Maximizing space and functionality in a laundry room is a universal desire, especially when square footage is limited. Installing shelving above the washer and dryer presents an excellent opportunity to achieve both. This article delves into 27 innovative design ideas for laundry room shelving above the washer, incorporating current color trends, diverse design styles popular in both the US and EU, and practical considerations to inspire your next laundry room makeover.
Open Shelving with Woven Baskets
Embrace a touch of rustic charm with open shelving crafted from reclaimed wood. Stain the shelves a warm honey tone and use woven baskets in varying sizes and natural hues like seagrass, jute, and rattan to store laundry essentials. This style complements both farmhouse and bohemian aesthetics prevalent in the US and adds warmth and texture to the space. Consider incorporating small potted plants for a touch of greenery.
Sleek Metal and Glass Shelving
For a modern and minimalist look favored in European design, opt for sleek metal shelving with tempered glass shelves. Choose a powder-coated black or stainless steel frame for a clean and industrial feel. This shelving style allows light to pass through, making the laundry room feel brighter and more spacious. Store laundry supplies in clear glass jars with minimalist labels for a cohesive and organized appearance. Incorporate LED strip lighting underneath the shelves for a sophisticated touch.
Built-in Cabinets with Shaker Doors
Classic Shaker style cabinets painted in a soft sage green offer a timeless and elegant solution. This design, popular in both the US and EU, provides ample closed storage for concealing laundry supplies and keeping the space clutter-free. Brass hardware adds a touch of warmth and sophistication. Consider adding a pull-out drying rack inside one of the cabinets for added functionality.
Floating Shelves with a Bold Backsplash
Install floating shelves in a natural wood finish and pair them with a vibrant geometric patterned backsplash in shades of teal, coral, and yellow, reflecting the current trend of bold colors in interior design. This combination creates a focal point in the laundry room and adds personality to the space. Use decorative jars and containers to store detergent and other supplies, adding to the visual appeal.
Industrial Pipe Shelving with Edison Bulbs
Create an industrial-chic look by constructing shelves using black iron pipes and reclaimed wood planks. This style, popular in urban lofts in both the US and EU, adds a raw and edgy aesthetic to the laundry room. Incorporate Edison bulb pendant lights to enhance the industrial vibe and provide ample task lighting.
Mirrored Backsplash with Glass Shelves
Maximize light and create an illusion of spaciousness with a mirrored backsplash behind glass shelves. This glamorous design element is trending in both the US and EU and adds a touch of luxury to the laundry room. Opt for shelves with a polished chrome or brass frame for a sophisticated look.
Navy Blue Cabinets with Brass Hardware
Embrace the timeless elegance of navy blue cabinets paired with brass hardware. This sophisticated color combination is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms and translates beautifully to the laundry room. The deep blue hue creates a sense of calm and sophistication, while the brass accents add warmth and visual interest.
Whitewashed Wood Shelves with Wire Baskets
Create a bright and airy feel with whitewashed wood shelves and wire baskets for storage. This style complements the Scandinavian design trend prevalent in Europe and adds a touch of rustic charm. Use the baskets to store laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other essentials, keeping the space organized and visually appealing.
Dark Gray Floating Shelves with Under-Shelf Lighting
Install dark gray floating shelves for a contemporary and sophisticated look. Add LED strip lighting underneath the shelves to create a warm and inviting ambiance while also providing practical task lighting. This design works well in both modern and minimalist laundry rooms.
Open Shelving with Color-Coded Containers
Utilize open shelving and embrace a color-coded organization system. Choose clear or opaque containers in a variety of vibrant colors to store laundry supplies, making it easy to identify and access different items. This system adds a playful touch to the laundry room and promotes efficiency.
Rustic Wood Shelves with Hanging Rod
Combine rustic wood shelves with a hanging rod installed underneath for drying delicate garments. This functional and stylish solution maximizes space and adds a touch of farmhouse charm. Use vintage-inspired hangers and clothespins to enhance the aesthetic.
Built-in Cabinets with a Fold-Down Ironing Board
Maximize functionality with built-in cabinets that incorporate a fold-down ironing board. This space-saving solution keeps the ironing board hidden when not in use, streamlining the laundry process. Choose a cabinet color that complements the overall design of the laundry room.
Ladder Shelving with Hanging Plants
Utilize a leaning ladder shelf to create a unique and space-saving storage solution. This design adds a touch of visual interest and allows for vertical storage. Hang small potted plants from the ladder rungs to bring a touch of nature into the laundry room.
Corner Shelving with a Lazy Susan
Maximize corner space with custom-built corner shelving. Incorporate a Lazy Susan to make accessing items in the back of the shelves easier. This solution is particularly useful in smaller laundry rooms where every inch counts.
Black and White Striped Wallpaper with Black Shelves
Create a bold and graphic statement with black and white striped wallpaper on the wall behind black floating shelves. This high-contrast design is visually striking and adds a touch of drama to the laundry room. Accessorize with white and black storage containers for a cohesive look. Popular in modern European designs.
Pastel Pink Cabinets with Gold Hardware
Embrace a soft and feminine aesthetic with pastel pink cabinets and luxurious gold hardware. This color combination is trending in both the US and EU and adds a touch of glamour to the laundry room. Consider adding a crystal chandelier for a truly opulent touch.
Open Shelving with Matching Laundry Baskets
Use open shelving and invest in a set of matching laundry baskets in a bold color, such as emerald green or vibrant orange. This creates a cohesive and organized look while adding a pop of color to the space. This style resonates with the minimalist trend popular in Scandinavian design.
Built-in Cabinets with a Laundry Chute
For ultimate convenience, incorporate a laundry chute into built-in cabinets above the washer. This allows for easy transport of dirty laundry from other areas of the house directly to the laundry room, streamlining the laundry process. This is a popular feature in larger homes in the US.
Floating Shelves with a Pegboard Backdrop
Combine the versatility of floating shelves with a pegboard backdrop for maximum organization. Use hooks and baskets to hang cleaning supplies, brushes, and other laundry essentials. The pegboard allows for flexible customization and adds a touch of industrial chic.
Glass Shelves with a Tile Backsplash
Install glass shelves against a decorative tile backsplash. Choose a tile pattern that complements the overall design of the laundry room, such as a Moroccan-inspired design or a classic subway tile. Glass shelves allow the beauty of the tile to shine through. This works well in Mediterranean and Spanish-inspired homes popular in warmer US climates.
Metal Grid Shelving with S-Hooks
Utilize metal grid shelving and S-hooks to create a versatile and customizable storage solution. Hang spray bottles, brushes, and other cleaning supplies from the hooks for easy access. This industrial-inspired design is both functional and stylish.
Reclaimed Wood Shelves with Vintage Signs
Open Shelving with Wicker Baskets and Macrame Wall Hangings
Combine open shelving made of natural wood with wicker baskets and macrame wall hangings for a bohemian-inspired laundry room. This style incorporates natural textures and earthy tones creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Popular in both US and EU bohemian and eclectic designs.
Sleek White Cabinets with Integrated Lighting
Opt for sleek white cabinets with integrated LED lighting for a clean and modern aesthetic. The lighting adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the functionality of the space by providing ample illumination for laundry tasks. Popular in minimalist and contemporary European designs.
