14 Small Laundry Room Ideas That Make Tight Spaces Work Smarter
This post gives you fresh small laundry room ideas to maximize every inch of space.
You do not need a large laundry room to make the space work well. Even a small room can work well when everything has a clear place and fits how you do laundry.
Instead of cramming too much into the room, focus on using the space wisely. Think about what you use most and where it should go.
A well-planned laundry room can also be nicer to spend time in. These ideas will show you how to get more from a smaller space.
Best Small Laundry Room Ideas For You
#1: Stacked Washer and Dryer
If your laundry room is small and has enough vertical space, then this idea is worth considering.
This stacked washer and dryer setup takes up much less floor space, so you can use the rest of the laundry room in other ways.
You can also see that a tall cabinet fits beside the machines, and there is still room for a slim worktop across from them. That would be harder if both machines were placed side by side, though.
Want to set yours up the same way? Then make sure the upper machine is at a height that you can reach comfortably.
#2: Countertop Over the Machines
Don’t miss the chance to add a countertop above your washer and dryer if they already sit side by side.
It’s super helpful for folding and sorting clothes, and you won’t need an extra table to do those tasks.
However, if you are adding a countertop above your machines, leave a small gap between it and the tops of the appliances.
Front-loading machines can shake or move slightly during the spin cycle, so this gap does help prevent them from hitting the countertop and causing noise, vibration, or damage.
#3: Add a Shelf Above the Washer
I love this simple shelf setup because it gives you more storage above the machines and leaves the counter below much clearer.
Since the shelf sits high, use it for larger baskets and less-used supplies. The lower cubby is perfect for keeping detergent and everyday laundry items, so you can easily reach them whenever you need them.
The small plant is a lovely touch, too, as it keeps the shelf from looking like it is only there for storage.
Besides, an open shelf keeps the bold wallpaper in view rather than hiding it behind a closed cabinet.
#4: Hang a Drying Rail
Interior designer Verity Jayne notes that a hanging rail gives lighter clothes a convenient spot to dry right after washing.
That is exactly what happens here. Shirts hang from the wooden rail above the sink and counter, while the sink below catches any remaining drips. Plus, it saves you from placing a drying rack on the floor.
For longer clothes, leave about a metre of clear space below the rail.
You can then hang shirts straight from the washer instead of leaving them folded or crumpled in a basket.
#5: Slim Rolling Cart Between Machines
This idea works well if you have a narrow gap beside or between your machines that you aren’t using.
A slim rolling cart turns that small space into useful storage without adding another cabinet. The three shelves here keep detergent, sprays, and cloths on separate levels, and they still take up very little floor space.
Since the cart has wheels, you can pull it out when you need something instead of reaching into a tight gap.
When you are done, simply roll it back into place.
#6: Choose Ceiling-Height Cabinets
Taking the cabinets right up to the ceiling gives this laundry room much more storage, and designer Maggie Griffin uses that idea on both side walls.
Brooms and drying racks, along with extra supplies, can stay behind cabinet doors instead of sitting out in a corner.
The matching fronts on both walls also help all the storage look like one complete unit. I like the soft blue-gray finish here because it keeps the large cabinets from looking too strong in the room.
If you take cabinets this high, you should keep a step stool nearby for the top cupboards.
#7: Keep Laundry Items Sorted
This four-basket setup makes laundry sorting much easier because each basket already has its own place.
Give one basket to lights and another to darks. Then use the other two for towels, delicates, or whatever you wash most often.
Even better, clothes can go into the right basket right away, so you do not have to sort everything later.
Cleaning experts still recommend separating laundry by color, fabric, and care instructions, as it can help prevent colors from bleeding and protect lighter clothes.
#8: Install a Sliding Barn Door
A swinging door may not be the best choice for a tight laundry room entrance because it needs extra room to open.
A barn door, however, uses the wall instead, which keeps the doorway open and makes it easier to move through.
Just make sure you have enough clear wall space for the door to slide fully. The track also needs to be attached to a strong part of the wall.
#9: Add a Deep Utility Sink
Sinkology recommends using a large sink for laundry because it gives you enough room to soak clothes, rinse dirty items, and hand-wash delicate pieces beside the washer.
The deep bowl also gives bulky or very dirty clothes more space to soak, and it does keep splashes inside the sink.
Here, the sink sits in the wood counter close to the machines, so wet clothes can go straight into the washer.
This idea is especially useful if you often treat stains, hand-wash clothes, or deal with muddy laundry.
#10: Refresh the Space with Wallpaper
We all know laundry rooms are built for chores, but I’ve noticed that designers never seem to get tired of dressing them up with wallpaper. Case in point? This playful pineapple print.
The pink pineapple wallpaper gives this narrow laundry room a cheerful look. White cabinets and machines, along with the white trim, help balance the bold pattern so it doesn’t take over the whole space.
Good news: a room this small may need only one or two rolls, so trying bold wallpaper doesn’t have to cost much.
#11: Display Artwork
I really love how this small gallery wall adds so much character to Jaret’s laundry room. It makes the room feel like a decorated part of the home, not just a laundry space.
The six frames come in different sizes, which keeps the display interesting. Moreover, their soft brown and green tones work nicely with the striped wallpaper and sage paneling.
If you have a blank wall, hang a few pieces you truly like instead of adding more decor to another surface.
#12: Let the Cabinetry Carry the Dark Color
“Paint is the most important decision for the look, feel, and cohesion of a home,” says interior designer Melinda James.
This laundry room is a good example of how to bring in darker colors without making everything dark.
The green-gray cabinets and graphite machines add depth, while the pale counter, light tile, white walls, and cream floor keep the room balanced.
If you like this contrast, don’t be afraid to start with darker cabinets. And keep a few nearby finishes much lighter.
Certainly, that simple mix can give a small room a stronger and more modern look.
#13: Brighten Your Laundry Workspace
This laundry room already has good lighting. A wide semi-flush ceiling light brightens the work area without hanging too low.
The broad drum shade spreads light across the room, while the low design works well in a smaller space.
Good lighting matters when you are checking stains, sorting colors, or folding clothes.
Allison Lynch of Roundhouse also suggests adding lights under wall cabinets or shelves so the counter does not sit in shadow.
When you plan your laundry room, make sure the folding and stain-cleaning areas have enough light.
#14: Put the Wall to Work with Pegboard
Got a blank wall in your laundry room? Use it for the smaller things you need often.
Add a pegboard or some wall hooks, then use wire baskets to keep brushes, cloths, and cleaning bottles close by. This saves you from searching through a cupboard every time you need something.
The setup is easy to change too, since you can move the hooks and baskets around whenever you need more space.
#15: Hang a Door Storage Rack
If the back of your laundry room door is empty, an over-the-door rack can use that space well.
The rack gives you several storage levels for detergent, softener, and larger bottles. Small labeled baskets can keep dryer sheets and cloths organized as well.
It simply hangs over the door, so you do not have to drill into anything. BONUS: It also makes it easy for renters to remove and use again in another home.