For many, the laundry room is a utilitarian space often overlooked in terms of design. However, even a small laundry room can be transformed into a stylish and functional area with a little creativity. Whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or a bold statement, there are countless design ideas to maximize space and efficiency while reflecting your personal style. This article explores 28 simple small laundry room ideas, incorporating the latest color combinations, design styles, and trends from the US and EU.
Stackable Washer and Dryer with Open Shelving
Maximize space in a small laundry room by opting for a stackable washer and dryer set. This frees up valuable floor space for other essentials. Install open shelving above the units to store detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry supplies. Consider using sleek, white shelving against a soft gray wall for a modern Scandinavian feel. Incorporate woven baskets for a touch of natural texture and to conceal clutter. This combination creates a clean and airy atmosphere, maximizing both functionality and visual appeal. Popular in both the US and EU, this minimalist approach emphasizes clean lines and practicality. You can add a pop of color with vibrant towels or a patterned rug.
Hidden Laundry Nook Behind Sliding Barn Doors
Conceal your laundry area completely by tucking it away behind sliding barn doors. This is a particularly clever solution for small apartments or open-plan living spaces. Choose a rustic barn door style for a farmhouse aesthetic, or opt for sleek, modern doors painted in a bold color to make a statement. The space behind the doors can be customized with built-in shelving, a folding counter, and even a hanging rod for air-drying delicate garments. Current trends in the US lean towards using reclaimed wood for the barn doors, while European styles often favor a more polished, painted finish. Darker colors like navy or deep green are increasingly popular for creating a dramatic contrast against lighter walls.
Vertical Stripes to Enhance Height
Visually expand a small laundry room by incorporating vertical stripes on the walls. This classic design trick draws the eye upward, making the ceiling appear higher. Opt for subtle stripes in neutral tones like beige and white for a calming effect, or choose bolder contrasting colors for a more dramatic look. This technique works well with both traditional and contemporary styles. In the US, there’s a growing trend towards using textured wallpaper with subtle vertical stripes, adding depth and visual interest. European trends lean towards painting stripes directly on the walls, often using matte finishes for a sophisticated look. Pairing this with bright white trim and cabinetry creates a crisp and clean aesthetic.
Bold Wallpaper Feature Wall
Add personality and visual interest to a small laundry room by creating a feature wall with bold wallpaper. Choose a pattern that complements your overall home decor, whether it’s a vibrant floral print, a geometric design, or a textured abstract pattern. Keep the remaining walls and cabinetry in a neutral color to balance the boldness of the wallpaper. Currently, large-scale botanical prints are trending in both the US and EU, bringing a touch of nature indoors. Consider pairing a dark, dramatic wallpaper with brass hardware and fixtures for a touch of luxury.
Under-the-Sink Storage with Pull-Out Drawers
Maximize storage space in a small laundry room by utilizing the area under the sink. Instead of traditional cabinet doors, install pull-out drawers to make accessing cleaning supplies easier. Organize the drawers with baskets and dividers to keep everything neat and tidy. White cabinetry remains a popular choice for its clean and timeless appeal, but darker shades like navy and charcoal gray are gaining popularity in modern laundry room designs. Consider adding under-cabinet lighting to enhance functionality and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
A wall-mounted drying rack is a space-saving solution for air-drying delicate garments. Choose a foldable rack that can be tucked away when not in use. This frees up floor space and provides a dedicated area for drying clothes that can’t be put in the dryer. Consider installing the rack above the washer or dryer to maximize vertical space. Metallic finishes like brushed nickel and black are currently trending, adding a touch of industrial chic to the laundry room. You can also opt for a wooden drying rack for a more natural and rustic feel. This complements the trend of sustainable materials in interior design popular in both US and EU.
Floating Shelves for Laundry Supplies
Install floating shelves above the washer and dryer to store laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other essentials. This maximizes vertical space and keeps countertops clear. Open shelving creates a sense of airiness in a small room. Consider using different sized shelves to create visual interest. Incorporate glass jars or canisters to store laundry supplies, adding a touch of elegance and organization. Trends in both the US and EU lean towards natural wood shelves for a warm and inviting feel, often paired with minimalist black or white brackets.
Built-in Ironing Board
Save space by incorporating a built-in ironing board that folds away when not in use. This eliminates the need for a bulky freestanding ironing board and keeps the laundry room clutter-free. Consider integrating the ironing board into a pull-out drawer or a wall-mounted cabinet. This maximizes functionality and keeps the ironing board hidden when not needed. Sleek, modern designs with hidden storage are increasingly popular, reflecting a desire for streamlined and efficient spaces.
Laundry Room with a View
If possible, position your laundry room near a window to take advantage of natural light and ventilation. A well-lit laundry room feels more spacious and inviting. Consider adding a small potted plant or a vase of fresh flowers to bring a touch of nature indoors. Maximize natural light by using sheer curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter through while maintaining privacy. This trend aligns with the growing emphasis on biophilic design, which seeks to connect indoor spaces with the natural world.
Portable Laundry Cart
A portable laundry cart is a convenient way to transport clothes to and from the laundry room. Choose a cart with multiple compartments for sorting clothes and a sturdy frame that can withstand heavy loads. Consider a cart with wheels that lock for added stability. Metal carts with industrial aesthetics are popular in modern laundry rooms, while wicker or canvas carts offer a softer, more traditional look. Look for carts with built-in features like folding drying racks or ironing board holders for added functionality.
