Small laundry rooms often present a design challenge. However, with a little creativity, even the tiniest laundry space can become both functional and stylish. Folding laundry, often a tedious chore, can be made more enjoyable in a well-designed space. This article explores 25 design ideas to transform your small laundry room into a folding haven, incorporating the latest color trends and design styles from both the US and EU.
Wall-Mounted Folding Table
Maximize space by installing a wall-mounted folding table. When not in use, it folds flat against the wall, disappearing completely. Opt for a sleek, minimalist design in a light wood finish like birch or maple to enhance the sense of spaciousness. Pair it with white walls and grey flooring for a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic, popular in both the US and EU. Add pops of color with vibrant laundry baskets or artwork. Consider incorporating LED strip lighting underneath the table for task lighting and a modern touch.
Hidden Ironing Board Cabinet
Conceal your ironing board within a custom-built cabinet. This clever solution keeps it out of sight while maintaining easy access. Choose a cabinet door that matches your existing laundry room cabinetry for a seamless look. A popular trend in European design is integrating handleless cabinets for a streamlined appearance. Consider painting the cabinet interior a contrasting color, such as a deep teal or a sunny yellow, to add a playful surprise. For a cohesive look, use the same color for small accessories like detergent containers and storage jars.
Over-the-Door Drying Rack & Folding Station
Utilize vertical space with an over-the-door drying rack that incorporates a small folding shelf. This compact solution is ideal for small laundry rooms. Choose a rack made of bamboo or another sustainable material, reflecting the growing eco-consciousness in design. Pair it with neutral wall colors like warm grey or beige, popular in both US and EU homes. Add texture with woven baskets and a patterned rug in natural fibers like jute or sisal. To further maximize space, use clear acrylic storage containers to visually declutter the area.
Pull-Out Laundry Hamper & Folding Counter
Integrate a pull-out laundry hamper with a built-in folding counter. This ingenious design combines two essential functions in one compact unit. Choose a hamper with a modern chrome finish to complement stainless steel appliances. Darker cabinet colors, such as navy blue or charcoal grey, are trending in the US, providing a sophisticated backdrop. Contrast this with lighter countertops in quartz or marble for a luxurious feel. Incorporate under-cabinet lighting to illuminate the workspace and create a warm ambiance.
Folding Station Above Washer/Dryer
Install a countertop or shelf above your front-loading washer and dryer to create a dedicated folding station. This maximizes vertical space and keeps the folding area centralized. Use butcher block for a warm, rustic feel, or opt for a sleek quartz countertop for a more modern look. Incorporate open shelving above for storing detergents and other laundry essentials. A current trend in the EU is using black accents in interior design. Consider black metal shelving brackets and black framed artwork to add a touch of industrial chic.
Narrow Rolling Cart with Folding Top
A narrow rolling cart with a foldable top provides a portable and versatile folding surface. When not in use, the top can be folded down, and the cart can be tucked away. Choose a cart with metal and wood elements for an industrial farmhouse look, a popular style in the US. Opt for a dark metal frame and a light wood top for a balanced aesthetic. Add hooks on the side for hanging laundry bags or small ironing tools. Consider using patterned contact paper to customize the cart’s drawers and add a personal touch.
Corner Folding Station with Floating Shelves
Utilize an often-overlooked corner by creating a folding station with floating shelves. Install triangular floating shelves to fit the corner space perfectly. White floating shelves against a pastel wall color, like mint green or pale blue, create a calming and airy feel, popular in Scandinavian design. Add small potted plants and decorative objects to personalize the space. Use wicker baskets for storage to add texture and warmth.
Windowsill Folding Counter
If your laundry room has a window, extend the windowsill to create a folding counter. This provides a bright and airy workspace. Choose a countertop material that complements the window frame, such as wood or stone. Light and airy colors like white and cream are popular in both the US and EU for laundry rooms, creating a sense of cleanliness. Add Roman shades or sheer curtains for privacy and light control. Incorporate a small vase of fresh flowers or a decorative bowl to add a touch of elegance.
Folding Shelf Above a Laundry Sink
Install a folding shelf directly above the laundry sink. This maximizes space and provides a convenient surface for pre-treating stains or folding delicate items. Choose a shelf material that is water-resistant, such as stainless steel or treated wood. Industrial styles are gaining popularity in the EU, so consider incorporating exposed brick or concrete elements. Use metal utility carts for storage and add vintage-inspired lighting fixtures for a unique touch.
Ladder Shelf with Folding Top
A leaning ladder shelf with a foldable top offers a unique and space-saving solution. The shelves can be used for storage, while the top provides a folding surface. Choose a ladder shelf made of natural wood for a rustic aesthetic. Warm wood tones paired with white walls create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Add woven baskets and greenery for a touch of bohemian style, popular in both the US and EU. Consider installing a small pendant light above the ladder shelf for focused lighting.
