Laundry rooms are often overlooked spaces, but they can be transformed into functional and stylish havens with clever storage solutions. Whether you have a large or small laundry room, the right storage ideas can maximize space, keep everything organized, and even add a touch of personality to the room. From built-in cabinets and shelves to pull-out drawers and hanging organizers, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore 25 design ideas for laundry room storage closets, drawing inspiration from current trends in the US and EU.
Built-in Cabinetry with Open Shelving
This design combines the practicality of closed storage with the visual appeal of open shelves. Consider a light wood finish for a classic and airy feel, or go for a bold color like navy blue or emerald green for a statement-making look. Open shelves can be used to display baskets, decorative items, or even folded laundry, while the cabinets provide ample space for storing cleaning supplies, detergents, and other essentials. This blend of open and closed storage is especially popular in European design, reflecting a focus on functionality and aesthetic balance.
Vertical Storage Solutions
Maximize floor space by utilizing vertical storage solutions. A tall, narrow cabinet with multiple shelves or drawers can accommodate a surprising amount of laundry supplies. Consider using clear containers for a visual inventory of your items and a minimalist aesthetic. In the US, there is a growing trend towards vertical storage solutions, particularly in smaller homes, where space is at a premium.
Rolling Cart for Versatility
A rolling cart is a versatile storage solution that can easily be moved around the laundry room. It’s perfect for holding items you use regularly, like laundry detergent, stain remover, and ironing supplies. Opt for a rolling cart with multiple shelves and drawers for maximum storage capacity. Neutral colors like white, grey, or black blend seamlessly with most laundry room décor, while bold colors like turquoise or red can inject personality into the space. This practical and adaptable storage solution is popular in both the US and EU, reflecting a growing preference for mobile and flexible furniture.
Hanging Organizers
Hanging organizers are an excellent way to store small items, such as dryer sheets, fabric softener, and clothespins. They can be hung on the inside of cabinet doors, on a wall, or even from a ceiling hook. Look for organizers with clear pockets for easy visibility. These organizers are often made from durable materials like canvas or mesh, offering a practical and minimalist approach to storage. In the US and EU, hanging organizers have gained popularity as a convenient and space-saving option, particularly for smaller laundry rooms.
Folding Laundry Station
Create a dedicated folding station within your laundry closet by adding a countertop and a fold-down ironing board. You can also incorporate shelves or drawers for storing folding baskets and other supplies. Opt for a countertop material that is durable and easy to clean, like laminate or butcher block. Incorporating a folding station within the closet transforms it into a multi-functional space, reflecting a trend in both the US and EU towards compact and versatile living solutions.
Pull-out Baskets
Pull-out baskets are a great way to store laundry items in a closet. You can use them to separate whites, colors, and delicates. Choose baskets with a wide variety of colors and patterns to add a personal touch to your laundry closet. Pull-out baskets are often made from materials like wicker or wire, adding a touch of texture and visual interest to the storage space. This style of storage is common in both the US and EU, reflecting a preference for organization and easy accessibility.
Wall-Mounted Baskets
Wall-mounted baskets are a great way to add extra storage space in a small laundry closet. Use them to store laundry detergent, dryer sheets, or other small items. Choose baskets with different sizes and shapes to create a visually interesting arrangement. Wall-mounted baskets are often made from materials like metal, wood, or woven fabric, reflecting a variety of design aesthetics and preferences in both the US and EU.
Open Shelving with Bins
Create a visually appealing and functional storage system with open shelves and decorative bins. Use bins in different sizes and colors to organize laundry items, cleaning supplies, or even small linens. This approach to storage adds a touch of visual interest and a sense of order to the laundry closet. Open shelves are increasingly popular in US and EU homes, reflecting a desire for minimalist and airy interiors.
