Small laundry rooms can be a real design challenge. You have to pack in all the essentials for washing, drying, and folding clothes in a compact space. But with a little creativity, you can create a functional and stylish laundry room that works for your needs. The key is to think vertically and maximize your storage space with well-designed shelves.
Floating Shelves for a Minimalist Look
Floating shelves are a popular choice for small laundry rooms because they create a sense of spaciousness. They’re especially effective when paired with a minimalist design aesthetic. For a modern vibe, choose sleek metal shelves in black or white. For a Scandinavian-inspired look, opt for light wood shelves with subtle natural finishes. To add a touch of color, consider using a single bright accent color like blue or green on the shelves or the surrounding walls.
Open Shelving with Baskets
Open shelving with baskets is another great way to maximize storage space in a small laundry room. Choose baskets in various sizes and materials to organize your laundry supplies. This approach adds a casual, cottage-style feel to the room. You can create a cohesive look by using baskets in similar colors and textures or embrace a more eclectic style with a mix of patterns and materials. For a trendy touch, consider using woven baskets in natural fibers like rattan or seagrass.
Built-in Shelving for a Streamlined Look
Built-in shelving is a great option for small laundry rooms because it maximizes space and provides a clean, streamlined look. You can incorporate shelving into existing cabinets or design custom built-in shelves to fit your space perfectly. This approach allows for efficient use of vertical space. The built-in shelving can be painted in a complementary color to the cabinetry, or you can use a contrasting color to create a visual focal point. You can even add decorative accents like moldings to give your built-in shelves a more sophisticated look.
Stackable Shelving Units
Stackable shelving units are versatile and affordable options for small laundry rooms. You can easily customize the configuration of these units to fit your space and storage needs. Stackable shelving units can be used for both storage and display, allowing you to showcase items like folded towels or decorative baskets. To keep things organized, you can add dividers to create separate compartments. Stackable shelving units come in various materials, colors, and styles, so you can find one that complements your overall laundry room design.
Hanging Rods for Clothes and Accessories
Hanging rods are an essential addition to any laundry room, especially in small spaces. You can install hanging rods above the washer and dryer or on the wall for hanging clothes, towels, or accessories. A hanging rod helps create a visual sense of openness. It can be combined with shelves or baskets below it for a practical and stylish storage solution. Hanging rods are available in different finishes, so you can match them to the other fixtures in your laundry room.
Open Wall Shelving for Easy Access
Open wall shelving is a practical and aesthetically pleasing way to organize your laundry room essentials. These shelves are easy to access and allow you to see everything at a glance. Choose open wall shelves in different sizes to accommodate various items. Consider incorporating shelves in a combination of materials like wood, metal, or glass to create a visually interesting look. Open wall shelving can be painted in the same color as your walls or used as a contrasting accent color to highlight your laundry room decor.
Corner Shelving for Maximizing Space
Corner shelving is a great way to maximize storage space in small laundry rooms. Utilize those often-overlooked corners by adding shelves to make the most of every inch. Corner shelves are especially useful for storing laundry detergent, fabric softener, and other cleaning supplies. Consider incorporating corner shelving units with a sleek, modern design to create a clean and contemporary look. You can also personalize corner shelves by adding decorative elements like plants or baskets to enhance the overall style of your laundry room.
Cabinet Storage with Open Shelving
Combining cabinet storage with open shelving offers a practical and visually appealing solution for small laundry rooms. Use closed cabinets for storing items you want to keep hidden, while open shelves can be used for displaying decorative items or frequently used items. This approach allows for both functionality and style. You can opt for cabinets and open shelves in matching colors or create a visually interesting contrast by using different materials or finishes. Don’t be afraid to use unique hardware like knobs or pulls to add a personal touch to your laundry room cabinetry.
Ladder Shelving for a Rustic Touch
Ladder shelving adds a rustic and charming touch to small laundry rooms. Choose a ladder with multiple rungs and install it against a wall. You can then add baskets, boxes, or other decorative items to the rungs for storage and display. This approach creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Choose a ladder in natural wood or a weathered finish for a rustic look. You can also paint the ladder in a complementary color to enhance the overall aesthetic of your laundry room.
Shelving with a Backsplash
Adding a backsplash behind your shelves can enhance the functionality and style of your laundry room. A backsplash can protect the wall behind your shelves from spills and splashes. It can also serve as a decorative element. Choose a backsplash in a contrasting color or material to highlight your shelves and create a visual focal point. For a trendy look, consider using a backsplash with a geometric pattern or a metallic finish.
Shelf Styling with Textiles
Add texture and visual interest to your laundry room shelves by incorporating textiles. This technique can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Drape a throw blanket over a shelf or use decorative pillowcases to cover baskets. Incorporate textured fabrics like linen, cotton, or wool for a natural and tactile look. Choose colors and patterns that complement the overall design of your laundry room.
Utilize the Space Above the Washer and Dryer
The space above the washer and dryer is often underutilized in small laundry rooms. Install shelves or cabinets above these appliances to maximize vertical space. This can be a perfect area for storing towels, cleaning supplies, or other laundry essentials. Use the top shelf for items you don’t use as often. Consider adding a small lamp above the washer and dryer to create a functional and inviting space.
Wall-Mounted Storage Solutions
Wall-mounted storage solutions are ideal for small laundry rooms because they free up floor space. You can use wall-mounted shelves, baskets, or organizers to store items like laundry detergent, fabric softener, or cleaning supplies. This approach creates a clean and uncluttered look. You can choose wall-mounted storage solutions in various materials, finishes, and styles to complement your overall laundry room decor.
Maximize Vertical Space with Over-the-Door Organizers
Over-the-door organizers are a space-saving solution for small laundry rooms. These organizers can be hung on the back of a door for storing laundry essentials like detergent, fabric softener, or dryer sheets. They can also be used for hanging clothes or towels. Choose over-the-door organizers in different sizes and with various compartments to maximize your storage needs. You can find organizers in a variety of colors and materials to match your laundry room style.
Utilize the Space Underneath the Sink
The space underneath the sink is often wasted in small laundry rooms. You can add shelves or drawers to maximize this space for storing cleaning supplies or other laundry essentials. Choose shelves or drawers that fit the dimensions of your sink and the available space underneath it. Utilize clear containers or baskets to make it easy to see and access items stored underneath the sink.
Add a Folding Countertop
A folding countertop can be a valuable addition to a small laundry room. It provides a convenient workspace for folding clothes and can be folded down when not in use to save space. You can choose a countertop made of wood, laminate, or other durable materials. Consider adding a small light fixture above the countertop to enhance visibility and create a more functional space.
Vertical Drying Racks for Air-Drying Clothes
Vertical drying racks are a space-saving solution for drying clothes. They allow you to hang clothes vertically, making the most of your vertical space. You can choose from a variety of drying racks made of metal, wood, or plastic. Consider purchasing a foldable drying rack for easy storage when not in use.
Use the Walls for Hanging Storage
Maximize vertical space by using the walls for hanging storage. You can use hooks or a pegboard to hang items like laundry baskets, brooms, or mops. Choose hooks and pegboards in a variety of materials and colors to match your overall laundry room style. You can create a decorative and functional pegboard by organizing tools and supplies in a visually appealing way.
