Today I'm showing you an inexpensive way to hide a washer and dryer for any budget laundry room: easy to make ruffle curtains on a track!
Last time you saw that cheap laundromatit was a squeaky clean, freshly painted blank canvas. I'd love to swap out our clunky washer and dryer for something snazzy new and build custom storage as well as install a statement tile wall while I'm at it, but right now the mission is to hide. I use a wall dryer to dry our clothes and I don't like the idea of airing clothes (dirty or not) for any guests who need to use the adjacent powder room. I was very happy withour laundry curtains in the apartmentSo I decided to kickstart the lake house idea and asked my mom to help me sew cute curtains to hide a washer and dryer, laundry room and washing machine!
The first change I made to the laundry room curtain idea: a curtain panel instead of a curtain rod. I decidedthis curtain railfrom Country curtains (with extraTrack Bar Slider) because I thought it had good style and finish and looked less industrial. I believe thatthis Levelor rail system(found on Amazon) is the same. I considered adding a mini valance but ended up liking how the track stands on its own.
How to cut a curtain rod flat:
(One issue I had was the curtain track arrived bent when shipped, but customer service saidcountry curtainsIt was fabulous. They were apologetic and helpful and rectified the situation immediately which wasn't a problem for me). The track does indeed come with brackets so it can be ceiling or wall mounted (1st and 2nd pics below) but I didn't like the look of it, also they angled the track slightly away from the ceiling. I decided that drilling straight into the runway would be best. It was very easy to make and doesn't interfere with the function at all.
We used a hammer to hit a nail to mark where we wanted to drill (to prevent losing the bit) and then we just drilled in with a bit bigger than our screw. We attached it to the ceiling using the screws that came with the track in addition to our own wall plugs. We chose four screws: two at the ends and two evenly spaced in the middle. Thanks to our little trick, it looks a lot cleaner (see our tweak in the photo on the right) and works perfectly.
I never liked the space between the ceiling and the curtains that muchhad the Ikea bar in the old laundromat, and this curtain track solved that problem for me!
The rail is adjustable from 66" to 120" which means we have a perfect fit from wall to wall. The track is totally worth the $45.50 I spent! It glides so smooth and easy. When I'm carrying a load of laundry, I can just push the blind with my shoulder and it slides down (Noslides) Out of the way. But even though the track works so well because I chose a heavier fabric, it doesn't move or wobble when people walk by or we open a window.
How to Sew Easy DIY Ruffled Curtains:
While the runway is fabulous, what also makes these curtains better than the originals is that my mom and I sew them ruffled so when I close them I don't have to worry about making them look good. I just close them so that the panels overlap slightly and the ruffles do all the work for me to ensure the curtains billow and fall the same way.
How to hem withSeries tape:
To sew the bodice, my mother usedSeries tape. We chose to use twill tape instead of folding the edge because we wanted it to look finished but be less bulky for the next step.
To determine the number of meetings:
We determined how many skirts we could have by first measuring the total width of the curtain panel, plus the width of the space each panel needs to cover. We then calculated how many folds we could have given, not only the desired spacing between the folds, but also the width of the curtain that would be lost in the folds. For the laundry room the gap is 8″ long and per panel we have 16 crimps but 18 hooks (for both ends). We really couldn't have added more, but we could have chosen less. I needed 6 meters for the curtains. After we made our beads (and double and triple checked), we marked the fabric and Mom sewed the ruffle on:
Then we just attached the clips to these easy DIY pleated curtains! We double checked the desired length and clipped the curtain in place.
To add a blind hem to curtains:
For the bottom hem, Mama folded the edge over once and sewed it on the machine. Then, for a more sophisticated look, he brought the edge back in and hand-stitched it in place, leaving no visible seams on the front. The fabric is thick to easily hide the back seam. I wanted a fairly heavy hem so the curtain would have more weight and also so we had a lot more to pull the hem down if it shrunk in the wash.
It's like there's an invisible thread! My mother is so talented.
Luckily the side edges had this really nice fringe that we wanted to keep. This decision really made this project faster.
I found the fabric for these easy DIY curtains at Fabricland and it's really extensive. As a bonus, it's reversible! It's made by Rosedale Coordinates and the color is Lakeside Color Story, which is very appropriate. I couldn't find it for sale online butthis dotted fabricesArtof similar ones I've included a photo of the tag below so if you show it to your local fabric store they can trace it for you.
It wasn't supposed to be machine washable but it looked terribly impractical so I threw it in the washer and dryer before I started. I bought a bit more which was a good decision as it was a few inches shrunk and a little more textured (and wrinkled although it ironed well) but I would say it washed very well overall. I think it will relax a little more. I obviously liked this fabric for the turquoise (!) but it was the off-white polka dots that really sealed the deal. I think the cream as opposed to white goes great with the beige and cream floors in the kitchen, laundry room and powder room.
