Transforming your laundry room from a drab chore hub to a stylish and functional space doesn’t require breaking the bank. With a little creativity and some thrifted treasures, you can create a laundry room that reflects your personal style and embraces sustainable living. Upcycling is not just about saving money; it’s about giving old items a new lease on life and reducing waste. Explore these 20 thrift store upcycle decor ideas to inspire your laundry room makeover.
Vintage Suitcase Shelving
Repurpose vintage suitcases by stacking them to create unique and charming open shelving. Choose suitcases in various sizes and colors for a visually interesting display. A popular trend in both the US and EU is incorporating vintage travel elements into home decor. Lean towards a warm color palette, using the natural patina of the suitcases as a base. Incorporate brass or copper accents, such as drawer pulls or small decorative objects, to add a touch of warmth and sophistication. Paint the wall behind the shelves a deep teal or navy to create a dramatic backdrop that accentuates the vintage charm of the suitcases. Use the shelves to store laundry essentials, folded towels, or decorative items like plants and framed photos.
Repurposed Ladder Drying Rack
An old wooden ladder can be easily transformed into a stylish drying rack. Sand it down, give it a fresh coat of paint in a cheerful color like sunshine yellow or mint green, and lean it against the wall. This creates a functional and visually appealing alternative to a traditional drying rack. The rustic charm of the ladder complements both modern and farmhouse styles. Consider adding S hooks to hang smaller items. This trend aligns with the growing popularity of minimalist and functional design in both the US and EU, where maximizing space and utilizing natural materials are highly valued. Adding small baskets on the steps for clothespins and laundry supplies enhances functionality while maintaining a tidy appearance.
Mason Jar Storage
Glass mason jars are incredibly versatile and perfect for organizing laundry supplies. Paint the lids in a coordinating color scheme, such as pastel pink and aqua, and use them to store detergent, clothespins, and other small items. Labeling each jar with its contents adds a touch of organization and visual appeal. This aligns with the “cottagecore” aesthetic popular in the US, emphasizing natural materials and a cozy, homemade feel. In the EU, this resonates with the trend of sustainable living and reducing plastic consumption. Consider adding a distressed wooden shelf to display the jars, further enhancing the rustic charm.
Framed Vintage Fabric Scraps
Collect vintage fabric scraps from thrift stores and frame them individually or create a patchwork design. Choose fabrics with interesting patterns and textures in a cohesive color palette. This adds a unique and artistic touch to the laundry room walls. This upcycling project resonates with the growing appreciation for handcrafted items and the resurgence of textile art in both the US and EU. Colors trending in interior design include earthy tones like terracotta and ochre, as well as muted blues and greens. Combining these colors in the fabric selections creates a calming and visually appealing display.
Repurposed Dresser as a Laundry Station
Give an old dresser new life by transforming it into a laundry folding station. Remove the top drawers and replace them with open shelving or wicker baskets. Paint the dresser a bold color like emerald green or a classic navy blue. This creates a functional and stylish centerpiece for the laundry room. The upcycled dresser provides ample storage space for laundry essentials and adds character to the room. This trend aligns with the growing popularity of DIY projects and sustainable furniture solutions in both the US and EU. Adding a butcher block countertop enhances the functionality and provides a durable surface for folding clothes.
Tin Can Organizers
Clean and decorate empty tin cans to create stylish organizers for small items like dryer sheets and stain remover sticks. Paint the cans in bright colors or cover them with decorative paper. This is a simple and budget-friendly way to add a pop of personality to the laundry room. This project resonates with the eco-conscious movement and the trend of repurposing everyday objects in both the US and EU. Consider adding vintage labels or using stencils to create a cohesive and visually appealing design. Hanging the cans on a repurposed wooden board adds a rustic touch and maximizes vertical space.
Old Window Frame as a Memo Board
Repurpose an old window frame by painting it and using the glass panes as a memo board. Write reminders, laundry schedules, or inspirational quotes on the glass with a dry-erase marker. This adds a charming and functional element to the laundry room. This upcycling idea aligns with the trend of incorporating architectural salvage into interior design, prevalent in both the US and EU. Consider painting the frame a distressed white or a bold color like turquoise to complement the overall color scheme of the laundry room. Adding hooks to the frame for hanging keys or small items enhances its functionality.