Glass Jars for Detergent and Supplies
Decant laundry detergents and other supplies into clear glass jars or canisters for a stylish and organized look. Label the jars clearly with waterproof labels for easy identification. This eliminates cluttered packaging and creates a more cohesive aesthetic. Apothecary-style jars are a popular choice, adding a touch of vintage charm to the laundry room. Using clear jars also allows you to easily see when supplies are running low.
Utilizing Vertical Space with Pegboards
Pegboards offer a versatile and customizable storage solution for small laundry rooms. Hang baskets, hooks, and shelves to organize cleaning supplies, tools, and even small plants. Paint the pegboard a bold color to create a focal point, or choose a neutral color to blend in with the surrounding walls. Pegboards are a cost-effective way to maximize vertical space and keep frequently used items within easy reach. This trend aligns with the growing popularity of DIY and customizable home decor solutions, particularly in the US.
Monochromatic Color Scheme for a Modern Look
Create a sleek and sophisticated laundry room by using a monochromatic color scheme. Opt for shades of gray, white, or black for a modern and timeless look. Add texture and visual interest by incorporating different materials and finishes, such as matte black tiles, whitewashed wood, and brushed metal accents. Monochromatic designs create a sense of calm and order, making the laundry room feel more spacious and sophisticated. This minimalist approach is popular in both the US and EU.
Patterned Tile Floor for Visual Interest
Add a pop of personality to your laundry room with a patterned tile floor. Choose a durable and water-resistant tile that can withstand heavy traffic and spills. Geometric patterns, such as hexagons or Moroccan tiles, are currently trending. Consider using a bold patterned tile as a focal point and keeping the walls and cabinetry neutral to balance the design. This allows you to add personality without overwhelming the small space.
Adding a Touch of Greenery with Plants
Bring life and vibrancy to your laundry room by adding plants. Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive in humid environments, such as snake plants, ZZ plants, or spider plants. Plants not only add visual appeal but also help to purify the air. Place plants on shelves, windowsills, or even hang them from the ceiling to maximize space. Incorporating greenery into interior design is a popular trend in both the US and EU, reflecting a growing desire to connect with nature.
Built-in Hampers for Concealed Storage
Integrate built-in hampers into your laundry room cabinetry to conceal dirty laundry and keep the space tidy. Opt for tilt-out hampers or pull-out drawers for easy access. Built-in hampers can be customized to fit your specific needs and seamlessly integrate with your laundry room design. This creates a streamlined and organized look, maximizing functionality and minimizing visual clutter.
Folding Counter for Efficiency
Incorporate a folding counter into your laundry room design to provide a dedicated space for folding and sorting clothes. A countertop can be installed above the washer and dryer or along a blank wall. Consider adding drawers or cabinets beneath the counter for additional storage. This creates a dedicated workspace within the laundry room, enhancing efficiency and organization. Quartz or granite countertops are popular choices for their durability and resistance to stains.
Bright and Airy with White and Pastel Accents
Create a bright and airy laundry room by using a predominantly white color palette with pastel accents. White walls and cabinetry reflect light, making the space feel larger and more inviting. Incorporate pastel colors through accessories, such as towels, rugs, and storage containers. Mint green, pale blue, and lavender are popular pastel shades that create a calming and refreshing atmosphere. This style is particularly popular in Scandinavian and minimalist design trends.
Industrial Style with Metal Accents
Embrace the industrial trend by incorporating metal accents into your laundry room design. Use metal shelving, lighting fixtures, and hardware to create a raw and edgy look. Pair metal accents with exposed brick or concrete walls for a more authentic industrial feel. Black metal finishes are particularly popular, adding a touch of sophistication and drama to the space. This style is prevalent in urban lofts and modern apartments in both the US and EU.
Rustic Charm with Reclaimed Wood
Add warmth and character to your laundry room with reclaimed wood. Use reclaimed wood for open shelving, countertops, or even a feature wall. The natural texture and imperfections of reclaimed wood create a unique and rustic aesthetic. Pair reclaimed wood with vintage-inspired accessories and lighting fixtures to enhance the charm. This style aligns with the growing popularity of sustainable and eco-friendly design choices.
Glamorous Laundry Room with Gold Accents
Elevate your laundry room with glamorous gold accents. Incorporate gold hardware, lighting fixtures, and mirrors to create a luxurious and sophisticated space. Pair gold accents with dark colors like navy or black for a dramatic effect, or use them with lighter colors like white or gray for a more subtle touch. Gold accents add warmth and elegance to the laundry room, transforming it into a stylish and inviting space. This trend reflects a growing interest in incorporating luxurious details into everyday spaces.
Maximize Natural Light with a Skylight
If your laundry room lacks natural light, consider installing a skylight to brighten up the space. A skylight floods the room with natural light, making it feel larger and more inviting. Skylights can also help to reduce energy costs by minimizing the need for artificial lighting. This is a particularly effective solution for laundry rooms located in basements or interior spaces with limited access to windows. Skylights are becoming increasingly popular in both residential and commercial spaces, as homeowners and designers recognize the benefits of natural light for well-being and energy efficiency.
