It’s time to stop letting your laundry area become an afterthought and start giving it love—and taking a look at these creative small laundry room ideas will certainly have you feeling inspired to revamp your space. As designer Kristine Renee says, “Laundry rooms don’t need to look sterile and simply utilitarian anymore.” The Sacramento, California–based cofounder of Design Alchemy adds, “Significant time is spent in the laundry room so it’s important to make the space comfortable and inviting.”
Whether you’re a small-space dweller, have a laundry room that doubles as a mudroom, are looking for a simple DIY hack, or are about to complete a remodel or makeover, the small laundry room ideas below, which come from 30 different interior design pros, are sure to inspire you. You’re well on your way to designing the best laundry room on the block.
How do I design a small laundry room?
To design a small laundry room, you will want to take the same approach you would in any other small space and maximize storage solutions. As you will see based on the small laundry room ideas shared below, built-in or open shelving solutions are a practical choice in many instances. Sometimes a small laundry room will double as a mudroom and therefore contain other forms of cabinetry.
How to remodel a small laundry room?
When remodeling a small or narrow laundry room, Janelle Blakely, the founder of Blakely Interior Design in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, suggests opting for a stacking washing machine and dryer to make the most of your square footage. Be sure to install a base cabinet with a countertop too, she says, noting that this will come in handy when it’s time to fold clothes. “Utilize every inch with a built-in vertical drying rack and foldaway ironing board,” the designer adds. Don’t be afraid to add special touches, either. “A great way to add design elements and elevate a small space is to focus on the floor and the ceiling,” says Nadia Watts, the founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design in Denver. “When you have limited square feet you can splurge on finishes such as tile, flooring and wall coverings.”
How to pick a layout for a small laundry room?
Many people will opt for a stackable washer/dryer to make use of the vertical space offered in a small laundry room, as per many of the laundry room ideas pictured below. You will also want room for clothes to hang dry; this may mean adding a laundry closet or a rod with hangers above the washing machine. Plenty of countertop space for folding clothes is also key.
What are some essentials for a small laundry room?
A small laundry room should contain storage space or shelving to house essentials such as laundry detergents and dryer sheets. Many people also like their small laundry room to contain a cabinet or closet for linens and have room to tuck away laundry baskets, drying racks, ironing boards, and the like.
What shouldn’t go in a laundry room?
Make note that you will want to steer clear of certain types of wall coverings as you map out your laundry room design. “Fragile wallpaper like silk or grasscloth is not suitable for areas where damp clothing might hang to dry, as it can easily be damaged by moisture,” Blakely says. Be mindful to not crowd your laundry area with too many extras—there is such a thing as too much laundry room decor. “Avoid placing too many decorative items or non-essential objects that can make the space feel cramped and disorganized,” says Kimberly Harrison, the founder of Kimberley Harrison Interiors in Lafayette, California. Additionally, she says, do not store holiday decorations, sports equipment, or other collections in the laundry room. Harrison adds that if you plan to house cleaning supplies in the laundry room, you will want to ensure that they are kept away from heat sources and appliances.
How to turn a room into a laundry room?
You’ll need plumbing, venting, and electrical, but from there, you can certainly turn a small closet or other unused space into a laundry area. “If you are starting from scratch, consider building storage and counters that coincide with your washer and dryer placement,” Watts suggests. “If you are using an existing room see if you can repurpose closets, storage and layouts that already are in place.” When space allows, Molten is partial to a side by side washer dryer arrangement and adds that windows, if possible, are always ideal.
How do you make a laundry room look luxurious?
To make your laundry area look as luxurious as possible, pay attention to small details, says Kishani Perera, who operates an eponymous firm in Los Angeles. She states, “Why not create a mini destination with a vibe that diminishes the dreaded chore of doing laundry?” Look for interesting tiles, wallpapers, cabinet colors, and the like, she says. Keep in mind that the right lighting will also work wonders. Susan Yeley, the founder of Susan Yeley Homes in Bloomington, Indiana, recommends a mix of sconces, pendant lights, and lamps as needed. Don’t forget about custom elements, either. “Custom design features like built-in step stools and concealed drying racks can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality, exuding a sense of understated luxury,” Blakely says.
Now, onto the ideas.
