27 Small Laundry Room Ideas That Maximize Space and Style

Make the most of your space with these clever storage strategies and design tricks.

Regardless of its size, having a laundry room in the house is a luxury. Being able to toss in loads of clothes between work calls or immediately after a messy, muddy game is no doubt a convenience. But if your washer and dryer are squeezed into a small space, it can pose some challenges when it comes to getting the chore done efficiently and keeping supplies organized. With the right organizational tools, however, it’s totally possible to create an effective and tidy laundry room.

Maximize Vertical Space

One of the most effective ways to increase storage in a small space is to use the height of it as much as possible. In this laundry room, not only are the washer and dryer stacked on top of one another, the cabinets reach to the ceiling so that not an inch is wasted.

One-Wall Laundry Room

This small laundry room packs storage and personality into a one-wall solution. Butcher block forms a DIY countertop and open shelves above the front-loading washer and dryer. A narrow rolling unit sneaks extra storage alongside one machine. Penny tiles spell out a fun message on the floor, while sage green paint adds a splash of color to the ceiling.

Organized Laundry Closet

Convert an underused closet into a laundry room that contains everything you need. Side-by-side appliances maximize the width of the space while an elevated countertop means surface storage for daily essentials and a place to tuck away baskets for clean items underneath. An alternative to bulky laundry baskets, woven bins, which slide on top of the washer and dryer, hold stacks of clean clothes ready to put away.

Combine Functionality with Design

Mudroom Laundry Room

If you don’t have space for both a laundry room and a mudroom, combine the most important features of the two and create a multifunctional space. Wherever the proper hookups are available in the house, choose that spot to set up a small laundry room complete with a utility sink. Keep it simple and streamlined by adding a countertop over the machines for folding clean clothes and a floating shelf for supply storage.

Laundry Room Floating Shelves

With the right hookups, you can create a laundry room in any space of the house. Keep it simple by placing plywood over the washer and dryer for folding purposes and hanging a set of floating shelves for supply storage. Don’t forget about including cozy decor items and add a wallpapered accent wall to define the area.

Mobile Laundry Room Storage

A laundry closet can make it difficult to store and grab the supplies you need most often. Consider adding a tiered rolling cart and stock it full of those items so they’re always within hand’s reach. Add a hook to the side so you can attach a small ironing board for quick presses.

Small Laundry Room Storage Ideas

Small Laundry Room Countertops

Front-loading appliances neatly tuck under a set of windows in this small laundry room. A waterfall wood countertop creates space for folding clothes and a landing spot for laundry baskets. Closed cabinet space provides hidden storage for detergents, stain removers, and more.

Hidden Washer and Dryer

A small and oddly shaped room in the house is the perfect place to stash a washer and dryer. Stack them vertically into a tall nook and decorate the rest of the space in a motif so cheerful that you can’t help but smile every time you walk in to complete the chore.

Convert Closets and Hallways

Converted Closet Laundry Room

This small laundry room fits all the essentials inside a standard 6-foot-wide closet. Front-loading machines are topped with a butcher-block countertop and nestled next to a two-drawer hamper. Above, a drying rack and open shelves put the walls to work.

Hidden Laundry Room

Fit a makeshift laundry room into a collection of cabinets, such as those in a kitchen, to hide these hardworking appliances in plain sight. The doors to this laundry area open and slide back into the cabinet so they don’t impede traffic flow.

Laundry Room Design Ideas

Efficient Laundry Room

A wall of floating shelves helps this small laundry room live large. Above the washer and dryer, three deep shelves hold a variety of laundry and cleaning supplies, neatly organized with baskets and bins.

Small Laundry Room Design

A small laundry room is the perfect spot to make a bold statement. Bright green floral wallpaper takes this lower-level laundry area from utilitarian to bright and cheerful. Checkerboard floors and elegant accessories further personalize the space.

Laundry Room Hanging Storage

A bar to hang the clothing you pull from a warm dryer will reduce how much you need to iron. In a small laundry room, a tension rod hung between two shelves provides light duty help with this task.

More Laundry Room Ideas

Laundry Room Command Center

If the laundry room is the busiest hub of your home, consider combining it with the family command center—especially if it’s located in a high-traffic area. A simple blackboard for writing memos and reminders placed on the side of the cabinet lets everyone know important info as they simultaneously toss their dirty clothes into a nearby hamper.

Multipurpose Laundry Spaces

Combine the laundry room with the bathroom to save space. Stacking the washer and dryer saves space, while open shelves keep both toiletries and laundry products within easy reach.

