Creating a functional and stylish laundry room, even in a small space, is entirely achievable. By incorporating clever design elements, strategic color choices, and efficient storage solutions, you can transform this often-overlooked area into a space you actually enjoy spending time in. This article explores 25 design ideas for small and simple laundry rooms, drawing inspiration from the latest design trends in both the US and EU.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
Maximize space in your small laundry room by installing a wall-mounted drying rack. These racks fold away neatly when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. Consider a sleek, minimalist design in brushed nickel or matte black to complement contemporary aesthetics popular in both the US and EU. Pair this with white walls and light grey flooring for a clean and airy feel, reflecting the Scandinavian trend of minimalist functionality. You can add pops of color with vibrant laundry baskets or patterned towels.
Stacked Washer and Dryer
A classic space-saving solution, front-loading washers and dryers can be stacked vertically to significantly reduce your laundry room’s footprint. This layout allows for additional storage or counter space above the units. Embrace the industrial chic trend by opting for stainless steel appliances and incorporating open shelving made of reclaimed wood. A color palette of grey, black, and white with hints of copper or brass in the hardware will create a sophisticated and modern laundry room.
Pull-Out Ironing Board
Integrate a pull-out ironing board into your cabinetry for a hidden and convenient ironing solution. This eliminates the need for a bulky standalone ironing board and keeps your laundry room clutter-free. Consider a built-in ironing board cabinet with a light wood finish to complement the warm, natural tones trending in European design. Pair this with soft green walls and terracotta accents for a calming and organic atmosphere.
Floating Shelves
Install floating shelves above the washer and dryer to utilize vertical space for storing detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry essentials. Open shelving provides easy access to frequently used items while adding a decorative element to the room. Opt for white floating shelves against a navy blue wall for a classic nautical look popular in both the US and EU. Add woven baskets for storage and introduce greenery with small potted plants to soften the space.
Under-Sink Storage
Maximize the space under your laundry room sink by installing pull-out drawers or shelves. This allows you to neatly organize cleaning supplies and keep them hidden from view. A popular trend in US laundry room design is incorporating patterned wallpaper or bold tile backsplashes. Consider a geometric patterned wallpaper in shades of blue and green with white cabinetry and a white sink for a vibrant and playful space.
Narrow Rolling Cart
Utilize a narrow rolling cart for extra storage that can be easily moved around as needed. Store laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, or folded towels on the cart and tuck it away in a corner or between appliances when not in use. Embrace the farmhouse chic trend with a rustic wooden cart and pair it with a neutral color palette of beige, cream, and white. Add touches of black metal in the hardware and lighting fixtures for a touch of contrast.
Over-the-Door Organizer
Hang an over-the-door organizer on the back of the laundry room door to store smaller items like laundry bags, dryer sheets, and stain removers. Choose a clear organizer to keep items visible and easily accessible. A minimalist aesthetic with clean lines and neutral colors is a popular trend in Scandinavian design. Pair a clear organizer with white walls, light wood flooring, and simple black accents for a sleek and functional laundry room.
Wall-Mounted Laundry Hamper
Save valuable floor space by opting for a wall-mounted laundry hamper. These hampers can be folded up when not in use, creating a streamlined look. Consider a hamper made of natural materials like bamboo or wicker to complement the growing trend of sustainable design. Pair this with earthy tones like beige, brown, and green for a calming and natural laundry room atmosphere.
Folding Countertop
Install a countertop above the washer and dryer to create a dedicated space for folding clothes. This can be a simple shelf or a more elaborate built-in counter with cabinets below. Consider using quartz or granite countertops for a durable and stylish surface. A monochromatic color scheme with varying shades of grey is a sophisticated and timeless choice popular in European design.
Built-in Laundry Baskets
Incorporate built-in laundry baskets into your cabinetry for a seamless and organized look. This hides laundry hampers from view and maximizes floor space. Use contrasting colors for the cabinets and baskets to create visual interest. For example, pair dark navy cabinets with light grey baskets or white cabinets with natural wicker baskets. This adds a touch of personality to the space while maintaining a clean and organized aesthetic.
