Racks above washing machines

Installing a rack is the best solution when space is limited. At the same time, today shelving shelves can even be placed above the washing machine. From the material in this article, you will learn what the pros and cons of such a solution are. In addition, we will consider the types of structures, show you how best to install them.

Installing a rack over a washing machine is a non-standard solution. However, it is not devoid of its merits.

• It is practical and functional. On the shelves, you can place the necessary accessories (detergents, washing powders, towels, shampoos).
• This way of organizing space allows you to unload the interior. The rack above the washing machine can replace a wall cabinet, console shelves, and a floor stand. Moreover, the type of installation of the product may vary. Some models have a shelf width that allows you to place a small boiler above the machine.
• Based on the peculiarities of the placement of the washing machine, the rack can be located in the bathroom, in the kitchen, in the corridor, hallway, pantry. Wherever it is installed, it will create additional storage space for the necessary things.
• The racks are made of different materials (metal, wood, MDF, chipboard, plastic). The structures are very durable, stable and reliable. Depending on the configuration and thickness of the raw materials used, they are designed for different weight loads.
• They differ in shape, size, color. Thanks to this, the buyer has the opportunity to choose an option for any interior, taking into account the possibilities of the budget. Models can be made by hand from different raw materials, taking into account different storage volumes.
• Floor-standing models protect the body of the machine on the sides. They are equipped with table tops and shelf rails. In order to increase stability, the sides of the frame are connected to each other at the rear by transverse strips. Other modifications have 6-8 leg supports.
• The openness of the structures promotes free air circulation. Products do not accumulate moisture, they vary in the location of the shelves. In addition, they often have panels with hooks. Thanks to this, you can hang towels on them.

Along with the advantages, this installation has several disadvantages.

• The key one is the difficulty of selecting a floor rack for the specific dimensions of the washing machine. The products are not so diverse, and therefore their purchase is not easy.
• Some of them do not look as aesthetically pleasing as wall cabinets with closed shelves.
• Another disadvantage is the price. In comparison with conventional pedestals and shelves, a rack for installation above a washing machine costs from 8,200 to 34,700 rubles. Not every buyer considers it adequate.

Despite the fact that the range of shelving for placement above machines is small, the models differ.

The standard version is a metal frame (black, steel, white) with one or two shelves. The lower one is located just above the top panel of the machine body. The top shelf can be narrower.

Other modifications have strong, thick supports with a single shelf designed to be installed on top of the washer dryer. To make the placement of equipment as stable and safe as possible, side rails are provided in the product.

In other modifications, the side parts are decorated with a simple pattern. Some options have several rails for towels, as well as other items that can be hung on the rungs.

In the lines of some manufacturers there are models with side drawers. Moreover, the storage system is most often combined (combining open and closed shelves). If there is little space in the bathroom, inside closed systems you can store cleaning products, a basket for dirty linen.

They can be used to store clothes directly on the hangers. Although this solution is not particularly aesthetic, it is used when installing washing machines in open-plan rooms.

There are options for sale, consisting of a floor rack and a hinged shelf. These kits look more familiar due to the identical design and color. Models made of modern high-strength glass and metal (stainless steel) are also good for bathrooms.

Rare modifications are storage systems that resemble the skeleton of a typical cabinet with a mezzanine, shelves and a small wardrobe for things. These racks are wider than the typical width of the washing machine itself. The shelves are located on the top and side of the machine, for which a special place is reserved in the metal frame.

Rare models are equipped with built-in dryers. Despite their compactness, they organize the bathroom space. Allow to dry the washed clothes, hang clean and ironed ones. On their shelves, you can store basins for hand washing clothes.

The shape of the side walls varies. In the classic version, it is a rectangle or half of a trapezoid. In addition, it can be stepped, decreasing upward. In some variants, the shape is X-shaped, Z-shaped.

The installation of the rack depends on various factors. If this is a mounted model, it is attached to the wall, near which it is planned to install the machine itself. The hinged structures do not cover the machine itself. They are good for accommodating front loading washing machines.

They are installed in spacious bathrooms; they are not suitable for placement in narrow bathrooms. In this regard, floor options are considered more versatile products.

Shelving cabinet can be stationary or built-in. The first type is simply installed on the floor without any fixing to the wall. They can be moved to another location as needed.

Built-in pencil cases are narrow column structures. They are as compact as possible, filling narrow niche spaces inherent in many bathrooms of city apartments in our country. As a rule, these are niches with shelves, under one of which there is enough space for convenient placement.

As for the intricacies of the installation, it all depends on the type of machine available and the place for installation.

• If you plan to install a boiler on top, it is better to buy or order a low version with one shelf and countertop.
• If there is a lot of space in the bathroom and you need to use it as functionally as possible, you should install the product with drying and containers for dirty linen.
• You should not install a version with a large number of shelves above the washing machine if there is no need for them.
• If the walls are loose, there is no point in installing a wall-mounted rack. It is better to take a stationary version without mounting to a wall.
• Mounted models must be fastened so that there is free access to the shelves.
• When installing a rack, it is worth considering the height of the shelves, taking into account the growth of the household.
• The minimum worktop height should be 90 cm.
• If you plan to add doors to the rack, you should consider the mechanism for opening and closing them.

We offer 10 examples of successful selection and placement of shelving structures over a washing machine.

• Wooden frame system of a laconic type with two shelves for storing the necessary things.

• Sturdy shelving unit with three shelves and four secure feet, chosen for a spacious bathroom.

• Shelving system with table top, clothes hanger, clothes drying, boxes for containers and baskets.

• Aesthetic model with closed top shelves and a compartment for installing a washing machine.

• Protective structure for the washing machine with a worktop and two sturdy shelves.

• Kitchen model with a worktop that can be adapted to fit a microwave oven.

• A laconic version of the rack with narrow shelves and a rail for hanging things.

• Low construction with metal supports and laminated shelves, a bar for clothes hangers.

• Lattice model in white with two shelves, high rails, suitable for installation in a spacious bathroom.

• Product with cantilever table top, shelves, drying rack, containers for clean or dirty laundry.