Laundry rooms are often overlooked spaces in the home, but they can be transformed into functional and stylish havens with thoughtful design. High shelves are a versatile addition to any laundry room, providing ample storage for linens, cleaning supplies, and other necessities. Here are 20 design ideas to inspire you:
Open Shelving with a Natural Touch
Embrace the minimalist trend with open shelving made from natural materials like bamboo or reclaimed wood. The warmth of these materials creates a welcoming ambiance, and the open design allows for easy access and a sense of airy spaciousness. Paint the shelves in a light, neutral color like cream or white to maintain a clean and contemporary aesthetic. Consider adding a few baskets or woven bins to organize items and enhance the natural feel. In the US, this design is gaining popularity in farmhouse-style homes, while in the EU, it aligns with Scandinavian design principles.
Industrial Chic with Metal Shelving
Achieve an industrial-inspired look with sleek metal shelves. Choose black or silver finishes for a classic industrial feel, or opt for bolder colors like bright red or deep blue for a more contemporary twist. Pair metal shelves with exposed brick walls or concrete floors for a truly authentic industrial vibe. Add vintage-inspired lighting fixtures, such as Edison bulb pendants, to complete the look. This design is particularly popular in urban areas of both the US and EU, reflecting the trend towards minimalist and functional spaces.
Floating Shelves for a Minimalist Appeal
Floating shelves create a clean and uncluttered look, ideal for small laundry rooms. They appear to float against the wall, maximizing vertical space and minimizing visual clutter. Choose shelves in a light color to create a sense of spaciousness, and incorporate contrasting colors in the storage containers or baskets for a pop of visual interest. This design is popular in modern homes in both the US and EU, reflecting the trend towards minimalist aesthetics and efficient space utilization.
Bold Statement with Colorful Shelves
Add a vibrant splash of color to your laundry room with brightly colored shelves. Choose bold hues like emerald green, sapphire blue, or deep purple to make a statement. Pair colorful shelves with neutral walls and accents to create a balanced and visually appealing space. This design is particularly popular in contemporary homes, where homeowners express their personalities through bold and vibrant colors.
Rustic Charm with Reclaimed Wood
Embrace the charm of reclaimed wood for a rustic and unique look. Reclaimed wood shelves add character and warmth to any laundry room. Choose shelves with natural variations in grain and color for a truly authentic feel. Pair reclaimed wood shelves with vintage-inspired accents, such as galvanized metal baskets or mason jars. This design is popular in homes with farmhouse or rustic aesthetics, particularly in rural areas of both the US and EU.
Geometric Patterns for a Modern Touch
Incorporate geometric patterns into your high shelves for a modern and sophisticated touch. Choose shelves with geometric designs or create a geometric pattern using different shaped storage containers. Opt for black and white geometric patterns for a classic look, or use bolder colors to add a pop of personality. This design is popular in contemporary homes and aligns with the trend towards clean lines and geometric shapes.
Linen Closet with Glass Doors
Create a dedicated linen closet with high shelves and glass doors. Glass doors allow you to display folded linens and towels while maintaining a clean and organized look. Choose frameless glass doors for a minimalist aesthetic, or opt for framed doors with traditional hardware for a more classic feel. This design is popular in homes with a traditional or transitional aesthetic, particularly in areas where linen closets are considered a desirable feature.
Hidden Storage with Cabinet Doors
Maximize storage space and maintain a clean and uncluttered look with high shelves behind cabinet doors. Choose doors with a sleek design that complements the overall aesthetic of your laundry room. Opt for shaker style doors for a classic and timeless look, or choose modern cabinet doors for a contemporary feel. This design is popular in both traditional and contemporary homes, allowing for flexible customization to suit different preferences.
Wall-Mounted Laundry Baskets
Utilize high shelves to create dedicated storage spaces for laundry baskets. Mount baskets directly to the wall to free up valuable floor space. Choose baskets in a variety of sizes and materials to suit your needs. This design is particularly popular in small laundry rooms where space is limited.
Integrated Ironing Board
Incorporate an ironing board into your high shelves for a space-saving solution. Choose a folding ironing board that can be stored away when not in use. This design is particularly practical for small laundry rooms, allowing for efficient use of vertical space.
Built-In Storage Solutions
Customize your high shelves to accommodate specific storage needs. Add drawers, pull-out shelves, and other built-in features to optimize functionality and organization. Choose finishes and materials that complement the overall aesthetic of your laundry room. This design is popular in newly constructed homes or renovations, allowing for tailored storage solutions.
Laundry Room Bar Cart
Add a touch of sophistication with a bar cart placed on top of high shelves. Use the cart to store laundry essentials, such as detergent, fabric softener, and stain remover. Decorate the cart with stylish containers and accessories to create a visually appealing focal point. This design is popular in laundry rooms that double as mudrooms or utility rooms, where a bar cart can serve as a functional and decorative element.
Floating Shelves with Backsplash
Create a visually striking feature wall by combining floating shelves with a backsplash. Choose a backsplash in a complementary color or pattern to add visual interest and protect the wall behind the shelves. This design is particularly popular in laundry rooms with a modern or contemporary aesthetic.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
Maximize vertical space by installing a wall-mounted drying rack on top of your high shelves. This design is particularly practical for smaller laundry rooms where floor space is limited. Choose a drying rack in a finish that complements the overall aesthetic of your laundry room.
Decorative Storage Boxes
Elevate the appearance of your laundry room with decorative storage boxes. Choose boxes in a variety of sizes and materials to suit your storage needs. Label the boxes with fabric-covered labels or chalkboard stickers to create a cohesive and stylish look. This design is popular in both traditional and contemporary laundry rooms, adding a touch of personality and organization.
Open Shelves with Lighting
Highlight your laundry room’s storage solutions with integrated lighting. Install under-cabinet lighting or spotlights to illuminate open shelves and highlight the contents. This design is particularly effective in laundry rooms with limited natural light, creating a bright and functional space.
