Maximizing space in a small laundry room can feel like a puzzle, but with clever shelving solutions, it can become an organized and even stylish space. Whether you’re leaning towards minimalist chic, rustic charm, or bold modern design, there’s a shelving idea that can transform your compact laundry area. Let’s explore 20 innovative shelving ideas designed specifically for small laundry rooms, incorporating the latest color trends and design styles from both the US and EU.
Floating Shelves with Brass Accents
Floating shelves offer a sleek and minimalist solution for small laundry rooms. Opt for light-colored wood like birch or maple for a Scandinavian feel. Incorporate brass hardware and accents, such as shelf brackets and drawer pulls, for a touch of warmth and elegance, a trend popular in both the US and EU. Consider pairing these shelves with a cool-toned wall color like a soft gray or a pale blue to create a calming and airy atmosphere. Add woven baskets or fabric bins in neutral colors for storage, keeping the space clutter-free and visually appealing.
Open Shelving with Industrial Pipe Supports
Embrace the industrial trend by using black iron pipes as supports for open shelving. This style adds a raw and edgy feel to the laundry room. Use reclaimed wood shelves for a rustic touch or opt for sleek, dark-stained wood for a more modern aesthetic. This industrial look is gaining traction in both US and European design. Consider incorporating a pop of color with brightly colored laundry detergents in clear glass containers or by painting the back wall a bold hue like emerald green or deep navy blue. Add vintage-inspired wire baskets for storage to complete the industrial look.
Corner Shelves with Built-in Lighting
Maximize corner space with custom-built corner shelves. Incorporate LED strip lighting underneath the shelves to illuminate the space and add a touch of modern sophistication. This is a particularly useful feature in smaller laundry rooms where natural light may be limited. Current trends favor warm-toned LED lighting to create a cozy ambiance. Paint the shelves a crisp white or a light gray to reflect the light and make the space feel brighter. Use clear glass jars to store laundry supplies, creating a clean and organized look popular in minimalist design trends across the US and Europe.
Vertical Ladder Shelves with Hanging Rods
Utilize vertical space with a ladder shelf. This design not only provides shelving for storage but also incorporates hanging rods for drying delicate clothing items. Paint the ladder shelf a bright white to make the space feel larger and brighter. Add pops of color with vibrant textiles, such as patterned towels or a colorful rug. This style blends well with both modern and bohemian design trends seen in urban areas across the US and EU. Consider using small hooks on the sides of the ladder for hanging smaller items like brushes or spray bottles.
Recessed Shelves with a Sliding Barn Door
Create a hidden laundry area by recessing shelves into the wall and concealing them with a sliding barn door. This is an excellent space-saving solution for small laundry rooms. The barn door can be painted a bold color like navy blue or a deep green, which are trending colors in interior design. The shelves inside can be painted a contrasting color or left natural for a more rustic look. Using textured baskets for storage complements the rustic charm of the barn door, a look gaining popularity in both US and European farmhouse-style interiors.
Over-the-Washing Machine Shelves
Utilize the often-unused space above the washing machine with custom-built shelves. This is a practical way to add storage without taking up valuable floor space. Use white or light-colored shelves to create a sense of openness. Consider adding a pull-out drying rack for convenience. This maximizes functionality, a key element in minimalist design trends currently prevalent in both the US and Europe. Wire baskets or canvas bins can be used to store laundry supplies and keep the area tidy.
Under-the-Sink Storage with Pull-Out Drawers
Maximize the space under the sink with pull-out drawers. This allows for easy access to cleaning supplies and keeps everything organized. Opt for drawers with built-in organizers to keep smaller items from getting lost. White or gray drawers with sleek chrome handles offer a clean and modern look popular in contemporary kitchens and laundry rooms in both the US and EU. Consider using clear labels to identify the contents of each drawer for added organization.
Narrow Shelves with Pegboard Backings
Install narrow shelves with pegboard backings to create a versatile storage solution. The pegboard allows for customizable organization with hooks and baskets. This is a great way to store cleaning supplies, tools, and other laundry essentials. A neutral color palette of white and gray for the shelves and pegboard creates a clean backdrop, allowing colorful accessories to pop. This style resonates with the minimalist functionality trend popular in Scandinavian design and increasingly adopted in the US.
