Creating a functional and stylish laundry room, even in a small space, is entirely achievable. With clever storage solutions and thoughtful design choices, you can transform this often-overlooked area into a well-organized and visually appealing part of your home. This article explores 27 modern small laundry room storage ideas, drawing inspiration from the latest design trends in both the US and EU.
Stackable Washer and Dryer with Overhead Cabinets
Maximize vertical space by opting for a stackable washer and dryer set. Install overhead cabinets above the units to store laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other essentials. Consider using sleek, handleless cabinets in a light color like white or light gray to create a sense of airiness. For a pop of color, paint the back wall of the cabinets a vibrant shade like teal or coral. This trend is popular in both the US and EU, reflecting a desire for clean lines and functional minimalism.
Open Shelving with Woven Baskets
Open shelving provides easy access to frequently used items and adds a touch of visual interest to the laundry room. Use woven baskets in natural materials like seagrass or rattan to store folded towels, laundry pods, and other supplies. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, aligning with the growing popularity of organic and sustainable materials in interior design. Consider incorporating a bold wall color, like deep navy or forest green, behind the open shelving to create a dramatic focal point. This trend is particularly strong in European design.
Pull-Out Drying Rack
A pull-out drying rack is a space-saving solution for air-drying delicate garments. Install it under a countertop or inside a cabinet to keep it hidden when not in use. This practical feature is increasingly popular in both the US and EU as homeowners seek to maximize functionality in compact spaces. Consider pairing the drying rack with a sleek, modern countertop in quartz or concrete, reflecting the trend towards durable and low-maintenance materials.
Wall-Mounted Ironing Board
Save valuable floor space by mounting your ironing board on the wall. Choose a fold-down model that can be easily tucked away when not in use. This is a practical solution for small laundry rooms and is gaining popularity in urban areas of both the US and EU. Complement the ironing board with a dedicated storage cabinet for the iron and other ironing accessories. Opt for a minimalist design with clean lines and neutral colors to maintain a sense of order.
Under-Sink Storage with Tilt-Out Bins
Utilize the often-wasted space under the sink by installing tilt-out bins. These bins provide easy access to cleaning supplies and keep them neatly organized. Consider using clear bins to easily see the contents or labeling each bin for added clarity. This storage solution is a classic that remains popular in both the US and EU for its practicality and efficiency. Pair the bins with a modern farmhouse sink and a butcher block countertop for a touch of rustic charm.
Rolling Laundry Cart
A rolling laundry cart offers a flexible storage solution for transporting clothes and supplies. Choose a cart with multiple compartments and shelves to keep items organized. This is a versatile option that can be easily moved around as needed. Consider a metal cart with a powder-coated finish for a modern industrial look, a trend that’s gaining traction in both the US and EU. Alternatively, a natural wood cart can add warmth and texture to the space.
Wall-Mounted Laundry Hamper
Save floor space with a wall-mounted laundry hamper. This sleek and modern solution keeps dirty clothes out of sight and organized. Consider a hamper with multiple compartments for separating whites and colors. This design trend aligns with the minimalist aesthetic popular in Scandinavian design. Pair the hamper with a neutral color palette and natural wood accents for a calming and organized laundry room.
Retractable Clothesline
A retractable clothesline provides a convenient way to air-dry clothes indoors. Install it above the washer and dryer or in another convenient location. This space-saving solution is particularly popular in European homes where air-drying clothes is common. Complement the clothesline with a bright and airy color palette, using shades like white, light blue, and pale yellow to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
Pegboard Wall Organizer
A pegboard wall provides a versatile and customizable storage solution. Use it to hang laundry tools, cleaning supplies, and even decorative items. This trend is gaining popularity in the US, offering a practical and stylish way to organize small spaces. Consider painting the pegboard a bold color to create a visual statement or leaving it natural for a more minimalist look.
Ladder Shelf for Towels and Baskets
A leaning ladder shelf adds a touch of rustic charm to the laundry room while providing extra storage space for towels, baskets, and other items. This design element is popular in both farmhouse and modern rustic styles. Consider using a wooden ladder shelf with a distressed finish for a vintage vibe or a metal ladder shelf for a more industrial look.
