Small laundry rooms can be a design challenge, but they also offer a unique opportunity to maximize space and create a functional and stylish environment. With a bit of creativity and clever storage solutions, even the tiniest laundry room can be transformed into a haven of organization. Here are 19 design ideas to inspire you:
Vertical Storage
Vertical storage is key to maximizing space in a small laundry room. Think tall cabinets, shelves, and even laundry baskets stacked on top of each other. In the US, the trend towards sleek, modern storage solutions is strong, with minimalist white cabinets and open shelving in popular demand. European design often leans towards a more rustic aesthetic, incorporating natural wood and metal accents in a compact, functional way. A key color combination for a modern, spacious feel is white and grey, while incorporating natural wood and a touch of black creates a stylish, industrial vibe. Adding a vertical, sliding door system, like a barn door, is another trending idea for adding a rustic touch while maximizing space.
Wall-Mounted Ironing Board
A wall-mounted ironing board is a space-saving solution that allows you to quickly and easily set up your ironing station without taking up valuable floor space. Opt for a board with a sleek, minimalist design in white or silver to blend seamlessly with modern and contemporary décor. In Europe, folding ironing boards that are integrated into a cabinet or wall unit are becoming increasingly popular, offering both function and visual appeal.
Over-the-Door Storage
Over-the-door organizers are a fantastic way to maximize vertical space in a small laundry room. Choose an organizer with multiple compartments and hooks to store cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, ironing accessories, and even small linens. Opt for a design that blends seamlessly with your existing laundry room style. For a modern aesthetic, choose a minimalist, all-white organizer with clear compartments. For a more rustic or farmhouse look, consider a natural wood organizer with metal accents. The use of baskets and containers within the organizer is trending, adding a touch of texture and visual interest.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves offer a minimalist and modern way to add storage space in a small laundry room. They are perfect for displaying baskets, folded towels, or even small plants. Opt for shelves with a clean, geometric design in white or black to complement modern or contemporary decor. In Europe, the use of rustic wood floating shelves, often stained with natural wood tones, is popular, adding a touch of warmth and character to the space.
Laundry Hamper with Storage
A laundry hamper with built-in storage can be a real game-changer in a small laundry room. This type of hamper often includes drawers or shelves below the hamper, allowing you to store cleaning supplies, ironing accessories, or even extra laundry baskets. Choose a hamper with a neutral color and design to blend seamlessly with your laundry room decor. Popular choices include white hampers with sleek, minimalist designs, or natural wood hampers with a rustic aesthetic. For a bolder look, consider a hamper with a geometric design in a contrasting color, like black or navy blue.
Utilize Wall Space
Maximize wall space in a small laundry room by installing shelves, hooks, or pegboards. Shelves can be used to store detergents, cleaning supplies, and other essentials. Hooks are perfect for hanging towels, robes, or even laundry baskets. Pegboards are a versatile storage solution that can be used to store everything from tools and cleaning supplies to decorative items.
Multi-Functional Furniture
In a small laundry room, every piece of furniture needs to pull double duty. Consider a folding table that can be used for ironing or folding laundry, a cabinet with built-in storage space for cleaning supplies, or a laundry hamper with a built-in folding surface. Multi-functional furniture helps to maximize space and create a streamlined environment.
Under-Sink Storage
The space under the sink is often overlooked but can be a goldmine of storage. Install drawers, pull-out shelves, or a tiered storage system to utilize this valuable space. Opt for drawers with clear fronts to easily see what’s stored inside. In European design, utilizing a multi-tiered system with baskets and containers is popular, maximizing vertical space and adding a touch of rustic charm.
Maximize Corner Space
Corners are often overlooked but can be transformed into valuable storage space. Install corner shelves or a corner cabinet to store cleaning supplies, towels, or laundry baskets. A trending design idea for corners is the use of a corner shelf unit with a combination of open shelves and drawers, providing a visually appealing and functional storage solution.
Built-in Storage Solutions
If you are renovating or building a new home, consider incorporating built-in storage solutions in your laundry room. Built-in cabinets, shelves, and even a laundry chute can help to maximize space and create a streamlined design. Built-in storage solutions are often tailored to the specific needs of the space, ensuring a perfect fit. Modern designs often favor clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, while European trends embrace a mix of natural wood and sleek, functional storage elements.
Foldable Laundry Cart
A foldable laundry cart is a space-saving solution that can be tucked away when not in use. These carts can be used to transport laundry, store cleaning supplies, or even as a makeshift ironing station. Foldable carts with a simple, minimalist design in white or grey are popular in the US, while in Europe, foldable carts with natural wood accents or a slightly more industrial look are trending.
Clear Storage Containers
Clear storage containers are a great way to add a touch of organization and visibility to your laundry room. Label these containers with contents for easy access. Choose containers with a sleek, minimalist design in clear acrylic or frosted glass for a modern look. For a more rustic aesthetic, consider containers with natural wood or metal accents. Transparent containers are popular for their ability to allow easy visibility of contents, while the inclusion of labels adds a functional touch to organization.
Closed Cabinets
Closed cabinets are a great way to hide clutter and create a more streamlined look in your laundry room. Choose cabinets with a sleek, modern design in white or grey for a contemporary aesthetic. If you prefer a more rustic look, opt for cabinets with natural wood accents and distressed finishes. The use of closed cabinets is particularly beneficial for hiding laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, and other items that can make the room appear cluttered.
Utilize the Back of the Door
The back of the laundry room door is often overlooked but can be a great place to hang a small organizer or install a few hooks. Use this space to store small items like cleaning cloths, dryer sheets, or even a small ironing board. In Europe, the use of a narrow, vertical storage unit with multiple shelves and drawers mounted to the back of the door is popular, maximizing space and offering a visually appealing storage solution.
Create a Focal Point
Adding a focal point to your laundry room can help to draw the eye away from any perceived clutter and create a more visually appealing space. This could be anything from a large piece of artwork or a decorative mirror to a small plant or a stylish laundry hamper. Popular focal points in laundry rooms include a statement wallpaper, a vintage rug, or a decorative mirror.
Add Lighting
Good lighting can make a small laundry room feel more spacious and inviting. Install overhead lighting as well as task lighting in areas where you will be doing laundry or ironing. Use LED bulbs for energy efficiency and long lifespan. The use of recessed lighting is trending in the US, offering a sleek, minimalist look. In Europe, the use of natural light, through large windows or skylights, is prioritized, followed by the use of warm, ambient lighting, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
