Open shelving in laundry rooms has quickly become a popular trend, offering a practical and stylish solution for storage and organization. This design choice not only maximizes space but also allows for personalization and creative display. From minimalist chic to rustic farmhouse, open shelving can be adapted to fit any aesthetic. Let’s explore 24 inspiring design ideas for incorporating open shelves into your laundry room.
Idea: Purple and Gold Glam
Infuse your laundry room with a touch of luxury by incorporating purple and gold accents onto open shelves. Paint the shelves a deep, regal purple and use gold brackets or decorative trim. Accessorize with gold wire baskets, purple glass jars for detergent, and plush velvet towels in coordinating shades. This combination creates a sophisticated and opulent atmosphere, transforming a mundane chore into a glamorous experience. Consider adding a mirrored backsplash to further enhance the luxurious feel and reflect light, making the space feel larger. Popular in both the US and EU, this bold color combination reflects a trend towards maximalism and embracing rich, saturated hues.
Idea: Rustic Farmhouse Charm
Embrace the cozy warmth of farmhouse style with open shelves crafted from reclaimed wood. Opt for natural wood tones or a weathered gray finish. Use vintage mason jars for storage, wicker baskets for linens, and antique washboards as decorative accents. This style emphasizes natural materials and a lived-in aesthetic. Incorporate metal hooks for hanging drying racks or utensils. To add a pop of color, consider using pastel-colored textiles or displaying vintage enamelware in soft hues. This style remains a dominant trend in both US and EU, appealing to those seeking a comfortable and timeless design.
Idea: Minimalist Monochrome
For a clean and contemporary look, opt for minimalist monochrome open shelves. Utilize sleek white or black shelving against a contrasting wall color. Store laundry essentials in matching containers or baskets made of natural materials like seagrass or canvas. Keep the décor minimal, focusing on functionality and clean lines. This style is characterized by its simplicity and lack of clutter, creating a sense of calm and order. Black and white monochrome remains a popular choice in modern European design, reflecting a desire for understated elegance. In the US, this trend is often softened with the incorporation of natural wood tones for a warmer minimalist aesthetic.
Idea: Scandinavian Simplicity
Embrace the light and airy feel of Scandinavian design with open shelves made from light-colored wood, such as birch or pine. Use white or gray storage containers and baskets to maintain a clean and uncluttered look. Incorporate natural elements like plants and woven textiles. This style emphasizes functionality, simplicity, and natural light. Consider adding a sheepskin rug or a woven wall hanging for added texture. Scandinavian design continues to be a popular trend in both the US and EU, offering a timeless and versatile aesthetic that suits a variety of spaces.
Idea: Industrial Chic
Create an industrial-inspired laundry room with open shelves made from metal piping and reclaimed wood. Use metal baskets and containers for storage, and incorporate vintage factory-style lighting. This style emphasizes raw materials and a utilitarian aesthetic. Consider adding a brick veneer backsplash or a concrete countertop to further enhance the industrial vibe. This style is particularly popular in urban lofts and modern apartments in both the US and EU, reflecting a trend towards incorporating raw and unfinished elements into interior design.
Idea: Coastal Serenity
Bring the tranquility of the coast into your laundry room with open shelves painted in soft blues and greens. Decorate with seashells, starfish, and other nautical-themed accents. Use wicker baskets for storage and incorporate natural textures like linen and cotton. This style evokes a relaxed and breezy atmosphere. Consider adding a driftwood mobile or a framed piece of ocean-inspired artwork to complete the look. Coastal themes continue to be a popular choice in both the US and EU, particularly in coastal regions, reflecting a desire for a calming and refreshing environment.
Idea: Bold Boho
Express your personality with bold bohemian-inspired open shelves. Mix and match vibrant colors, patterns, and textures. Use woven baskets, colorful ceramic containers, and macrame wall hangings. Incorporate plants and global-inspired textiles to create a layered and eclectic look. This style encourages creativity and self-expression. Consider adding a vintage rug or a tapestry to further enhance the bohemian vibe. Boho style remains a strong trend, especially in the US, reflecting a desire for individuality and a more relaxed approach to interior design.
Idea: Modern Farmhouse Fusion
Blend the clean lines of modern design with the rustic charm of farmhouse style. Use open shelves made from sleek white or black metal paired with reclaimed wood accents. Incorporate minimalist storage containers and woven baskets for a balanced aesthetic. This style combines the best of both worlds, offering a sophisticated yet comfortable space. Consider adding a subway tile backsplash or a farmhouse sink to complete the look. This fusion style is a growing trend in both the US and EU, appealing to those seeking a contemporary take on classic farmhouse design.
