Laundry rooms are often overlooked spaces in the home, but they can be transformed into functional and stylish havens with a little creativity. One of the most effective ways to maximize space and organization in a laundry room with a top-loading washer is by incorporating shelves above the machine. These shelves provide valuable storage for laundry essentials, cleaning supplies, and even decorative items, adding both practicality and visual appeal to the room. This article explores 25 design ideas for laundry room shelves over top loaders, covering a range of styles, color palettes, and trends to inspire your next home improvement project.
Floating Shelves with Open Storage
This minimalist design maximizes visual space by using floating shelves mounted directly to the wall. The open storage allows for easy access to frequently used items, while the clean lines and sleek appearance create a modern and airy feel. Opt for natural wood finishes for a warm and inviting ambiance, or choose a contemporary white or black for a more minimalist look. Popular in both the US and EU, this trend emphasizes functionality and simplicity.
Rustic Wooden Shelves
Embrace a cozy and inviting atmosphere with rustic wooden shelves. Reclaimed wood adds character and warmth, while the uneven edges and natural grain patterns create a unique and rustic aesthetic. Pair these shelves with metal brackets for a contrasting industrial touch, or choose wooden brackets for a cohesive and rustic look. This style is particularly popular in the US, where natural elements and traditional design are highly valued.
Industrial Metal Shelves
For a modern and edgy feel, opt for industrial-style metal shelves. Sleek black or metallic finishes contrast beautifully against the white or gray walls often found in laundry rooms. The exposed metal adds a touch of raw industrial charm, while the open shelving allows for easy access to laundry items. This trend is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, reflecting a growing interest in minimalist and functional designs.
Open Shelving with Baskets
Combine open shelving with woven baskets to create a stylish and organized laundry room. The baskets add a touch of texture and warmth, while the open shelving provides easy access to items. Choose baskets in natural materials like wicker or rattan for a timeless and rustic feel, or opt for colorful baskets to add a pop of personality to the space. This trend is gaining popularity in the US and EU, appealing to those seeking a balanced mix of style and functionality.
Glass Shelves with Backlighting
Elevate your laundry room with glass shelves and backlighting. The transparency of the glass creates a sense of spaciousness, while the backlighting adds a dramatic and modern touch. This design is particularly effective in smaller laundry rooms, as it helps to visually enlarge the space. Popular in contemporary homes, especially in urban areas of the US and EU, this design emphasizes a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic.
Built-in Shelves with Decorative Trim
Create a more cohesive and custom look with built-in shelves that integrate seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry. Add decorative trim around the edges of the shelves to enhance their visual appeal and create a more polished look. Choose trim in a contrasting color or finish to create a striking visual statement. This classic design is popular in both the US and EU, offering a timeless and elegant solution for laundry room storage.
Shelving with a Fold-Down Ironing Board
Maximize space and functionality by incorporating a fold-down ironing board into your laundry room shelves. This ingenious design eliminates the need for a dedicated ironing board, saving valuable floor space. Choose a sturdy ironing board with a smooth surface for a professional finish. This practical solution is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, particularly in smaller homes where space is limited.
Wall-Mounted Storage Bins
Optimize storage by utilizing wall-mounted storage bins. These bins can be easily customized to fit your laundry needs, whether it’s storing detergents, dryer sheets, or even small items like buttons or needles. Choose bins in a variety of sizes and colors to add visual interest and functionality. This trend is popular in both the US and EU, offering a convenient and space-saving storage solution.
Open Shelving with Foldable Laundry Hamper
Combine open shelving with a foldable laundry hamper for a compact and stylish laundry room solution. The hamper can be conveniently stored under the shelves when not in use, and the open shelving provides easy access to laundry supplies. Choose a hamper in a material and color that complements the existing shelves and decor. This practical design is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, particularly in smaller homes where maximizing space is a priority.
Ladder Style Shelving
Create a unique and functional storage solution with ladder-style shelving. This design offers a rustic and charming appeal, while the open shelves allow for easy access to items. The ladder-style frame provides a sturdy and durable support for the shelves, making it suitable for heavy items like laundry baskets or cleaning supplies. This trend is popular in both the US and EU, offering a blend of rustic charm and modern functionality.
Shelving with Built-in Lighting
Enhance the functionality and ambiance of your laundry room with built-in lighting. This design illuminates the shelves, making it easier to find items and creating a welcoming and bright atmosphere. Choose LED lights for energy efficiency and long-lasting illumination. This modern and practical design is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, especially in homes with a focus on energy conservation and stylish design.
Shelving with a Pull-Out Drying Rack
Maximize functionality with shelves that incorporate a pull-out drying rack. This innovative design provides a convenient and space-saving solution for drying delicate items or small loads of laundry. The drying rack can be tucked away when not in use, leaving the shelves free for other items. This trend is popular in both the US and EU, offering a practical and space-efficient solution for laundry needs.
Shelving with a Decorative Backsplash
Add a touch of personality and style to your laundry room shelves with a decorative backsplash. Choose a backsplash in a contrasting color or pattern to create a visually interesting focal point. This design can be as simple as a painted accent wall or as elaborate as a tiled backsplash with intricate patterns. This trend is popular in both the US and EU, allowing homeowners to express their individual style and personalize their laundry room.
Multi-Tiered Shelves with a Laundry Basket
Create a versatile and functional storage solution with multi-tiered shelves and a built-in laundry basket. The shelves provide ample space for laundry essentials, while the laundry basket offers a convenient place to store dirty clothes. Choose a basket in a color and material that complements the shelves and the overall design of the laundry room. This practical and stylish design is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, offering a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution for laundry needs.
Shelving with a Pegboard Wall
Add a touch of industrial charm and organization to your laundry room with a pegboard wall. This design provides a versatile and customizable storage solution, allowing you to hang laundry tools, cleaning supplies, and even decorative items. Choose a pegboard in a color that complements the shelves and the overall design of the laundry room. This trend is popular in both the US and EU, offering a unique and functional storage solution.
Open Shelving with a Mirror
Create a sense of spaciousness and visual interest with open shelving and a mirror. The mirror reflects light, making the laundry room appear larger and brighter. Choose a mirror in a style that complements the shelves and the overall design of the laundry room. This design trick is popular in both the US and EU, especially in smaller laundry rooms where maximizing space is a priority.
Shelving with a Hidden Storage Compartment
Create a hidden storage compartment within your laundry room shelves for items you don’t use frequently. This design maximizes space and keeps the laundry room clutter-free. Choose a storage compartment that is easy to access and blends seamlessly with the surrounding shelves. This trend is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, offering a discreet and practical solution for storing infrequently used items.
Shelving with a Built-in Folding Table
Add a touch of functionality and style to your laundry room shelves with a built-in folding table. This design provides a convenient surface for folding laundry, ironing, or even crafting. The table can be easily folded away when not in use, saving valuable space. This practical and versatile design is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, offering a space-saving and multi-functional solution for laundry room needs.
Shelving with a Built-in Drying Rack
Create a practical and stylish laundry room solution with shelves that incorporate a built-in drying rack. The drying rack can be conveniently tucked away when not in use, leaving the shelves free for other items. Choose a drying rack in a color and material that complements the shelves and the overall design of the laundry room. This trend is popular in both the US and EU, offering a space-saving and practical solution for drying laundry.
