For homeowners with limited space, a small pass-through laundry room can present a unique design challenge. However, with a little creativity and strategic planning, even the smallest laundry area can be transformed into a functional and stylish space. This article explores 20 design ideas to inspire you to maximize your small pass-through laundry room, incorporating the latest color trends, design styles, and space-saving solutions popular in both the US and EU.
Stackable Washer and Dryer with Open Shelving
Maximize vertical space by opting for a stackable washer and dryer set. Install open shelving above the units for storing laundry essentials, detergents, and folded towels. Consider using sleek, minimalist shelves made of metal or light-colored wood to create a sense of openness. A trending color combination in both the US and EU is pairing warm white shelves with sage green walls for a calming and organic feel. Incorporate woven baskets and glass jars for storage, adding texture and visual interest. This design style leans towards Scandinavian minimalism, prioritizing functionality and clean lines.
Built-In Ironing Board and Folding Station
Optimize functionality by incorporating a built-in ironing board that can be tucked away when not in use. A wall-mounted drop-down ironing board is a space-saving solution. Pair this with a narrow folding counter, potentially made of butcher block for a rustic touch, extending from the wall or integrated into cabinetry. Darker blues, like navy or indigo, are trending in the EU for laundry rooms, and pairing this with brass hardware and warm wood tones creates a sophisticated and practical space. Consider adding task lighting under the cabinets to illuminate the work area.
Pocket Doors for Seamless Transition
Replace traditional swing doors with space-saving pocket doors that slide into the wall, creating a seamless transition between rooms and maximizing floor space. This allows for unobstructed movement within the laundry area. Paint the doors in a bold color, such as a vibrant coral or sunny yellow, to add a pop of personality and reflect the current trend of using bright accents in smaller spaces. Pair this with neutral walls in shades of gray or beige to balance the vibrancy. This design works well with both modern and eclectic styles.
Vertical Shiplap with Farmhouse Sink
Install vertical shiplap on the walls to create a sense of height and add a touch of rustic charm. This classic farmhouse element is popular in both the US and EU. A deep farmhouse sink provides ample space for soaking and hand-washing delicate items. Combine the white shiplap with a dark gray or black sink for a striking contrast. Open shelving with vintage-inspired glass jars and wire baskets complements the farmhouse aesthetic. Consider using warm Edison bulbs for lighting to enhance the rustic ambiance.
Gallery Wall Above Washer and Dryer
Turn your laundry room into a mini art gallery by creating a gallery wall above the washer and dryer. This adds personality and visual interest to the space. Choose a mix of framed prints, photographs, and artwork that reflect your personal style. Black and white photography paired with natural wood frames is a timeless and elegant option, complementing various design styles. This approach can inject personality into minimalist, modern, or even eclectic laundry room designs.
Patterned Wallpaper for a Bold Statement
Embrace bold patterns and colors with a statement wallpaper on one or all walls. Geometric patterns, floral motifs, and tropical prints are all on-trend. Consider a vibrant emerald green wallpaper with a subtle geometric pattern paired with white cabinetry and black hardware for a sophisticated and modern look. This design approach is popular in European laundry rooms, where bold use of color and pattern is embraced. Ensure adequate lighting to showcase the wallpaper’s intricate details.
Glass Front Cabinets for Display and Storage
Opt for glass-front cabinets to display neatly folded towels, linens, and laundry supplies. This adds visual appeal and keeps everything organized. Incorporate integrated lighting within the cabinets to highlight the contents and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. A combination of light gray cabinets with clear glass and brushed nickel hardware offers a clean and contemporary aesthetic. This style is widely adopted in both US and EU modern and transitional kitchens and laundry rooms.
Pull-Out Drying Rack for Delicates
Maximize space and functionality with a pull-out drying rack installed within the cabinetry. This provides a dedicated space for air-drying delicate garments and avoids cluttering the laundry room. Pair this with a sleek, modern design featuring white cabinets, stainless steel countertops, and minimalist hardware. This aligns with the trend of seamless integration and hidden storage solutions popular in contemporary European design.
