Image: {a href=”http://www.sweetpickinsfurniture.com/2011/10/laundry-room-updates-and-my-most-asked-questions-about-the-laundry-room.html” target=”_blank”}Sweet Pickins{/a}One of the most overlooked rooms when it comes to universal design is the laundry room. Most homes are built with the laundry rooms in the basement which is not always accessible because of stairways. The process of moving washers and dryers to the main floor can be quite expensive because plumbing and electrical work needs to be done. Not to mention the fact that hopefully there is room to move them to on the main floor. But let’s say the laundry room is accessible. Well then the washer and dryer themselves have to be accessible. Front loaders are preferred because they are accessible from a wheelchair or any other chair if a person needs to sit. Pedestal washer and dryer setups are even better because they put the doors at a better height.
Image: {a href=”http://www.sweetpickinsfurniture.com/2011/10/laundry-room-updates-and-my-most-asked-questions-about-the-laundry-room.html” target=”_blank”}Sweet Pickins{/a}Many washers and dryers come with optional pedestals that match the look of the machines. Although other creative ways can also be used as can be seen in these two examples. The two pictures above are by Sweet Pickins. Here a laundry basket storage shelf is built underneath the washer and dryer. The storage is painted black to match the other cabinetry. Painted above the baskets are the words Whites, Colors, and Darks to keep things organized.
Next is a laundry room by the Inman Company. Again we have a washer and dryer placed upon a storage unit. Instead of an open shelf the storage is pullout drawers. The white with black top look matches exactly with the other cabinetry. Keeping the look of the room unified.
Both of these laundry rooms were not designed for wheelchair accessibility. However with the pedestal installation, they give ideas to others who are looking to make an accessible laundry room.
