22 Best Laundry Room Ideas: Stunning Designs to Maximize Space
When it comes to home design, the laundry room is often overlooked, dismissed as a space to toss in piles of clothes and forget about. But here’s the secret: your laundry room doesn’t have to be a drab, neglected corner.
With the right design and a little creativity, this utilitarian space can be transformed into a functional and stylish area that elevates your home’s overall aesthetic.
In fact, a well-planned laundry room can be a game-changer—one that maximizes your space, adds value to your home, and makes laundry day a bit less of a chore.
1. Maximize Vertical Space
If your laundry room is on the smaller side, one of the most effective ways to make the most of your space is by maximizing vertical storage. Think tall cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling, floating shelves, and hooks for easy access to items like detergents, cleaning products, or even extra towels. By going up instead of out, you’ll keep the floor area open and airy while still having ample storage for all your laundry essentials.
Tip: Install a folding countertop above your washer and dryer. It’s a great way to make use of the space and create a designated folding area that won’t take up valuable floor space.
2. Add a Touch of Luxury with a Chandelier
Who says a laundry room can’t be chic? Add a chandelier or pendant light to give your space an unexpected touch of elegance. A beautiful light fixture can create a sense of luxury and transform your laundry area from mundane to magnificent. Choose a design that complements your overall home style—whether it’s modern, farmhouse, or traditional.
Tip: Go for a chandelier with adjustable lighting. You can brighten up your space when you need it or dim it for a relaxing ambiance as you work.
3. Create a Mudroom-Laundry Combo
If you have limited space but still want both a mudroom and a laundry room, why not combine the two? A mudroom-laundry combo is a perfect solution for busy families. Install hooks for coats and bags, a bench for sitting down to remove shoes, and a laundry station for sorting and washing clothes. It’s a practical and time-saving setup that keeps everything organized in one area.
Tip: Add cubbies or baskets for shoes, hats, and other items to keep everything neat and easily accessible.
4. Utilize Bold Colors
Just because a space is functional doesn’t mean it has to be dull. Bold colors can instantly bring life to your laundry room. Try a deep navy blue or forest green for cabinets or walls, or go for a bright accent wall to energize the room. Whether it’s a playful shade of yellow or a calming lavender, color has the power to transform a space from drab to fab.
Tip: If you’re hesitant about going too bold, start with small accents like colorful baskets or a patterned rug to introduce a pop of color.
5. Add Open Shelving for Easy Access
Open shelving has become a go-to design element in modern homes, and it works wonders in a laundry room. It keeps your items visible and easily accessible, from detergent to dryer sheets. For a more organized look, use matching containers or baskets to keep your supplies neat and tidy.
Tip: Label your baskets or jars for a more organized and streamlined look. This small touch will save you time when you need to grab something quickly.
6. Install a Drop-Down Ironing Board
An ironing board can take up a lot of space, but installing a drop-down ironing board is a clever solution. These space-saving boards can be mounted on the wall or inside a cabinet, offering a convenient, fold-away option when not in use. Whether you need to press a shirt or a pair of pants, this option makes ironing a breeze.
Tip: Consider adding a wall-mounted drying rack next to the ironing board for even more laundry versatility.
7. Go for a Farmhouse Feel
Farmhouse style isn’t just for living rooms and kitchens—it can work wonders in the laundry room too. Think shiplap walls, a rustic wooden countertop, and a vintage sink. Combine these elements with soft, neutral colors to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to make the laundry room feel like an extension of your home’s overall vibe.
Tip: Incorporate woven baskets or textile elements like a striped rug to complete the farmhouse feel.
8. Opt for a Stackable Washer and Dryer
Stackable washers and dryers are a lifesaver in compact spaces. They allow you to fit your laundry appliances in a smaller footprint while still offering the same functionality as a side-by-side setup. These space-saving units can be installed in tight laundry closets or even corners of a room to keep the area open and functional.
Tip: Consider adding a pull-out drying rack below the stackable units to further optimize space and drying options.
9. Install a Sink for Hand-Washing
A sink in the laundry room isn’t just for washing your hands—it’s also perfect for hand-washing delicate clothing, soaking stained items, or cleaning dirty shoes. Install a deep, wide sink that fits comfortably into the space without crowding the room. Add a stylish faucet with a spray nozzle for added convenience.
Tip: Keep a stash of gentle laundry detergent or stain remover near the sink for those times when you need to treat a stubborn stain.
10. Use Floating Cabinets for a Sleek Look
Floating cabinets are a great way to achieve a sleek, modern look in your laundry room. They help open up the floor space, making the room feel larger and airier. Plus, they offer hidden storage for items you don’t want on display, like detergents or cleaning supplies.
Tip: Add lighting underneath the floating cabinets to create a subtle glow in your laundry room, making the space feel even more inviting.
