There are no laundry rooms that are large enough. Such as, what do we fold, dry, sort and store in a place, which is essentially, the size of a closet? The math, it does not math. However, with the right concepts (and some planning), you can in fact make even the smallest of laundry spaces a useful, good-looking energyhouse.
I have also resided even in apartments with the washer and dryer machineries cramped in what resembled to be a decorated broom closet. And so, trust me when I say: it is possible to make it work, and it may even come out Pinterest-worthy. Fancy going the whole 100%? Okay, let us.
1. Go Vertical with Wall-Mounted Storage
Have you ever had the feeling that your floor area disappeared as soon as you wanted to wipe some stuff with a laundry basket? Yeah, same. Vertical storage is your new best-friend because it helps you.
Stack It Up, Baby
- Install open shelves above the washer/dryer
- Use hooks for hanging cleaning tools or laundry bags
- Try a tall, narrow cabinet if you have a sliver of wall space
This arrangement de-cluttered the room and in fact makes the place appear taller. FYI: Your mop need not be on the floor, hang it because it is a diva.
2. Add a Fold-Down Drying Rack
No room at all to spare a half of your floor to a drying rack? No problem. Having a fold-down drying rack that attaches to the wall is a complete game changer.
Why It’s Genius:
- Pops out when you need it
- Folds flat when you don’t
- Great for delicates, baby clothes, or anything labeled “do not tumble dry” (ugh, those)
| Floor Drying Rack | Wall-Mounted Option |
|---|---|
| Bulky, space hog | Compact, folds flat |
Bonus: It makes your wall have a purpose other than of existential purpose.
3. Use a Rolling Cart Between or Beside Units
And when you have the embarrassing space between washing machine and dryer, never go to waste. Hook a skinny rolling cart and boom! You have created storage where there is nothing.
What to Stash:
- Detergents and softeners
- Dryer sheets or wool balls (team wool balls here 🙋)
- Cleaning rags, gloves, or extra sponges
It has a pullout feature that can be used when the need comes and put away when it is finished. Essentially it is your dirty laundry room secret weapon.
4. Create a Countertop Over Your Washer & Dryer
In the event that your machines are front-loading models, then you have a diamond property sitting right underneath you. Install a custom wood countertop over the two units that will provide you with a folding station (that covers the tops of the appliances, which are normally typically a mad mess, let us be real).
Why It Works:
- Makes folding 900 pairs of socks slightly less awful
- Helps visually unify the space
- You can even decorate it (hello cute jars + mini plants)
Pro tip: Put a sealer on the wood so you do not get rings of detergent or water stains. And I discovered that with the difficulty. :/
5. Hang a Pegboard for All the Little Stuff
You know those little tools that you misplaced somewhere and somehow find their way into every nook and cranny, lint rollers, clothespins, and stain removers? Put them on a pegboard in the laundry room.
Here’s What to Do:
- Mount a custom-cut pegboard to a free wall
- Use small hooks, baskets, or clips to organize your stuff
- Color-code items if you’re extra (no judgment—I do it too)
It is very pliable, inexpensive, and it gives your laundry room the feeling that it has reached the age of maturity. Although you, uh… don t.
6. Install Cabinets All the Way to the Ceiling
Your ceiling may seem to be acting as merely a dust magnet (admittedly), but it can also serve as excellent storage. Instead of ending up at the height of a shoulder, install cabinets to the ceiling.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Adds serious storage without eating floor space
- Perfect for stashing bulk buys or seasonal supplies
- Looks polished and intentional
| Storage Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Open Shelves | Everyday items you grab often |
| High Cabinets | Long-term or bulky storage items |
IMO, when you are already renovating, or designing new-form scratch, do yourself a favor, and do it all the way. Later, when you do not have to squeeze in bottles of bleach in your kitchen pantry, you will thank yourself.
7. Tuck Hampers Into Drawers or Cabinets
You know what? Dirty laundry is not adorable. And when it is lying around, then it simply makes your entire area to seem messy. The fix? Conceal your hampers on drawers or cabinets.
Why It’s Brilliant:
- Keeps laundry and smells out of sight
- You can sort colors right inside (dark, light, “IDK what this is” pile—check ✅)
- It feels more “spa day” and less “college dorm”
It is even possible to do this DIY with pull-out bins even when you do not feel to commit to custom cabinetry. Only be sure to get ones which can be washed… you know why.