Wicker Basket Storage
Wicker baskets are a classic and stylish way to store laundry essentials and add texture to the room. Line the baskets with fabric in coordinating colors or patterns for a cohesive look. This trend reflects the ongoing popularity of natural materials and bohemian-inspired design in both the US and EU. Using a variety of basket sizes and shapes adds visual interest. Consider labeling the baskets for easy organization. A neutral color palette with pops of brighter colors in the fabric liners creates a balanced and inviting space.
Repurposed Shutter as a Drying Rack
An old wooden shutter can be transformed into a charming and functional drying rack for delicate items. Paint the shutter a soft pastel color like lavender or pale yellow and add hooks for hanging clothes. This adds a touch of vintage charm and provides a practical solution for air-drying delicate garments. This upcycling idea aligns with the trend of incorporating vintage and rustic elements into modern homes, a style popular in both the US and EU. Leaning the shutter against the wall or mounting it creates a visually appealing focal point. Adding small shelves to the shutter for storing laundry supplies enhances its functionality.
Glass Bottle Soap Dispenser
Repurpose a vintage glass bottle into a stylish soap dispenser. Choose a bottle with an interesting shape and add a pump dispenser. This adds a touch of elegance and reduces plastic waste. This upcycling project aligns with the growing trend of sustainable living and reducing single-use plastics, prevalent in both the US and EU. Consider using a bottle with a vintage label or etching a design onto the glass for a personalized touch. Pairing the dispenser with a matching toothbrush holder and other bathroom accessories creates a cohesive look.
Vintage Sign Art
Look for vintage signs with laundry-related themes or graphics at thrift stores. Frame them and hang them on the walls to add a touch of nostalgia and personality. This is a simple and effective way to create a focal point in the laundry room. Vintage advertising signs are a popular trend in interior design, particularly in the US, where they evoke a sense of Americana and nostalgia. In the EU, vintage signs are appreciated for their graphic design and historical significance. Choosing signs with a cohesive color palette enhances the overall aesthetic of the laundry room.
Repurposed Drawers as Wall Shelves
Remove drawers from an old dresser or cabinet and mount them on the wall to create unique and functional shelves. Paint the drawers in coordinating colors or leave them with their original finish for a rustic look. This is a creative way to add storage and visual interest to the laundry room. This upcycling project aligns with the trend of repurposing furniture and creating unique storage solutions, popular in both the US and EU. Adding decorative knobs or handles to the drawers enhances their visual appeal. Arranging the shelves in a staggered or geometric pattern creates a dynamic display.
Old Door as a Folding Table
An old wooden door can be repurposed into a folding table for the laundry room. Remove the doorknob and hinges, sand down the surface, and paint it in a desired color. Attach folding legs to create a functional and stylish folding table for folding clothes. This upcycling project aligns with the trend of repurposing architectural salvage and creating multifunctional spaces, popular in both the US and EU. Choosing a bold paint color like turquoise or a classic neutral like gray complements a variety of decor styles. Adding a stenciled design or a decoupage technique further enhances the table’s visual appeal.
Wallpaper Scraps for Drawer Liners
Use leftover wallpaper scraps or thrifted wallpaper rolls to line the drawers of a dresser or cabinet used in the laundry room. This adds a pop of pattern and color to the interior of the storage unit and creates a visually appealing surprise when the drawers are opened. This upcycling idea aligns with the trend of maximalism and incorporating bold patterns into interior design, a style gaining popularity in both the US and EU. Choosing wallpaper with floral patterns, geometric designs, or abstract prints adds personality to the laundry room. Coordinating the wallpaper with the overall color scheme of the room creates a cohesive look.
Curtain Rod Towel Rack
Mount a curtain rod above the washing machine or dryer and use it as a stylish towel rack. Choose a decorative curtain rod that complements the overall design of the laundry room. This is a simple and effective way to add extra hanging space for towels or clothing items. This upcycling idea aligns with the trend of maximizing space and utilizing vertical storage solutions, a practical approach popular in both the US and EU. Choosing a curtain rod with a metallic finish like brass or brushed nickel adds a touch of elegance. Hanging decorative hooks on the rod for additional storage enhances its functionality.
