Maximizing space and functionality in a laundry room is a top priority for homeowners in both the US and EU. Adding shelving is a simple yet effective way to achieve this goal. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, modern aesthetic or a cozy, farmhouse vibe, incorporating shelving into your laundry room can transform it from a mundane chore zone into a stylish and organized space. From floating shelves to built-in units, the possibilities are endless. Let’s explore 24 design ideas to inspire your laundry room transformation.
Open Shelving with Woven Baskets
Embrace a touch of rustic charm with open shelving crafted from reclaimed wood and accessorized with woven baskets. This style, popular in both US and EU farmhouse designs, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider a color palette of soft whites, creams, and natural wood tones, accented by the texture of the baskets. Opt for baskets in varying sizes to accommodate different laundry essentials, creating a visually appealing and organized display. Add small potted plants or vintage glass jars filled with laundry supplies for a touch of personality.
Sleek Metal and Glass Shelving
For a modern and minimalist laundry room, opt for sleek metal and glass shelving. This design choice reflects the current trend towards clean lines and industrial aesthetics seen in contemporary European homes. Choose black powder-coated metal frames with clear glass shelves for a sophisticated look. Incorporate integrated LED lighting under the shelves to highlight displayed items and add a touch of drama. Consider using clear glass jars or containers to store laundry detergents and supplies, maintaining the clean and uncluttered aesthetic. This style works well with a monochromatic color scheme of grays, whites, and blacks.
Built-in Shelving with Cabinet Doors
Maximize storage and maintain a clean, uncluttered look with built-in shelving concealed behind cabinet doors. This versatile design works well in both traditional and contemporary laundry rooms. Paint the cabinets a bold color, such as navy blue or emerald green, which are trending in both the US and EU, to create a statement piece. Choose shaker-style doors for a classic look or sleek, slab doors for a more modern feel. Consider adding glass panels to some of the cabinet doors to display decorative items or frequently used laundry supplies.
Floating Shelves with a Pop of Color
Install floating shelves in a vibrant color, such as coral or sunny yellow, to inject personality and visual interest into your laundry room. This trend is gaining popularity in the US, adding a playful touch to traditionally utilitarian spaces. Pair the colorful shelves with neutral walls and flooring to create a balanced look. Use the shelves to display folded towels, laundry baskets, and decorative items. Consider adding small framed artwork or plants to enhance the visual appeal.
Ladder Shelving for Vertical Storage
Utilize vertical space with a leaning ladder shelf. This space-saving solution is particularly popular in smaller European laundry rooms. Choose a natural wood ladder for a rustic look or a sleek metal ladder for a more modern aesthetic. Drape towels over the rungs and use the shelves to store laundry baskets, detergents, and other essentials. This style complements a variety of color palettes, from neutral whites and grays to bolder blues and greens.
Corner Shelving Unit
Optimize corner space with a custom-built or freestanding corner shelving unit. This maximizes storage in often-underutilized areas, a popular trend in both US and EU home design. Choose a shelving unit that matches the overall style of your laundry room. Consider open shelving for a more airy feel or closed cabinets for concealed storage. Paint the unit a contrasting color to the walls to create a focal point. Add decorative baskets or boxes to keep items organized and visually appealing.
Shelving Above the Washer and Dryer
Maximize space by installing shelves above the washer and dryer. This practical solution is a staple in laundry room design across both the US and EU. Use this space to store laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other frequently used items. Opt for adjustable shelves to accommodate different sized containers. Consider adding a curtain rod and fabric panel to conceal the shelves and create a more polished look.
Under-Shelf Baskets and Bins
Enhance the functionality of existing shelves by incorporating under-shelf baskets and bins. This adds an extra layer of storage and helps keep items organized. Wire baskets are popular in industrial-style laundry rooms, while fabric bins offer a softer, more approachable aesthetic. Choose baskets and bins in complementary colors to create a cohesive look. Label each container to easily identify its contents.
Recessed Shelving
Create a seamless and integrated look by incorporating recessed shelving into your laundry room walls. This architectural detail adds a touch of sophistication and is gaining popularity in high-end homes in both the US and EU. Paint the recessed shelves the same color as the walls for a minimalist look or a contrasting color to create a focal point. Use the shelves to display decorative items, folded towels, or neatly organized laundry supplies.
Open Shelving with Back Panel
Add visual interest to open shelving by incorporating a contrasting back panel. Popular choices include shiplap, beadboard, or wallpaper. This design element adds texture and depth to the laundry room. Consider using a bold color or pattern for the back panel to create a statement piece. White or light gray shelves against a darker back panel create a striking contrast.
Industrial Pipe Shelving
Embrace the industrial trend with shelving constructed from metal pipes and reclaimed wood. This style is particularly popular in urban lofts and modern farmhouses. The raw and unfinished look of the materials adds character and visual interest to the laundry room. Combine black iron pipes with dark stained wood for a dramatic look, or use galvanized pipes with lighter wood for a brighter, more airy feel.
Built-in Ironing Board with Shelving
Maximize functionality by incorporating a built-in ironing board with surrounding shelving. This space-saving solution is ideal for smaller laundry rooms. The ironing board can be folded away when not in use, and the surrounding shelves provide ample storage for ironing supplies and other laundry essentials. This feature is particularly popular in European homes where space optimization is key.
Glass-Front Cabinets with Interior Lighting
Showcase your neatly organized laundry supplies and decorative items with glass-front cabinets and interior lighting. This elegant solution adds a touch of luxury to the laundry room. Opt for clear glass doors to maximize visibility or frosted glass for a more subtle look. LED strip lighting adds a warm and inviting glow while highlighting the contents of the cabinets.
Pull-Out Laundry Hampers with Shelving Above
Combine practicality and style by incorporating pull-out laundry hampers with shelving above. This design maximizes space and keeps dirty laundry hidden from view. The shelves above can be used to store detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry essentials. This solution is gaining popularity in both US and EU homes as a way to streamline the laundry process.
Floating Shelves with Integrated Drying Rack
Combine storage and functionality with floating shelves that incorporate a built-in drying rack. This innovative solution is ideal for air-drying delicate garments. The shelves provide storage for laundry supplies, while the drying rack offers a convenient space for drying clothes. This design is particularly popular in European apartments where space is limited.
Tiered Shelving Unit
Maximize storage space with a tiered shelving unit. This design allows you to store items of varying heights and sizes. Place taller items on the lower shelves and smaller items on the upper shelves. This creates a visually appealing and organized display. Tiered shelving units are available in a variety of materials and styles to suit any laundry room decor.
Pegboard Shelving
Embrace versatility with pegboard shelving. This customizable solution allows you to adjust the shelves to accommodate different sized items. Add hooks and baskets to further customize the storage options. Pegboard shelving is a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts and offers a cost-effective way to add storage to the laundry room.
