26 Small Laundry Room Ideas That Maximize Space and Style (2024)

BHG Editors' Favorite Finds: Laundry Room Essentials

Maximize Vertical Space

One of the most effective ways to increase storage in a small space is to use the height of it as much as possible. In this laundry room, not only are the washer and dryer stacked on top of one another, the cabinets reach to the ceiling so that not an inch is wasted.

One-Wall Laundry Room

This small laundry room packs storage and personality into a one-wall solution. Butcher block forms a DIY countertop and open shelves above the front-loading washer and dryer. A narrow rolling unit sneaks extra storage alongside one machine. Penny tiles spell out a fun message on the floor, while sage green paint adds a splash of color to the ceiling.

Organized Laundry Closet

Convert an underused closet into a laundry room that contains everything you need. Side-by-side appliances maximize the width of the space while an elevated countertop means surface storage for daily essentials and a place to tuck away baskets for clean items underneath. An alternative to bulky laundry baskets, woven bins, which slide on top of the washer and dryer, hold stacks of clean clothes ready to put away. A set of upper cabinets keeps the visual clutter of lesser-used supplies hidden away and a simple hanging rod lets clothes hang dry without being overly obtrusive. Wallpaper wraps the small space in subtle pattern.

Mudroom Laundry Room

If you don't have space for both a laundry room and a mudroom, combine the most important features of the two and create a multifunctional space. Wherever the proper hookups are available in the house, choose that spot to set up a small laundry room complete with a utility sink. Keep it simple and streamlined by adding a countertop over the machines for folding clean clothes and a floating shelf for supply storage.

Stack the Washer and Dryer

As you already know, height matters especially when you’re designing and organizing a small space. Employ a stackable washer and dryer and make sure the cabinets extend from floor to ceiling so that you can squeeze in as much storage as possible and keep the bulk of your things concealed.

Laundry Room Floating Shelves

With the right hookups, you can create a laundry room in any space of the house. Keep it simple by placing plywood over the washer and dryer for folding purposes and hanging a set of floating shelves for supply storage. Don’t forget about including cozy decor items and add a wallpapered accent wall to define the area.

Mobile Laundry Room Storage

A laundry closet can make it difficult to store and grab the supplies you need most often. Consider adding a tiered rolling cart and stock it full of those items so they’re always within hand’s reach. Add a hook to the side so you can attach a small ironing board for quick presses.

Small Laundry Room Countertops

Front-loading appliances neatly tuck under a set of windows in this small laundry room. A waterfall wood countertop creates space for folding clothes and a landing spot for laundry baskets. Closed cabinet space provides hidden storage for detergents, stain removers, and more.

Hidden Washer and Dryer

A small and oddly shaped room in the house is the perfect place to stash a washer and dryer. Stack them vertically into a tall nook and decorate the rest of the space in a motif so cheerful that you can’t help but smile every time you walk in to complete the chore.

Combined Bathroom and Laundry Room

A separate laundry room is a luxury not every small home has. Here, laundry facilities are conveniently incorporated into a first-floor bathroom. Stacking the washer and dryer saves space, while open shelves keep both toiletries and laundry products within easy reach.

Converted Closet Laundry Room

This small laundry room fits all the essentials inside a standard 6-foot-wide closet. Front-loading machines are topped with a butcher-block countertop and nestled next to a two-drawer hamper. Above, a drying rack and open shelves put the walls to work. Barn doors easily slide closed when the work is done.

Mount the Ironing Board

Full-sized ironing boards are clunky and take up entirely too much space, especially in a small laundry room. If you frequently need to iron clothes, however, try this trick that solves the problem. Carve out a shallow recess into an open wall, mount the board horizontally inside it, and attach a cabinet door. Now, it takes up virtually no space yet it’s always available for use.

Use Portable Storage

If a hideaway ironing station isn’t an option, simply lean the board against a narrow bit of blank wall in the laundry room so it’s out of the way but still accessible. Hampers on wheels can be rolled and tucked into tight corners so you have plenty of room to wash, dry, and fold.

Sunroom Laundry Area

A sliver of space is all that’s needed to create a laundry area in this bright sunroom. Elevated appliances protect the fun flooring, a basic surface and wall-mounted shelves add storage, and uniquely patterned wallpaper plus painted prints give the corner a creative flair that just might make doing laundry an enjoyable experience.

Double Up Appliances

Have endless piles of laundry to do but only a narrow room to work with? Take advantage of a long wall by putting in not one, but two, washers and dryers. You’ll be able to knock out multiple loads in less time and maximize an otherwise awkwardly shaped space.

Sneaky Storage Laundry Room

If you’re in the market for a new washer and dryer, many front-loading models are now being designed with storage drawers underneath them. Not only do these heightened machines alleviate strain on your back by reducing bending, they also make use of vertical space. Use the drawers to store bulk and backstock laundry or cleaning supplies such as detergent refills or paper towel rolls.

Keep it Cohesive

A small laundry room can still look and feel organized even if storage space is limited. Stick with coordinating storage baskets and labels to sort your supplies on shelves and the countertop. Use the highest shelf for both function and aesthetics by displaying occasionally used items, like a collection of vases.

Laundry Room Command Center

If the laundry room is the busiest hub of your home, consider combining it with the family command center—especially if it’s located in a high-traffic area. A simple blackboard for writing memos and reminders placed on the side of the cabinet lets everyone know important info as they simultaneously toss their dirty clothes into a nearby hamper.

Small Laundry Room Closet

In this cleverly designed loft, the laundry area fits into a narrow closet next to the pantry. A stacked washer-and-dryer combo maximizes function within the tight footprint. Open storage compartments around the machines provide areas for hanging clothes, storing laundry products, and stashing extra towels.

Efficient Laundry Room

A wall of floating shelves helps this small laundry room live large. Above the washer and dryer, three deep shelves hold a variety of laundry and cleaning supplies, neatly organized with baskets and bins. A granite countertop provides a convenient folding station and extra space for frequently used items.

Small Laundry Room Design

A small laundry room is the perfect spot to make a bold statement. Bright green floral wallpaper takes this lower-level laundry area from utilitarian to bright and cheerful. Checkerboard floors and elegant accessories further personalize the space.

Hallway Laundry Corner

You can design a fully loaded laundry room in unlikely places, such as in a small pass-through hallway in between living areas. Hang upper cabinets above front loading machines and squeeze a tall, narrow bookcase to one side for storage of supplies and clean linens.

Hidden Laundry Room

Fit a makeshift laundry room into a collection of cabinets, such as those in a kitchen, to hide these hardworking appliances in plain sight. The doors to this laundry area open and slide back into the cabinet so they don't impede traffic flow. Open space above the washer and dryer provides a spot to stash laundry baskets, and upper shelves stow cleaning supplies.

Small Laundry Room Storage

Vertical storage makes smart use of the area above the appliances in this small laundry room. A combination of open shelves and closed cabinets hold extra supplies, lost items, knick-knacks, and more. Framed art and a wallpapered accent wall personalize the hardworking space.

Clever Laundry Room Storage

When dedicating an entire room to laundry isn’t an option, you can conceal appliances in a hallway. They’re still easily accessible and yet out of the way thanks to a simple close of a curtain. Use overhead built-in cabinets to stow away supplies or extra linens that you use occasionally in nearby rooms.