Maximizing vertical space in a laundry room is crucial, especially in smaller homes or apartments. The area above the cabinets often gets overlooked, becoming a dust-collecting wasteland. However, with a little creativity, this space can be transformed into a stylish and functional part of your laundry room. Let’s explore 24 design ideas to inspire you to elevate your laundry room decor.
Wicker Basket Storage
Embrace a rustic charm by placing wicker baskets above your laundry room cabinets. Choose varying sizes and shapes for visual interest. Opt for natural wicker for a classic look, or painted wicker in white, gray, or even a bold color to match your laundry room’s color scheme. Baskets can hold extra laundry supplies, cleaning products, or even out-of-season clothing. This adds a touch of warmth and texture to the space, while also providing practical storage solutions. Consider lining the baskets with fabric for a softer touch and to prevent smaller items from falling through the gaps.
Glass Jar Display
Showcase colorful laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other supplies in clear glass jars. This creates a visually appealing and organized display. Choose matching jars for a cohesive look or mix and match different sizes and shapes for a more eclectic vibe. Labels can be added for a professional touch. This trend, popular in both the US and EU, adds a touch of vintage apothecary charm to the laundry room while keeping everyday essentials within easy reach. Consider adding decorative elements like ribbon or twine around the jars for a more personalized touch.
Faux Greenery Garland
Add a touch of nature to your laundry room by draping a faux greenery garland above the cabinets. Eucalyptus, ferns, and ivy are popular choices. This brings a sense of freshness and tranquility to the space, creating a spa-like atmosphere. This trend is seen in both US and EU design. Consider incorporating small fairy lights within the garland for a touch of whimsy and added lighting. You can also choose garlands with integrated flowers for a pop of color, coordinating them with your existing laundry room décor.
Vintage Sign Display
Incorporate vintage laundry-themed signs or framed artwork above your cabinets. Look for pieces with charming typography or retro imagery. This adds a touch of nostalgia and personality to the space. This trend, popular in both US and EU farmhouse style décor, creates a focal point and conversation starter. Consider using reclaimed wood frames to enhance the vintage aesthetic. You can find authentic vintage signs at flea markets or antique shops, or opt for reproductions readily available online and in home décor stores.
Open Shelving Display
Install open shelving above your cabinets to display decorative items, folded towels, or neatly organized laundry supplies. This creates a visually appealing and functional storage solution. Choose shelves in a material that complements your cabinets, such as wood, metal, or glass. Popular in minimalist and Scandinavian design trends, open shelving keeps the space feeling light and airy. Incorporate baskets or decorative boxes on the shelves to contain smaller items and add visual interest.
Ironing Board Storage
Utilize the space above your cabinets to store your ironing board. Install hooks or a specialized ironing board holder to keep it neatly tucked away and easily accessible. This maximizes space and keeps your laundry room organized. Popular in smaller laundry rooms in both the US and EU, this practical solution keeps the ironing board out of sight when not in use. Consider adding a small shelf above the ironing board to store related items like starch or iron cleaner.
Hat Collection Display
If you’re a hat enthusiast, showcase your collection above the cabinets. Use hooks or a hat rack to display your favorite pieces. This adds a unique and personal touch to the laundry room. This trend, gaining popularity in bohemian and eclectic design styles, transforms functional storage into a stylish display. Consider grouping hats by color or style for a more organized and visually appealing arrangement. Ensure the hats are clean and dust-free to maintain a tidy appearance.
Book Collection Display
Create a mini library in your laundry room by displaying books above the cabinets. This adds a touch of intellectual charm and provides reading material while waiting for laundry to finish. This trend is popular in cozy and eclectic homes in both the US and EU. Consider incorporating a small reading nook in your laundry room to fully embrace this concept. Opt for books with colorful covers or interesting spines to create a visually appealing display.
Large Artwork Display
Hang a large piece of artwork above your cabinets to create a focal point in the laundry room. Choose a piece that complements your existing décor and adds a pop of color or personality. Large-scale art is a growing trend in interior design, making a statement in even the most utilitarian spaces. Consider using a gallery wall of smaller prints to create a similar impact. Opt for artwork that is framed or mounted on canvas for a more polished look.