8. Wall-Mounted Ironing Board = Instant Space Saver
Conventional ironing boards are space eating monsters. They are embarrassing to keep and they always just seem to fall over when you need them the least. 🙁
The Upgrade You Need:
- Install a wall-mounted, fold-down ironing board
- Choose a sleek one with a built-in mirror or storage panel
- Bonus: Some even swivel. Fancy, right?
All of a sudden, you no longer waste time rummaging through closets to fish out your ironing board instead, you simply pull, press, and fold to make a professional of yourself.
9. Use Baskets with Labels (and Make It Cute)
I do not mean baskets are the solution to all our problems- but they are a bit. In particular, in laundry rooms. And the labels do make a difference.
Try This:
- Use matching wire or woven baskets for a cohesive vibe
- Label each for socks, stain stuff, dryer sheets, lost-and-found (hi, solo sock)
- Stack ‘em on open shelving or tuck them into cubbies
It not only gives the false sense that you are calm (even when you know your laundry is an utter disaster), but it also makes it a lot easier to clean up without you even trying.
10. Install a Rod for Hanging Clothes
An up-grab really easy and really useful? Installing a rod on top of your machines or between 2 cabinets. You can be surprised of how useful that single bar turn out to be.
Real Talk:
- Hang-dry your delicates
- Keep dress shirts wrinkle-free after ironing
- Pre-plan outfits while folding laundry
A tension rod can be used even in the case when you have only a small corner. and tho it happen to be brass? You have just put ✨ a little bling on it ✨.
11. Light It Up: Under-Shelf or LED Strip Lighting
Your laundry room does not have to be quite like a dark dungeon. Proper lighting = reduced tension on the eyes and a warmer atmosphere and say goodbye to those socks to the abyss.
Quick Fixes:
- Stick-on LED strip lights under shelves
- Add a motion-sensor puck light inside cabinets
- Consider a stylish pendant if you’ve got height
| Lighting Fix | Best For |
|---|---|
| LED strips | Budget-friendly glow-up |
| Motion-sensor lights | No hands needed – perfect for bins |
you will like to be inside… Well, no, not want, but you are going to hate it a lot less.
12. Go Dual-Purpose with a Sliding Barn Door
You know them in Pinterest. They’re everywhere. But don t forget-barn doors are not just ornamental.
Why You Might Want One:
- They don’t swing out like traditional doors (hello, space!)
- You can mount one over your laundry nook if it’s in a hallway or kitchen
- Adds major style points—especially in a neutral wood or matte black
As long as it has a soft-close option provided you have kids or, to be more candid, a tendency to slam things when the laundry stress reaches the boiling point 😅
13. Hang a Curtain if You’re Really Tight on Space
Not able to afford (or room, rather) a fancy door, that is not a problem. Chic curtain + little one bar = lots of difference.
Use It To:
- Hide machines in open spaces like the kitchen, hallway, or bathroom
- Match your curtain to the room’s aesthetic (linen, cotton, bold prints—go wild)
- Instantly calm the chaos with just a pull
It’s cozy. It’s cheap. And it does its job. You will think that you designed that space even though you had it as an after thought.
14. Add Decorative Touches to Make It Feel Like a Real Room
How to make your small laundry room not so sad? Make it a tangible space. Add a bit of stylishness on purpose.
Fun Ideas:
- Framed art (yep, even in the laundry room)
- A tiny rug to soften the vibe
- Cute canisters for detergent and pods
This means that you are performing maintenance jobs: you should have a pleasant place. Bonus: It can literally fool you into speeding up the process of folding. Maybe.
15. Install Pocket Shelves in Dead Wall Space
Dead wall space: Last but not least lets discuss dead wall space. It’s sneaky. It’s everywhere. And it is willing to work at your service.
Slide-In Solutions:
- Mount ultra-thin pocket shelves between studs
- Use them to hold spray bottles, dryer balls, clothespins
- You can even build in hidden outlets for tools like steamers
What you will be surprised by is the amount of inches that you are going to be able to get back when your mind starts to think in 3D. Even the 4 inch space next to your dryer can support it.
Final Thoughts: Small Room, Big Energy
To recap: You do not require a gigantic laundry room to be tidy, effective, or, dare we state it, somewhat proud about how they have it all together. It does not matter whether you are adding shelves to your room, lighting upgrades, or even if you are simply hanging a curtain, every inch matters.