Creating a functional and stylish laundry room, even with a small footprint and a top-loading washing machine, is entirely achievable. By incorporating clever design choices and maximizing vertical space, you can transform this often-overlooked area into a well-organized and visually appealing space. This article explores 26 design ideas to inspire your small laundry room makeover, focusing on cabinet solutions specifically tailored for top-loader washing machines.
Idea: Vertical Laundry Tower with Open Shelving
Maximize space in your small laundry room by building a vertical laundry tower. Stack your dryer on top of your top-loading washer and install open shelving above for detergent, fabric softener, and other laundry essentials. This layout keeps everything within easy reach while freeing up valuable floor space. Consider using sleek, white cabinets for a clean, modern aesthetic paired with warm, natural wood open shelving to add a touch of Scandinavian minimalism. This combination is currently trending in both the US and EU.
Idea: Pull-Out Drying Rack Cabinet
Incorporate a hidden, pull-out drying rack within a cabinet. This is an excellent solution for air-drying delicate garments without cluttering the laundry room. When not in use, the rack neatly retracts into the cabinet. Opt for a cabinet finished in a soft sage green, a popular color in both US and European design trends, paired with brass hardware for a touch of elegance. The interior of the cabinet can be painted a contrasting creamy white to brighten the space.
Idea: Built-In Ironing Board Cabinet
Save space with a built-in ironing board that folds down from a wall-mounted cabinet. When not in use, the cabinet door conceals the ironing board, maintaining a clean and organized look. A classic navy blue cabinet with nickel hardware adds a timeless touch to your laundry room, while the interior can be painted a cheerful sunny yellow for a pop of color that reflects current European design trends.
Idea: Under-Sink Storage with Tilt-Out Hamper
Utilize the space under your laundry room sink by installing a cabinet with a tilt-out hamper. This clever design keeps dirty laundry hidden while maximizing storage space. Choose a rich, dark gray cabinet with matte black hardware for a modern industrial look, a style gaining popularity in urban areas across the US. Pair it with light gray walls and white countertops for a balanced contrast.
Idea: Narrow Cabinet with Pull-Out Shelves
Even the narrowest spaces can be utilized effectively. Install a narrow cabinet with pull-out shelves for storing laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, and other essentials. Opt for a bright and cheerful coral cabinet with chrome hardware for a retro-inspired look, reflecting a current trend in US interior design. This bold color choice can be balanced with white walls and neutral flooring.
Idea: Wall-Mounted Cabinets with Fold-Down Counter
Install wall-mounted cabinets above your washer and dryer, leaving enough space for a fold-down counter. This provides a dedicated space for folding clothes without taking up permanent floor space. A combination of light oak cabinets with black metal hardware provides a contemporary feel that aligns with current Scandinavian design trends popular in the EU. Consider adding a backsplash in a geometric pattern for a touch of visual interest.
Idea: Corner Cabinet with Lazy Susan
Maximize corner space with a cabinet featuring a Lazy Susan. This rotating shelf allows easy access to items stored in the back of the cabinet. A classic white corner cabinet with brushed silver hardware provides a timeless and versatile look suitable for any laundry room style. Consider adding glass inserts in the cabinet doors to showcase decorative items.
Idea: Open Shelving with Woven Baskets
Install open shelving above your washer and dryer and use woven baskets to store laundry supplies and keep the space organized. Choose natural wood shelves with black metal brackets for a modern farmhouse aesthetic, a popular trend in both the US and EU. Use a variety of basket sizes and textures to add visual interest.
Idea: Floating Shelves with Glass Jars
Install floating shelves above your washer and dryer and use clear glass jars to store laundry detergent, fabric softener, and other supplies. This creates a clean and organized look while allowing you to easily see when supplies are running low. Choose sleek white floating shelves for a minimalist look and label the jars with a modern font for a cohesive aesthetic.
Idea: Custom Built-In Cabinetry
Invest in custom built-in cabinetry designed to fit the exact dimensions of your laundry room. This allows you to maximize every inch of space and create a truly personalized laundry area. Consider incorporating a variety of storage solutions, such as drawers, pull-out shelves, and hampers. Choose a color palette that complements your home’s overall design.
