The laundry room, often an overlooked space, is becoming increasingly important as homeowners seek both functionality and aesthetics in every corner of their homes. Hiding the laundry room sink, a utilitarian fixture that can sometimes disrupt the overall design, is a popular trend. This article delves into 25 creative design ideas for concealing your laundry room sink, blending practicality with style while incorporating the latest color palettes, design influences, and trends from both the US and EU.
Conceal with a Curtain
A simple yet effective solution is to hang a curtain in front of the sink area. Choose a fabric that complements your laundry room’s color scheme and style. Linen or cotton in natural tones creates a relaxed, minimalist vibe popular in Scandinavian design, while a bold patterned fabric adds a touch of personality. Consider a rod with decorative finials for an extra touch of elegance. This solution is budget-friendly and allows for easy access to the sink when needed. In the US, farmhouse styles often utilize ticking stripes or floral prints, while in the EU, geometric patterns in muted tones are trending.
Folding Screen Camouflage
Utilize a folding screen to artfully conceal the laundry sink. Opt for a screen with panels featuring textured fabrics, woven materials like rattan, or even reclaimed wood. This adds a layer of visual interest while providing a flexible solution. Earthy tones like terracotta and sage green are trending in both the US and EU, bringing a sense of warmth and tranquility to the space. For a more modern aesthetic, consider a screen with sleek metal frames and frosted glass panels, reflecting the industrial chic trend.
Build a Custom Cabinet
A custom-built cabinet provides a seamless and permanent solution for hiding the laundry room sink. Work with a carpenter or utilize DIY skills to create a cabinet with doors that match your existing cabinetry. Shaker style cabinets painted in a soft grey or navy blue are classic choices that align with the timeless elegance favored in many European homes. Incorporate open shelving above the cabinet for displaying decorative items or storing laundry essentials. In the US, the trend leans towards two-toned cabinets, with a darker shade on the lower cabinets and a lighter shade on the upper, creating a dynamic visual contrast.
Sliding Barn Door Treatment
Embrace the rustic charm of a sliding barn door to conceal the laundry room sink. Reclaimed wood doors add character and warmth, while painted doors offer a more modern farmhouse feel. Black hardware provides a striking contrast against lighter colored doors, a trend popular in both the US and EU. Consider incorporating a frosted glass panel into the door to allow natural light to filter through, brightening the space while maintaining privacy. This solution is particularly well-suited for laundry rooms with limited space, as the sliding door doesn’t require a swing radius.
Pocket Door Integration
If space allows, integrate a pocket door to seamlessly hide the laundry sink. This creates a clean and uncluttered look when the door is closed. Paint the door the same color as the surrounding walls for a cohesive aesthetic. Alternatively, opt for a contrasting color to make a bold statement. Deep jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue are gaining popularity in European interiors, adding a touch of luxury and drama. In the US, softer shades of blue and green, inspired by nature, are trending.
Roll-Down Shade Enclosure
Install a roll-down shade similar to a window treatment. This provides a simple and functional way to conceal the sink when not in use. Choose a bamboo shade for a natural and eco-friendly option, or a vinyl shade for easy cleaning and durability. Neutral tones like beige and grey are timeless choices, while patterned shades can add a pop of personality. This solution is particularly well-suited for smaller laundry rooms where space is at a premium.
Under-Counter Skirt
Add a fabric skirt beneath the countertop to conceal the sink area. This creates a soft and charming look, reminiscent of a vintage farmhouse. Choose a fabric that complements your laundry room’s decor, such as gingham, floral prints, or solid linen. This solution is both affordable and easy to implement, allowing you to quickly update the look of your laundry room. Consider using a washable fabric for practicality.
Hinged Countertop Panel
Create a hinged panel that folds down to cover the sink. This allows for easy access to the sink while providing a clean and concealed look when closed. Use the same material as your countertop for a seamless appearance, or opt for a contrasting material for visual interest. Incorporating a mirrored panel can add a touch of glamour and help to brighten the space, a trend seen in contemporary European design.
Open Shelving with Baskets
Install open shelving above the sink and use baskets to conceal laundry essentials and partially obscure the sink. Woven baskets in natural materials like seagrass or rattan add texture and warmth. Choose baskets in varying sizes and shapes to create visual interest. This solution provides both storage and concealment while maintaining an open and airy feel in the laundry room.
Repurposed Furniture Piece
Repurpose an old dresser or console table to conceal the laundry room sink. Remove the drawers and modify the piece to accommodate the sink and plumbing. This adds a unique and vintage touch to the space. Distressed finishes and painted furniture are popular in both the US and EU, reflecting a love for upcycled and repurposed items. Consider adding decorative hardware to enhance the piece’s character.
Vertical Garden Wall
Create a vertical garden wall in front of the sink area using hanging planters and climbing plants. This brings a touch of nature indoors and provides a unique way to conceal the sink. Choose plants that thrive in humid environments, such as ferns and pothos. This solution adds a biophilic design element to the laundry room, promoting a sense of well-being and connection with nature, a growing trend in both the US and EU. Incorporate a simple irrigation system for easy maintenance.
Built-In Ironing Board Cabinet
Design a custom cabinet that houses both the sink and a fold-down ironing board. This maximizes space and provides a convenient solution for laundry tasks. When the ironing board is not in use, the cabinet doors conceal both the board and the sink, creating a streamlined look. This multifunctional approach is popular in smaller European homes where space optimization is crucial.
Trompe L’oeil Mural
Commission a trompe l’oeil mural that cleverly disguises the sink area. This artistic approach allows you to create a visually stunning focal point while concealing a utilitarian element. Consider a mural that depicts a continuation of the surrounding wall or a whimsical scene that adds personality to the laundry room. This solution allows for limitless creativity and personalization.
Retractable Sink Cover
Install a custom-built retractable cover that slides over the sink when not in use. This provides a sleek and modern solution for concealing the sink. Use materials that complement your countertop, such as wood, stone, or metal. This option offers a seamless integration and maintains a clean aesthetic.
Movable Island with Sink Cover
Design a movable kitchen island with a built-in sink and a custom cover. The island can be positioned to conceal the sink when not in use and moved to provide access when needed. This provides flexibility and functionality while maintaining a stylish look. Incorporate storage drawers and shelves into the island for added practicality.
Matching Tile Backsplash and Sink Skirt
Create a cohesive look by using the same tile for both the backsplash and a custom-made sink skirt. This visually unifies the space and creates a sense of continuity. Choose a tile that complements your laundry room’s color scheme and style. Geometric patterns and subway tiles are popular choices in both the US and EU.
Decorative Screen with Planter Boxes
Build a decorative screen with integrated planter boxes to partially conceal the sink while adding a touch of greenery. Choose plants that thrive in indirect light and humid environments. This solution combines functionality with aesthetics and promotes a sense of well-being.
Suspended Laundry Baskets with Curtain Track
Install a ceiling-mounted track system with suspended laundry baskets that can be moved to conceal the sink. Hang a curtain on the track to further obscure the area. This creative solution maximizes vertical space and adds a unique design element to the laundry room.
Fluted Glass Panel Partition
Create a partition using fluted glass panels to partially conceal the sink while allowing light to pass through. This adds a touch of elegance and maintains an open and airy feel. Fluted glass offers privacy while creating a visually interesting texture, a trend seen in Art Deco inspired interiors.
Mirrored Cabinet Doors with Hidden Sink Compartment
Design a cabinet with mirrored doors that conceal a hidden sink compartment. The mirrored doors reflect light and create an illusion of more space, while the hidden compartment provides a discreet solution for concealing the sink. This glamorous approach is popular in contemporary European design.