Curtains for Visual Appeal
Add a touch of elegance and privacy to your laundry closet by incorporating curtains. Choose a fabric that complements the overall design of the laundry room and matches your personal style. Curtains can be used to conceal clutter or to add a decorative touch to an otherwise plain space. This detail is gaining popularity in the US and EU, as people seek ways to create a more inviting and stylish laundry room experience.
Designated Drying Rack Area
Create a dedicated drying rack area within your laundry closet. This can be a simple pull-out rack or a more elaborate system with shelves and a fold-down drying rack. A drying rack area within the closet provides a discreet space for air-drying delicate items or clothes that cannot be machine dried. This practical solution is often incorporated in US and EU laundry room designs, reflecting a growing interest in sustainability and eco-friendly laundry practices.
Built-in Ironing Board
For ultimate convenience, consider a built-in ironing board within your laundry closet. This space-saving feature can be designed to fold away neatly when not in use. The built-in ironing board eliminates the need for additional storage space and provides a dedicated and accessible area for pressing clothes. This feature is increasingly popular in modern laundry room designs in both the US and EU, reflecting a desire for efficient and streamlined spaces.
Under-Stair Storage
If your laundry closet is located near a staircase, take advantage of the under-stair space for storage. You can create custom shelves or drawers that fit perfectly into the space. This maximizes storage potential and eliminates wasted space under the stairs. This design solution is particularly popular in smaller homes or apartments where space is at a premium, reflecting a trend towards maximizing every square inch of living space in the US and EU.
Mirrored Closet Doors
Mirrored closet doors can create the illusion of more space and reflect light into a small laundry closet. This design trick is particularly effective in dark or narrow laundry rooms. Mirrored doors also provide a convenient spot to check your appearance before leaving the laundry room. Mirrored doors are becoming increasingly common in laundry room designs in both the US and EU, adding a touch of elegance and functionality to the space.
Hidden Storage Compartments
Create hidden storage compartments within your laundry closet to conceal bulky items or seasonal supplies. This can be achieved by installing false walls, creating pull-out shelves, or utilizing the space behind a panel. Hidden storage compartments offer a discreet solution for organizing less-used items while maintaining a clean and tidy appearance in the laundry room. This creative approach to storage is often seen in modern laundry room designs in both the US and EU, reflecting a desire for minimalist and functional spaces.
Color-Coded Storage Bins
Implement a color-coding system for your laundry closet using different colored bins. You can assign a color to each type of laundry (e.g., whites, colors, delicates) or use colors to categorize cleaning supplies. Color-coded bins not only improve organization but also add a visual touch to the laundry closet. This practical and visually appealing storage system is gaining popularity in the US and EU, reflecting a trend towards creating a more organized and visually stimulating laundry space.
Utilize the Back of the Door
Maximize the storage potential of your laundry closet by utilizing the back of the door. Install a hanging organizer or a small shelf to hold cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, or other frequently used items. This simple solution provides extra storage space without taking up valuable floor or shelf space. This space-saving technique is popular in both the US and EU, reflecting a preference for efficient and functional storage solutions.
Label Everything
Labeling everything in your laundry closet ensures that everything has its place and can be easily found. Use clear labels with bold fonts for maximum visibility. This simple but effective technique helps to maintain order and organization in the laundry closet. Labeling is a common practice in both the US and EU, reflecting a preference for clarity and efficiency in home organization.
Maximize Vertical Space
Take full advantage of the vertical space in your laundry closet by stacking shelves and utilizing the space above the door. This creates a more efficient use of space and allows you to store more items. Maximizing vertical space is especially important in smaller laundry closets and is a common design strategy in both the US and EU, reflecting a focus on efficient space utilization.
Create a Light and Airy Atmosphere
Enhance the look and feel of your laundry closet by creating a light and airy atmosphere. Use a light paint color on the walls and install a bright light fixture to illuminate the space. Consider adding a window if possible for natural light. This approach creates a more inviting and pleasant experience in the laundry room, reflecting a growing trend in both the US and EU towards creating brighter and more cheerful laundry spaces.
