The laundry room, often overlooked, presents a unique opportunity for creative expression and efficient organization. Installing shelves above the sink expands storage possibilities and elevates the room’s aesthetic. Whether your style leans towards minimalist chic or rustic farmhouse, integrating over-sink shelving can transform your laundry room into a functional and visually appealing space. This article explores 26 design ideas to inspire your laundry room transformation, focusing on current color trends, diverse styles, and practical considerations for US and EU homes.
Open Shelving with Woven Baskets
Embrace a touch of rustic charm with open shelving crafted from reclaimed wood. Stain the shelves a warm honey color and pair them with woven baskets for storing laundry essentials. This combination evokes a cozy farmhouse aesthetic, popular in both the US and EU. Consider adding small potted plants or vintage glass jars filled with laundry detergent to enhance the rustic vibe. Opt for neutral colors like beige, cream, and gray for the walls to create a calming backdrop.
Sleek Metal and Glass Shelves
For a modern and minimalist look, opt for sleek metal shelves with tempered glass. This combination creates a clean and airy feel, ideal for smaller laundry rooms. Consider powder-coated black metal frames for a contemporary edge or brushed nickel for a more classic appeal. This trend is particularly popular in urban European apartments. Pair with clear glass canisters for storing detergent and other supplies, showcasing a commitment to both style and organization. White or light gray walls will complement the minimalist aesthetic.
Floating Shelves with Built-in Lighting
Maximize space and add a touch of drama with floating shelves featuring built-in LED lighting. This contemporary design adds both functionality and ambiance to the laundry room. Popular in both the US and EU, under-shelf lighting can illuminate the sink area while highlighting decorative items displayed on the shelves. Choose warm white lighting for a cozy atmosphere or cool white for a more modern feel. Consider painting the wall behind the shelves a contrasting color, such as navy blue or deep green, to create a focal point.
Industrial Style Pipe Shelves
Embrace the industrial trend with shelves crafted from metal pipes and reclaimed wood. This design offers a unique and edgy aesthetic, popular in loft-style apartments and modern homes in both the US and EU. Black iron pipes paired with dark-stained wood create a bold statement. Consider adding vintage-inspired accessories, such as metal signs or Edison bulbs, to enhance the industrial vibe. Exposed brick or concrete walls will further complement this style.
Mirrored Backsplash and Glass Shelves
Create a sense of spaciousness in a small laundry room by installing a mirrored backsplash and glass shelves. The reflection of light will visually expand the room. This glamorous design element is gaining popularity in both the US and EU. Opt for beveled-edge mirrors and clear glass shelves for a touch of elegance. Pair with chrome or silver fixtures for a cohesive look. Soft, neutral colors for walls and accessories will enhance the feeling of light and airiness.
Shaker Style Cabinetry with Open Shelves
Combine the classic appeal of Shaker style cabinetry with open shelving above the sink. Paint the cabinets a soft gray or white and opt for natural wood shelves for a timeless look, widely appreciated in both US and EU homes. This design provides ample storage while maintaining a clean and organized feel. Use the open shelves to display decorative items, such as potted plants or vintage laundry tins, to add personality to the space.
Bold Color Blocking with Floating Shelves
Make a statement with bold color blocking on the wall behind floating shelves. This trend is particularly popular in contemporary European design. Choose two or three contrasting colors, such as teal and coral or mustard yellow and navy blue, to create a visually striking backdrop. Keep the shelves themselves a neutral color, such as white or black, to allow the color blocking to take center stage.
Geometric Patterned Wallpaper and Simple Shelves
Add visual interest to your laundry room with geometric patterned wallpaper and simple white floating shelves. This allows the wallpaper to be the focal point. Popular in both the US and EU, geometric patterns bring a modern and dynamic feel to the space. Choose a wallpaper with colors that complement your existing decor. Opt for simple, clean-lined shelves to avoid overwhelming the space.
Rustic Wood Shelves with Metal Brackets
Combine the warmth of rustic wood shelves with the industrial edge of metal brackets. This design creates a balanced and visually appealing look, popular in farmhouse and industrial-style homes. Opt for reclaimed wood with a natural finish and black iron brackets for a classic combination. Display vintage laundry accessories or potted herbs on the shelves to enhance the rustic charm. Consider a shiplap wall as a backdrop to enhance the farmhouse feel.
