Have you ever faced this problem? Your balcony is an awkward L-shaped corner that collects dust; or it’s only 80cm wide, barely fitting a washing machine; or it has a large bay window, making you hesitant to install a laundry cabinet for fear of blocking the window—these “non-standard” balconies often leave people thinking, “I can’t properly fit a laundry cabinet here.”
In fact, for non-standard balconies, you can make the most of the space by finding the right “leverage points.” Today, we’ll focus on corner (L-shaped), extra-narrow, and bay window balconies—three common tricky layouts—sharing custom laundry cabinet plans that cover everything from measurement to installation. Transform your “hard-to-use balcony” into an “efficient laundry area”!
I. Corner Balconies (L-Shaped): Maximize the Corner—1㎡ of Space = Laundry + Drying + Storage
The pain point of corner balconies (especially L-shaped ones, common in master bedrooms or living room extensions) is “wasted corner space.” The washing machine sits on one side, while the other side collects dust and looks messy. The core idea is to “wrap the corner with an L-shaped cabinet, turning it into a ‘functional hub.’”
✅ 3-Step Customization for Corner Balconies
- Layout: Zoned L-Shaped Cabinet—Fit Two Appliances Without Wasting Space
- Customize an L-shaped irregular cabinet (hire a local carpenter for on-site measurement, keeping errors within 1cm). Install the washing machine (60cm wide) on the shorter side (e.g., 1.2m long), and a dryer (stacked or side-by-side, depending on height) on the longer side (1.5m long). Leave a 30cm-wide “storage zone” in the corner—add 2 open shelves for detergent and laundry bags, so you don’t have to walk around to grab items.
- Key Dimensions: Keep cabinet depth uniform at 55cm (5cm deeper than the washing machine to avoid door jams). Make the shorter cabinet 85cm tall (perfect for the washing machine) and the longer one 180cm tall (for stacking the dryer + top storage). Set the corner shelf height at 120cm (easy to reach).
- Materials: Choose “Durable + Easy-to-Clean” for Corner Impact Resistance
- Use multi-layer solid wood panels (with waterproof film) for the cabinet (more impact-resistant than pure solid wood, more textured than PVC, budget ~$150/sq.m). Add “rounded edges” to corner cabinet doors (prevents bumps, especially for families with kids).
- Opt for monochrome quartz stone for the countertop (~$80/sq.m). Choose “seamless splicing” for corner joints to avoid dust buildup—align the seam with the corner curve for a more cohesive look.
- Details: Add “Hidden Designs” to Avoid Crowding
- Install a drop-down hanging rod inside the corner (sticks to the cabinet wall when not in use; pull down to hang small freshly washed items like underwear or socks—no need for a clothesline).
- Design the shorter cabinet with a “drawer + door combo”: Use the lower drawer (20cm tall) for laundry brushes and lint rollers, and the upper cabinet for bulk detergent storage—more convenient than full-door cabinets.
❌ Pitfall Alert for Corner Balconies
- Don’t use “rigid right-angle joined cabinets”: Leave a 10cm gap at the corner as a “transition zone”—otherwise, cabinet doors will get stuck when opened, and the space will feel cramped.
- Don’t place heavy items on corner shelves: Large detergent bottles, for example, may fall due to unstable center of gravity—keep shelf load under 5kg.
- Don’t ignore “lighting”: Corners are dim—stick a “motion-sensor night light” (under the shelf) for easy nighttime access.
Case Study: Neighbor’s L-Shaped Balcony Makeover
Her 1.2m×1.5m L-shaped balcony previously had a washing machine on the shorter side, while the longer side collected clutter. After the makeover:
- Custom L-shaped cabinet with washing machine on the shorter side, stacked dryer on the longer side, and daily detergent on corner shelves.
- Rounded corner cabinet doors, seamless countertop splicing, and hidden drop-down hanging rod.
- The corner is now a “one-stop laundry + drying zone”—the balcony looks 1/3 larger than before.
II. Extra-Narrow Balconies (≤1m Wide): Go Vertical—Even 80cm Wide Can Fit a Washing Machine
The core issue with extra-narrow balconies (common in old apartments or studios, 80-100cm wide) is “limited horizontal space”—once a washing machine is placed, there’s barely room to stand. The solution is to “abandon horizontal expansion and maximize vertical space” by utilizing the “floor + walls + ceiling.”
✅ 4 Key Customization Tips for Extra-Narrow Balconies
- Choose “Slim Appliances + Wall-Mounted Cabinets”—Only 60cm of Floor Space Needed
- Select an ultra-slim washing machine (depth ≤50cm) (e.g., Panasonic XQG100-NA5E, 48cm deep, 59.6cm wide—fits perfectly in an 80cm-wide balcony). It saves 10cm of space compared to standard washing machines (55-60cm deep).
- Install wall-mounted upper cabinets (30cm deep) on the wall (150cm tall, directly above the washing machine). Choose “upward-opening doors” (saves space compared to side-opening doors, no blockage to the balcony passage). Add adjustable shelves inside—store bulk detergent on the upper shelf and laundry bags on the lower shelf.
- Leave Floor Space + Use a Rolling Cart—Replace Floor Cabinets
- Place the washing machine on an adjustable base (with brake wheels) (10cm tall, easy to clean under, and height-adjustable). Leave a 20cm-wide gap next to the base for a “slim metal rolling cart” (15cm wide, 80cm tall)—use the top shelf for dirty clothes and the middle shelf for laundry waiting to dry. It’s more flexible than floor cabinets and can be moved easily.
- Materials: Choose “Lightweight + Light Colors” to Avoid Cramping
- Use light gray PVC panels for upper cabinets (lighter than wood, safer for wall mounting, ~$50/sq.m). Opt for “handleless push-to-open doors” (no protrusions, avoids snagging clothes when passing by).