Built-in Bench with Storage
A built-in bench with storage provides a comfortable place to sit while folding laundry and offers hidden storage space for bulky items. This is a popular feature in custom laundry room designs in both the US and EU. Consider using a contrasting cushion fabric to add a pop of color and personality to the space.
Floating Shelves with Glass Jars
Floating shelves with glass jars create a stylish and organized way to store laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other supplies. This trend reflects the growing popularity of apothecary-style storage in home design. Consider using clear glass jars with labels for a clean and modern look.
Corner Storage Unit
Maximize corner space with a custom-built or freestanding corner storage unit. This can provide valuable storage for laundry essentials and help to keep the room clutter-free. Consider a unit with a combination of open shelves and closed cabinets to cater to different storage needs. This solution is particularly popular in smaller European apartments where space optimization is crucial.
Slim Rolling Cart for Detergents
Utilize narrow spaces between appliances with a slim rolling cart designed specifically for detergent bottles and other cleaning supplies. This maximizes every inch of available space and keeps essentials readily accessible. This trend reflects the increasing emphasis on functionality and efficiency in modern home design, particularly prevalent in urban areas of the US.
Magnetic Spice Rack for Small Items
Repurpose a magnetic spice rack to store small laundry room essentials like clothespins, safety pins, and measuring spoons. This unexpected solution adds a touch of whimsy and provides easy access to frequently used items. This creative approach to storage aligns with the DIY and upcycling trends popular in both the US and EU. Consider painting the spice rack a bright color to add a pop of personality to the laundry room.
Over-the-Door Organizer for Cleaning Supplies
Maximize vertical space by using an over-the-door organizer to store cleaning supplies, brushes, and other laundry room essentials. This affordable and easy-to-install solution keeps items neatly organized and out of sight. This practical storage idea is a timeless classic that remains popular in both the US and EU due to its versatility and affordability.
Wire Baskets for Sorting Laundry
Use wire baskets to create a designated area for sorting laundry. Label each basket for whites, colors, and delicates to streamline the laundry process. This simple yet effective solution promotes organization and efficiency. Wire baskets contribute to a clean and minimalist aesthetic, popular in contemporary interior design. Consider using different colored labels or baskets to add a visual element to the laundry room.
Tension Rod for Hanging Clothes
Install a tension rod between two walls or cabinets to create a hanging space for air-drying clothes or storing freshly ironed garments. This versatile solution is particularly useful in small laundry rooms where space is limited. This simple and affordable solution is a staple in many European homes where air-drying is preferred. Consider using a decorative tension rod to add a touch of style to the space.
Fold-Down Drying Rack Over the Sink
A fold-down drying rack that mounts over the sink provides a convenient and space-saving solution for air-drying smaller items. This clever design utilizes otherwise unused space and can be easily folded away when not in use. This type of drying rack is becoming increasingly popular in urban environments in both the US and EU where maximizing space is a priority.
Built-in Ironing Board Cabinet
A dedicated cabinet with a built-in ironing board offers a discreet and stylish way to store your ironing essentials. This eliminates the need for a freestanding ironing board and keeps the laundry room clutter-free. This solution is a popular choice in higher-end homes in both the US and EU, reflecting a desire for seamless integration and functionality.
Laundry Pedestal with Drawers
Elevate your washer and dryer with pedestals that incorporate built-in drawers. This provides extra storage space for laundry supplies and raises the appliances to a more comfortable height. Pedestals with drawers offer a practical and stylish solution for maximizing space and improving ergonomics. This trend is popular in both the US and EU, reflecting a focus on both functionality and user experience.
Custom Cabinets with Pull-Out Hampers
Invest in custom cabinetry that incorporates pull-out hampers for a seamless and integrated laundry room design. This hides dirty laundry and keeps the space looking neat and organized. This solution is popular in luxury homes and reflects a growing trend towards bespoke design solutions in both the US and EU.
Murphy Door to Conceal Laundry Area
If space is extremely limited, consider installing a Murphy door to completely conceal the laundry area when not in use. This allows you to transform the space into a guest room, home office, or other functional area. This innovative solution is gaining popularity in urban areas where space is at a premium, particularly in apartments and smaller homes in the US and EU.