Vertical Storage Tower
Utilize a narrow vertical storage tower to maximize vertical space. This is ideal for storing cleaning supplies, towels, or other laundry essentials. Choose a tower with adjustable shelves to accommodate items of varying sizes. A sleek, metal storage tower in a chrome or brushed nickel finish would complement a modern industrial style. Pair this with concrete flooring and exposed brick walls for a raw and edgy aesthetic.
Hanging Rod for Clothes
Install a hanging rod above the washer or dryer to hang delicate items that need to air dry. This prevents wrinkles and frees up space in the dryer. Opt for a simple black metal rod for a minimalist look or a decorative rod with ornate details for a more traditional style. Pair the rod with a neutral backdrop of white or light grey walls and add pops of color with brightly colored clothing hangers.
Pegboard Wall Organizer
Install a pegboard wall above your laundry appliances to create a versatile and customizable storage solution. Hang baskets, hooks, and shelves to organize cleaning supplies, tools, and other laundry essentials. Paint the pegboard a bright color, such as yellow or turquoise, to add a playful touch to the space, reflecting the trend of vibrant accent colors in US interior design. Combine this with white or light grey walls to balance the brightness.
Corner Shelving Unit
Maximize corner space with a corner shelving unit. This provides ample storage for laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, and folded towels. Choose a shelving unit with adjustable shelves to accommodate items of various sizes. A white corner shelving unit with a minimalist design would complement a Scandinavian-inspired laundry room. Pair this with light wood flooring and natural textures like wicker baskets and linen towels.
Retractable Clothesline
Install a retractable clothesline for air-drying clothes indoors. This is an energy-efficient and space-saving alternative to using a dryer. Choose a clothesline that can be easily retracted when not in use. A retractable clothesline with a stainless steel finish would complement a modern laundry room. Pair it with white or grey walls and add a touch of greenery with a potted plant.
Mirror to Expand the Space
In a small laundry room, a large mirror can create the illusion of more space. Hang a mirror above the sink or on a side wall to reflect light and visually expand the room. Frameless mirrors are a popular trend in contemporary design. Pair a large frameless mirror with a minimalist color palette of white, grey, and black for a sleek and modern look.
Utilize the Door for Storage
Maximize storage space by utilizing the back of the laundry room door. Hang an over-the-door shoe organizer to store small laundry items like detergent pods, dryer sheets, and stain removers. A clear shoe organizer allows for easy visibility of items. This practical storage solution complements any design style and can be incorporated into both modern and traditional laundry rooms.
Glass Jars for Detergent
Decant laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies into clear glass jars with labels. This creates a more organized and visually appealing look while also allowing you to easily see when supplies are running low. This trend aligns with the growing preference for natural and sustainable products. Pair glass jars with wooden shelves and natural fiber baskets for a cohesive and eco-friendly aesthetic.
Add a Rug for Comfort and Style
A rug can add warmth and comfort to a small laundry room while also defining the space. Choose a durable and washable rug that can withstand spills and stains. A geometric patterned rug in bold colors can add a playful touch to a neutral laundry room, reflecting the current trend of incorporating bold patterns in interior design. Alternatively, a natural fiber rug like jute or sisal can add texture and warmth to the space.
Good Lighting is Essential
Brighten up your small laundry room with adequate lighting. Install overhead lighting fixtures and consider adding task lighting under cabinets or above the folding counter. LED strip lights are a popular trend in modern design and can be installed under cabinets to provide focused lighting for tasks. Pair bright lighting with light-colored walls and reflective surfaces to maximize brightness and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Incorporate Plants for Freshness
Add a touch of life and freshness to your laundry room with plants. Choose plants that thrive in humid environments, such as ferns or snake plants. Place them on shelves, countertops, or hang them from the ceiling. This trend reflects the growing desire to bring the outdoors in and create a calming and natural environment. Pair plants with natural materials like wood and wicker for a cohesive and organic look.
