Maximizing space in a laundry room is a constant challenge, especially in smaller homes and apartments. One often overlooked area ripe for optimization is the space beneath the washing machine. Installing a shelf under your washer not only adds valuable storage but also elevates the overall aesthetic of your laundry room. This article explores 28 innovative design ideas for a laundry room shelf under your washer, incorporating current color trends, diverse design styles, and practical storage solutions popular in both the US and EU.
Rustic Farmhouse Charm
Embrace the warmth of rustic farmhouse style with a reclaimed wood shelf under your washer. Opt for a natural wood finish with visible knots and grains. Pair this with black metal brackets for a touch of industrial flair. Consider adding wire baskets for storing laundry supplies and glass jars for detergent pods. This style incorporates warm, earthy tones like beige, cream, and sage green, reflecting the natural color palettes trending in both the US and EU.
Modern Minimalist Metal
For a sleek and contemporary look, install a stainless steel shelf under your washer. Choose minimalist metal brackets with clean lines. Utilize clear acrylic storage containers to maintain a sense of order and openness. This design aligns with the minimalist trend prevalent in urban settings across the US and EU. Color palettes focus on neutral tones like white, gray, and black, with pops of color added through accessories like towels or artwork.
Bold Bohemian Rhapsody
Infuse your laundry room with vibrant energy using a brightly painted shelf in a bold color like turquoise or fuchsia. Use decorative brackets with intricate patterns. Incorporate woven baskets, patterned textiles, and potted plants to enhance the bohemian vibe. This eclectic style embraces a mix of colors and textures, mirroring the growing popularity of maximalism in interior design, particularly in the EU.
Scandinavian Simplicity
Create a sense of calm and order with a light-colored wooden shelf, preferably in a natural finish like birch or pine. Use simple, functional brackets in white or light gray. Store laundry essentials in matching white or gray containers for a cohesive look. This minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic utilizes natural light and neutral colors, reflecting a design trend consistently popular in both the US and EU.
Industrial Chic Concrete
For a raw and edgy aesthetic, install a concrete shelf under your washer. Pair it with heavy-duty black metal brackets. Utilize metal baskets and containers for storage. This industrial style emphasizes functionality and durability, using materials like concrete, metal, and exposed brick, a trend gaining traction in urban lofts and modern homes across the US.
Coastal Serenity with Blue and White
Create a relaxing coastal atmosphere with a whitewashed wooden shelf. Use nautical-themed brackets, such as anchors or rope. Decorate with blue and white striped textiles, seashells, and glass jars filled with sand. This classic color combination evokes a sense of tranquility and remains a popular choice for laundry rooms, especially in coastal regions of the US.
Glamorous Gold Accents
Add a touch of luxury to your laundry room with a black shelf adorned with gold brackets. Use mirrored storage containers and decorative trays to enhance the glamour. Incorporate rich jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue in your accessories. This opulent style incorporates metallic accents and luxurious materials, reflecting a growing interest in maximalist design in the US.
Hidden Storage with a Curtain
Install a shelf and conceal it with a fabric curtain. This creates a clean and uncluttered look while still providing ample storage space. Choose a curtain that complements your laundry room’s color scheme. This practical solution is popular in smaller spaces where maximizing storage and maintaining a tidy appearance are paramount, a trend observed in both the US and EU.
Pull-Out Drawer System
Maximize accessibility by installing a pull-out drawer system under your washer. This allows for easy access to laundry supplies and keeps everything organized. Choose a drawer system that matches your washer’s finish for a seamless look. This functional design element is gaining popularity in modern laundry rooms across the EU, driven by a focus on ergonomics and efficient space utilization.
Open Shelving with Wire Baskets
Create a visually appealing and airy storage solution with open shelving. Use wire baskets to store laundry essentials, allowing for ventilation and easy visibility. This design is particularly well-suited to smaller laundry rooms as it avoids a closed-in feeling. Wire baskets provide a lightweight and cost-effective storage solution, aligning with the trend towards sustainable and budget-friendly design in both the US and EU.
Vintage Apothecary Style
Embrace vintage charm with glass jars and labeled containers to store laundry detergent, fabric softener, and other supplies. Use a wooden shelf with ornate brackets. This style incorporates vintage elements and a neutral color palette, reflecting a growing interest in nostalgic and timeless design in the US.
Tiered Shelf for Maximum Storage
Install a tiered shelf system under your washer to maximize vertical space. This allows for storing items of varying heights and keeps everything organized. Tiered shelving offers a practical solution for maximizing storage in compact spaces, a design trend increasingly popular in European apartments.
Built-in Hamper Under Shelf
Design a custom built-in solution that incorporates a pull-out hamper beneath the shelf. This streamlines the laundry process and keeps dirty clothes concealed. Custom built-ins maximize space utilization and offer a tailored solution, a design trend gaining traction in higher-end homes across the US.
Charging Station Integration
Incorporate a charging station into the shelf design to provide a convenient spot for charging devices while doing laundry. This adds functionality and addresses the growing need for device charging solutions in modern homes, a trend observed in both the US and EU. Use a shelf with a built-in outlet or create a designated space for a power strip.
Pet Supply Storage
Dedicate the shelf space under the washer to pet supplies. Use baskets or bins to store food, toys, leashes, and grooming tools. This keeps pet items organized and separate from laundry supplies. This dedicated storage solution caters to the growing pet owner demographic and reflects a trend towards pet-friendly design in both the US and EU.
Ironing Board Storage
Create a dedicated space for storing an ironing board under the washer. Use hooks or brackets to secure the ironing board to the underside of the shelf. This clever storage solution saves space and keeps the ironing board readily accessible, addressing a practical need in many households across the US and EU.
Cleaning Supply Storage
Utilize the shelf space for storing cleaning supplies, keeping them organized and out of sight. Use labeled containers to differentiate between various cleaning products. This centralized storage solution improves organization and efficiency, aligning with the trend towards minimalist and decluttered living spaces in both the US and EU.
Folding Station with Countertop
Extend the shelf to create a countertop surface for folding laundry. This creates a dedicated workspace within the laundry room. This functional design element enhances the utility of the laundry room and streamlines the laundry process, a trend increasingly popular in larger homes across the US.
Shoe Storage Solution
Transform the space under the washer into a designated shoe storage area. Use shoe racks or cubbies to organize footwear. This keeps shoes off the floor and utilizes otherwise wasted space, a practical solution particularly relevant in smaller homes and apartments, a trend observed in both the US and EU.
Craft Supply Organization
If your laundry room doubles as a craft space, use the shelf under the washer to store craft supplies. Use labeled containers and drawers to keep materials organized. This dedicated storage solution caters to hobbyists and reflects a trend towards multifunctional spaces in homes, particularly in the US.
Gift Wrapping Station
Designate the shelf space for gift wrapping supplies. Store wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and gift bags in organized containers. This keeps gift wrapping essentials readily accessible and organized, a practical solution for frequent gift givers, a trend observed in both the US and EU.
Sewing Machine Storage
If you enjoy sewing, create a dedicated space for your sewing machine under the washer. Use a sliding shelf or platform to make the machine easily accessible. This specialized storage solution caters to sewing enthusiasts and reflects a trend towards incorporating hobbies into home design, particularly in the US.
Book Storage Nook
Transform the space under the washer into a cozy book nook by adding a small bookshelf or stacking books on the shelf. Add a small lamp for reading. This unexpected use of space creates a unique and inviting element in the laundry room, reflecting a trend towards personalized and unconventional design in the EU.
