Maximizing space in a small laundry room with a window can be a fun challenge! By incorporating clever storage solutions and embracing design trends, you can transform this often-overlooked space into a functional and stylish area. This article presents 25 design ideas to inspire you to create a laundry room that is both beautiful and practical, taking advantage of natural light and optimizing every inch.
Floating Shelves with Woven Baskets
Embrace a rustic farmhouse aesthetic by installing floating shelves above the washer and dryer. Opt for natural wood tones like light oak or reclaimed wood for the shelves. Use woven baskets in varying sizes to store laundry supplies, keeping everything organized and concealed. Consider a neutral color palette of white, beige, and gray for the walls and incorporate pops of color with greenery and hand towels. This style is trending in both the US and EU, emphasizing natural materials and a clutter-free environment.
Vertical Laundry Hamper
Optimize vertical space with a tall, narrow laundry hamper that fits snugly between the washing machine and the wall or window. Choose a hamper with a sleek, modern design in a material like bamboo or metal. This maximizes floor space and adds a touch of contemporary elegance. For a cohesive look, paint the hamper the same color as the trim or use a contrasting color for a bold statement. Darker colors like navy blue or charcoal gray are becoming increasingly popular in European laundry room designs.
Windowsill Herb Garden
Take advantage of the natural light by creating a small herb garden on the windowsill. This adds a touch of life and freshness to the laundry room. Use small terracotta pots or sleek white ceramic planters. Growing herbs like lavender, rosemary, or mint not only adds visual appeal but also provides a pleasant aroma that can counteract laundry odors. This trend reflects a growing interest in incorporating natural elements and sustainable practices into home design.
Pull-Out Drying Rack
Install a retractable drying rack that can be pulled out when needed and tucked away when not in use. This is a space-saving solution for drying delicate items that can’t go in the dryer. Opt for a stainless steel rack for durability and a modern look. Consider incorporating a bold color like emerald green or sapphire blue for the walls to create a dramatic contrast with the stainless steel. These jewel tones are currently very popular in both the US and EU.
Under-Sink Storage with Curtains
Conceal under-sink plumbing and storage with stylish curtains. Choose a fabric that complements the overall design of the laundry room, such as a linen or cotton blend. This creates a softer, more inviting atmosphere compared to traditional cabinet doors. Floral patterns are making a comeback in interior design, and a delicate floral print curtain can add a touch of vintage charm to the laundry room. Pair this with pastel wall colors like blush pink or mint green for a romantic and whimsical feel.
Wall-Mounted Ironing Board
Save space by mounting a fold-down ironing board on the wall. This keeps the ironing board readily accessible without taking up valuable floor space. Choose a board with a sleek, modern design that complements the overall aesthetic of the laundry room. Consider a bright and cheerful color palette of yellow and white to create a sunny and inviting space. This color combination is popular in Scandinavian design, known for its emphasis on simplicity and functionality.
Pegboard Organizer
Install a pegboard above the washer and dryer to create a versatile storage solution. Use hooks and baskets to organize laundry supplies, cleaning tools, and even small plants. Paint the pegboard a vibrant color like coral or turquoise to add a pop of personality to the room. This is a cost-effective and customizable solution that allows you to easily adapt the storage to your changing needs. This DIY approach is popular amongst younger homeowners in urban areas.
Slim Rolling Cart
Utilize a narrow rolling cart to store laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other essentials. This provides extra storage that can be easily moved around as needed. Choose a cart with multiple shelves and a sturdy frame. Metal carts with a powder-coated finish in black or white are popular choices. This industrial-chic style is a growing trend in both residential and commercial spaces.
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer for Cleaning Supplies
Repurpose an over-the-door shoe organizer to store cleaning supplies, such as spray bottles, sponges, and brushes. This maximizes vertical space and keeps everything neatly organized. Choose a clear plastic organizer to easily see the contents or a fabric organizer in a fun print to add a touch of personality. This simple and affordable solution is a great way to declutter the laundry room.
Built-in Cabinets with Glass Doors
If you have the budget for a more extensive renovation, consider installing built-in cabinets with glass doors. This provides ample storage space while also showcasing decorative items or neatly folded towels. Choose a classic white or a bold navy blue for the cabinets. Glass doors allow you to display items without creating a cluttered look. This elegant solution adds value to the home and provides a sophisticated aesthetic.
Ladder Shelf for Towels and Baskets
A leaning ladder shelf is a stylish and functional way to store towels, laundry baskets, and decorative items. Choose a wooden ladder shelf for a rustic look or a metal one for a more modern feel. This open shelving unit adds visual interest and provides easy access to frequently used items. This trend is popular in bohemian and eclectic design styles.
Corner Shelving Unit
Maximize corner space with a compact shelving unit. This is a great way to utilize an often-overlooked area. Choose a shelving unit with adjustable shelves to accommodate items of different sizes. White or light gray shelving units help to brighten the space and create a sense of airiness. This is particularly beneficial in small laundry rooms.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack Above the Window
Install a wall-mounted drying rack above the window to take advantage of the natural airflow and sunlight. This is an energy-efficient way to dry clothes. Choose a wooden or metal rack that complements the window frame. This maximizes space and adds a functional element to the window area.
Folding Countertop Extension
Install a folding countertop extension that can be pulled out when needed and folded away when not in use. This provides a dedicated space for folding laundry. Choose a countertop material that matches the existing countertops in the laundry room for a cohesive look. This is a practical solution for small laundry rooms where space is limited.
Magnetic Strips for Metal Tools
Attach magnetic strips to the wall to store metal tools, such as scissors, measuring spoons, and other laundry essentials. This keeps them within easy reach and prevents them from getting lost in drawers. This simple and inexpensive solution is incredibly practical and visually appealing in a minimalist design scheme.
Clear Storage Containers for Detergents
Decant laundry detergents and other cleaning supplies into clear storage containers with labels. This creates a uniformed and organized look. Choose containers that are stackable to maximize space. This allows you to easily see how much detergent you have left and creates a more visually appealing storage solution.
Hanging Rod for Clothes
Install a hanging rod below the window to hang freshly laundered clothes or items that need to air dry. This is a practical and space-saving solution. Choose a rod that matches the existing hardware in the laundry room. Consider adding a shelf above the rod for additional storage space.
Wire Baskets on Rails
Install wire baskets on rails to create a customizable storage system. This allows you to adjust the baskets to fit your specific needs and easily move them around. The open design of the wire baskets allows for good ventilation and prevents items from getting musty.
Repurposed Drawers as Wall Shelves
Give old drawers a new life by repurposing them as wall shelves. This is a creative and eco-friendly storage solution. Paint the drawers in bright colors or leave them with their original patina for a vintage look. They can be used to store folded laundry, cleaning supplies, or decorative items.
Built-in Hampers with Tilt-Out Doors
Maximize space and conceal laundry hampers by building them into the cabinetry with tilt-out doors. This creates a streamlined and clutter-free look. Choose cabinet doors that match the rest of the laundry room cabinetry for a cohesive design.
Narrow Bookcase for Vertical Storage
Utilize a narrow bookcase to store laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, and other essentials. This maximizes vertical space and provides ample storage in a small footprint. Choose a bookcase with adjustable shelves to accommodate items of various sizes.
Wicker Baskets with Fabric Liners
Wicker baskets with fabric liners offer a charming and practical storage solution. Choose baskets in various sizes to accommodate different items. The fabric liners can be easily removed and washed, making them ideal for storing laundry or cleaning supplies.
