Create a Laundry Drying Area in Your Utility Room.

First up, look for a suitable position for the drying pole. If the space is very wide you will need to consider the type of pole and fixings very carefully. Never under estimate the weight of wet clothes!

Consider they type of finish you want for your room. Wardrobe poles come in many finishes. I used a 25mm diameter pole which works well for me as it isn't having to span a very wide gap. The wider the distance between the end fixings, the bigger the diameter may be needed for strength.

I chose a wooden pole so I could paint it the same colour as the walls. This made it less obvious when it wasn't being used. Use a primer suitable for painting on to wood first, then paint the colour over the top once it has completely dried. I had the paint left over from when I painted the room and I always have a tin of primer knocking about the place. You don't need much.

The fixings I used to attach the pole to each end are basic wardrobe pole fixings. These come in all types of colours and varieties. Just make sure you buy the ones that fit the diameter of the pole you are using otherwise the pole will just fall out or not fit in at all!

Remember when fixing the pole to the wall, to leave enough room on both sides of the pole to allow for the coat hangers to hang comfortably. You don't want them up too close to the back, so that all the wet clothes are constantly rubbing on to the walls.

As this needed to be a practical and easy to use space, I brought some new hangers with the intention that they are left there at all times! I didn't want an odd assortment of hangers, normally saved for the sanctuary of being behind my wardrobe doors! Even when there are no clothes up drying, the pole still looks like it has an obvious function now!

Even on a wet day, when I have a heap of washing hanging to dry, it always looks contained and not a complete mess in the house.

I am so happy with this room now as it feels so functional, and such a cheap and easy thing to do!