- Tile the wall with light-colored tiles (vertical installation) (e.g., light beige small square tiles—vertical placement elongates visual height, making the narrow balcony feel less short). Use matching grout for tile joints to reduce visual division.
- Add a “Foldable Ceiling Clothes Rack”—No Need for Floor Racks
- Install an electric foldable clothes rack (single-rod type) on the balcony ceiling (80cm long, perfect for narrow balconies). It hugs the ceiling when folded and holds 8 pieces of clothing when unfolded (~$100). It saves floor space and doesn’t block light.
❌ Pitfall Alert for Extra-Narrow Balconies
- Don’t buy “wide washing machines”: Even an extra 5cm will narrow the balcony passage, making it easy to bump into.
- Don’t install “multi-layer wall-mounted shelves”: Max 2 layers—too many will clutter the wall and make the space feel shorter.
- Don’t use “dark-colored cabinets”: Light colors (light gray, white) make narrow balconies feel more spacious; dark colors will make the space feel cramped.
Case Study: 80cm-Wide Balcony Makeover in a Studio
The renter’s 80cm-wide balcony previously held a standard washing machine (58cm deep), leaving only a 22cm-wide passage—she had to walk sideways. After the makeover:
- Replaced with an ultra-slim washing machine (48cm deep) and installed light gray wall-mounted upper cabinets.
- Added a slim rolling cart next to the washing machine and an electric foldable clothes rack on the ceiling.
- The passage is now 32cm wide—easy to walk through, and the laundry area is tidy.
III. Balconies with Bay Windows: Utilize the Bay Window—Maximize Countertop + Under-Cabinet Space
The pain point of balconies with bay windows (common in new apartments, bay window height 40-60cm, width 1.2-1.5m) is “wasted space from the bay window.” You want to install a laundry cabinet but fear blocking the window, or the cabinet feels disconnected from the bay window, looking messy. The core is to “link the bay window and laundry cabinet to create complementary functional zones.”
✅ 3 Customization Ideas for Bay Window Balconies
- Turn Bay Window Base into “Storage Cabinets”—Replace Standalone Laundry Cabinets
- Remove the original bay window countertop (if removable) and install drawer-style storage cabinets underneath (50cm tall, matching the bay window height, width equal to the bay window). Add dividers inside the drawers: Use the left drawer for detergent and fabric softener, and the right drawer for dirty clothes (add a waterproof liner to prevent liquid seepage).
- Replace the bay window countertop with light-colored marble (e.g., “Jazz White”) (~$120/sq.m). It’s more sun-resistant than wood, so it won’t crack even if the bay window gets direct sunlight. Add a 5cm-tall “water barrier” along the countertop edge to prevent rainwater from seeping into the drawers.
- Install a Washing Machine Next to the Bay Window—Create a “Wash-Dry-Fold” Flow
- Leave a 60cm-wide space next to the bay window’s short side (e.g., near the balcony door) for the washing machine. Choose a “top-drainage model” to avoid water accumulation under the bay window. Install a wall-mounted foldable table above the washing machine—unfold it as a worktop for folding clothes or placing temporary items; fold it flat against the wall when not in use.
- Use the bay window countertop as a “temporary drying area”: Lay a non-slip mat and flat-dry small delicate items (e.g., sweaters, shirts) to prevent stretching from hanging.
- Match Cabinet Style to the Bay Window—Avoid Clashing Aesthetics
- Choose drawer cabinet doors that “complement the bay window countertop”: For example, if the countertop is marble, use “white matte lacquered panels” for doors (easier to clean than wood, and pairs elegantly with marble).
- Install “matching wall-mounted racks” (e.g., white metal racks) next to the washing machine—store laundry bags and dryer balls. Matching the drawer cabinet color creates a cohesive look for the balcony.
❌ Pitfall Alert for Bay Window Balconies
- Don’t store “liquid items” in bay window drawers: Opened detergent, for example, may spill and seep into the drawer base—use airtight jars instead.
- Don’t ignore “bay window load-bearing”: Keep the total weight of drawer cabinets + countertop under 50kg. Have a contractor check the load-bearing capacity first; add reinforcement brackets if needed.
- Don’t block bay window windows: Keep the washing machine and drawer cabinets at least 15cm away from the window to ensure it opens fully for ventilation.
Case Study: Bay Window Balcony Makeover in a New Apartment
Her 1.5m-wide bay window balcony previously used the bay window only as a “sitting area,” with a washing machine nearby looking messy. After the makeover:
- Added 3 drawer cabinets under the bay window for detergent, dirty clothes, and laundry tools.
- Replaced the bay window countertop with marble (with a water barrier), installed a washing machine nearby, and added a foldable table above it.
- The bay window now functions as both seating and storage. The washing machine and bay window work together, creating a smoother flow—and the balcony looks tidy.
Conclusion: The Core of Non-Standard Balconies—“Don’t Force Standard Solutions—Adapt to Your Space”
Whether it’s a corner, extra-narrow, or bay window balcony, the key to choosing a laundry cabinet isn’t “finding a ready-made model”—it’s “finding leverage points based on your balcony’s layout”:
- For corner balconies: “Use the corner for an L-shaped cabinet” to turn wasted space into a functional zone.
- For extra-narrow balconies: “Go vertical with walls” to compensate for limited horizontal space.
- For bay window balconies: “Utilize the bay window for storage + countertops” to complement the laundry cabinet.
In fact, non-standard balconies are perfect for creating “one-of-a-kind laundry areas.” With a little creativity and customization, even the smallest or most irregular balcony can be both functional and stylish.
If your balcony has a unique layout (e.g., curved, with pillars), leave a comment with its specific dimensions and features—I’ll help you create a custom plan!
