A laundry room with high ceilings presents a unique opportunity to create a space that is both functional and visually stunning. The vertical expanse allows for innovative storage solutions, dramatic design elements, and a sense of grandeur that can elevate this often-overlooked area of the home. From maximizing vertical space with custom cabinetry to incorporating bold color schemes and statement lighting, the possibilities for designing a high-ceiling laundry room are endless. Let’s explore 22 design ideas to transform your laundry room into a stylish and efficient haven.
Extended Upper Cabinets to the Ceiling
Maximize storage with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. Opt for sleek, handleless cabinets in a minimalist white or light gray for a clean and modern aesthetic. Incorporate glass-front upper cabinets to display decorative items and break up the solid expanse. Consider integrating LED under-cabinet lighting for both task lighting and a touch of ambiance. This streamlined approach is popular in both the US and EU, reflecting a global trend towards clean lines and functionality.
Open Shelving with Integrated Lighting
Embrace the height with open shelving that extends towards the ceiling. Use natural wood shelves with black metal brackets for an industrial chic look, popular in urban lofts across the US. Incorporate integrated LED strip lighting within the shelves to highlight displayed items and create a warm, inviting glow. Style the shelves with neatly folded towels, laundry baskets, and decorative jars for a visually appealing and organized space. This design blends functionality with a touch of personality, reflecting the growing trend of personalized interiors.
Two-Tone Cabinetry with a Contrasting Island
Create visual interest with two-tone cabinetry. Combine navy blue lower cabinets with crisp white upper cabinets to create a sophisticated and timeless look. Install a contrasting kitchen island in a light natural wood or a bold color like emerald green, reflecting the growing popularity of biophilic design in the EU. The island provides additional workspace and storage while enhancing the room’s functionality. Add pendant lighting above the island to create a focal point and enhance task lighting. This combination of classic and contemporary elements creates a dynamic and visually appealing space.
Ladder Access to High Storage
Embrace the library ladder trend by incorporating a rolling ladder to access high storage areas. This functional and stylish solution adds a touch of vintage charm to the laundry room. Opt for a wooden ladder with brass hardware for a classic look, or a sleek metal ladder for a more modern aesthetic. Pair this with open shelving or cabinets with glass fronts to showcase decorative items and create a visually appealing display. This design is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, blending practicality with a touch of nostalgia.
Statement Wallpaper on the High Ceiling
Draw the eye upwards with a bold statement wallpaper on the ceiling. Choose a large-scale floral print in vibrant colors for a dramatic effect or a geometric pattern for a more contemporary feel. Keep the walls a neutral color to balance the bold ceiling. This design technique adds personality and visual interest to the space, reflecting the growing trend of using wallpaper to create focal points in unexpected places. This trend is particularly strong in the EU, where bold patterns and colors are embraced in interior design.
Skylights for Natural Light Amplification
Maximize natural light with strategically placed skylights. This will not only brighten the laundry room but also enhance the sense of height and spaciousness. Pair skylights with white or light-colored walls and cabinets to further amplify the natural light. Consider adding sheer curtains or blinds for light control and privacy. This design element is popular in both the US and EU, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainable design and incorporating natural elements into the home.
Vertical Shiplap Accent Wall
Create a focal point with a vertical shiplap accent wall that extends to the ceiling. Paint the shiplap a soft gray or a calming pastel blue to create a serene and inviting atmosphere. This design adds texture and visual interest without overwhelming the space. Pair the shiplap with sleek, modern cabinetry and minimalist hardware for a cohesive look. Vertical shiplap is a popular trend in both the US and EU, adding a touch of rustic charm to contemporary interiors.
Hanging Drying Racks from the Ceiling
Utilize the high ceiling by installing hanging drying racks that can be lowered and raised as needed. This is a practical and space-saving solution for air-drying delicate garments. Choose a rack made of natural wood or sleek metal to complement the overall design of the laundry room. This functional design element is particularly popular in European homes, where air-drying clothes is a common practice.
Large-Scale Art as a Focal Point
Hang a large-scale piece of art on a prominent wall to draw the eye upwards and create a focal point. Choose a piece that complements the color scheme and style of the laundry room. Abstract art, large-scale photography, or even a framed textile can add personality and visual interest to the space. This design technique is a timeless way to enhance any room, including the laundry room, and is prevalent in both US and EU design trends.
