Having a designated folding area in your laundry room can make laundry day much smoother and more efficient. Folding tables provide extra surface area for sorting, folding, and organizing laundry. They also help keep the laundry workflow contained in one room, rather than having to move baskets of clean clothes into other areas of the home for folding.
When selecting a folding table for your laundry room, there are a few key factors to consider:
Size and Dimensions
The size of the folding table should be proportional to the size of your laundry room and the amount of laundry you typically do in one load. Look for a table that will fit comfortably within the existing layout and allow you to fully open baskets or hampers on top of it. Standard folding tables are usually around 2 feet wide and 4 feet long – but consider going a bit bigger if you do large loads frequently.
Measure the open floor space you have available and buy the biggest table that will reasonably fit. Having one long continuous folding surface is more practical than trying to line up two small separate tables.
Material and Durability
Laundry rooms tend to be damp environments. Look for tables made from mold/mildew-resistant materials like powder-coated steel, polyethylene plastic or composite wood. Avoid tables with wooden surfaces that may warp or deteriorate over time.
The table should also be sturdy enough to handle the repeated lifting of heavy laundry baskets. Check the weight capacity and stability of any folding table before purchasing.
Folding Function
Folding tables provide versatility – they can be folded up and stored out of the way when not in use. Look for laundry room tables with smooth, easy fold-and-unfold mechanics. The table should fold flat for convenient storage and have locking braces or slides to keep it securely open while in use.
If you have a narrow laundry room, a table that folds up against the wall or into a console is ideal. For wide spaces, a standard rectangular folding table on lockable casters can easily be moved around.
Additional Storage
Some laundry folding tables incorporate bottom or side shelves, drawers and cubbies for storing small laundry accessories and supplies. While not essential, integrated storage can help utilize the folding table as a laundry room organizer and declutter other surfaces.
If the table has no built-in storage, you can place a shelf unit nearby to use as supplemental storage. Just make sure it doesn’t obstruct the table’s folding mechanism.
Style and Finish
Laundry room folding tables come in an array of materials and colors to coordinate with your existing laundry room design. Opt for stainless steel or metal with an enamel paint finish for an industrial modern look. Simple pine tables work for a farmhouse or rustic style. Plastic polyethylene tables are affordable, low-maintenance options.
Consider color – lighter neutrals like white, beige or light gray will keep the small room looking bright and airy. Bolder colors like navy blue, lime green or bright red can add personality.
Budget
Laundry folding tables vary widely in price. Plastic models can be found for $50 and under. Higher-end wood or metal tables run from $250 on up. Set a budget and look for best-made table you can afford that fits the space properly.
Quality folding tables should last 5 years or more if properly cared for. Consider it an investment in creating a functional laundry zone.
9 Pretty and Practical Laundry Folding Table Ideas
Here are some attractive and functional folding table options to create an efficient laundry folding station:
1. Wall-Mounted Drop Leaf Laundry Folding Table
This space-saving option mounts directly to the wall. When not in use, the table can be folded up flat against the wall or down against the console. The metal table surface is coated in a moisture-resistant laminate. Built-in lower shelves provide storage for laundry supplies.
Benefits include:
- Folds completely out of the way when not in use
- Durable steel frame with moisture-proof table surface
- Lower shelf storage integrated
This is an excellent choice for narrow laundry rooms, allowing you to have a large folding surface without it taking up floor space. The white laminate finish gives it a clean, classic look.
2. Rustic Wooden Laundry Table with Bottom Shelves
For laundry rooms with farmhouse or rustic décor, this wooden table has character. Made from pine wood with a durable polyurethane finish, the rectangular table folds in half for storage against the wall. Two open shelves below provide storage for laundry baskets, cleaning products or other supplies.
Benefits:
- Warm, rustic pine wood finish
- Spacious folding surface
- Bottom open shelves for storage
- Folds flat against wall
The natural wood finish gives this table versatility to blend with many color schemes from neutrals to bold hues. A great combination of form and function.
3. Industrial Pipe Frame Laundry Folding Table
With a rugged industrial look, this table has a black iron pipe frame with chain link accents. The rectangular surface is made from moisture-proof hard polyethylene plastic in a faux wood finish. It folds in the middle and has locking wheels, making it easy to move around the laundry room as needed.
Benefits:
- Rugged pipe frame with chain link details
- Scratch and moisture-proof polyethylene table top
- Folds for storage and mobility
- Easy to coordinate with laundry room colors
The combination of black metal, faux wood and silver chain link gives this table an urban loft flair while still being kid-friendly. The foldable design provides flexibility in small laundry rooms.
4. White Metal & Wood Laundry Folding Table
This table combines a white powder-coated steel base with a natural pine wood tabletop for an updated classic look. The rectangular table folds in half and has two shelves below for laundry storage. Locking casters allow you to move it around as needed.
Benefits:
- Powder-coated steel is moisture resistant
- Real wood tabletop adds warmth
- Integrated shelf storage
- Locking casters for mobility
With crisp white against warm wood tones, the color palette of this table complements both modern and farmhouse laundry rooms. It provides excellent folding surface area.