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| My white socks should not only show how clean my socks are, but also how beige the floor is. |
Turquoise is actually very similarKitchen cabinets turquoise(slightly darker), but because the laundry room gets so little light, the fabric looks even darker there. It's perfect! And with a few simple steps, you can hide a washer and dryer with easy-to-make ruffles.
Beforelooking forjoined us I would say dogs don't care about the facility but this girl is oddly interested in something else. She's clearly thrilled and disappointed with some of the cosmetic changes we've made so far, so I'm worried she's looking at the laundry room down the hall.
TO UPDATE:Check out the rest of the cheap laundry room makeover here.
PS Don't forget to pin it for later!
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FAQs
How can I hide my washer and dryer in a small space? ›
Sliding doors are an excellent way to hide a washer and dryer in the kitchen. These doors that hide the laundry match the woodwork found throughout the room. Extra space is added with a countertop above the duo and an additional shelf for storing detergent and other laundry necessities.
How do I hide my kitchen washer and dryer? ›- Build a cabinet around them. ...
- Buy a washer and dryer that are the same color as your cabinets. ...
- Place them behind an island or other large furniture piece. ...
- Utilize Closet or Pantry Space. ...
- Use a washer and dryer cover or enclosure.
Hang tab-top curtains or curtains with metal grommets on the curtain or tension rod so you can slide them back and forth easily as you use the appliances. Opt for floor-length curtains that completely hide the recessed area so you can't see the stacked washer-dryer showing beneath the curtains.
Can you hide a freestanding washing machine? ›In short, yes there are a number of ways we can hide a freestanding washing machine, similar to the way the native built-in options do. Of course, there is a big but here!
Where can I hide my small appliances? ›- Garage Countertop Cabinet. Appliance garage kitchen cabinet. ...
- Roll-Out Tray Pantry. White shaker roll-out tray pantry kitchen cabinet. ...
- Countertop Pantry. ...
- Pop-up Mixer Cabinet. ...
- Roll-out Tray Base. ...
- Large Drawer Base. ...
- Pull-out Blind Corner. ...
- Custom or Furniture Armoire.
- Appliance Garage.
- Roll-Out Shelves.
- Large Base Cabinets With Drawers.
- Corner Cabinet Accessories.
- Sink With Slab Cut-Out.
- Honourable Mention: Mixer Shelf.
- Design With Deslaurier.
You should leave at least 1 inch of space between the appliances and the cabinets or walls and at least 4 inches of space between the back of the washer and dryer and the rear wall. Enclose the appliances with a curtain attached to the underside of the countertop or use cabinet doors to hide them when not in use.
Where is the best place to put a stackable washer and dryer? ›Good locations include inside the kitchen or bathroom or directly next to one of those rooms. It will also be easier to route plumbing this way. Buildings usually stack the wet zones in a vertical line. Putting a washer and dryer in your bedroom closet wouldn't be permitted even if there's room for one.
Do stackable washer and dryers have to be stacked? ›Can a Stackable Washer and Dryer be Unstacked? Although there are some washer and dryer units that are connected permanently, most stackable sets are a separate front load washer and dryer, and they can be used stacked or unstacked. Stackable washer and dryer sets are secured safely with a stacking kit.
Can washer and dryer be stacked? ›The short answer is yes, you can stack most dryers on top of washing machines. As to the question of whether you should do it, it all depends on how you want to organize your laundry space. The single yet impressive advantage of stacking your washer and dryer is that it saves space.
How do I immobilize my washing machine? ›
You can secure the door shut with tape or rope. You might want to wrap the appliance in bubble wrap, a blanket, or anything to absorb shocks it may suffer during the move. Secure the appliance to the trolley or truck it's going travel in with heavy-duty ropes.
How do you slide out a washing machine? ›The easiest way to pull the machine out is to lift it slightly at the front and gently pull it forwards (This is because the wheels are usually towards the back of the appliance). To do this, we suggest opening the door and taking hold of the top of the door rim.
How much clearance does a washing machine need? ›We recommend at least 25 mm (1 inch) of clearance on all sides, 150 mm (5.9 inches) of clearance at the back, 50 mm (2 inch) of clearance at the front and 432 mm (or 17 inches) at the top. Remember that when it comes to clearance around the washer, more clearance is better than less.
How much clearance do you need behind a washing machine? ›Additionally, be mindful to allow for at least six inches of clearance between the appliance and the rear wall for proper ventilation. If you are stacking in a closet, account for at least one inch of space between each side of the appliance and the wall.
Why don t New York apartments have washing machines? ›Why do most New York apartments lack washers and dryers? Many NYC buildings' plumbing infrastructure is too old and can't handle the additional capacity needed for each apartment to have in-unit washers and dryers.
Can you stop a washing machine half way through? ›Press the "Start/Pause" button on your washing machine and wait a few minutes for the washer to safely drain away water in the drum before it unlocks the door. Once this is done, you'll be able to open the door and make any changes to the cycle. To resume the cycle, press the “Start/Pause” button again.
