinished wood cabinets, so you can give yours a custom look with a few coats of paint and fun hardware. Have the cabinet mounted above the washer dryer.

Go custom
If you're investing in a complete laundry room overhaul, custom cabinetry is the way to go. With custom, you'll get cabinets that are built to your needs and the size and function of your room. Plus, you'll be able to order them in virtually any color you choose, so you can tie in to a fun wallpaper, your kitchen cabinets, or another room in your home. Find a cabinet maker that specializes in laundry room design, or work with an interior designer to ensure you maximize the function of the cabinets. Extras like drying racks, laundry basket storage, and pedestal stands can make a world of difference in how well your laundry room serves you and your family. 

Emily first (temporarily) joined the Real Homes team while interning on her summer break from university. After graduating, she worked on several publications before joining Real Homes as Staff Writer full time in mid-2018. She left the brand in 2020 to join the police force but continues to write for Homes & Gardens about interiors. 

With contributions from

53 Small Laundry Room Ideas With Big Style

By

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 10/18/22

Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Tessa Neustadt

With enough ingenuity, organization, and attention to detail. there is absolutely no reason that a small laundry room can't be just as functional and good looking as a larger one. Interior designers and home decorators are always finding smart new ways to optimize small space laundry rooms, from clever layout and storage to good lighting. Paying extra attention to decor can help transform a bare bones utility room into an area of your home that is a pleasure to spend time in, rather than simply a room dedicated to household chores that must be endured.

A well designed small laundry room might include floor-to-ceiling cabinetry to maximize vertical space; stacked washer dryers to save floor space; or be part of a mud room or bathroom to create a high-functioning multipurpose hub. You can decorate your laundry room with as much creativity as any other room in the house, adding bold wallpaper, layered lighting, custom storage, a patterned tile backsplash, or a beautiful paint color. Or you can design a stealth laundry space hidden behind louvered closet doors, a barn door, a secret cabinet, or fitted into the dead space under the stairs.

A high-functioning, well decorated laundry room isn't going to make you love doing the laundry if you don't already, but it will help improve the experience. And for those who find enjoyment or satisfaction in the ritual of washing clothes and the scent of freshly laundered linens, having a well organized and stylish place to take care of the laundry it is just a bonus.

Check out these modestly proportioned, user-friendly spaces that will help inspire you to make the most of your small laundry room.

Laundries - 55 best photo ideas for designing a laundry room in an apartment and a house

Photo session Apartment on the Angara

Badyaeva Maria

For the family that lives in this apartment, thanks to the large area, it was possible to create a beautiful space in every corner.
Fresh design idea: modern style laundry room with tumble dryer - great interior photo

Wellhouse apartment complex

Special-style

facades, beige facades, with a tumble dryer on a washing machine, brown floors and white countertops - great interior photo

Design association Unicum. Gorproekt

Entrance hall in light gray tones and exposed brickwork
Fresh design idea: a loft-style laundry room - a great photo of the interior

Apartment in Khamovniki

Yuliya and Belyakina09

Inspiration for home comfort: Modern style separate laundry room with sink sink, flat cabinets, beige cabinets, beige splashback, beige walls, tumble dryer and beige worktop

Khoroshevsky residential complex

BALCON

Design idea: modern style laundry room with a tumble dryer on the washing machine

Townhouse by the bay

Maxim Maximov

Photo: a separate, straight, medium-sized laundry room in a rustic style with flat fronts, beige fronts, acrylic stone top, beige walls, porcelain stoneware floors, side by side washer and dryer, gray floor and black top

Antique Home Renovation

Crisp Architects

Rob Karosis: Photographer
Fresh design idea: large classic u-shaped versatile room with shaker fronts, white cabinets, white walls, ceramic tile floors, washing machine and dryer next to it and gray floor - great interior photo

Industrial Chic

Amy Storm & Company

We basically squeezed this into a closet, but wow does it deliver! The roll out shelf can expand for folding and ironing and push back in when it's not needed. The wood shelves offer great linen storage and the exposed brick is a great reminder of all the hard work that has been done in this home! Joe Kwon

Greenlea

Visbeen Architects

A fresh design idea for a medium-sized country-style detached, parallel laundry room with recessed panel fronts, white fronts, quartz countertops, white walls, slate floors, washer and dryer next to it, blue floor and white countertop - excellent photo of the interior

Laundry Room with statement tile and cabinets galore

J.P. Hoffman Design Build

The layout of this laundry room did not change, functionality did. Inspired by the unique square 9×9 tile seen on the floor, we designed the space to reflect this tile – a modern twist on old-European elegance. Paired with loads of cabinets, a laundry room sink and custom wood top, we created a fun and beautiful space to do laundry for a family of five! Note the appliance hookups are hidden. To keep a seamless look, our carpentry team custom built the folding table shelf. There is a removable board at the back of the wood countertop that can be removed if the hookups need to be accessed. nine0007

Glenelg

Urban Habitats

Colindale Design / CR3 Studio
A fresh design idea: a small detached, nautical-style corner laundry room with an overhead sink, white fronts, wood countertops, white walls, ceramic tile floors, with a washer and

Laundry room in a private house or apartment: 73 photos of designs

Unlike Western countries where public laundries are popular, in Russia it is customary to do laundry at home. But most often, a separate room is not allocated for these needs: the machine is located in the bathroom under the sink, and sometimes even in the kitchen or in the corridor. In fact, a laundry room can be organized even in a small city apartment, and it is doubly easier for the owner or hostess of a country house. In the article we will tell you what to consider, and consider examples of projects. nine0003

Laundry design in the apartment and house

Features
Where to equip
— In house
— In the apartment
Contents
Sample projects
— In the bathroom
— In pantry
— In the hallway
— In the toilet
— In niche
— In a private house
— In the closet

Instagram @kalina.arch

Laundry, laundry, utility block - these words refer to a utility room or a separate area (for example, in the bathroom), where a place for washing and drying things is organized. Most often, towels, household chemicals, cleaning devices, etc. are stored here. nine0003

This is convenient for several reasons:

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Instagram @luk_homes

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Instagram @kalina.arch

Instagram @kalina.arch

apartment. Only the dimensions of the room and its location will differ.

