19 Laundry Room Ideas
The laundry room doesn’t usually get the spotlight in home design—but it should. After all, it’s where the behind-the-scenes magic happens.
From washing muddy jeans to folding fresh linens, this small corner keeps your home running smoothly.
Yet, with a few smart design tweaks, your laundry room can become one of your favorite spaces—efficient, stylish, and surprisingly enjoyable to use.
1. Add Smart Storage Solutions
A cluttered laundry room can make chores feel like an uphill battle. The key to fixing that? Strategic storage. Use vertical space—install shelves or cabinets above your washer and dryer to store detergent, fabric softener, and cleaning supplies.
A simple wire rack or wooden floating shelf can instantly make the area look tidy and more spacious. If you’re tight on budget, even a few plastic bins with labels can work wonders for organization.
According to a Houzz home improvement survey, 78% of homeowners said better storage made their laundry routine easier and more efficient.
Personal tip: I once added a tension rod under a shelf to hang freshly ironed shirts—it doubled my storage capacity without taking up any floor space.
2. Incorporate a Folding Station
If you’ve ever balanced laundry baskets on the dryer to fold clothes, you know the struggle. A dedicated folding surface is a total game-changer.
Install a countertop above front-loading machines or add a fold-out table on the wall. Choose materials like butcher block or laminate—they’re durable and easy to clean. You can even use the counter space to pre-treat stains or sort clothes.
Pro advice: Go for a light-colored surface; it’s easier to spot stains or lint before they transfer to clean clothes.
3. Use a Bold Paint Color
Why not make your laundry room pop with a bold color scheme? Since it’s a smaller space, you can take creative risks here without overwhelming your home.
Deep navy, forest green, or even a cheerful mustard yellow can make the area feel lively. Studies show that color psychology impacts mood, and brighter tones can make repetitive tasks like folding laundry feel less tedious.
If you’re unsure, start small—paint just one accent wall or the cabinet doors. The goal is to create a space that feels both energizing and personal.
4. Add a Hanging Rack
Air-drying clothes is not only energy-efficient but also gentle on fabrics. That’s where a hanging rack comes in. You can mount a wall-mounted drying rack, install a ceiling-mounted rod, or use a foldable drying stand.
A popular trick is using a retractable drying line—you can pull it out when needed and retract it to save space afterward. A Consumer Energy Report noted that households can save up to $100 per year just by air-drying 30% of their laundry.
Personal touch: I added a simple copper pipe between two shelves—it looks industrial-chic and works perfectly for air-drying delicate blouses.
5. Create Hidden Storage for Supplies
Let’s face it—laundry detergent bottles and bleach containers aren’t exactly pretty. Hide them. Use sliding cabinet drawers, basket storage, or a pull-out caddy between machines to keep everything neatly tucked away.
You can even hide the laundry bins behind cabinet doors to keep odors under control. Small-space laundry rooms benefit enormously from this approach—it keeps the area looking calm and clutter-free.
6. Add a Utility Sink
A utility sink is a laundry room hero. From rinsing muddy shoes to hand-washing delicates, it makes everything easier. If you can fit one, do it.
Modern laundry sinks come in stainless steel, porcelain, or even stone resin. If you’re remodeling, try positioning the sink near your washing machine for easy plumbing connections.
Stat: In a 2024 Remodeling Impact Report, 67% of homeowners with a sink in their laundry room reported higher satisfaction with the space overall.
7. Use Matching Containers
Matching jars or canisters for detergents, pods, and clothespins bring a polished aesthetic. Think glass jars, labeled tins, or ceramic canisters.
Besides looking good, it makes the space feel intentional. The repetitive visual rhythm of matching containers adds calmness and order—qualities we all crave on laundry day.
If you want to level up, use clear containers so you can see when it’s time to restock.
8. Add Lighting Layers
Laundry rooms often have harsh overhead lights that make the space feel sterile. Upgrade to layered lighting—combine overhead fixtures, under-cabinet lights, and a small lamp if you have counter space.
LED strip lights under shelves are energy-efficient and create a soft glow that’s perfect for nighttime laundry runs. Research from the U.S. Department of Energy found that LED lighting saves 75% more energy compared to traditional bulbs—good for your eyes and your wallet.
9. Use Open Shelving
If you want to create a visually open feel, skip the cabinet doors and install open shelving. It’s budget-friendly and makes everything easily accessible.
You can style it with baskets, plants, and even art prints to keep it from feeling too utilitarian. Just remember to keep it tidy—open shelving shows everything.