Do I need a washing machine stand? ›Washing machine stands are an essential accessory to protect your washing machine from rusting, vibration and other potential damages. It also reduces the effort to move the washing machine when you want to clean the floor underneath.
Why washing machine should not be kept on stand? ›...
Pros & Cons of washing machine stand.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Increases the height and may be comfortable for many. | May void warranty. |
The best solution is to find a designated spot for the air fryer in a cabinet or pantry where it can be conveniently stored without taking up precious counter space. This also helps to keep your kitchen looking neat and organized.
Where do you hide a fridge? ›Perhaps the most common way to hide a refrigerator is to go for an integrated one with kitchen unit doors attached. Integrated appliances are specially created to be housed inside cabinetry, with enhanced ventilation and insulation so the workings don't get too hot.
Should small kitchen appliances be unplugged when not in use? ›
If you're not using them for hours or days, consider unplugging. Small kitchen appliances. Unless you use them several times a day every day, unplugging appliances after every use, even if they're energy-efficient appliances, is a good habit.
How do you hide appliances on an island? ›Selecting a cooktop and oven cabinets instead of a range. Adding small, strategically placed cabinets and drawers to conceal blenders, coffee makers and devices such as phones and tablets. Building small appliances, like warming drawers, into your kitchen island so they are mostly hidden from view.
Can I wrap my kitchen appliances? ›Yes, you can, but there is another option if you're on a tight budget but still want to be artistic and creative in your kitchen area! If you love designing your kitchen and want to have one color for all appliances, vinyl wrap is the solution to your problems!
How much space is needed behind a washer and dryer? ›A: Leave a minimum of four inches behind the appliances for the connections. Q: How much space do you need to leave to minimize noise? A: Allow for one inch of space on each side and between the washer and dryer to reduce noise.
Can you put a washer and dryer in a tiny house? ›Can I do laundry in a tiny home? The answer is: Yes! There are many units available and elements to consider, such as: space requirements, load capacity, weight, portability, automatic vs. manual, ventilation, power consumption, and budget.
How much space do you need to leave around a washer dryer? ›For standard side-by-side washers and dryers, you'll need a space of about 56 inches wide for the set. If you have front load units, make sure to allow about four feet of space in front of the appliance for ample room to load and unload your laundry.
What size washer do I need to wash a king size comforter? ›Comforters: Instead of lugging your king-size comforter to a laundromat, you can wash it in any washer with a claimed capacity of at least 4.5 cubic feet, according to our tests. It's best washed by itself, for better agitation and rinsing. An extra rinse cycle might also be helpful for these bulky items.
Do you need space behind a washing machine? ›We recommend at least 25 mm (1 inch) of clearance on all sides, 150 mm (5.9 inches) of clearance at the back, 50 mm (2 inch) of clearance at the front and 432 mm (or 17 inches) at the top. Remember that when it comes to clearance around the washer, more clearance is better than less.
How can I start a washer and dryer in my apartment without hookups? ›A portable washer and dryer unit is another option for making an apartment without washer and dryer connections laundry-ready. These units are adjustable and compact, making them ideal for small apartments. All you need is access to a water connection and a way to drain the water out, and you're good to go.
Do you need a dehumidifier in a tiny house? ›When summer rolls around, it's time to consider a tiny house dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers not only keep you comfortable in the summer by removing excess moisture, but they'll leave your air healthier and may even make you feel a little cooler. Indoor humidity that's too high can lead to: Mold.
Where can I put my laundry in a tiny house? ›
Most tiny houses have a laundry room in the kitchen or bathroom. It is the ideal place, especially if you have a washer and dryer. You can easily connect the water source to the kitchen or bathroom. Appoint an interior designer to have your dead spaces used more efficiently.
How can I hide large kitchen appliances? ›- Cabinet Doors for Large Appliances. This hack for keeping your appliances concealed has been gaining popularity in recent years as it provides a clean, streamlined appearance. ...
- Appliance Garages. ...
- Pull-out Drawers. ...
- Stand Mixer Lift. ...
- Hanging Cupboard. ...
- Pantry Shelf.
Place your mini fridge against the wall directly in front of an outlet so when the unit is plugged in the cord is not noticeable. Set a chair or couch next to the fridge. Cover the fridge with a decorative lined tablecloth. This transforms the fridge into a pretty side table.
What is a European laundry? ›Also known as a New York-style laundry, a European laundry is one that is designed for a small space and on a single wall. You will find small laundry designs behind bi-fold European laundry doors, tucked under stairs, in hallways or under sloping roofs.
What is a ventless dryer? ›A ventless dryer constantly recirculates air through the drum to pick up moisture from the clothes, then condenses the moisture later in the process through a heat exchanger. This contrasts with vented dryers, which push hot humid air outside through a dryer vent.
Where is the best place to put a laundry room? ›Basements are often used for laundry rooms since they offer more space than the ground floor or upper levels. Also, putting the laundry room in the basement lets you maximize space in the living areas upstairs. In the event of flooding, water is contained in the basement, away from living areas.