The laundry room is often overlooked in home design, but it’s an essential space that deserves a touch of style. Maximizing storage and creating a functional yet visually appealing space is key. One popular design trend is incorporating shelves above the washer and dryer. These shelves not only add extra storage but also offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance your laundry room’s aesthetic appeal. Let’s explore some ideas for your shelves above the washer and dryer that will elevate your laundry room from mundane to magnificent.
Floating Shelves with a Modern Twist
Embrace a clean and sleek look with floating shelves made from materials like wood, metal, or acrylic. Pair them with a contemporary washer and dryer in sleek white or black for a unified aesthetic. Consider a color palette of greys, whites, and metallic accents to create a modern and sophisticated ambiance. In Europe, this minimalist approach is particularly popular, reflecting their emphasis on functionality and simplicity.
Rustic Charm with Reclaimed Wood
Add warmth and character to your laundry room with reclaimed wood shelves. This natural element pairs well with traditional laundry appliances and adds a touch of rustic charm. Incorporate a warm color palette with earthy tones like browns, greens, and creams for a cozy and inviting space. This style is embraced in both the US and Europe, as it reflects a growing interest in sustainable and natural materials.
Industrial Chic with Exposed Metal
Embrace the industrial design trend with exposed metal shelves. Choose shelves with a raw, unfinished look or go for polished metal for a more refined feel. Pair these shelves with a black or stainless steel washer and dryer for a cohesive look. Consider a color palette of black, grey, and copper for a modern and edgy vibe. This industrial aesthetic is particularly popular in urban areas of both the US and Europe.
Open Shelving for a Scandinavian Vibe
Embrace the Scandinavian design philosophy with open shelving that prioritizes functionality and simplicity. Use light wood shelves with clean lines to create a sense of space and light. Pair them with a white or light grey washer and dryer for a harmonious look. This minimalist approach, focusing on natural materials and light colors, is a hallmark of Scandinavian design.
Built-in Shelves for a Seamless Look
Create a seamless and integrated look with built-in shelves that are custom-made to fit your laundry room’s dimensions. Choose a material that complements your existing cabinetry or countertop, such as wood or laminate. This option allows you to maximize space and create a cohesive and streamlined aesthetic. This approach is popular in both the US and Europe, reflecting a desire for a clean and organized look.
Bold Color Pops
Add a touch of personality to your laundry room with shelves in bold colors. Choose a shade that complements your existing decor or creates a vibrant contrast. For example, a bright yellow shelf can add a cheerful touch to a neutral laundry room, while a deep blue shelf can create a dramatic and sophisticated effect. In the US, vibrant pops of color are frequently incorporated into design, while Europe may lean towards slightly more muted tones.
Patterned Tiles for a Unique Backsplash
Create a visually striking backsplash behind your shelves with patterned tiles. This design element can add a touch of whimsy and personality to your laundry room. Consider using mosaic tiles, geometric patterns, or floral motifs to add depth and interest to your shelves. This trend is particularly popular in the US, where homeowners are embracing creative and playful design elements.
Open Shelves with Baskets and Bins
Maximize organization with open shelves and baskets or bins. This combination allows you to easily see and access your laundry supplies while also creating a visually appealing and organized look. Choose baskets and bins in neutral colors or patterns that complement your shelves and laundry room decor. This practical approach to storage is a popular choice in both the US and Europe.
Wicker Baskets for a Touch of Rustic Charm
Add a touch of rustic charm to your shelves with wicker baskets. These baskets are not only visually appealing but also practical for storing laundry essentials, towels, or cleaning supplies. Pair wicker baskets with reclaimed wood shelves for a cohesive look. This style is popular in both the US and Europe, adding a natural and timeless touch to the laundry room.
Glass Jars for Organization and Display
Utilize glass jars for a stylish and functional storage solution. Store laundry detergent, fabric softener, and other essentials in clear glass jars for a clean and organized look. This allows you to easily see what you have and adds a touch of elegance to your shelves. This method is popular in both the US and Europe, showcasing a focus on organization and aesthetics.
Wall-Mounted Storage for a Minimalist Approach
Embrace a minimalist approach with wall-mounted storage solutions. Instead of traditional shelves, consider using wall-mounted baskets, hooks, or rails for hanging laundry supplies or accessories. This creates a clean and clutter-free look, perfect for a small laundry room. This style is popular in both the US and Europe, reflecting the minimalist trend in home design.
Decorative Accessories for a Personalized Touch
Add a personalized touch to your shelves with decorative accessories. Choose items that reflect your style and personality, such as candles, plants, framed photos, or artwork. These accessories can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your laundry room. The use of personal touches in decor is popular in both the US and Europe, adding character to any space.
Lighting for a Dramatic Effect
Highlight your shelves with strategic lighting. Install under-cabinet lighting or recessed spotlights to create a dramatic effect and illuminate your laundry supplies. This adds a touch of sophistication to your laundry room and makes it more functional. The use of strategic lighting is a popular design trend in both the US and Europe, enhancing both function and aesthetics.
Utilize Unused Wall Space
Maximize space by utilizing unused wall space above the washer and dryer. Install shelves that extend across the entire width of the wall to create a continuous storage solution. This approach allows you to store more laundry supplies and keep your room organized. This efficient use of space is popular in both the US and Europe, particularly in smaller homes.
Create a Focal Point with Wallpaper
Add a focal point to your laundry room by using wallpaper behind your shelves. Choose a bold pattern or texture that complements your overall decor. This creates a visually interesting backdrop for your shelves and adds a touch of personality to your laundry room. The use of wallpaper as a design element is popular in both the US and Europe, adding a personalized touch to spaces.
Mirrors for a Larger Feel
Create an illusion of more space by incorporating a mirror behind your shelves. Mirrors reflect light and make the room appear larger and more open. This is a popular design trick in both the US and Europe, particularly in small laundry rooms.
Embrace Green Plants
Bring a touch of nature indoors with plants. Place potted plants on your shelves to add color, freshness, and a touch of life to your laundry room. This trend is popular in both the US and Europe, reflecting a growing appreciation for natural elements in homes.
