How Tall Should The Cabinet For The Washing Machine or Dryer Be?

Published on: 1/08/2023 Author: Babette

When creating a utility room with ergonomics in mind, cabinet height is a design key consideration. This is to ensure both safety and ease of use once appliances such as washing machines or dryers are installed. 

In particular, some of the top factors that need to be addressed include being able to access the functions of the machine, including any buttons located on the top which can be difficult to reach. 

Opting for a slimline cupboard for your washing machine or dryer will maximise available space without compromising on functionality. However, there are some things to bear in mind to ensure the heights of the cabinets are also tall enough depending on the required space. 

To explain further, here are our top tips at Washtower on selecting an optimal height for utility room cabinetry.

Factors that Determine the Ideal Height for Slimline Cabinets:

Dimensions of the Appliances
Dimensions of the Cupboards

Dimensions of the Appliances

All new kitchen or utility room projects must consider the dimension of the appliances so that any cabinets offer a suitable fit. 

Washtower slimline cabinets are compatible with the vast majority of appliances. On each product listing, you can find details about the size of the cabinets, so that you can work out if the available space would be adequate depending on the size of the appliance. Be sure to take into account the size of any legs on your appliances, as this can impact their fit within the available space in the Washtower slimline cabinets.

This is bearing in mind the need to leave clearance space, particularly above the machine where any buttons are located.

In short, the dimensions of the completed setup will depend on the individual appliances required along with the overall system chosen. 

Dimensions of the Cupboards

On each product listing, you can view details of the cupboard dimension size. For example, Washtower's basic cupboard (WSCS146(2)) has a height of 146.05 cm (57.5 inches), heightens the machine to 60 cm (23.7 inches), and is designed to accommodate a standard washing machine or dryer. 

Washtower cabinets have a modular system format, which can also be seen when viewing any of our product listings. What this means is that the cupboard size is not directly influenced by the height of the machine or dryer itself, but rather by how the user wishes to arrange the cupboards, i.e. side by side or stacked.

Stacking machines on top of each other will require different cupboard dimensions compared with placing the machines side by side.

However, do be aware that in terms of stacking a dryer on top of the wahing machine, it is not possible to raise the height of a dryer so it sits well above ground level. This is not feasible as it would make it more challenging to access the washing machine. 

Instead, cabinets such as our Slimline 3.1 would provide the most efficient use of space when wanting a double-height configuration. This allows for stacking, yet the washing machine is kept at ground level to be able to maintain access to the dryer above.

A side by side solution would allow for both the washer and dryer to be raised above the ground, rather than being stacked, and likewise, to avoid losing access to the dryer. This configuration can be seen by checking out our Original 2.1 cabinets. 

Ergonomics and Accessibility

Consider the ergonomics and accessibility of the appliances when determining the height of the slimline cupboard. The top of the cabinet should be at a convenient height that allows you to load and unload clothes comfortably without excessive bending or stretching. A practical height not only improves user experience but also reduces the risk of strain or injury during regular use.

Integration with Surrounding Fixtures

Ensure that the height of a slimline cupboard will complement the surrounding fixtures in your laundry area. Consider the height of existing shelves, wall-mounted cabinets, or any other features adjacent to the slimline cupboard. A well-integrated design will enhance the overall aesthetics and functionality of the space of your utility room.

Future Proofing

When deciding on the height of the slimline cupboard, think about any potential changes or upgrades in the future. If you plan to replace your current appliances or acquire larger ones, it is essential to account for this possibility by creating some flexibility within the available space. 

Washtower - Design Your User-Friendly Utility Room With Our Online Configurator

Now you’ve picked up some top design tips with regards to utility room cupboard spacing and configurations, all that’s left for you to do is begin your design. Simply head over to our online configurator to get started.

Here, you can customise the dimensions and features of the cupboard according to your specific needs. This includes the exact height, width, and depth to create a tailor-made solution that perfectly accommodates your washing machine or dryer.

For added inspiration, discover how others have utilised slimline cupboards to create functional and stylish utility rooms. 

Need any help with all things cabinet heights for your washer or dryer, or Washtower products in general?

Please give us a call on 03308183548 or send us an email at info@washtower.co.uk and our friendly team will be in

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