Hanging Planter Display
Bring the outdoors in by hanging planters with trailing plants above your cabinets. Choose plants that thrive in indirect light and humidity, such as pothos, ferns, or spider plants. This adds a touch of greenery and life to the laundry room. Hanging planters are a popular trend in both the US and EU, adding a touch of biophilic design to interior spaces. Consider using macrame hangers for a bohemian touch or sleek metal hangers for a more modern look.
Colorful Wallpaper Backdrop
Add a vibrant backdrop to your above-cabinet decor by applying wallpaper to the wall. Choose a bold pattern or color that complements your laundry room’s theme. Wallpaper is a popular way to add personality and style to any room. This trend is particularly strong in the EU, where bold patterns and colors are embraced in interior design. Consider using removable wallpaper for a less permanent option that allows you to easily update your décor.
Woven Tapestry Display
Hang a woven tapestry above your cabinets to add texture and visual interest to the laundry room. Choose a tapestry with a pattern or design that complements your décor. This bohemian-inspired trend adds a touch of global style to the space. Woven tapestries are popular in both the US and EU, bringing warmth and artistry to interior walls. Consider using a tapestry with tassels or fringe for added texture.
Metal Wire Basket Storage
Utilize metal wire baskets for a modern and industrial look. These baskets offer a visually lightweight storage solution while still providing ample space for laundry essentials. Popular in minimalist and contemporary designs, metal wire baskets allow for visibility of stored items while maintaining a clean and organized appearance. Consider using labels or tags to identify the contents of each basket.
Decorative Ladder Shelf
Lean a decorative ladder shelf against the wall above your cabinets to create a unique and stylish display area. Decorate the shelves with plants, candles, and other decorative items. Ladder shelves are a popular trend in both the US and EU, offering a versatile and space-saving storage solution. Choose a ladder shelf made of wood for a rustic look or metal for a more modern aesthetic.
Framed Family Photos
Personalize your laundry room by displaying framed family photos above the cabinets. Create a gallery wall with various frame sizes and styles for a cohesive look. Family photo displays are a timeless trend that adds warmth and sentimentality to any space. Consider using black and white photos for a classic and elegant look.
String Lights for Ambiance
Add a touch of whimsy and warmth to your laundry room by stringing fairy lights above the cabinets. Choose warm white or colored lights to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. String lights are a popular trend in both the US and EU, adding a touch of magic and ambiance to any space. Consider using battery-operated lights for easy installation and portability.
Floating Shelves with Backlighting
Install floating shelves above your cabinets and add LED strip lighting underneath for a modern and dramatic effect. Display decorative items or plants on the shelves to highlight them. Backlit floating shelves are a popular trend in contemporary design, creating a visually stunning focal point. Consider using different colors of LED lights to change the mood and ambiance of the laundry room.
Dried Flower Arrangement
Create a rustic and charming display by arranging dried flowers in vases or jars above your cabinets. Choose flowers in colors that complement your laundry room décor. Dried flower arrangements are a popular trend in both the US and EU, adding a touch of natural beauty and texture to interior spaces. Consider using a mix of different flower types and textures for a more visually interesting arrangement.
Fabric Scrap Garland
Repurpose fabric scraps into a colorful garland to hang above your cabinets. This adds a unique and personalized touch to the laundry room. Fabric scrap garlands are a popular trend in crafting and DIY décor, offering a sustainable and creative way to decorate. Consider using different patterns and textures of fabric for a more visually interesting garland.
Tin Can Storage
Repurpose vintage tin cans into stylish storage containers for laundry supplies. Paint them in coordinating colors or decorate them with decoupage techniques. Tin can storage is a popular trend in upcycling and vintage-inspired décor, adding a touch of nostalgia and charm to the laundry room. Consider labeling the cans for easy identification of contents.
Wine Crate Shelving
Repurpose wine crates into unique shelving units above your cabinets. Stack them vertically or horizontally to create a custom storage solution. Wine crate shelving is a popular trend in rustic and industrial design, offering a versatile and affordable way to add storage space. Consider sanding and staining the crates for a more finished look.
Mirror Mosaic Backsplash
Create a visually stunning backsplash above your cabinets using a mirror mosaic. This will reflect light and make the laundry room appear larger. Mirror mosaics are a popular trend in glamorous and eclectic design, adding a touch of sparkle and sophistication to any space. Consider using different shapes and sizes of mirrors for a more dynamic look.
