Utility rooms are unsung heroes in many UK houses; they are useful areas for keeping items that don't quite fit in the main kitchen as well as for washing, drying, and ironing. However, did you know that you might transform your utility room by recycling or repurposing kitchen units? Kitchen units provide a clever, fashionable, and affordable storage option, whether you're redecorating an existing utility room or starting from fresh.
We'll take you through every step of using kitchen units in your utility room in this tutorial, from design and planning to installation, storage suggestions, and upkeep advice. Ideal for homeowners in the UK who want to maximise their available space without sacrificing design or quality.
1. Why Use Kitchen Units in a Utility Room?
Kitchen units are perfect for utility rooms since they are designed to withstand wear, heat, and moisture. They're a well-liked option in the UK for the following reasons:
-
Durability: Kitchen units are built to last with strong carcasses and water-resistant finishes.
-
Aesthetic Consistency: Using matching or complementary units can unify the look between your kitchen and utility room.
-
Affordability: Repurposing old units from a kitchen refit can save money.
-
Functionality: They offer versatile storage, including deep drawers, corner units, and wall-mounted cabinets.
2. Planning Your Utility Room Layout
Before you start installing kitchen units, consider your layout carefully.
Key Questions:
-
Do you need under-counter space for appliances?
-
How much worktop space is required for folding or sorting?
-
Will you need tall units for brooms, ironing boards, or vacuum cleaners?
Common Layout Styles:
-
Galley Style: Perfect for narrow spaces with units along one or both sides.
-
L-Shaped: Offers a good work triangle and corner storage.
-
U-Shaped: Ideal for larger utility rooms needing maximum storage.
Pro Tip: Leave a 600mm gap for standard washing machines or tumble dryers.
3. Choosing the Right Kitchen Units
Cabinet Types:
-
Base Units: Perfect for housing appliances or providing countertop space.
-
Wall Units: Great for storing detergents, cleaning supplies, and other lightweight items.
-
Tall/Larder Units: Ideal for storing ironing boards, vacuums, and other tall items.
Material Considerations:
-
MDF with Vinyl Wrap: Affordable and moisture-resistant.
-
Solid Wood: High-end look but may require more maintenance.
-
Laminate: Durable and easy to clean.
Colour Choices:
-
White or Light Grey: Creates a clean, bright space.
-
Bold Colours: Add personality (e.g., navy, forest green).
4. Installation Tips and Tricks
Measure Twice, Cut Once
-
Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure units fit well, especially around existing plumbing.
Use Plinths and End Panels
-
These give a neat finish and protect against water damage at floor level.
Consider Flat-Pack vs Pre-Assembled
-
Flat-pack units are cheaper but take more time to assemble.
Ventilation Matters
-
Ensure proper ventilation if housing appliances inside base units.
DIY vs Professional Installation
-
If plumbing and electrics are involved, hiring a professional may be safer and more efficient.
5. Smart Storage Solutions
Internal Accessories:
-
Pull-out baskets: Great for storing laundry supplies.
-
Drawer dividers: Perfect for organising small items like pegs or cloths.
-
Wire racks: Use inside wall units for added shelf space.
Appliance Integration:
-
Fit your washer or dryer under a worktop for a seamless look.
-
Consider integrated appliance doors for aesthetic consistency.
Hidden Storage:
-
Use toe-kick drawers or false panels to store seldom-used items.
6. Budgeting and Cost Considerations
Repurpose Old Units
-
If you’ve recently updated your kitchen, reuse the old units in your utility room to save money.
Buy Ex-Display Units
-
Many UK retailers offer discounts on showroom models.
DIY Installation
-
Can significantly reduce labour costs.
Typical Costs:
-
Budget utility room using repurposed units: £500 - £800
-
Mid-range using new units: £800 - £1,500
-
High-end bespoke setup: £2,000+
7. Design Tips: Making Your Utility Room Look Good
Continuity with Kitchen Design
-
Use the same door style or colour palette as your kitchen for visual flow.
Add Decorative Touches
-
Use tiles or splashbacks.
-
Install open shelving with plants or decorative jars.
Maximise Natural Light
-
Use mirrors or light-coloured units to bounce light around.
Flooring Tips
-
Choose waterproof, durable flooring like vinyl, tile, or laminate.
8. Maintenance and Upkeep
Cleaning Cabinets
-
Wipe down with mild detergent and microfibre cloth.
-
Avoid abrasive cleaners, especially on vinyl or painted surfaces.
Handle Moisture
-
Use an extractor fan or dehumidifier to reduce dampness.
-
Check for leaks under sinks or appliances regularly.
Replace Worn Parts
-
Keep spare hinges, drawer runners, or plinth clips on hand.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Ignoring Ventilation: Can lead to mould and damp issues.
-
Poor Measurements: Can result in units that don’t fit properly.
-
Overloading Wall Units: Use proper fixings and don’t exceed weight limits.
-
Inadequate Planning: Sketch your layout or use online design tools.
10. Final Thoughts
A cost-effective and fashionable approach to improve the functioning of your house is to install kitchen units in your utility room. Kitchen units perfectly combine form and function, from optimizing storage to producing a unified design. You can turn your utility room into a place that looks fantastic and functions well with a little forethought, the appropriate equipment, and an artistic eye.
For more information about Bryan Turner Kitchen Furniture and accessories, give us a call at 01953 660762 and speak to a member of our expert team today or email us at enquiries@bryanturnerkitchens.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
