What Should You Put in a Utility Room? The Ultimate Checklist 

From clever storage to everyday essentials, discover how to create a utility room that’s practical, organised and beautifully designed around you.

A utility room might not be the first space you think about when planning your dream home, but it’s certainly one of the hardest working! 

From tackling the never-ending laundry pile to keeping cleaning essentials organised, a well-planned utility room can make everyday life feel that little bit easier. 

And the best part? Practical doesn’t have to mean plain. 

Whether you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated utility room or making the most of a smaller space, thoughtful storage and clever design features can help create a room that’s just as lovely to look at as it is useful. 

But what should you include? 

We’ve put together a handy checklist of things to consider, helping you make the most of your space. And remember, you don’t need to have all the answers yourself. Your STORI retailer is on hand to help you explore the options and find solutions that work beautifully for your home. 

Make Laundry Day a Little Easier

Let’s start with the essentials! 

For most homes, the washing machine is at the heart of the utility room, and if you have a tumble dryer too, it’s worth thinking about how best to position both appliances. 

Depending on your space, you might choose to have them side by side, stacked or even raised to a more comfortable height. 

A little worktop space for sorting and folding clothes can also make a big difference, while a hanging rail or drying rack is ideal for those items that can’t go in the tumble dryer. 

A little STORI inspiration… 

Take a look at Dawson in Indigo, where a raised washing machine and clever pull-out shelf create a practical laundry station, making loading and unloading that little bit easier. 

It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design can make everyday chores feel more manageable. 

Clever Storage for Everyday Essentials

Hoovers, mops, ironing boards, laundry baskets… we all have those household essentials that never seem to have a proper home! 

That’s where clever storage comes in. 

Tall cupboards are ideal for keeping bulkier items tucked neatly away, while drawers and shelving can help organise everything from detergents and cleaning products to spare towels and smaller essentials. 

You might also want to consider a dedicated spot for laundry baskets, whether that’s open cubbyholes or concealed storage to keep everything looking tidy. 

A little STORI inspiration… 

Newcombe in Taupe Grey offers lovely inspiration for combining practical storage with open shelving and beautifully considered cabinetry. 

And if you have plenty of cleaning equipment to store, Dawson in Indigo demonstrates how tall cupboards can help keep those everyday essentials neatly out of sight. 

A little design tip: Before planning your storage, think about everything you’d like to keep in your utility room. Your STORI designer can help you explore the cabinetry and storage options available to suit your space and chosen furniture range. 

Don’t Forget the Utility Sink

If space allows, a utility sink is one of those features you’ll be glad you included. 

Perfect for soaking stained clothes, rinsing muddy shoes, or filling a mop bucket, it gives you a dedicated spot for messier jobs you’d rather keep out of your kitchen. 

And it doesn’t need to be anything elaborate. A simple sink with a little worktop space beside it can make a big difference to how you use the room. 

Something to consider: Think about what you’ll use your sink for most. A deeper bowl or a tap with a pull-out spray could be worth exploring, depending on your needs. 

Make Space for More Than Laundry

Utility rooms don’t have to be just about washing and cleaning. 

If yours sits close to a back door, why not make it work a little harder as a boot room too? 

A few coat hooks, shoe storage or even a built-in bench can help keep muddy boots, school bags, and everyday clutter from taking over the rest of your home. 

And if you have four-legged family members, you might want to include a dedicated spot for pet food, leads and grooming essentials, or even somewhere to wash muddy paws after a walk. 

A little STORI inspiration… 

Ellesmere in Heritage Green is a beautiful example of how a utility and boot room can come together, combining practical storage with a classic, welcoming feel. 

It’s an ideal reminder that one thoughtfully designed space can take care of several everyday needs. 

The Finishing Touches

Just because your utility room is practical doesn’t mean it can’t have a little personality! 

From cabinetry colours and handles to worktops and finishing details, there are plenty of ways to make the space feel like a natural extension of your home. 

You might choose to carry the same cabinetry style through from your kitchen for a beautifully coordinated look, or have a little fun with a different colour or finish. 

Whether you’re drawn to soft neutrals, calming greens or something a little bolder, the STORI collection offers plenty of inspiration for creating a space that’s both hardworking and beautiful. 

Your STORI designer can help you explore the furniture styles, finishes, and design options available, ensuring everything works together beautifully. 

Your Ultimate Utility Room Checklist

Before you start planning, here’s a handy checklist to help you decide what matters most for your space. 

Laundry Essentials 

• Washing machine and tumble dryer 

• Worktop space for sorting and folding 

• Hanging rail or drying rack 

• Laundry baskets and sorting space 

 

Storage & Organisation 

• Tall cupboard for hoover, mop and ironing board 

• Shelving and drawers for cleaning essentials 

• Storage for spare towels and household items 

• Space for recycling or additional bins 

 

Practical Extras 

• Utility sink and tap 

• Good lighting and ventilation 

• Conveniently positioned plug sockets 

• Easy-to-clean surfaces and flooring 

 

Optional Features 

• Shoe and coat storage 

• Built-in bench seating 

• Pet food and accessory storage 

• Dedicated pet-washing area 

 

You might not need everything on this list, and that’s absolutely fine! The key is choosing the features that will make the biggest difference to your everyday routine. 

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

A beautifully designed utility room isn’t about having the biggest space or including every clever feature. It’s about creating a room that works for you. 

And while this checklist is a great place to start, you don’t need to figure everything out yourself. 

With expert knowledge of the STORI collection, your local STORI designer can help you explore the cabinetry, storage solutions, and design features available, bringing together the practical details and finishing touches that make your space feel just right. 

Whether you’re planning a dedicated laundry room, a multifunctional utility space or a welcoming boot room, they’ll help you make the most of every inch. 

Ready to make more of your utility room?

Explore the STORI collection for inspiration, or find your nearest STORI retailer and start planning a space that works beautifully for you.