Creating a functional and stylish laundry room, even in a small space, is achievable with clever storage solutions. Modern design trends emphasize maximizing vertical space, incorporating smart organization, and using a cohesive color palette to create a visually appealing and efficient laundry area. This article explores 20 design ideas for modern small laundry room storage, incorporating current US and EU trends in color, style, and functionality.
Vertical Shelving with Integrated Drying Rack
Maximize vertical space with floor-to-ceiling shelving. Opt for adjustable shelves to accommodate varying laundry needs. Incorporate a pull-down drying rack that seamlessly integrates into the shelving unit when not in use. Popular color combinations include a crisp white shelving unit against a soft sage green wall, reflecting the natural and calming trends seen in both the US and EU. Consider open shelving for a minimalist look or closed cabinets with sleek, handleless doors for a more modern aesthetic. Incorporate wicker baskets for a touch of natural texture and to conceal smaller items.
Hidden Hamper System
Conceal laundry hampers within custom-built cabinets. This sleek solution keeps dirty clothes out of sight and maintains a tidy appearance. Build a pull-out drawer system with separate compartments for whites, colors, and delicates. Darker, moody blues are trending in European laundry room designs, so consider pairing navy blue cabinets with brass hardware for a sophisticated look. In the US, lighter, airy palettes remain popular, so a light gray cabinet with chrome hardware would fit the trend. Add a countertop above the hidden hamper system to create a folding station.
Floating Shelves with Under-Shelf Baskets
Install floating shelves above the washer and dryer to utilize otherwise wasted space. Use woven baskets or metal containers with labels to store detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry essentials. A popular trend in both the US and EU is incorporating natural materials, so consider using bamboo or seagrass baskets. Pair white floating shelves with a warm terracotta wall for a Mediterranean-inspired look. Alternatively, black shelves with a deep green wall create a dramatic and modern feel.
Wall-Mounted Ironing Board Cabinet
Save space by installing a wall-mounted ironing board that folds away neatly into a cabinet. This eliminates the need for a bulky freestanding ironing board. Opt for a cabinet with additional storage shelves for ironing supplies. Consider a bright, sunny yellow cabinet to add a pop of color to the laundry room, reflecting the optimistic color trends in the US. For a more subdued look, a light gray cabinet with a subtle wood grain finish aligns with the minimalist trend popular in Scandinavian design.
Stackable Washer and Dryer with Pedestal Drawers
Optimize space by opting for a stackable washer and dryer set. Utilize the space beneath with pedestal drawers for storing laundry supplies and accessories. White appliances remain a classic choice, but black stainless steel is gaining popularity in both the US and EU for its sleek and modern appearance. Consider painting the wall behind the appliances a vibrant teal or turquoise to create a focal point.
Narrow Rolling Cart for Detergents
Utilize narrow spaces between appliances or cabinets with a slim rolling cart. This provides easily accessible storage for detergents, stain removers, and other cleaning supplies. A metal cart with a chrome finish complements industrial-style laundry rooms, while a wooden cart with a natural finish fits a more rustic aesthetic. Consider painting the cart a bold color, like fuchsia or lime green, to add a playful touch, reflecting the maximalist trend emerging in some US design circles.
Over-the-Door Organizer for Cleaning Supplies
Maximize the back of the laundry room door with an over-the-door organizer. This provides convenient storage for cleaning supplies, brushes, and other small items. Choose a clear organizer to keep items visible or a fabric organizer with pockets for a more concealed storage solution. A neutral beige or gray organizer blends seamlessly with most color schemes.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack with Integrated Shelf
Install a wall-mounted drying rack that folds down when not in use. Choose a design with an integrated shelf above for storing folded laundry or laundry baskets. This combines functionality with space-saving design. A sleek black drying rack with a walnut shelf complements modern minimalist aesthetics popular in European design. A white drying rack with a light oak shelf fits a more traditional or farmhouse style.
Corner Shelving Unit
Utilize corner space with a custom-built or freestanding corner shelving unit. This maximizes often-underutilized areas. Opt for open shelves to display decorative items or closed cabinets to conceal laundry essentials. A dark gray corner unit with integrated lighting adds a touch of drama, reflecting trends in luxury laundry room design. A white corner unit with glass doors creates a bright and airy feel.
Retractable Clothesline
Install a retractable clothesline across the ceiling or between walls. This provides an energy-efficient way to dry delicate items or small loads. Choose a stainless steel clothesline for a modern look or a white clothesline for a more classic aesthetic. Consider painting the ceiling a light blue to mimic the sky and enhance the airiness of the space.
Pegboard Wall Organizer
Install a pegboard wall above the washer and dryer or on a blank wall. Use hooks and baskets to organize laundry tools, cleaning supplies, and even small plants. Paint the pegboard a vibrant color, like coral or emerald green, to create a focal point and incorporate the bold color trends seen in both US and EU design. Alternatively, a natural wood pegboard adds warmth and texture.
Ladder Shelf for Towels and Baskets
Utilize a leaning ladder shelf to store towels, laundry baskets, and decorative items. This adds a touch of rustic charm to the laundry room. A white ladder shelf with wicker baskets complements a farmhouse or coastal style. A black ladder shelf with metal baskets fits a more industrial or modern aesthetic.
Under-Sink Storage with Pull-Out Drawers
Maximize under-sink storage with pull-out drawers instead of traditional cabinet doors. This allows for easier access to cleaning supplies and other items stored in the back. White cabinets with chrome hardware are a classic choice, while dark gray or black cabinets with black hardware create a more dramatic and modern look.
Built-In Laundry Sorter with Countertop
Create a custom built-in laundry sorter with separate compartments for different types of laundry. Incorporate a countertop above for folding and sorting clothes. Quartz countertops are a popular choice for their durability and modern look. Consider pairing a white countertop with navy blue cabinets for a sophisticated and timeless design.
Open Shelving with Decorative Storage Boxes
Install open shelving and use decorative storage boxes to conceal laundry essentials while adding a stylish touch. Choose boxes in various sizes and colors to create visual interest. Wicker, fabric, and metal boxes are popular choices. Consider a monochromatic color scheme with varying shades of gray or blue for a sophisticated and calming atmosphere.
Murphy Door Hiding Laundry Area
Conceal the entire laundry area behind a Murphy door. This is a great solution for small spaces where the laundry room is in a high-traffic area. When closed, the Murphy door can blend seamlessly with the surrounding wall, creating a hidden laundry room. Consider painting the Murphy door a bold color or adding a decorative wallpaper to make it a statement piece when closed.
Magnetic Strip for Laundry Essentials
Install a magnetic strip on the wall to store metal laundry essentials like scissors, measuring spoons, and small tools. This keeps frequently used items within easy reach and frees up drawer space. A stainless steel magnetic strip complements a modern laundry room, while a black magnetic strip adds a touch of industrial style.