Built-in Cabinets with Fold-Down Ironing Board
Maximize functionality with built-in cabinets that include a fold-down ironing board. This provides a dedicated space for ironing without taking up extra room when not in use. White shaker style cabinets provide a classic and timeless look, while incorporating natural wood tones for the ironing board adds warmth. This blended style is currently popular in both US and European homes. Consider adding interior cabinet lighting for better visibility and ease of use.
Stacked Washer/Dryer with Surrounding Shelves
If you have a stacked washer and dryer, build shelves around the units to create a cohesive and functional laundry area. Use open shelving to maintain a sense of spaciousness. Choose a bold paint color for the back wall to add a pop of personality. Deep blues and greens are trending in laundry room design, offering a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. This approach maximizes vertical space, a key principle in small space design popular globally.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack with Shelf Above
Install a wall-mounted drying rack with a shelf above for a practical and space-saving solution. This provides a dedicated space for air-drying clothes. Use a natural wood for the drying rack and shelf to add warmth to the space. Incorporate woven baskets or metal bins on the shelf for storing laundry supplies. This combines functionality with natural elements, a trend gaining popularity in both US and European homes seeking a more sustainable and organic aesthetic.
Glass Shelves with Chrome Hardware
For a modern and airy feel, opt for glass shelves with chrome hardware. Glass shelves create a sense of openness in a small space. Pair them with a bold wall color like charcoal gray or a deep plum, popular accent colors in contemporary European design. Chrome hardware adds a sleek and sophisticated touch. Use clear glass containers to store laundry supplies, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look.
Wire Basket Shelves with a Rolling Cart
Create a mobile and flexible storage solution with wire basket shelves and a rolling cart. Wire baskets provide ventilation for laundry items and allow for easy visibility of contents. A rolling cart provides additional storage that can be moved as needed. This flexible approach is ideal for small spaces and aligns with the trend of adaptable furniture popular in urban living environments in both the US and EU.
Suspended Shelves with Macrame Hangers
For a bohemian touch, suspend shelves from the ceiling with macrame hangers. This adds a unique and textured element to the laundry room. Use natural wood shelves and cotton rope for the macrame hangers. This style complements the growing trend of incorporating natural fibers and handcrafted elements into interior design, seen in both US and European bohemian and eco-conscious homes.
Repurposed Furniture as Shelving
Give old furniture a new life by repurposing it as laundry room shelving. An old dresser or bookcase can be transformed into unique and functional storage. Paint the furniture a bright color like turquoise or yellow for a cheerful and playful vibe. This upcycling trend is popular globally, aligning with sustainability efforts and adding a unique character to the space.
Tiered Shelves with a Built-in Hamper
Maximize space and functionality with tiered shelves that include a built-in hamper. This provides a dedicated space for dirty laundry while also offering ample storage for other items. White shelves with a natural wicker hamper create a clean and organized look. This combination of practicality and aesthetic appeal is consistent with current design trends in both the US and Europe.
Sliding Drawer Shelves
Optimize storage in tight spaces with sliding drawer shelves. These shelves pull out, allowing for easy access to items stored in the back. Use sleek, modern hardware for a contemporary look. White or gray shelves with brushed nickel handles are a popular choice in minimalist and contemporary laundry room designs in both the US and the EU. Label each drawer for easy identification of contents.
Folding Wall Shelves
For ultimate space-saving, install folding wall shelves. These shelves can be folded up against the wall when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. This is ideal for small laundry rooms where every inch counts and reflects the growing trend of adaptable furniture solutions in urban living environments globally.
Mirrored Backsplash with Floating Shelves
Create the illusion of a larger space by installing a mirrored backsplash behind floating shelves. The mirror reflects light and visually expands the room. This is a classic design trick that remains popular in small space design. Pair the mirrored backsplash with simple white floating shelves for a clean and modern look. This combination is a staple in minimalist and contemporary design trends across the US and Europe.