Idea: Repurposed Furniture as Laundry Room Cabinet
Give an old dresser or armoire a new life by repurposing it as a laundry room cabinet. This adds a unique and vintage touch to your space. Paint the piece in a bold color like turquoise or emerald green, reflecting current trends in European design, and replace the hardware for a refreshed look.
Idea: Slim Rolling Cart for Laundry Supplies
A slim rolling cart can provide extra storage for laundry supplies and can be easily moved around as needed. Choose a cart with metal shelves and a wooden top for a modern industrial feel. This versatile solution is perfect for small spaces and can be tucked away when not in use.
Idea: Pegboard Wall with Hanging Baskets
Install a pegboard wall above your washer and dryer and use hanging baskets to store laundry supplies and tools. This creates a versatile and customizable storage solution. Paint the pegboard a bright color like sunny yellow or vibrant orange, reflecting a current trend in US interior design, and choose baskets in complementary colors.
Idea: Over-the-Toilet Storage Cabinet
If your laundry room includes a toilet, utilize the space above it with a storage cabinet. This is a great spot for storing extra toilet paper, towels, and other essentials. Choose a cabinet with mirrored doors to visually expand the space.
Idea: Stackable Washer and Dryer with Pedestal Drawers
If you’re considering new appliances, opt for a stackable washer and dryer set with pedestal drawers underneath. These drawers provide extra storage for laundry supplies and help raise the appliances to a more comfortable height.
Idea: Cabinet with Built-in Pet Feeding Station
Combine functionality by incorporating a pet feeding station into your laundry room cabinetry. This keeps pet food and bowls neatly contained and out of the main living areas. A base cabinet with pull-out drawers for food storage and designated bowls is a practical and stylish solution.
Idea: Hidden Countertop Laundry Chute
Integrate a laundry chute directly into your countertop, leading to a hamper hidden below in a designated cabinet. This allows for convenient disposal of dirty clothes directly into the laundry area, minimizing clutter throughout the house. Consider a quartz countertop with a discreetly placed chute opening for a seamless look.
Idea: Cabinet with Sliding Barn Doors
Instead of traditional cabinet doors, consider using sliding barn doors to conceal your washer and dryer or storage area. This rustic touch adds character to the laundry room while saving space. Opt for reclaimed wood doors with black metal hardware for a farmhouse aesthetic.
Idea: Glass-Front Cabinets with Interior Lighting
Showcase your neatly organized laundry supplies and decorative items with glass-front cabinets and interior lighting. This adds a touch of elegance to the laundry room and creates a visually appealing display. Choose cabinets with frosted glass for a softer look.
Idea: Monochromatic Minimalist Design
Embrace a minimalist aesthetic by opting for a monochromatic color scheme in your laundry room. Utilize varying shades of gray or white for cabinets, walls, and flooring. This creates a clean and uncluttered look, ideal for small spaces.
Idea: Bold Accent Wall with Neutral Cabinets
Create a focal point in your laundry room by painting one wall a bold color, such as deep teal or vibrant fuchsia. Pair this with neutral-colored cabinets, like white or light gray, to balance the visual impact and prevent the space from feeling overwhelming. This trend is prominent in both US and EU interior design.
Idea: Open Shelving with Wallpapered Back
Add a touch of personality to your laundry room by applying a bold wallpaper to the wall behind open shelving. Choose a wallpaper with a large-scale pattern or a vibrant color to make a statement. Keep the shelving and other elements neutral to avoid overwhelming the space.
Idea: Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements into your laundry room design. Use wooden cabinets, woven baskets, and plants to create a calming and organic atmosphere. This trend is particularly popular in Scandinavian design and is gaining traction in the US.
Idea: Maximize Natural Light
If your laundry room has a window, maximize natural light by keeping window treatments minimal. Opt for sheer curtains or blinds that allow light to filter through while still providing privacy. Natural light can make a small space feel larger and more inviting.
