Why Every Tiny Home Needs a Ceiling-Mounted Clothes Dryer for Laundry

The humble ceiling-mounted clothes airer isn’t new, but it seems to have fallen by the wayside in recent years. However, my overhead clothes airer is a lifesaver when it comes to drying laundry indoors, so I’m raising awareness to make it a space-saving staple again.

Traditional pulley clothes airers, also known as Clothes Maids or Kitchen Maids, date back to the late 18th century but have become somewhat obsolete in modern homes, perhaps reserved only for country homes and laundry rooms. But I truly believe that this ingenious contraption has a place in every home to help dry laundry indoors, especially in smaller homes where space is limited.

Here’s why I think raised drying racks are a worthwhile investment heading into the winter months, to help you with the laundry you can no longer dry outside in the sun.

Why I Think Every Home Should Have a Ceiling-Mounted Clothes Dryer

white kitchen with pink door and artwork with a drying rack hanging from the ceiling to suggest how to dry clothes indoors

My kitchen: showing how my clothes are hoisted up high to dry, keeping them out of the way to free up valuable floor space

(Photo credit: Future | Tamara Kelly)

Drying laundry indoors is an inevitable fate once the fall and winter months roll around, and while the best heated clothes airers are unbeatable in terms of quick drying results, it’s still very useful to have a traditional clothes airer on hand to lighten the laundry load.

I use a freestanding clothes airer, but the problem I have is the length of time I have to let clothes dry during the colder months, even with the heating on or using a dehumidifier to help dry the clothes. I live in a small house where space is limited, so finding ways to make rooms look bigger is imperative. This is where a ceiling mounted clothes airer is a game changer.

Being able to lift clothes up and out of the way to free up floor space is a great way to make a small room appear larger.

Also consider it as a cheap, no-run alternative to a heated clothes dryer or tumble dryer. And since heat rises, it’s the most logical place to dry laundry indoors.

Ceiling Pulley for Clothes Dryer - White - 1.2m Classic design

Ceiling pulley for clothes drying rack

Lakeland Extendable Ceiling Dryer Extendable dryer

Lakeland Extendable Ceiling Dryer

Foxydry Mini, Ceiling Mounted Pulley Clothes Dryer, Clothes Airer, Vertical Foldable Clothes Dryer in Aluminum and Steel 151 x 54 x 25 cm (Grey, 150) Contemporary design

Foxydry Ceiling Mounted Mini Pulley Clothes Dryer

When I visited my apartment, I discovered a ceiling-mounted clothes dryer in the kitchen, which was a pleasant surprise. It felt like I had somehow discovered a secret space-saving solution. However, when I moved it out, I was disappointed to discover that the previous owner had taken it with him. So I made it the first thing I ordered for my new place, and I literally couldn’t imagine living without it.

Where to place a ceiling clothes dryer?

The most traditional place is the laundry room, which is particularly useful as a small utility room. But for those without a laundry room, the kitchen is the most obvious place to install a ceiling-mounted clothes airer for easy access to the washing machine. It is also a room that is often warmer due to the extra heat provided by the many appliances and the oven.

But it’s worth thinking about what you’re cooking to make sure no cooking smells can linger on your freshly washed clothes as they dry.

However, any space will do. I have heard of friends who have installed a ceiling-mounted clothes airer in their stairwell to make the most of the space. Ultimately, you want to place the airer in the most convenient, warm, well-ventilated space that doesn’t have a moisture problem, as this won’t help your clothes dry.

Look for ways to reduce humidity levels in your home to eliminate any potential problems.

Cream kitchen with black marble countertop with folding table and ceiling mounted clothes drying rack to show space saving solutions

(Photo credit: Future | Clive Doyle Photography)

Most pulley clothes dryers are compatible with any ceiling, but there are less permanent “elevated” rack solutions that can still help free up space and allow for alternative drying methods.

With small space solutions more popular than ever at most retailers, there are always new and innovative laundry drying accessories to choose from. Here are a few that I think are the most useful to help you streamline your home while drying your clothes indoors.

Other Smart Buys to Help Dry Laundry in Small Spaces

wall mounted clothes dryer Wall mounting

John Lewis Bamboo Wall Mounted Airer

Lakeland Beech and Steel Clothes Airer Door hanging option

Lakeland Beech and Steel Clothes Airer

clothes drying rack on door Practical hanger

Brabantia 4.5m Hanging Clothes Dryer

Having worked on country homes and interiors for years, I have often visited beautiful country homes where this laundry accessory was often a common sight. But there is a misconception that you need to have a country style kitchen or a dedicated laundry room to justify having a ceiling mounted clothes airer in your home. This is not the case, this simple drying accessory is ideal for homes of all styles, shapes and sizes.

The only commonality is the desire to dry clothes more efficiently indoors.