Once relegated to dark corners and concrete floors, laundry rooms now sit center stage—often right off the kitchen, garage, or a main entry. If you’re planning a refresh, these 10 practical design ideas will help you add light, storage, and personality (with a few budget‑savvy tips, too).
10 Laundry Room Ideas to Maximize Storage, Style, and Function
From wallpaper to wall hooks, here’s how to turn a hard‑working space into a room you’re proud to show off.
1) Add wallpaper
Bold, whimsical wallpaper instantly upgrades a utilitarian room. Choose wipeable vinyl or scrubbable finishes for durability.
2) Bring in natural light
Swap a solid door for frosted, rippled, or half‑glass to brighten tight spaces without major construction.
3) Use a sliding barn door
Barn and bypass doors save swing space and look great in industrial, farmhouse, and modern homes.
4) Get creative with small spaces
Turn a closet into a compact laundry nook with stacking units, narrow shelves, and door‑back organizers.
5) Create storage—lots of it
Mix closed cabinets with jars, wire baskets, and trays. Use every inch above washers and along benches for overflow storage.
More inspiration: Kitchen storage ideas and a few clever finds on Pinterest.
6) Add a hanging rod
A simple closet or shower rod below a shelf creates instant drying and staging space.
7) Layer art & interesting fixtures
Treat your laundry like any other room: real art, thoughtful lighting, and a cohesive palette elevate the space.
8) Include open shelves
Open shelves keep everyday items handy and offer space for decor. Fill corners and narrow gaps with custom cuts.
9) Add counter space
Give yourself a landing zone for folding and sorting. Try a top built over front‑load units or a mobile island that tucks away.
10) Install hooks
Hooks keep drop zones tidy—perfect for backpacks, totes, jackets, sports gear, and laundry bags.
Wrap up
A little design goes a long way in a busy laundry room. Start with light, add storage and a work surface, then finish with hardware, hooks, and personality. Share your makeover ideas in the comments—we’d love to see them!
Frequently asked questions
What’s a good height for a laundry hanging rod?
Mount the rod about 66–70 inches from the floor, or leave at least 40 inches of vertical clearance below for shirts and pants to hang freely.
How deep should a laundry counter be?
Standard depth is 24 inches (to align with front‑loaders), but even a 16–18 inch counter helps for folding in tight rooms.
What cabinet hardware finishes work best in laundry rooms?
Most finishes perform well; brushed nickel, chrome, matte black, and sealed brass are popular. Choose sealed or lacquered finishes for humid areas.
Open shelves or closed cabinets?
Use a mix: closed cabinets for bulk items and cleaning supplies; open shelves for daily detergents, towels, and decor.