Industrial Metal Shelving Units
Embrace the industrial aesthetic with metal shelving units that extend to the ceiling. These units provide ample storage space and add a raw, urban edge to the laundry room. Choose black or galvanized metal for a classic industrial look. Pair the shelving with concrete countertops and exposed brick walls for a cohesive design. This style is particularly popular in urban lofts and modern homes in both the US and EU.
Built-in Ironing Board Cabinet
Maximize functionality by incorporating a built-in ironing board cabinet. This space-saving solution keeps the ironing board hidden away when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. Choose a cabinet that matches the existing cabinetry for a seamless look. This practical design element is popular in both the US and EU, reflecting a growing emphasis on efficient use of space in the home. Consider adding a pull-out laundry hamper to further enhance functionality.
Glass-Fronted Cabinets with Interior Lighting
Showcase beautiful laundry essentials and decorative items with glass-fronted cabinets featuring interior lighting. This adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the laundry room. Choose cabinets with clear glass and warm LED lighting to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. This design element is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, blurring the lines between functional spaces and living areas.
Boldly Colored Cabinets
Make a statement with boldly colored cabinetry. Choose a vibrant hue like emerald green, sapphire blue, or sunny yellow to inject personality and energy into the laundry room. Pair the bold cabinets with neutral countertops and walls to balance the look. This trend is becoming increasingly popular in both the US and EU, as homeowners embrace more daring color choices in their interiors.
Ceiling-Mounted Pot Rack for Drying Delicates
Install a ceiling-mounted pot rack above the laundry tub for drying delicate items. This is a stylish and practical solution that utilizes the vertical space effectively. Choose a rack made of copper or brushed nickel for a touch of elegance. This unique design element adds a touch of vintage charm while providing a functional solution for air-drying clothes. This trend is particularly popular in European homes with smaller laundry spaces.
Patterned Tile Backsplash Reaching the Ceiling
Create a visually stunning backsplash with patterned tiles that extend all the way to the ceiling. Choose a bold geometric pattern or a intricate Moroccan design to add personality and visual interest. Pair the patterned backsplash with simple, neutral cabinetry to balance the look. This design element is a great way to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to the laundry room and is gaining traction in both the US and EU.
Chandelier or Pendant Lighting as a Statement Piece
Elevate the laundry room with a statement chandelier or pendant lighting fixture. Choose a fixture that complements the overall style of the room, whether it’s a sparkling crystal chandelier or a sleek, modern pendant light. This adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to the space, transforming it from a purely functional area into a stylish and inviting room.
Mirrored Backsplash to Expand the Space Visually
Create the illusion of a larger space with a mirrored backsplash that extends to the ceiling. This design trick reflects light and visually expands the room, making it feel brighter and more spacious. Pair the mirrored backsplash with simple, neutral cabinetry and countertops to avoid overwhelming the space. This design technique is a classic way to enhance small spaces and is prevalent in both US and EU design trends.
Floating Shelves with Integrated Task Lighting
Install floating shelves with integrated task lighting to provide both storage and illumination. This design is both stylish and functional, maximizing the vertical space while providing a practical solution for storing laundry essentials. Choose shelves made of natural wood or sleek acrylic to complement the overall design of the room.
Wallpapered Ceiling with Matching Roman Shades
Create a cohesive and stylish look by wallpapering the ceiling and matching it with Roman shades on the windows. This design technique adds personality and visual interest to the room while creating a sense of unity. Choose a bold pattern or a subtle texture to complement the overall design of the laundry room.
Built-in Pet Washing Station
For pet owners, a built-in pet washing station is a luxurious and practical addition to the laundry room. This dedicated space makes it easy to bathe and groom pets without making a mess in the main bathroom. Consider incorporating a handheld showerhead, a built-in ramp, and specialized drying tools to make the process as efficient and comfortable as possible for both you and your pet.
Hidden Laundry Hamper System
Maximize space and maintain a clean and organized look with a hidden laundry hamper system. This can involve built-in hampers within the cabinetry or pull-out drawers specifically designed for storing dirty laundry. This discreet solution helps keep the laundry room clutter-free and enhances the overall aesthetic. Choose a system that integrates seamlessly with the existing cabinetry for a cohesive look.
