Small laundry rooms can be both functional and stylish, even with a top-load washer and dryer. With clever design ideas, you can maximize storage, create a cohesive aesthetic, and elevate your laundry space from a chore to a haven. From chic minimalist designs to vibrant bohemian styles, there’s a laundry room makeover to fit every taste and budget. This article explores 20 ideas to inspire you.
Vertical Storage with Open Shelving
Maximize space in your small laundry room by embracing vertical storage solutions. Open shelving is a popular trend in both the US and EU, creating a visually airy and minimalist aesthetic. Opt for sleek, metal shelving units in a brushed nickel or black finish for a contemporary look. Combine open shelving with closed cabinets for a balanced approach, keeping frequently used items like laundry detergents and stain removers within reach while tucking away less-used items. For a touch of warmth, consider adding woven baskets or wood accents to the shelves, adding a cozy element to the space.
Compact Laundry Cabinets with Integrated Storage
Compact laundry cabinets offer a streamlined and efficient approach to small laundry room design. Look for cabinets that integrate storage solutions, such as pull-out drawers, shelves, and even a built-in ironing board. Popular choices include cabinets with a white or gray finish, blending seamlessly with most laundry room palettes. A mirrored cabinet door can add a touch of elegance and create the illusion of more space, particularly in small rooms with limited natural light.
Under-the-Sink Storage Solutions
Don’t let the space under your laundry sink go to waste. Utilize this often overlooked area with specialized storage solutions designed for small spaces. Install a pull-out shelf or a tiered storage system to house cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, and even small appliances. This allows for easy access while keeping your laundry room tidy and organized. Choose containers in neutral colors like white, gray, or black to maintain a cohesive and clean look.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
A wall-mounted drying rack is a space-saving solution for delicate items that require air drying. In the US and EU, foldable drying racks with minimalist designs are trending, easily retracting to the wall when not in use. Choose a drying rack in a metallic finish like chrome or brushed nickel for a modern aesthetic or a black finish for a sleek and contemporary vibe. A folding design allows you to utilize the wall space only when needed, maximizing the limited floor area in a small laundry room.
Laundry Basket with Built-in Seat
Combine functionality and comfort with a laundry basket that doubles as a seat. This innovative design is perfect for smaller laundry rooms where seating is limited. Choose a basket with a cushioned top for added comfort and opt for a design that blends with the overall color scheme of the room. For a modern look, consider a sleek metal basket with a black fabric seat. A wooden basket with a natural finish adds a touch of warmth and rustic charm to the space.
Floating Shelves for Towels and Linens
Floating shelves offer a sleek and contemporary way to display towels and linens in your laundry room. This design element adds a touch of visual interest and functionality to small laundry rooms. Choose shelves in a minimalist design, preferably in a light color like white or a natural wood finish to avoid overwhelming the space. To enhance the visual appeal, consider layering different sized shelves and adding decorative elements like a potted plant or a woven basket.
Built-in Ironing Board
Maximize floor space in your small laundry room by incorporating a built-in ironing board. This clever solution keeps your ironing board hidden when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. Opt for a built-in ironing board that integrates seamlessly with your existing cabinetry, creating a cohesive and streamlined look. Choose a finish that complements your existing cabinetry and appliances, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
Accent Wall with Geometric Patterns
Add visual interest to your small laundry room with an accent wall featuring a geometric pattern. This design trend has gained popularity in both the US and EU, adding a touch of sophistication and modern flair to the space. Choose a geometric pattern in a bold color that complements your laundry room’s color scheme. For a minimalist approach, opt for a subtle pattern in neutral colors like gray or black. A geometric pattern on the accent wall creates a focal point and can make the room feel larger.
Statement Lighting Fixtures
A statement lighting fixture can transform the ambiance of your small laundry room, making it feel more inviting and stylish. In the US and EU, pendant lights with geometric designs are gaining popularity, offering a unique and modern touch. Consider a pendant light with a black or brushed nickel finish for a sleek and minimalist look. For a more rustic or industrial aesthetic, opt for a pendant light with exposed bulbs and a metal cage design.
Mirrored Backsplash
Create the illusion of more space in your small laundry room by incorporating a mirrored backsplash. This design trick reflects light, making the space feel larger and brighter. A mirrored backsplash also adds a touch of glamour and elegance to the room. For a modern look, choose a mirrored backsplash with clean lines and a minimalist design. For a more traditional aesthetic, opt for a mirrored backsplash with beveled edges or a decorative pattern.
Color Palette: Coastal Blues and Whites
Embrace the serenity of coastal living by incorporating a color palette of blues and whites in your small laundry room. This color scheme evokes a sense of calm and tranquility, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Use a light shade of blue for the walls and accents of white for cabinetry and trim. Add pops of color with accessories such as baskets, rugs, or towels in shades of teal, aqua, or turquoise. This classic color combination is perfect for creating a bright and airy feel in a small space.
Color Palette: Earthy Greens and Browns
Create a sense of natural harmony in your small laundry room with a color palette of earthy greens and browns. This color combination evokes a sense of tranquility and groundedness, creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Use a soft shade of green for the walls, incorporating brown accents in the form of cabinetry, shelving, or baskets. Add pops of color with accessories such as plants, towels, or rugs in shades of sage, olive, or terracotta.
Color Palette: Warm Grays and Black Accents
For a modern and sophisticated look, embrace a color palette of warm grays and black accents in your small laundry room. This color combination creates a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, making the space feel more polished and refined. Use a light shade of gray for the walls and incorporate black accents in the form of cabinetry, shelves, or hardware. Add pops of color with accessories such as plants, towels, or baskets in shades of charcoal, pewter, or silver.
Minimalist Design with Clean Lines
Embrace a minimalist design aesthetic with clean lines and a clutter-free approach in your small laundry room. This style prioritizes functionality and simplicity, creating a serene and organized atmosphere. Choose furniture and fixtures with simple, geometric shapes and avoid excessive ornamentation. Opt for a light color palette, such as white or gray, to enhance the feeling of spaciousness. A minimalist design approach creates a sense of calm and allows the room to feel larger and less cluttered.
Bohemian Chic with Patterned Textiles
Inject a touch of bohemian chic into your small laundry room by incorporating patterned textiles and vibrant colors. This style embraces eclecticism and individuality, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Use a neutral color palette for the walls, such as white or beige, and incorporate patterned textiles in the form of rugs, curtains, or throws. Choose fabrics with bold prints, such as floral patterns, geometric designs, or ethnic motifs. This style is perfect for expressing your personal style and adding a touch of whimsy to the space.
Industrial Chic with Exposed Brick and Metal Accents
Embrace the raw and edgy appeal of industrial chic in your small laundry room by incorporating exposed brick, metal accents, and vintage elements. This style celebrates the imperfections of industrial spaces, creating a unique and eclectic aesthetic. Leave the brick wall exposed or create a faux brick accent wall. Incorporate metal accents in the form of shelving, lighting fixtures, or hardware. Choose vintage-inspired pieces such as a metal laundry basket or a reclaimed wood countertop to add a touch of character to the space.