5. Retro Mint Green Metal Laundry Table
Add a fun retro vibe to your laundry room with this mint green-colored steel folding table on black metal legs. The table folds in half and has an open lower shelf for storing laundry essentials. The steel tabletop is coated in enamel paint.
Benefits:
- Playful retro mint green color
- Enamel paint is chip and moisture resistant
- Lower open shelf for storage
- Folds for storage against the wall
For laundry rooms needing an injection of character, this table adds vintage-inspired charm along with needed folding/storage functions.
6. Contemporary White & Espresso Laundry Folding Table
This modern table pairs a clean white surface with rich espresso-finished legs and frame. Made from moisture-proof polypropylene, the rectangular tabletop retains its bright white color and folds in half on locking slides. An open lower shelf provides storage.
Benefits:
- Sleek two-tone color scheme
- Polypropylene withstands laundry room moisture
- Lower shelf for laundry storage
- Folds flat for storage
With its contemporary color palette, the table complements both all-white and espresso laundry room decors. The folding design maximizes your available space.
7. Rustic X-frame Laundry Table
Bring a farmhouse vibe to your laundry zone with this X-frame table made from pine wood with a durable finish. When folded, the table’s x-frame base collapses flat against the wall. Two lower open shelves provide laundry storage solutions.
Benefits:
- Real wood tabletop with rustic x-frame base
- Built-in shelves for organization/storage
- Folds flat against the wall
- Warm, versatile finish
The combination of pine wood tones with the black x-frame base and legs gives this table a timeworn charm while still feeling fresh and practical.
8. Large Stainless Steel Laundry Folding Table
For laundry rooms with contemporary style, this table pairs stainless steel with moisture-proof white polyethylene plastic for an upscale look. The sizable table surface provides ample folding area. When not needed, it folds in half. The heavy-duty steel frame can hold up to 200 pounds.
Benefits:
- Sleek, upscale stainless steel frame
- Spacious folding surface
- Heavy-duty 200 lb weight capacity
- Folds for storage
This expansive modern table can handle multiple baskets for large households. The neutral palette complements any color scheme.
9. Black Metal Rolling Laundry Table
This rectangular folding table on casters provides an affordable folding table solution. Made from black powder-coated steel for moisture resistance, the table rolls smoothly to any spot. Integrated side baskets and lower shelves offer built-in storage.
Benefits:
- Budget-friendly option
- Black color complements any décor
- Built-in side baskets for laundry storage
- Rolls easily around room
With storage included, this compact portable table is ideal for small laundry rooms. The black color gives it a versatile neutral look.
Conclusion
Adding a folding table in your laundry room provides much-needed surface area for sorting, pretreating, folding and organizing loads of laundry. The right table can also offer storage and design versatility.
Look for laundry folding tables that are moisture-resistant, fold compactly for storage, and offer style to match your laundry room. There are attractive options to suit any budget. A folding laundry table is one of the most useful investments you can make for a fully functional laundry zone. With the extra surface area, you can streamline chore time and keep clothes neatly stored away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laundry Room Folding Tables
1. What size folding table is best for a laundry room?
The best size folding table for your laundry room depends on the dimensions of the room itself and your typical laundry load sizes. Look for the largest table that will comfortably fit – typically 4 x 2 feet or larger. Measure your available floor space and buy the biggest table possible.
2. Should laundry folding tables have storage?
It’s beneficial for laundry folding tables to have integrated storage like bottom shelves, drawers or side cubbies. This allows you to store small laundry supplies and accessories right in the table rather than having them clutter your laundry room. However, storage elements aren’t essential – you can always add a storage unit next to the table.
3. What’s the best material for a laundry folding table?
Moisture-resistant materials that won’t warp are best, like powder-coated metal, plastic polyethylene, or composite wood. Avoid unfinished real wood that may deteriorate over time in damp laundry rooms. Stainless steel frames are also great for high durability.
4. Should I get a wall-mounted or freestanding folding laundry table?
Wall-mounted folding tables are great space-savers for narrow rooms, folding flush vertically when not in use. Freestanding tables on lockable casters provide flexibility to move them around. Choose based on your available floor space and layout.
5. How much weight can folding laundry tables hold?
Look for sturdy folding tables rated to hold at least 50-75 pounds to accommodate laundry baskets and heavy loads. Heavy-duty metal frames can hold 200+ pounds if you do very large loads frequently.
6. What laundry folding table color should I choose?
Light or bright neutral colors work well for small laundry rooms, while bold paint colors like reds, blues, and greens can inject personality. Choose whatever color best matches your existing laundry room style and décor.
7. Should I put my laundry folding table on casters?
Casters allow you to easily roll the folding table around your laundry room as needed. However, casters also make the table less stable for aggressive folding and adding weight. Choose locking casters or go without casters if stability is prefered.
8. What folding mechanisms should I look for?
Seek tables with smooth folding and unfolding mechanics, like sliding tracks, locking braces and hinges that allow the table to open securely and lie flat. Avoid tables that sag in the middle when open.
9. How much do laundry room folding tables cost?
You can find basic folding tables for $50-100, while more heavy-duty wooden or metal folding tables typically cost $150-300. High-end customized laundry room tables run $500 and above. Set a budget and look for the best quality table you can afford. Sturdy folding tables are worth investing in for ease of laundry tasks.