Hanging Rod for Air-Drying Clothes
Install a hanging rod above the washer and dryer or on an empty wall for air-drying clothes. This is a practical and space-saving solution that reduces the need for a separate drying rack. Consider using a black metal rod with industrial-style brackets for a modern and edgy look. This complements the trend of incorporating industrial elements into residential spaces, seen in both the US and EU.
Under-Cabinet Lighting for Task Illumination
Enhance functionality and ambiance with under-cabinet lighting. This provides focused task lighting for sorting, folding, and ironing. LED strip lights are a popular choice due to their energy efficiency and sleek design. Warm white LED lights create a welcoming atmosphere while providing ample illumination. This practical feature is a staple in both US and EU kitchen and laundry room designs, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Floating Shelves for Visual Lightness
Install floating shelves above the washer and dryer or on an empty wall for storing laundry essentials and decorative items. Floating shelves create a sense of visual lightness and openness in a small space. Use light-colored wood shelves with a natural finish to complement a Scandinavian or minimalist design style. This approach is popular in both the US and EU for its clean lines and airy feel.
Mirrored Backsplash to Expand the Space
Install a mirrored backsplash behind the washer and dryer to visually expand the space and reflect light. This creates an illusion of depth and makes the laundry room appear larger. Pair the mirrored backsplash with white cabinets and countertops for a bright and airy feel. This technique is commonly used in smaller European apartments to maximize the perception of space.
Built-in Hampers for Concealed Storage
Integrate built-in hampers into the cabinetry to conceal dirty laundry and maintain a tidy appearance. This maximizes floor space and keeps clutter at bay. Opt for tilt-out hampers for easy access or pull-out drawers for larger capacity. This feature complements the trend of integrated storage solutions prevalent in both US and EU contemporary design.
Colorful Tile Backsplash for a Vibrant Accent
Add a pop of color and personality with a vibrant tile backsplash. Consider using Moroccan-inspired tiles in shades of blue and green for a bohemian vibe, or opt for subway tiles in a bold color like teal or ruby red. This trend is gaining traction in both the US and EU as homeowners embrace bolder choices in laundry room design. Pair the colorful backsplash with neutral cabinetry to balance the vibrancy.
Ceiling-Mounted Drying Rack for Space Optimization
Maximize vertical space with a ceiling-mounted drying rack. This is an ideal solution for air-drying clothes in a small laundry room without sacrificing floor space. This traditional method is gaining popularity again in both the US and EU as a space-saving and energy-efficient drying solution. Choose a rack made of natural wood or painted metal to complement the overall design style.
Wallpapered Ceiling for an Unexpected Touch
Add a touch of whimsy and visual interest by wallpapering the ceiling. Choose a bold print or a subtle pattern to create a focal point. This unexpected design element is gaining popularity in both the US and EU as a way to add personality to even the smallest spaces. A floral wallpaper on the ceiling paired with neutral walls can create a dramatic and elegant look.
Monochromatic Color Scheme for a Sleek Look
Embrace a monochromatic color scheme for a sleek and sophisticated laundry room. Choose shades of gray, white, or beige for a timeless and calming aesthetic. This approach creates a sense of unity and visually expands the space. Add texture with different materials like wood, tile, and metal to prevent the space from feeling flat. Monochromatic designs are consistently popular in both US and EU minimalist and contemporary interiors.
Boldly Colored Appliances for a Statement Piece
Move beyond traditional white appliances and opt for boldly colored washers and dryers. Choose a vibrant red, navy blue, or even a pastel pink to create a statement piece in your laundry room. This trend is gaining momentum in the EU and slowly making its way to the US. Pair the colorful appliances with neutral walls and flooring to let them take center stage. This design choice works well in modern and eclectic styles.
Industrial Style with Metal Accents
Embrace the industrial trend with metal accents in your laundry room. Use metal shelving, cabinets with metal mesh doors, and industrial-style lighting fixtures to create a raw and edgy look. This style is popular in both the US and EU, particularly in loft apartments and urban settings. Pair metal accents with exposed brick or concrete walls for a truly industrial feel.
