Small apartment living doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality, especially when it comes to the often-overlooked laundry room. Even in the most compact of spaces, clever design choices and innovative solutions can transform a cramped laundry area into a practical and aesthetically pleasing part of your home. From maximizing vertical space with stackable units and floating shelves to incorporating vibrant colors and clever storage solutions, this article explores 23 design ideas to inspire your small apartment laundry room makeover, drawing inspiration from the latest design trends in both the US and EU.
Stackable Washer and Dryer with Open Shelving
Maximize space in your small apartment laundry room by opting for a stackable washer and dryer set. This instantly frees up valuable floor space. Above the units, install open shelving made of reclaimed wood for a rustic touch, or sleek metal for a modern aesthetic. These shelves can be used to store laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other essentials. Incorporate woven baskets for a touch of natural texture and to conceal clutter. A popular color combination in the US for this style is a crisp white with natural wood accents, while in the EU, a bolder approach with dark grey or black shelving against a lighter wall is trending.
Hidden Laundry Nook Behind Sliding Doors
Conceal your laundry area completely by creating a hidden nook behind sliding barn doors. Paint the doors a vibrant color like teal or deep blue, a popular choice in both the US and EU, to add a pop of personality to the space. Inside the nook, opt for compact front-loading machines and utilize wall-mounted drying racks to save space. Consider adding a small countertop for folding and a built-in ironing board for added convenience. Soft, neutral colors like beige or light grey for the interior create a calming and organized atmosphere.
Vertical Laundry Center with Pull-Out Drying Rack
Design a custom vertical laundry center that incorporates a pull-out drying rack. This space-saving solution allows you to dry delicate items without taking up valuable floor space. Use a combination of closed cabinets and open shelving to store laundry supplies and keep the area organized. Incorporate LED strip lighting under the cabinets for a modern and functional touch. Current trends in both the US and EU favor minimalist designs with clean lines and a monochromatic color palette of white, grey, and black.
Wall-Mounted Folding Table and Ironing Board Combo
Optimize space by installing a wall-mounted folding table that doubles as an ironing board. When not in use, the table can be folded flat against the wall, freeing up valuable floor space. Consider a vibrant color for the table, like a sunny yellow or a calming sage green, reflecting current trends in European design. Pair it with white walls and black accents for a modern and chic look. Add a stylish wall-mounted storage unit above for detergents and other essentials.
Under-the-Sink Storage with Baskets and Bins
Maximize the space under your laundry room sink by incorporating baskets and bins for storage. Use clear bins to easily identify contents and wicker baskets for a touch of natural texture. A popular trend in the US is using a combination of metal and wicker baskets for a modern farmhouse look. Consider painting the inside of the cabinet a bright color, like coral or turquoise, to add a pop of personality. This contrasts nicely with the more neutral tones often found in European laundry room designs.
Laundry Room Wallpaper with Bold Prints
Add personality and visual interest to your small laundry room by incorporating bold patterned wallpaper. Choose a tropical print for a vibrant and energetic feel or a geometric pattern for a modern and sophisticated look. Popular choices in the US include large-scale floral prints, while in the EU, abstract and geometric patterns are trending. Balance the bold wallpaper with neutral-colored cabinetry and flooring.
Colorful Cabinets and Contrasting Countertops
Make a statement in your small laundry room by opting for colorful cabinets. Choose a vibrant hue like emerald green or sapphire blue, reflecting current trends in European design. Pair the colorful cabinets with a contrasting countertop material, such as white quartz or butcher block. Add brass hardware for a touch of elegance and warmth, a trend gaining popularity in both the US and EU.
Floating Shelves with Integrated Lighting
Install floating shelves above the washer and dryer to maximize storage space. Incorporate integrated LED lighting underneath the shelves to create a modern and functional ambiance. This lighting also helps illuminate the workspace, making laundry tasks easier. Use a combination of open shelves and closed cabinets to store laundry essentials and conceal clutter. A popular color combination in both the US and EU is white shelves with warm wood-toned cabinets.
Compact Laundry Room with Pocket Door
If space is extremely limited, consider creating a compact laundry room with a pocket door. This space-saving solution allows you to completely conceal the laundry area when not in use. Inside the compact space, opt for a stackable washer and dryer and utilize wall-mounted storage solutions. Choose a bright and cheerful color for the interior, like lemon yellow or mint green, to create a welcoming and functional space.
