Laundry shelf too low? You’ll smack your head every time you reach for detergent. Too high? Good luck grabbing anything without a step stool. Here’s how to get it right.
The Magic Numbers
18-20 inches above your washer/dryer. That’s the sweet spot for the bottom of the shelf. High enough to open a top-loader lid. Low enough to actually reach stuff.
If you’ve got front-loaders with a counter on top? Standard counter height is 36 inches from the floor. Upper shelves go 18 inches above that.
Adjust for Your Height
These numbers assume average height. Tall? Go up 2-3 inches. Short? Drop it down or accept life with a step stool.
Here’s what I did: stood in my laundry room and mimed reaching for stuff. Felt awkward at certain heights. Found the sweet spot. Marked it. Done.
Top-Loaders Need Lid Clearance
Measure your washer with the lid fully open. Add two inches. That’s your minimum shelf height. A shelf that blocks the lid from opening all the way is useless. Learned this the hard way.
Quick Reference
Shelf above machines: 18-20″ above top surface
Counter over front-loaders: 36-42″ from floor
Max comfortable reach: around 72″ for most people
Grab a tape measure. Mark the wall. Step back. Look at it. Does it seem right? Trust your gut.