In the house

Instagram @yanasdecor

In suburban housing, the situation is much simpler: as a rule, there is no lack of square meters, and the utility block can be planned where it is convenient for you, choosing not only the area, but also the shape of the room. nine0003

The laundry room must meet several requirements:

Most often, a utility block in a country house is made on the basement floor, in the pantry, next to the dressing room or under the stairs. It is better to move it as far as possible from the living rooms so that the sound of working machines does not interfere with rest.

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Instagram @purarq

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Instagram @dizain_dushi

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Instagram @stook.architects

Instagram @yanasdecor

Instagram @yanasdecor

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location of communications.

Instagram @marina_zhukova_interiors

Most popular places for a laundry room in an apartment:

nine nine0117 photo

Instagram @int_room

Instagram @azbukadom

Instagram @yanasdecor

Instagram @yanasdecor

Instagram @zu_studio_design

Instagram @zu_studio_design

Instagram @imagery.3ddesign

Instagram @imagery.3ddesign

Instagram @marina_zhukova_interiors

Filling

The filling of the laundry area is determined primarily by its size. On a couple of squares there is enough space only for the most necessary, and if there are 8-15 square meters. m, you can arrange a whole complex with several zones. nine0003

Instagram @evgeniya_matveenko

What must be required:

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Instagram @carolineinteriors

  • Ironing board.
  • Boxes for household chemicals.
  • Compartment for equipment: vacuum cleaner, iron, steamer, etc.

    • Despite the fact that this is a utility room, it must comply with the general style of housing. To make it seem cozier, add some decor: wicker baskets, posters, a vase with flowers or dried flowers, beautiful containers for household chemicals, aesthetic textiles. If the room is decorated in a loft style, hang lamps on chains and put boxes instead of soft baskets. nine0003

    In the bathroom

    Instagram @uno_design_interior

    In an apartment, the easiest way to organize a laundry room is in the bathroom - as was done in this project. A utility closet was built next to the sink and mirror: not too massive, but roomy. Several compartments were made in it: for household appliances, an ironing board, household chemicals, powder supplies and other trifles. And all this is hidden behind minimalistic light facades, which, when closed, almost merge with the finish - thanks to this, the real dimensions of the storage system are not striking. nine0003

    Instagram @alexandra_zadorozhnaya_design

    In this project, the washer and dryer were placed in the classic way - vertically. They are opposite the entrance, and an ironing board fits perfectly in the gap between them and the wall. The rest of the space in the pantry is occupied by shelves on which it is convenient to store spare bedding, household chemicals, cleaning supplies and an iron.

    Instagram @alexandra_zadorozhnaya_design

    Instagram @alexandra_zadorozhnaya_design

    Instagram @alexandra_zadorozhnaya_design

    In the hallway

    And this is what a miniature home laundry might look like, hidden in an ordinary closet.

    Instagram @jdesign_atelier

    The storage system is located in the corridor, and when closed it is impossible to see what is behind its doors. If you open them, inside there will be a full-fledged hozblok with everything you need. There are:

    Instagram @jdesign_atelier

    Instagram @jdesign_atelier

    Instagram @jdesign_atelier

    m

    Sometimes a household unit needs to be placed on a very small area - for example, in this bathroom it was possible to carve out only 1.5 squares. nine0003

    Instagram @elena_life_interiors

    In order to accommodate everything you need in such a limited footage, the designer has planned a practical wardrobe that has room for:

    The closet is decorated to match the finish, and all the storage is hidden behind the doors — as a result, the interior of the bathroom looks very neat and concise, while all the things necessary for washing and ironing are collected in one place. nine0003

    Instagram @elena_life_interiors

    Instagram @elena_life_interiors

    In a niche

    If the bathroom has a niche or the ability to equip it, it will be a great place for a compact hozblok: it will fill the free space and at the same time will not take up extra space.

    Instagram @tanya_berestova

    nine0002 The owners of this apartment made a custom-made wardrobe to fit the size of the niche and overall equipment. It provides a column for washing and drying machines (they are fixed on a special shelf for vertical installation from the manufacturer) and a narrow storage section with two pull-out baskets - it is convenient to store household chemicals, cleaning accessories, toilet paper in them. Upstairs, two more deep shelves were made, they are closed with louvered doors, which the owners painted on their own to match the finish.

    Instagram @tanya_berestova

    Instagram @tanya_berestova

    Instagram @tanya_berestova

    Laundry room in a private house Due to the large total area for the hozblok, it was possible to allocate enough space.

    Instagram @persona_story

    The room is decorated minimalistically and elegantly: different types of marble on the floor and walls, wood texture, semi-open fronts of cabinets that echo the laconic blinds on the windows. The room has two functional areas: a kitchen-like suite with main storage and a sink in one part, and an ironing board system in the other. nine0003

    Everything for comfortable household chores is provided here: a lot of drawers and shelves for household chemicals, textiles and other things, a washing machine and a dryer, a sink and even a stool on wheels so that you can load and take out linen while sitting, not bending down.

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