Sunroom Laundry Area

A sliver of space is all that’s needed to create a laundry area in this bright sunroom. Elevated appliances protect the fun flooring, a basic surface and wall-mounted shelves add storage, and uniquely patterned wallpaper plus painted prints give the corner a creative flair that just might make doing laundry an enjoyable experience.

Double Up Appliances

Have endless piles of laundry to do but only a narrow room to work with? Take advantage of a long wall by putting in not one, but two, washers and dryers. You’ll be able to knock out multiple loads in less time and maximize an otherwise awkwardly shaped space.

Additional Storage Ideas

Sneaky Storage Laundry Room

If you’re in the market for a new washer and dryer, many front-loading models are now being designed with storage drawers underneath them. Not only do these heightened machines alleviate strain on your back by reducing bending, they also make use of vertical space.

Use Portable Storage

If a hideaway ironing station isn’t an option, simply lean the board against a narrow bit of blank wall in the laundry room so it’s out of the way but still accessible. Hampers on wheels can be rolled and tucked into tight corners so you have plenty of room to wash, dry, and fold.

Keep it Cohesive

A small laundry room can still look and feel organized even if storage space is limited. Stick with coordinating storage baskets and labels to sort your supplies on shelves and the countertop.

By implementing these small laundry room ideas, you can create an efficient and organized space that makes doing laundry a breeze, no matter how small your room may be.

Laundry Room Essentials:

• Stacking washer and dryer
• Vertical storage
• Floating shelves
• Baskets and bins
• Wall-mounted shelves
• Ironing board
• Countertops
• Portable storage
• Hidden storage

Laundry Room Storage Ideas:

• Use the height of the room
• Install shelves and cabinets
• Invest in a storage cart
• Utilize under-sink storage
• Choose multi-functional appliances
• Label and categorize supplies
• Incorporate a hamper with wheels

Laundry Room Design Tips:

• Keep the space simple and streamlined
• Choose a neutral color palette
• Add decorative elements
• Consider a laundry room sign
• Use wall art to create a focal point
• Incorporate plants or other natural elements

Laundry Room Organization Tips:

• Categorize and label supplies
• Store frequently used items within reach
• Utilize a laundry sorter
• Invest in a laundry drying rack
• Keep the space clean and clutter-free
• Create a routine for laundry day

Consider implementing these tips and ideas to create an efficient, organized, and beautiful small laundry room that will make doing laundry a breeze.What are some ways to maximize vertical space in a small laundry room? Use tall cabinets that reach to the ceiling, stack the washer and dryer on top of each other, and install floating shelves above the appliances.

Can a single wall support a functional small laundry room? Yes, with a countertop atop the machines, open shelves for supplies, and dedicated space for a hamper, a one-wall solution can be both functional and stylish.

How can a converted closet be transformed into a laundry room? Side-by-side appliances, a countertop over the machines, and open shelving for extra storage can transform a closet into a compact laundry room.

What are the benefits of combining a laundry room with a mudroom? It maximizes space and utilizes a mudroom’s convenient location. It can include a countertop for folding, floating shelves, and a utility sink.

How can I use floating shelves for storage in a small laundry room? Floating shelves above the washer and dryer offer additional space for supplies. They can be used with baskets, bins, and decorative items to keep the room tidy and functional.

What makes a laundry room storage cart useful for a small space? A storage cart with tiers can store frequently used items within easy reach, improving accessibility and organization.

Are there space-efficient models of washers and dryers? Yes, front-loading machines can be stacked for vertical storage efficiency. Many newer models come with built-in storage drawers for detergents and supplies.

How can I incorporate hidden storage solutions in my laundry room? Choose front-loading appliances with built-in drawers and consider using cabinets that can hide the washer and dryer.

What design ideas can add charm to a small laundry room? Bright colors, unique wallpaper, and small decorative elements can personalize and liven up a tiny space.

How can walls be used creatively in a small laundry room? Install multiple shelves, a floating mantel for towel drying, or a chalkboard area for family schedules and notes.

What are some tips to make the space feel larger? Use light colors for the walls, maximize vertical space, and incorporate reflective surfaces like mirrors.

How can I make the most of a corner laundry room? Use corner shelving units and install deep drawers and cabinets to make the space feel more spacious.

What kind of layout works best for a very compact laundry room? A vertical layout with stacked appliances, floating shelves above, and a rollable laundry tub for sorting clothes.

How can I add functional accessories to a small laundry room? Install a hanging rod for damp clothes, a pegboard with hooks for cleaning supplies, and a built-in ironing board.