Quick tip: Use woven or fabric bins to hide smaller items like dryer sheets or lint rollers.
10. Install a Pegboard Wall
Pegboards aren’t just for garages—they’re fantastic for laundry rooms. You can hang ironing boards, cleaning brushes, and spray bottles all in one spot.
It’s flexible—you can rearrange hooks and baskets anytime. If you love DIY, paint your pegboard in a fun color to make it blend into your decor.
I installed one above my washer last year—it’s saved me countless trips hunting for lost cleaning tools.
11. Add Decorative Touches
Even though it’s a functional room, your laundry space should reflect your personality. Add a small rug, framed art, or even a plant to give it life.
These small touches make chores feel less like work and more like part of your daily rhythm. Choose moisture-friendly décor since humidity can be high.
A simple piece of wall art saying “Fresh & Clean” can add just enough charm to make the space enjoyable.
12. Combine the Laundry Room with a Mudroom
If you have an entryway space, combining your laundry and mudroom can make sense. It centralizes cleaning, storage, and utility in one zone.
Install hooks for coats, cubbies for shoes, and a bench with storage. This layout works especially well for families or pet owners—dirty clothes and paws never have to cross into clean areas.
Fun fact: In homes under 2,000 sq ft, combining laundry and mudroom areas saves an average of 15% in floor space, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
13. Go Vertical with Stackable Machines
If your space is tiny, stackable washer-dryer units are your best friends. They free up space for storage or a countertop.
Most modern front-load machines are designed to stack seamlessly, and you can buy a stacking kit for safety. You could even fit them into a narrow closet or niche.
Pro insight: Add a pull-out shelf between the two units—it’s the perfect place to rest a laundry basket while loading.
14. Try a Built-In Ironing Board
If you dread setting up the ironing board every time, get a built-in fold-out version. It hides in the wall and flips down when needed.
This small convenience can save time and sanity, especially if you iron frequently. Pair it with a wall-mounted iron holder to keep cords and sprays within reach.
15. Choose Durable Flooring
Laundry rooms deal with moisture, spills, and heavy appliances—so flooring matters. Go for vinyl, tile, or sealed concrete. These materials handle moisture better than hardwood.
Modern vinyl looks just like real wood but costs less and resists damage. According to HomeAdvisor, vinyl flooring can last 15–20 years with minimal maintenance.
Add a washable rug near the machines to catch lint and soften the look.
16. Create a Pet Washing Station
If you have furry friends, consider adding a pet washing zone in your laundry area. A small handheld showerhead and a tiled basin make bath time easier and less messy.
You can integrate it next to your utility sink or under a countertop. It’s practical, saves your bathroom from muddy chaos, and can increase home resale value by appealing to pet owners.
17. Add a Built-In Laundry Hamper
Instead of tripping over overflowing baskets, install pull-out hampers built into cabinets. Separate compartments for whites, colors, and delicates make sorting automatic.
It’s neat, hygienic, and keeps the floor clear. Plus, you’ll save time during every wash cycle.
Personal experience: When I added two pull-out hampers in my remodel, my laundry routine became faster and less stressful. No more scavenger hunts for socks.
18. Use Wallpaper for Personality
Wallpaper can completely transform your laundry room. Modern peel-and-stick versions are moisture-resistant and easy to replace.
Try geometric patterns, botanical prints, or even faux tile designs. It’s an affordable way to create visual interest in an otherwise plain space.
A pop of wallpaper behind open shelves can make the room feel designed, not just functional.
19. Add Smart Tech for Convenience
The future of laundry is smart—and it’s already here. Wi-Fi-enabled washers can send alerts when cycles finish, auto-dispense detergent, and even sync with your phone.
Smart home data from Statista shows that over 43% of new washing machines sold in 2024 had Wi-Fi connectivity.
Adding a smart plug or voice assistant can also help you schedule loads during off-peak hours, saving on electricity costs. Technology might not make folding more fun—but it can make the process smoother.
Conclusion
Designing your laundry room should never be an afterthought. Whether you have a spacious basement setup or a closet-sized nook, a few strategic updates can make it both functional and stylish.
From bold color choices to smart storage solutions, every detail can make laundry less of a chore and more of a satisfying ritual. Think of it like this: if you have to spend time here, it might as well be a place you enjoy.
Small changes—a new light fixture, better shelves, or a fresh coat of paint—can completely shift how you feel about doing laundry.
So next time you load the washer, remember: this little room holds more potential than you think. With the right ideas, it can become one of the most charming corners of your home—proof that even the most mundane tasks deserve a beautiful backdrop.
