Washing Machine Cabinet — How to Choose the Right One for Your Home
Washing Machine Cabinet — How to Choose the Right One for Your Home
A washing machine cabinet keeps your laundry area tidy, protects your appliances from dust and makes even the smallest bathroom look organised. But there are a few things worth knowing before you buy — size, ventilation, doors or no doors. This guide covers it all.
Whether your washing machine lives in the bathroom, a utility room or a hallway, one thing is always true: a freestanding appliance without any enclosure looks unfinished. A good cabinet changes that completely — it gives the space structure, hides detergent bottles and clutter, and often doubles your usable storage.
The tricky part is choosing the right one. Here's what actually matters.
Stacked or side by side — the first decision
Everything else depends on this. If you have a dryer too, you need to decide whether it goes on top of the washing machine or next to it.
Stacked — washer & dryer on top of each other
- Uses only ~65 × 65 cm of floor space
- Needs at least 195–205 cm ceiling height
- Best solution for bathrooms and small rooms
- Pull-out shelf makes loading easier
- Tidiest, most compact result
Side by side
- Needs at least 120–130 cm wall width
- No ceiling height restrictions
- Both appliances at comfortable height
- Easier access to both drums
- Better for utility rooms with space
If you have a narrow bathroom or hallway, stacked is almost always the better option. If your ceiling is below 190 cm, go side by side. When in doubt, measure your space before you look at any products.
Doors or open shelving?
With doors — closed cabinet
- Hides everything behind clean panels
- Protects appliances from splashes and dust
- Keeps detergent out of reach of children
- Best choice for bathrooms and visible spaces
- More premium look overall
Open shelving — no doors
- Quick access without opening doors
- Better airflow around appliances
- More affordable
- Works well in utility rooms and basements
- Easier installation
The honest answer: if your cabinet is in a visible area like a bathroom or hallway, go with doors. If it's in a basement or separate utility room where looks matter less, open shelving is perfectly fine.
What measurements do you actually need?
Measure your appliances first — not just the space. Manufacturer dimensions are sometimes slightly off, and you need to account for hoses and cables at the back.
| Measurement | Minimum | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet interior width | 62–65 cm | Standard machines are 60 cm wide — leave room for hoses on the sides |
| Cabinet interior depth | 60–65 cm | Front-loaders can be up to 65 cm deep, plus the drain hose at the back |
| Height for washing machine only | 90–100 cm | Standard machines are around 85 cm tall |
| Height for stacked washer + dryer | 170–185 cm | Both machines (~85 cm each) plus breathing room between them |
| Room ceiling height for stacked | 195–205 cm | Cabinet + doors need to fit and open fully |
The drain hose behind your washing machine needs 5–10 cm of clearance from the wall. Always add this to your depth measurement — and don't forget the adjustable feet on the machine itself add another 2–3 cm.
Which dryer works inside a closed cabinet?
Not all dryers are equally suited for enclosed cabinets. This is worth checking before you buy either the cabinet or the dryer.
- Condenser dryer — collects moisture in a tank, no external hose needed. Works well in any closed cabinet as long as there's some airflow.
- Heat pump dryer — the best option for cabinets. More energy efficient, produces less heat, no venting required.
- Vented dryer — needs a hose routed outside. Technically possible in a cabinet but requires drilling and careful planning. Better avoided if you have a choice.
Our recommendations — from compact to complete
DUO — open shelving unit from €179
A straightforward open cabinet with removable shelves — works for a single washing machine or stacked with a dryer. The most affordable option, easy to assemble, ideal for utility rooms and basements. Available in three colours.
White · Oak · Black-Oak · Removable shelves
DORA-I — closed, with pull-out shelf from €469
Fully enclosed cabinet for washer and dryer stacked — with a pull-out shelf at drum height for your laundry basket. Clean look, four colour options, ideal for bathrooms and hallways. The most popular model in our range.
White · White-Oak · Anthracite · Oak · Pull-out shelf included
Double Cabinet — pull-out shelf & drawer €699
A compact laundry tower with a pull-out shelf for your basket and a dedicated drawer for detergent, dryer sheets and accessories. Everything has a place, nothing is left sitting out. Available in white.
Compact tower · Pull-out shelf · Drawer · White
DORA Set 115 cm — side by side €659
For rooms with enough wall space: washer and dryer side by side, fully enclosed, with pull-out shelf. No ceiling height restrictions, easy access to both appliances. Four colours.
115 cm wide · Washer & dryer side by side · 4 colours
Wall Unit 127 cm — with tall storage cabinet Best seller · €869
The most complete solution: flip-top cabinet above, stacked washer and dryer in the middle, full-height storage cabinet on the side. Pull-out shelf included. For anyone who wants to do it properly, once and for all. Three colours.
127 cm wide · Flip-top + tall cabinet + pull-out shelf · White · Black · Oak
Frequently asked questions
What is a washing machine cabinet?
A washing machine cabinet — also called a washing machine unit, laundry cabinet or washer enclosure — is a freestanding or built-in cabinet designed to house a washing machine (and often a dryer). It keeps appliances out of sight, adds storage for detergent and accessories, and makes the laundry area look finished rather than improvised.
How wide does a washing machine cabinet need to be?
At least 62–65 cm interior width. Standard washing machines are 60 cm wide and need a few centimetres on each side for hoses, cables and airflow. If your machine has side ventilation, go slightly wider to be safe.
Can I put a dryer on top of my washing machine inside a cabinet?
Yes — this is the most common setup. You need a cabinet with at least 170–185 cm interior height for both appliances, and your room ceiling should be at least 195–205 cm to allow the cabinet doors to open fully. Condenser and heat pump dryers work best in enclosed cabinets — avoid vented dryers unless you can route the hose outside.
Will the cabinet vibrate when the washing machine is running?
A freestanding cabinet that surrounds the machine without being attached to it transfers very little vibration. The key is making sure your washing machine is properly levelled — adjust the feet until the machine sits flat and doesn't rock. That eliminates most vibration regardless of the cabinet.
What is the difference between a washing machine cabinet and an over-washer unit?
An over-washer unit (or overhead cabinet) sits above the machine without enclosing the sides — the machine remains visible. A full washing machine cabinet encloses the appliance on all sides with panels and doors. Both add storage, but a full cabinet gives a much cleaner, more finished look.
How much does a good washing machine cabinet cost?
Open shelving units start from around €179. Fully enclosed cabinets with doors and a pull-out shelf range from €469 to €699. Complete wall units with additional storage go up to €869. Compared to built-in laundry solutions, freestanding cabinets are significantly more affordable — and you can take them with you if you move.
Can I assemble a washing machine cabinet myself?
Yes. All our cabinets come flat-packed with an assembly manual and all required fixings. You'll need a drill, a spirit level and the right wall plugs for your wall type. Assembly typically takes 1–2 hours. The washing machine goes in afterwards — slide it in, connect the hoses, done.
Browse all washing machine cabinets
From open shelving to fully enclosed wall units — in multiple colours, from €179 to €869.
View all cabinets →