Corner Shelves Maximizing Space Utilization
Optimize space in a small laundry room with corner shelves above the sink. This allows you to utilize often-wasted space. This practical solution is favored in both the US and EU, especially in smaller homes or apartments. Choose shelves that fit snugly into the corner and consider adding a small cabinet beneath for additional storage. Keep the color palette light and airy to avoid making the space feel cramped.
Tile Backsplash with Matching Shelf Material
Create a cohesive and stylish look by using the same material for the backsplash and the shelves above the sink. This creates a unified and polished look. Popular choices include subway tile, marble, or quartz. This trend is prevalent in both the US and EU, particularly in modern and contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, and translates beautifully to the laundry room. Choose a grout color that complements both the tile and the surrounding walls.
Open Shelves with Hanging Rail for Drying Delicates
Combine open shelving with a hanging rail installed beneath for drying delicate items. This practical and stylish solution is ideal for small laundry rooms where space is limited. This multifunctional approach is gaining popularity in both the US and EU as homeowners seek to maximize space and efficiency. Use the shelves to store laundry supplies and the rail to hang clothes that require air drying.
Built-in Niche with Shelves
Create a custom built-in niche above the sink to house your shelves. This design adds architectural interest and provides a dedicated space for storage. Built-in niches are a popular feature in custom homes in both the US and EU. Consider adding lighting within the niche to highlight the displayed items. Paint the niche a contrasting color to make it a focal point.
Ladder Style Shelves for a Unique Look
Opt for a ladder-style shelving unit above the sink for a unique and space-saving solution. Ladder shelves lean against the wall, providing a visually interesting storage option. This design is gaining popularity in smaller homes and apartments in both the US and EU. Choose a ladder shelf made from wood or metal, depending on your preferred style.
Glass Shelves with Under-Shelf Baskets
Combine the airy feel of glass shelves with the practicality of under-shelf baskets. This allows for concealed storage while maintaining a clean and open look. This design element is popular in both the US and EU, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, and is equally effective in the laundry room. Choose woven baskets or metal wire baskets to complement your overall style.
Two-Tiered Shelves for Varied Storage
Maximize vertical space with two-tiered shelves above the sink. This provides ample storage for items of varying heights. This practical solution is popular in both the US and EU. Use the top shelf for displaying decorative items and the bottom shelf for storing frequently used laundry supplies.
Reclaimed Barn Wood Shelves for Rustic Charm
Add a touch of rustic charm with shelves crafted from reclaimed barn wood. This design element brings a sense of history and character to the laundry room. Popular in farmhouse-style homes in both the US and EU, reclaimed wood adds warmth and texture to the space. Pair with vintage-inspired accessories and a neutral color palette.
Bamboo Shelves for an Eco-Friendly Option
Choose bamboo shelves for a sustainable and stylish option. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice for home decor. This material is gaining popularity in both the US and EU as consumers become more environmentally conscious. Bamboo shelves bring a natural and organic feel to the laundry room. Pair with natural fiber baskets and a neutral color palette.
Colorful Metal Shelves for a Pop of Personality
Add a pop of color to your laundry room with brightly colored metal shelves. Choose a bold color, such as turquoise, yellow, or red, to create a focal point. This trend is popular in contemporary European design. Pair with neutral walls and accessories to allow the shelves to stand out.
Copper Pipe Shelves for a Touch of Warmth
Embrace the warmth and elegance of copper with shelves crafted from copper pipes and wood. This design element adds a touch of industrial chic to the laundry room. Popular in both the US and EU, copper adds a rich and sophisticated touch to any space. Pair with dark wood shelves and a neutral color palette.
Marble Shelves for a Luxurious Feel
Indulge in a touch of luxury with marble shelves above the sink. Marble adds a sophisticated and timeless elegance to any space. This luxurious material is a classic choice in both the US and EU. Pair with chrome or gold fixtures and a neutral color palette to allow the marble to shine.
Black and White Contrast Shelves
Create a dramatic and stylish look with black and white contrast shelves. This classic color combination is always in style. Consider black shelves against a white wall or white shelves against a black wall for a bold statement. This timeless design works well in both US and EU homes.
Open Shelving with Pegboard Back
Combine the versatility of pegboard with the accessibility of open shelving. This allows for customized organization and display options. Install a pegboard backdrop behind open shelves to hang small tools, cleaning supplies, or decorative items. This functional and stylish solution is popular in both the US and EU.