Creating a functional and stylish laundry and storage room, even in the tiniest of spaces, is a challenge many homeowners face. With clever design choices and innovative storage solutions, a small laundry room can be transformed into an organized and aesthetically pleasing space. This article explores 21 design ideas to inspire you to maximize your tiny laundry and storage room, incorporating current color trends and design styles 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 to store laundry detergents, baskets, and other essentials. Consider using sleek, white shelving against a soft grey wall for a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic popular in both the US and EU. Incorporate natural wood accents, such as baskets or a small stool, to add warmth and texture. This combination creates a bright and airy feel, making the small space appear larger.
Hidden Laundry Area Behind Sliding Barn Doors
Conceal your laundry area completely by installing sliding barn doors. This trend is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, offering a rustic yet modern touch. Paint the doors a bold color, like navy blue or deep green, to create a statement piece. Inside the laundry area, opt for white or light grey walls to maintain brightness. Consider adding a patterned tile backsplash for a pop of personality. This design idea is perfect for maintaining a clean and uncluttered look in open-plan living spaces.
Built-in Ironing Board and Folding Station
Optimize functionality with a built-in ironing board that can be easily tucked away when not in use. Incorporate a folding station adjacent to the ironing board, creating a dedicated area for laundry tasks. Use light-colored wood for the built-in units to maintain a sense of spaciousness. Consider a soft pastel color palette for the walls, such as mint green or pale yellow, reflecting current trends in Scandinavian design. Add brass hardware for a touch of elegance and warmth.
Vertical Storage with Pull-Out Drawers
Utilize narrow vertical spaces by installing pull-out drawers for storing laundry supplies, cleaning products, and even ironing boards. This maximizes storage capacity without encroaching on valuable floor space. Opt for white or light grey drawers with sleek, minimalist handles for a modern aesthetic. Consider painting the walls a contrasting color, such as a deep teal or charcoal grey, popular in contemporary European design. Add good lighting to ensure visibility in the narrow space.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
Install a wall-mounted drying rack that folds down when not in use. This space-saving solution is ideal for air-drying delicate garments. Choose a drying rack made of natural wood or metal with a minimalist design. Pair it with white walls and light grey flooring for a clean and contemporary look. Add pops of color with brightly colored laundry baskets or towels, reflecting the trend of incorporating vibrant accents in minimalist spaces.
Floating Shelves with Baskets
Maximize wall space by installing floating shelves. Use woven baskets to store laundry supplies and keep the space organized. Consider a combination of open shelves and closed cabinets to balance visual interest and practicality. White or light grey shelves against a darker wall color, such as navy blue or deep green, creates a sophisticated and modern look. Incorporate natural textures like wicker baskets and a jute rug to add warmth and personality.
Under-Sink Storage with Tilt-Out Bins
Optimize the space under the sink by installing tilt-out bins for easy access to cleaning supplies. This clever storage solution keeps items organized and hidden from view. Choose bins that match the cabinetry for a cohesive look. Consider a two-tone color scheme, with darker cabinets on the bottom and lighter cabinets on top, a popular trend in both US and EU kitchen design. Add under-cabinet lighting to enhance functionality and create a warm ambiance.
Retractable Clothesline
Install a retractable clothesline for air-drying clothes indoors. This space-saving solution is perfect for small laundry rooms. Choose a clothesline with a sleek and minimalist design that blends seamlessly with the overall aesthetic. Consider a monochromatic color scheme, with varying shades of grey or beige, for a sophisticated and calming atmosphere.
Pegboard Wall Organizer
Install a pegboard wall to create a versatile and customizable storage solution. Hang baskets, hooks, and shelves to organize laundry supplies and tools. Paint the pegboard a bright color, like coral or yellow, to add a playful touch to the space. This trend is gaining traction in both US and EU homes as a way to personalize and maximize wall space.
Ladder Shelf for Towels and Linens
Utilize a ladder shelf to store towels, linens, and laundry baskets. This space-saving solution adds visual interest and provides easy access to frequently used items. Choose a ladder shelf made of natural wood or metal with a minimalist design. Consider a bohemian-inspired color palette with earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, and mustard yellow, reflecting current trends in interior design.
Corner Storage Unit
Maximize corner space with a custom-built or freestanding corner storage unit. This allows you to utilize often-overlooked areas for storing laundry essentials. Opt for a unit with a combination of open shelves and closed cabinets to balance display and storage. Consider a classic white corner unit against a pastel wall color, such as lavender or pale blue, for a soft and inviting atmosphere.
Over-the-Door Organizer
Utilize the back of the laundry room door with an over-the-door organizer. This provides extra storage for small items like cleaning supplies, laundry detergent pods, and dryer sheets. Choose an organizer with clear pockets for easy visibility or fabric pockets for a softer look. This simple and affordable solution works well with any design style.
Narrow Rolling Cart
Incorporate a narrow rolling cart for additional storage and flexibility. This allows you to easily move laundry supplies and cleaning products around the room as needed. Choose a cart with multiple shelves and a sturdy frame. Consider a metal cart with a black finish for an industrial look or a wooden cart with a natural finish for a warmer aesthetic.
Wall-Mounted Ironing Board Cover Storage
Keep ironing board covers organized and easily accessible with a wall-mounted storage solution. This can be a simple fabric pouch or a more elaborate wooden box. Choose a design that complements the overall aesthetic of the laundry room. Consider a fabric pouch with a bold print to add a pop of color and personality.
Built-in Hamper System
Incorporate a built-in hamper system to keep dirty laundry hidden and organized. This can be a simple pull-out drawer or a more elaborate system with multiple compartments for sorting clothes. Choose a hamper system that matches the cabinetry for a cohesive look. This sleek and functional solution is a popular trend in modern laundry room design.
Utilize the Space Above the Door
Install a shelf above the door to store infrequently used items like extra detergent or cleaning supplies. This maximizes vertical space and keeps clutter out of sight. Choose a shelf that matches the door trim for a seamless look. This often overlooked space can add valuable storage.
Glass Jars for Detergent and Supplies
Decant laundry detergent and other supplies into clear glass jars with labels. This creates a visually appealing and organized look while also allowing you to easily see when supplies are running low. Consider adding decorative labels for a personalized touch. This trend is popular in both the US and EU, adding a touch of elegance and organization to laundry rooms.
Wallpaper Feature Wall
Add a bold wallpaper feature wall to inject personality and style into the laundry room. Choose a wallpaper with a pattern or color that complements the overall design scheme. Consider a geometric print for a modern look or a floral print for a more traditional aesthetic. Wallpaper is a popular way to add visual interest to small spaces.
Mirrored Walls to Expand the Space
Strategically placed mirrors can create the illusion of a larger space in a tiny laundry room. Consider installing a large mirror on one wall or using mirrored cabinet doors. This design trick is especially effective in small, windowless laundry rooms. Mirrored surfaces reflect light, making the space feel brighter and more open.