Idea: Mediterranean Warmth
Infuse your laundry room with the warmth and vibrancy of the Mediterranean by using terracotta pots, hand-painted tiles, and wrought iron accents on your open shelves. Choose warm, earthy colors like ochre, terracotta, and deep blues. Incorporate natural materials like linen and cotton for towels and storage baskets. This style evokes a sense of rustic elegance and warmth. Consider adding a patterned rug or a woven wall hanging to further enhance the Mediterranean vibe. This style is particularly popular in warmer climates and reflects a growing appreciation for handcrafted and artisanal goods.
Idea: Sleek and Modern with Glass Shelves
For a truly modern look, consider using glass shelves in your laundry room. Glass shelves create a sense of openness and allow light to pass through, making the space feel larger and brighter. Pair them with chrome or brushed nickel supports for a sleek and sophisticated look. Use clear glass jars or containers to store laundry supplies, creating a visually appealing and organized display. This minimalist approach is very popular in contemporary European design, reflecting a desire for clean lines and airy spaces. In the US, this trend is often seen in high-end homes and apartments.
Idea: Open Shelving with a Built-in Desk
Maximize functionality by incorporating a built-in desk area within your open shelving unit. This creates a dedicated space for folding clothes, ironing, or even working on household tasks. The desk can be incorporated seamlessly into the shelving design, using the same material and finish for a cohesive look. This practical addition is particularly popular in smaller homes and apartments where space is limited. It’s a growing trend in both the US and EU as people seek to maximize the functionality of every room in their homes.
Idea: Wallpaper as a Backdrop
Add visual interest to your laundry room by using wallpaper as a backdrop for your open shelves. Choose a bold print or a subtle pattern to complement your overall design scheme. The wallpaper can create a focal point in the room and add personality to the space. Consider using a washable wallpaper for practicality in a laundry room environment. Wallpaper is making a comeback in interior design, and this trend extends to laundry rooms as well, offering a way to personalize and add character to the space.
Idea: Incorporate Lighting
Enhance the functionality and ambiance of your open shelves by incorporating lighting. Install LED strip lights underneath the shelves to highlight displayed items and create a warm glow. Pendant lights or sconces can also be used to add both task and ambient lighting to the space. Well-lit shelves not only improve visibility but also add a touch of sophistication to the laundry room. Integrated lighting is a popular trend in both the US and EU, reflecting a desire for both functional and aesthetically pleasing lighting solutions.
Idea: Vertical Storage with Narrow Shelves
Maximize vertical space by using narrow open shelves. This is particularly useful in smaller laundry rooms where floor space is limited. Narrow shelves can be used to store smaller items like laundry detergent, fabric softener, and cleaning supplies. Consider using labeled baskets or containers to keep items organized and easily accessible. This space-saving solution is a popular trend in both the US and EU, particularly in urban environments where maximizing space is crucial.
Idea: Open Shelving as a Room Divider
Use open shelving as a stylish and functional way to divide a larger laundry room from another space, such as a mudroom or a kitchen. This creates a visual separation while still allowing light to pass through, maintaining an open and airy feel. The shelves can be used for storage on both sides, maximizing their functionality. This design solution is a popular trend in open-plan living spaces, reflecting a desire for flexible and multifunctional areas.
Idea: Color Blocking with Open Shelves
Create a visually striking laundry room by using color blocking with your open shelves. Paint each shelf a different color, creating a rainbow effect or using a specific color palette to complement your overall design scheme. This bold design choice adds personality and visual interest to the space. Color blocking is a popular trend in interior design, and incorporating it into laundry room shelving offers a unique and playful way to add color and personality.
Idea: Floating Shelves for a Minimalist Look
Achieve a clean and minimalist aesthetic by using floating shelves in your laundry room. Floating shelves create a sense of openness and airiness, making the space feel larger. They also offer a sleek and modern look. Choose shelves with hidden hardware for a seamless and minimalist appearance. Floating shelves are a popular choice in contemporary design, reflecting a desire for clean lines and uncluttered spaces.
Idea: Mix Open Shelving with Closed Cabinets
Combine the openness of shelves with the concealed storage of cabinets for a balanced and practical laundry room design. Use open shelves to display decorative items and frequently used items, while cabinets can be used to store less visually appealing items or bulkier supplies. This combination offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Mixing open and closed storage is a versatile solution that works well in a variety of design styles.
Idea: Create a Drying Rack with Open Shelves
