Transforming your laundry room from a drab chore hub to a stylish and organized space doesn’t require a complete overhaul or a hefty budget. With a few simple DIY shelving projects, you can maximize functionality and add a touch of personality to this often-overlooked area. Whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic, a rustic farmhouse vibe, or a bold modern look, there’s a DIY shelving solution to suit your taste and laundry room needs. From repurposed materials to clever space-saving designs, let’s explore 22 easy DIY laundry room shelf ideas that will inspire you to elevate your laundry routine.
Floating Shelves with Brass Accents
Clean lines and metallic accents are hallmarks of modern design, and floating shelves with brass hardware embody this trend beautifully. Opt for light-colored wood shelves, such as birch or maple, against a white or light gray wall for a crisp, airy feel. Install brass shelf brackets and accessorize with brass laundry baskets and canisters. This combination creates a sophisticated and functional laundry room with a touch of warmth.
Rustic Ladder Shelf
Embrace the farmhouse aesthetic with a leaning ladder shelf. Find an old wooden ladder, sand it down, and give it a fresh coat of white or gray paint. Lean it against the wall and use the rungs as shelves for baskets, folded towels, and laundry supplies. Adding small potted plants or vintage glass jars filled with detergent further enhances the rustic charm. This design adds visual interest and provides ample storage without taking up much floor space, a popular trend in both US and EU homes.
Open Shelving with Woven Baskets
For a warm and inviting feel, install open shelves made from reclaimed wood and pair them with woven baskets. The natural textures and earthy tones create a cozy and organized space. Use larger baskets for storing bulkier items like blankets and towels, and smaller baskets for detergents and other laundry essentials. This style is particularly popular in Scandinavian design and is gaining traction in the US.
Industrial Pipe Shelving
Industrial design continues to be a popular trend, and incorporating industrial pipe shelving into your laundry room is a stylish and durable solution. Black iron pipes and dark wood shelves create a bold statement, while the open design allows for easy access to laundry supplies. This look is particularly well-suited to smaller laundry rooms, as the metal and dark tones create a sense of depth.
Corner Shelf Unit with Colorful Backdrop
Maximize space utilization with a corner shelf unit. Paint the wall behind the shelves a vibrant color, like teal or coral, to create a focal point. White or natural wood shelves provide a neutral backdrop for colorful laundry supplies and decorative accents. This design not only adds functionality but also injects personality into the space, reflecting the growing trend of using bold colors in utility areas.
Suspended Shelf with Rope
Add a nautical touch to your laundry room with a suspended shelf hung from thick rope. This unique design element adds visual interest and creates a relaxed, coastal vibe. A single thick plank of wood makes for a sturdy shelf, perfect for displaying plants or storing folded towels. This trend leans toward the bohemian style popular in coastal areas of the US.
Built-in Shelves with Cabinet Doors
For a more polished and streamlined look, consider building shelves into a recessed wall area and adding cabinet doors. This creates a custom built-in look without the high cost. Painting the cabinets a bold color, like navy blue or emerald green, adds a touch of sophistication and allows you to hide clutter. This classic design is timeless and works well in both traditional and contemporary homes.
Repurposed Crate Shelves
Give old wooden crates a new life by transforming them into unique and functional shelves. Sand them down, paint them in coordinating colors, and arrange them on the wall in a staggered or symmetrical pattern. This eco-friendly solution adds a touch of rustic charm and provides ample storage for laundry essentials. This upcycling trend is popular globally, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability.
Sliding Barn Door Shelves
Conceal your laundry supplies and add a touch of farmhouse charm with sliding barn doors on your shelves. This design element not only looks great but also helps to keep the space tidy and organized. The doors can be painted in a contrasting color to add visual interest. Barn doors are a major trend in both US and EU interior design.
Mirrored Backsplash with Glass Shelves
Create a sense of spaciousness in a small laundry room by installing a mirrored backsplash and glass shelves. The reflection of light and the transparency of the glass visually expand the room. This sleek and modern design is particularly well-suited to compact laundry areas.
Wire Basket Shelves
For a minimalist and airy look, opt for wire basket shelves. The open design allows for good ventilation and visibility, making it easy to find what you need. This simple and affordable solution is perfect for storing folded towels and smaller laundry items.
Pegboard Organizer with Shelves
Maximize functionality and organization with a pegboard wall organizer and shelves. The pegboard allows you to hang various tools and accessories, while the shelves provide space for larger items. This versatile solution is perfect for keeping everything within easy reach.
Folding Drying Rack Shelf
Combine functionality and space-saving design with a folding drying rack that doubles as a shelf. When not in use, the rack folds down to create a flat surface for storing laundry baskets or other items. This is a particularly clever solution for smaller laundry rooms.
Under-the-Sink Storage Shelves
Maximize the often-underutilized space under the sink with custom-built shelves. This allows you to store cleaning supplies and other essentials out of sight while keeping them easily accessible.
Pull-Out Laundry Hamper Shelf
Integrate a pull-out laundry hamper into your shelving unit for a seamless and discreet storage solution. This keeps dirty laundry hidden away while maximizing floor space.
Ironing Board Storage Shelf
Designate a specific shelf for storing your ironing board, keeping it readily available while preventing it from cluttering the floor.
Over-the-Washing Machine Shelf
Utilize the vertical space above your washing machine by installing a shelf for storing detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry essentials.
Open Shelves with Curtain Rod
Create a hidden storage area by installing a curtain rod below open shelves. Hang a fabric curtain to conceal laundry supplies and add a decorative touch.
Tiered Plant Stand Shelf
Add a touch of greenery to your laundry room with a tiered plant stand that doubles as a shelf. Place potted plants on the different levels to create a vibrant and refreshing atmosphere.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack with Shelf
Combine a wall-mounted drying rack with a shelf below for a practical and space-saving solution. Dry delicate items on the rack and store laundry baskets or folded towels on the shelf.