Gallery Wall Above the Washer and Dryer
Add personality and visual interest to your laundry room by creating a gallery wall above the washer and dryer. Frame family photos, colorful prints, or inspirational quotes. This is a great way to personalize the space and make it feel less utilitarian. Current trends in both the US and EU favor a mix of frame sizes and styles for a curated and eclectic look.
Mirrored Backsplash to Expand the Space Visually
In a small laundry room, every inch counts. Utilize a mirrored backsplash to visually expand the space and create a sense of openness. The reflection of light will also brighten the room. Pair the mirrored backsplash with white cabinets and light-colored countertops for a clean and airy feel. This technique is popular in both US and EU modern minimalist designs.
Industrial Style Laundry Room with Metal Accents
Embrace the industrial trend by incorporating metal accents into your laundry room design. Use metal shelving, exposed pipes, and vintage-inspired lighting fixtures. A popular color palette for this style is a combination of grey, black, and metallic finishes. Incorporate wooden elements to soften the industrial look and add warmth. This style is increasingly popular in urban lofts in both the US and EU.
Bohemian Laundry Room with Woven Baskets and Plants
Create a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere in your laundry room by incorporating woven baskets, macrame wall hangings, and plenty of greenery. Use natural materials like wood, rattan, and jute. A popular color palette for this style is a combination of earthy tones like beige, brown, and green. Add pops of color with patterned textiles and vibrant plants. This style resonates with current trends in both the US and EU emphasizing natural elements and sustainability.
Minimalist Laundry Room with Monochromatic Color Scheme
Embrace the minimalist aesthetic by opting for a monochromatic color scheme in your laundry room. Use shades of white, grey, and black to create a clean and uncluttered look. Incorporate sleek cabinetry, hidden storage solutions, and minimalist hardware. This style is popular in both the US and EU for its timeless appeal and ability to make small spaces feel larger.
Glamorous Laundry Room with Gold Accents
Add a touch of glamour to your laundry room with gold accents. Use gold hardware, lighting fixtures, and decorative accessories. Pair the gold accents with a rich color palette like navy blue, emerald green, or black. Incorporate luxurious materials like marble or velvet for a truly opulent feel. This trend is gaining traction in both US and EU, reflecting a desire for sophisticated and personalized spaces.
Rustic Laundry Room with Reclaimed Wood
Create a warm and inviting laundry room with reclaimed wood accents. Use reclaimed wood for shelving, countertops, or even the flooring. Pair the wood with a neutral color palette like white or beige. Incorporate vintage-inspired lighting fixtures and rustic hardware. This style evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia, reflecting a popular trend in both US and EU interior design.
Coastal Laundry Room with Blue and White Palette
Bring the tranquility of the coast into your laundry room with a blue and white color palette. Use shades of blue for the walls, cabinets, or accents. Pair the blue with crisp white for a fresh and airy feel. Incorporate nautical-themed décor, such as seashells, starfish, or rope accents. This style is especially popular in coastal areas of the US and the Mediterranean region of the EU.
Scandinavian Laundry Room with Light Wood and Pastel Colors
Embrace the Scandinavian design aesthetic with light wood and pastel colors. Use light wood for the cabinetry and flooring. Pair the wood with pastel shades like mint green, light blue, or pale pink. Incorporate minimalist hardware and simple décor. This style emphasizes functionality and simplicity, reflecting a popular trend in both the US and EU.
Modern Farmhouse Laundry Room with Shiplap Walls
Create a modern farmhouse laundry room with shiplap walls. Paint the shiplap white or a light gray. Pair the shiplap with black or dark gray accents. Incorporate rustic elements like wood shelving and vintage-inspired lighting fixtures. This style blends modern and rustic elements, reflecting a popular trend in both the US and EU.
Laundry Room with a Dedicated Pet Washing Station
If you have pets, consider incorporating a dedicated pet washing station into your laundry room design. Install a raised tub or a walk-in shower with a handheld sprayer. Add storage for pet grooming supplies. This is a practical and convenient addition for pet owners, reflecting a growing trend in both the US and EU as pet ownership increases and people seek more convenient ways to care for their animals at home.
Laundry Room with a Built-in Drying Rack Over the Sink
Maximize space by installing a built-in drying rack over the sink. This allows you to dry delicate items without taking up valuable floor space. The rack can be folded up when not in use. This is a clever and space-saving solution that is becoming increasingly popular in small apartments in both the US and EU.
