The space under your stairs can easily become a forgotten corner, collecting clutter and dust. However, with a little creativity and planning, this often-overlooked area can transform into a functional and stylish laundry room storage haven. From chic minimalist designs to cozy farmhouse aesthetics, the possibilities are endless. Let’s explore some inspiring ideas to maximize your laundry room’s potential.
Hidden Laundry Hamper
Embrace the minimalist trend with a hidden laundry hamper. Install a custom-built cabinet under the stairs with a pull-out drawer that reveals a spacious hamper. This clever design keeps laundry neatly tucked away while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Choose a cabinet in a neutral color like white or grey to blend seamlessly with your existing décor. Alternatively, add a pop of personality with a bold accent color or natural wood finish for a farmhouse touch. For a truly modern feel, incorporate sleek stainless steel hardware.
Custom Shelving for Laundry Supplies
Maximize vertical space with custom shelving designed to fit perfectly under the stairs. Organize your laundry supplies efficiently by dedicating specific shelves for detergents, stain removers, ironing boards, and more. Opt for open shelving for easy accessibility, or choose closed cabinets for a more streamlined look. Paint the shelves in a complementary color to your laundry room’s walls for a cohesive and calming atmosphere. Popular color combinations include calming blues and greens for a spa-like ambiance, or warm browns and creams for a rustic farmhouse feel.
Hanging Storage for Ironing Board and Accessories
Free up valuable floor space by hanging your ironing board and accessories under the stairs. Install a sturdy metal rail or a custom-built wooden rack to accommodate your ironing board, steamer, and other essential tools. Consider adding hooks or small shelves for extra storage. This approach not only creates a tidy and efficient laundry room but also adds a touch of industrial chic to the space. Choose a metal rail in black or white for a contemporary feel, or opt for a rustic wooden rack for a farmhouse vibe.
Compact Folding Station
Transform the space under your stairs into a compact folding station. Install a sturdy countertop with a pull-out drawer for storing laundry detergent and other essentials. Add a small folding table that can be easily lifted and stored when not in use. For a modern touch, incorporate sleek metal accents and minimalist design elements. Consider using a natural stone or wood countertop for a more organic feel.
Laundry Sink and Storage
Enhance your laundry room functionality by incorporating a compact laundry sink and storage. Choose a small, freestanding sink that fits seamlessly under the stairs and add a cabinet or drawers underneath for storing cleaning supplies and other essentials. Consider adding a countertop above the sink to create a practical workspace for pre-treating stains or folding laundry. For a timeless and classic feel, opt for a porcelain sink with a brushed nickel faucet. For a modern update, explore stainless steel sinks and sleek matte black faucets.
Built-in Storage Bench with Drawers
Maximize both storage and seating with a built-in storage bench under the stairs. This clever design provides ample space for storing laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, and other essentials while also offering a comfortable place to sit while folding laundry. Opt for a bench with drawers or a lift-up lid for easy access to stored items. Consider incorporating soft upholstery and accent pillows for a more inviting feel. Choose colors and patterns that complement your existing laundry room decor. Popular options include natural wood tones for a rustic look, crisp white for a minimalist feel, or bold accent colors to add a touch of personality.
Vertical Laundry Storage Tower
Create a dedicated laundry storage tower by utilizing the vertical space under the stairs. Install a series of shelves or drawers with designated compartments for different laundry essentials, such as detergents, stain removers, fabric softener, and even baskets for clean and dirty clothes. Choose a tower design that fits seamlessly with the existing décor, from sleek modern styles to more traditional farmhouse designs. Consider using different materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, to create visual interest and add a personal touch to your laundry room.
Open Shelving with Baskets
Embrace the open shelving trend with a series of open shelves under the stairs. Organize your laundry supplies by placing them in decorative baskets or bins, creating a visually appealing and functional storage solution. This approach allows you to see everything at a glance and easily grab what you need. Choose baskets in natural materials like rattan or wicker for a farmhouse feel, or opt for sleek metal baskets for a more modern aesthetic. For a cohesive look, select baskets in similar colours or patterns that complement your laundry room décor.
Recessed Laundry Basket
Integrate a laundry basket seamlessly into your laundry room by creating a recessed space under the stairs. This design keeps the basket hidden from view while still providing easy access. Add a pull-out drawer or a sliding door to reveal the basket when needed. Consider using a matching wood panel or paint the recess to blend seamlessly with the surrounding walls. You can choose a woven basket for a natural look or a more modern option made from durable plastic or metal.
Under-stair Closet
Transform the space under the stairs into a dedicated laundry closet. Install doors or curtains to create a closed-off area for storing laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, and other essentials. Add a shelf or two for organizing items and maximizing space. Choose a closet door style that complements your laundry room décor, from traditional wooden doors to modern sliding panels. For a cohesive look, use the same paint colour on the closet door as the surrounding walls.
Laundry Room Cubbies
Create designated cubbies under the stairs for storing laundry essentials. This approach provides a visually appealing and organized solution for storing laundry baskets, detergents, and other supplies. Design the cubbies to fit the specific dimensions of the space and choose the size and shape that best suits your needs. Consider adding dividers or labels to further enhance organization and clarity. Paint the cubbies in a vibrant accent colour or use a contrasting colour to create visual interest and make the space more dynamic.
Laundry Room Workbench
Transform the space under the stairs into a functional workbench for laundry-related tasks. Install a sturdy countertop and add shelves or cabinets underneath for storing supplies. Choose a countertop material that is durable and easy to clean, such as laminate, butcher block, or natural stone. Add a pegboard wall for hanging tools and accessories, or incorporate a fold-down ironing board for convenient ironing. This design provides a dedicated space for sorting laundry, folding clothes, or performing other laundry-related activities.
Laundry Room Mudroom
Combine a laundry room with a mudroom by utilizing the space under the stairs for storing coats, shoes, and other outdoor gear. Install hooks for hanging coats and jackets, and add a shelf or cubbies for shoes, bags, and other accessories. Consider adding a small bench for seating or removing boots. This design creates a practical and organized entryway that keeps clutter at bay while also incorporating a functional laundry space.
Laundry Room Pet Station
Designate a corner under the stairs for a dedicated pet station. Install a shelf for storing pet food, bowls, and other supplies. Consider adding a small drawer for storing leashes, collars, and toys. This approach provides a designated area for managing pet-related items and keeps them organized and accessible. Choose a design that blends seamlessly with the overall laundry room décor, from minimalist modern styles to more rustic farmhouse aesthetics.
Laundry Room Closet with Mirror
Maximize the space under the stairs by creating a closet with a full-length mirror on the door. This design provides additional storage space for laundry essentials while also adding a touch of elegance and making the laundry room feel more spacious. Choose a closet door style that complements the overall laundry room décor, from traditional wooden doors to modern sliding panels. Use a full-length mirror with a sleek frame to create a more polished look.
Laundry Room Reading Nook
Transform the space under the stairs into a cozy reading nook. Add a comfortable chair, a small table, and some soft lighting. This design creates a peaceful retreat for relaxing and enjoying a good book while waiting for laundry to finish. Choose a chair and table that complement the overall laundry room décor. Consider incorporating a small bookshelf for storing favourite books and magazines.