11. Create a Folding Station
One of the most tedious tasks in the laundry room is folding clothes. To make it easier, create a dedicated folding station in your laundry room. Install a long countertop or a large island where you can spread out clothes, fold them neatly, and even sort them by person or type.
Tip: Use drawer organizers or dividers within your folding station to keep items like socks or towels neatly folded and easy to grab.
12. Incorporate a Laundry Chute
If your laundry room is conveniently located near the bedrooms, consider installing a laundry chute. This simple addition can save you the effort of carrying laundry baskets up and down stairs. Simply drop your clothes through the chute, and they’ll land directly in the laundry room, ready for washing.
Tip: Make sure the chute is designed with safety in mind, especially if you have small children or pets.
13. Add a Stylish Backsplash
Why not take your laundry room’s design a step further by incorporating a stylish backsplash? Whether you opt for subway tiles, mosaic, or vintage-inspired patterns, a backsplash adds visual interest and personality to the room. It’s an unexpected design element that elevates the space without overwhelming it.
Tip: Choose a water-resistant backsplash material that’s easy to clean and maintain, like ceramic or glass.
14. Choose a Multi-Functional Washer/Dryer Combo
If your laundry room is especially tight, a multi-functional washer/dryer combo might be the perfect solution. These all-in-one units combine the washing and drying functions into a single appliance, saving you space and offering convenience. This is especially ideal for apartments or small homes where square footage is limited.
Tip: Look for a unit with a self-cleaning feature to keep things low-maintenance.
15. Add a Pop of Pattern with a Rug
If you want to introduce a touch of personality into your laundry room without committing to bold wall colors, a patterned rug is the way to go. Whether it’s a geometric design, floral print, or a textured weave, a rug can warm up the space and make it feel more inviting.
Tip: Choose a washable rug that can withstand the foot traffic and occasional spills.
16. Incorporate Greenery for Freshness
Plants have the power to breathe life into any space, and the laundry room is no exception. Adding indoor plants like snake plants or spider plants can not only make your room feel more vibrant but also improve indoor air quality. Choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions, as laundry rooms often don’t get a lot of natural sunlight.
Tip: Use hanging planters or wall-mounted pots to save counter space while adding greenery.
17. Create a Pet-Friendly Laundry Area
If you’re a pet owner, you know that laundry often includes more than just clothes. Why not create a pet-friendly laundry space? Add a designated corner for washing pet bedding, cleaning their paws, or storing pet grooming supplies. You can even add a small pet shower or tub if you frequently need to clean your furry friend.
Tip: Keep extra towels and pet-safe cleaning supplies in this area for quick access.
18. Go Minimalist for a Clean Look
If you prefer a clean, uncluttered look, consider opting for a minimalist laundry room design. Choose sleek, modern appliances, simple cabinetry, and neutral colors to create a calming atmosphere. The key is to keep the space free of unnecessary items, focusing on functionality and clean lines.
Tip: Keep storage behind closed doors to maintain a tidy, minimalist aesthetic.
19. Install a Pegboard for Organization
A pegboard is a fantastic way to keep your laundry room organized and visually appealing. Use it to hang tools, baskets, or even decorative elements. It’s an easy way to keep everything off the counter and within reach when you need it.
Tip: Customize your pegboard with hooks and shelves to fit your specific needs.
20. Incorporate Hidden Storage
For a truly tidy laundry room, consider incorporating hidden storage. This can be done with concealed cabinets or pull-out drawers that hide away your laundry supplies. Hidden storage helps create a more streamlined, organized look while still keeping everything you need close at hand.
Tip: Use drawer organizers inside these hidden spaces to keep smaller items like dryer sheets or clothespins neatly tucked away.
21. Use a Combination of Open and Closed Storage
A balanced combination of open and closed storage works wonders in a laundry room. Use open shelving for frequently used items like detergent and fabric softener, while keeping bulkier or less frequently used items behind closed doors. This approach combines accessibility with a neat, organized look.
Tip: Consider using barn doors or sliding doors for your closed storage to add a touch of charm.
22. Embrace the Unexpected with a Bold Design Statement
Finally, don’t be afraid to embrace the unexpected. Whether it’s a quirky wallpaper, a bold light fixture, or a vintage laundry cart, taking risks can lead to a space that feels uniquely yours. A laundry room is often a hidden gem in your home—a space where you can experiment with bold choices without worrying too much about trends.
Tip: Add a fun statement piece—like a colorful rug or a vintage sign—to inject personality into the space.
Conclusion
Transforming your laundry room into a functional, stylish space is more than possible—it’s a chance to showcase your personality and creativity.
Whether you’re working with limited space or a spacious room, there are countless ways to maximize space, enhance style, and keep the area practical.
By implementing some of these 22 laundry room ideas, you can create a space that’s not only efficient for laundry but also enjoyable to be in.
