Maximizing space and functionality in a small laundry room can be a challenge, but with clever design choices, even the tiniest laundry area can be transformed into a stylish and efficient space. From innovative storage solutions to bold color schemes, here are 21 design ideas to inspire your small laundry room makeover.
Stackable Washer and Dryer with Open Shelving
A classic space-saving solution, stacking your washer and dryer instantly frees up valuable floor space. Incorporate open shelving above the units for detergent, fabric softener, and other laundry essentials. Consider sleek white shelving against a soft gray wall for a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic popular in both the US and EU. Add warmth with woven baskets and wooden accents. Opt for matte black appliances for a modern touch. This combination offers a clean, airy feel while maximizing vertical space.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
For those who prefer air-drying delicate garments, a wall-mounted drying rack is a must-have. Foldable options disappear when not in use, preserving precious space. A sleek, stainless steel rack complements a modern industrial style, while a natural wood rack adds warmth to a farmhouse-inspired laundry room. Consider painting the wall behind the rack a bold color like teal or navy, a trending color in European design, to create a focal point. This not only provides practical functionality but also adds a touch of visual interest to the space.
Hidden Hamper
Conceal dirty laundry in a stylish, built-in hamper. This could be a pull-out drawer beneath the countertop or a tilting cabinet door that reveals a hidden hamper. A white shaker-style cabinet with a hidden hamper seamlessly integrates into a farmhouse or traditional design. Consider pairing this with a light gray countertop and chrome hardware for a classic look. This maintains a clean and organized appearance, crucial in a small laundry room.
Under-Sink Storage
Maximize the space beneath your laundry sink with customized storage solutions. Install pull-out drawers or shelves to organize cleaning supplies and other necessities. Use clear containers to keep items visible and easily accessible. A popular trend in the US is incorporating a farmhouse sink with an apron front, creating a charming focal point. Pair this with open shelving underneath for a rustic yet organized look. Painting the cabinets a deep blue or green, a color gaining popularity in EU design, can add a sophisticated touch.
Vertical Stripes
Visually expand the height of your small laundry room with vertical stripes. Painting narrow stripes in alternating shades of white and a soft pastel like lavender or mint green creates a calming and airy ambiance. This technique is a timeless classic in both US and European interior design. Add a touch of whimsy with patterned floor tiles in complementary colors. This simple yet effective design trick can make the room feel taller and more spacious.
Bold Wallpaper
Make a statement with a bold and vibrant wallpaper. Choose a large-scale floral print or a geometric pattern to add personality and visual interest to your small laundry room. Tropical prints are a current trend, bringing a touch of the outdoors in. Pair a bold wallpaper with simple white cabinetry and black hardware for a balanced look. This allows the wallpaper to be the focal point, adding character without overwhelming the space.
Floating Shelves
Install floating shelves above the washer and dryer or along an empty wall to create additional storage space. Use these shelves to display decorative items, plants, or folded towels. Open shelving in natural wood tones complements a minimalist or Scandinavian design aesthetic popular in both the US and EU. Adding small, potted plants can bring life and freshness to the space.
Narrow Rolling Cart
A narrow rolling cart provides extra storage and can be easily moved around as needed. Use it to store laundry supplies, ironing essentials, or cleaning products. A metal cart with a mesh or wire design fits well in an industrial-style laundry room. A cart with wooden shelves adds warmth to a farmhouse or traditional space. Choose a cart that complements the overall color scheme of the room.
Over-the-Door Organizer
Utilize the back of the laundry room door with an over-the-door organizer. This provides valuable storage for small items like laundry bags, cleaning brushes, and dryer sheets. Choose a clear organizer to keep items visible or a fabric organizer with pockets for a more concealed look. This maximizes often-unused space and keeps essentials readily available.
Corner Shelving
Maximize awkward corner spaces with custom-built corner shelves. This provides additional storage for laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, or decorative items. Glass shelves create an airy feel, while wooden shelves add warmth. Consider painting the corner a contrasting color to highlight the shelves and add visual interest to the room.
Built-in Ironing Board
Save space with a built-in ironing board that folds away when not in use. This can be integrated into a cabinet or wall, keeping it hidden and out of the way. This feature is both practical and space-saving, essential for small laundry rooms. Ensure the surrounding cabinetry complements the overall design aesthetic.
Pocket Door
Replace a traditional swing door with a pocket door to save valuable floor space. This allows for better traffic flow and maximizes the usable area within the laundry room. A pocket door with a frosted glass panel allows natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy. This is a popular trend in both US and EU homes for its space-saving benefits.
Ceiling-Mounted Clothesline
Hang a retractable clothesline from the ceiling to dry clothes indoors. This is a space-saving alternative to a traditional drying rack. This solution is particularly useful in smaller spaces and offers a practical way to air-dry clothes. Choose a clothesline that complements the overall aesthetic of the laundry room.
Mirrored Cabinets
Install mirrored cabinet doors to visually expand the space. Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of a larger room. This is a classic design trick that works well in small laundry rooms. Choose mirrored cabinets that complement the existing decor and color scheme. Mirrored cabinets also add a touch of elegance to the space.
Glass Backsplash
A glass backsplash is easy to clean and reflects light, making the room feel brighter and more spacious. Choose a colored glass backsplash to add a pop of color or a clear glass backsplash for a minimalist look. This is a popular trend in modern kitchens and bathrooms that translates well to laundry rooms. A glass tile backsplash can add a touch of luxury.
Light and Bright Color Palette
Opt for a light and bright color palette to make the room feel larger and more airy. White, cream, and pastel shades reflect light and create a sense of openness. This is a timeless design principle that works well in small spaces. Adding pops of color with accessories and textiles can personalize the space.
Maximize Natural Light
If possible, maximize natural light by installing a larger window or skylight. Natural light makes a small room feel larger and more inviting. Keep window treatments minimal to allow as much light in as possible. Sheer curtains or blinds offer privacy while still allowing light to filter through.
Task Lighting
Install adequate task lighting to ensure the space is well-lit for laundry chores. Under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, and recessed lighting are all good options. This enhances functionality and creates a welcoming atmosphere. LED lighting is energy-efficient and provides bright, focused light.
Patterned Floor Tiles
Add visual interest and personality with patterned floor tiles. Geometric patterns, floral designs, or Moroccan-inspired tiles can create a focal point in a small laundry room. Choose tiles that complement the overall color scheme and design style of the room. This can add a touch of luxury and character to a functional space.
Use Baskets for Storage
Utilize baskets to store laundry supplies, towels, and other essentials. Wicker baskets, fabric bins, and metal containers add texture and visual interest to the space while keeping items organized. Choose baskets that complement the overall design aesthetic of the laundry room. Labeling baskets can help keep items organized and easily accessible.