Drop-Down Wall Desk as Folding Station
Install a drop-down wall desk that can be used as a folding station when needed and folded away when not in use. Choose a desk in a bright color like coral or yellow to add a cheerful element to the laundry room. Bold colors are trending in the US, adding personality to small spaces. Pair the bright desk with neutral walls and flooring to balance the look. Incorporate patterned accessories, like a rug or curtains, to add visual interest.
Murphy Bed Style Folding Table
Integrate a Murphy bed-style folding table into your laundry room design. This allows for a large folding surface that can be completely hidden when not in use. Opt for a table that blends seamlessly with the wall when closed. Neutral colors like greige and taupe are popular in minimalist design, prevalent in both the US and EU. Add texture with linen towels and a natural fiber rug. Incorporate sleek, minimalist hardware for a sophisticated touch.
Under-Stair Folding Nook
If your laundry room is located near a staircase, utilize the under-stair space to create a cozy folding nook. Build a custom cabinet with a pull-out folding table and shelves for storage. Paint the cabinet a bold color, like emerald green or sapphire blue, to create a focal point. Jewel tones are trending in European interior design, adding richness and depth. Pair the bold cabinet color with brass hardware and lighting fixtures for a glamorous touch.
Pegboard Wall with Folding Shelf
Install a pegboard wall above your washing machine and add a foldable shelf for a versatile folding and storage solution. Pegboards allow for customizable organization, a popular trend in both the US and EU. Paint the pegboard a vibrant color like fuchsia or lime green to make a statement. Contrast this with white or grey walls to balance the boldness. Use the pegboard to hang laundry baskets, drying racks, and other laundry essentials.
Slim Console Table as Folding Station
Utilize a slim console table as a compact folding station. Choose a table with drawers or shelves for additional storage. A console table with a metal frame and a glass top creates a modern and airy feel. Metal accents are a popular trend in industrial design. Pair the table with a minimalist rug and simple artwork. Consider adding a mirror above the console table to visually expand the space.
Folding Counter Integrated with Laundry Baskets
Design a custom cabinet with built-in laundry baskets and a folding counter on top. This creates a streamlined and organized laundry area. Choose a cabinet with a shaker style door for a timeless look, popular in both the US and EU. Paint the cabinet a soft grey or blue for a calming atmosphere. Add woven baskets with lids to conceal laundry and maintain a tidy appearance. Incorporate under-cabinet lighting for task lighting and ambiance.
Stackable Washer/Dryer with Built-in Folding Shelf
Opt for a stackable washer and dryer unit with a built-in folding shelf. This space-saving solution maximizes vertical space and provides a dedicated folding area. Choose a front-loading unit in a sleek stainless steel finish for a modern look. Pair it with white or light grey cabinets for a clean and minimalist aesthetic. Add pops of color with towels and accessories. Incorporate open shelving above the unit for additional storage.
Portable Folding Screen with Shelf
Use a portable folding screen with a built-in shelf as a temporary folding station. When not in use, the screen can be folded and stored away. Choose a screen with a natural wood frame and a fabric panel for a bohemian touch. Natural materials and textures are trending in interior design. Add decorative hooks to the screen for hanging clothes or bags. Consider using the screen to divide the laundry room from other areas if it’s part of a larger space.
Retractable Folding Counter from the Ceiling
Install a retractable folding counter that can be lowered from the ceiling when needed. This innovative solution is ideal for extremely small laundry rooms. Choose a counter in a light color, such as white or cream, to maintain a sense of spaciousness. Minimalist design is increasingly popular in urban environments in both the US and EU. Pair the counter with recessed lighting for a clean and modern look. When not in use, the counter will disappear completely into the ceiling.
Wall-Mounted Ironing Board/Folding Table Combo
Install a wall-mounted ironing board that converts into a folding table. This dual-purpose solution saves valuable space. Choose a unit with a sleek, modern design in a chrome or brushed nickel finish. Pair it with dark cabinets for a dramatic contrast, a popular trend in contemporary kitchens and laundry rooms. Add task lighting above the unit for optimal functionality. When folded away, the unit will take up minimal space on the wall.
Folding Station Within a Closet
If your laundry room has a closet, transform it into a dedicated folding station. Remove the closet doors and install shelves and a countertop. Consider painting the interior of the closet a bold color like turquoise or orange for a playful surprise. Bright accent colors are a popular way to add personality to small spaces. Install good lighting inside the closet to make it a functional workspace. Add a curtain or sliding doors to conceal the folding station when not in use.
Utilizing a Narrow hallway
If your laundry “room” is actually a narrow hallway space, you can still create a functional folding area. Install a slim, wall-mounted folding table that folds down when not in use. Choose a light-colored table to avoid making the hallway feel cramped. Consider adding a mirror to one wall to visually expand the space. Mirrors are a classic design trick for making small spaces feel larger. Add wall-mounted shelves above the folding table for storage. Utilize vertical space as much as possible in a narrow hallway.
