An organized laundry room is a joy to work in. We spend so much time in these spaces, why not make them both functional and stylish?
When we designed our laundry room, aesthetics were as important as the layout and functionality of the space. I didn’t want a sloppy, unkempt room where we just tossed dirty laundry. I wanted it to be cheerful and neat. That led me to a lot of research on the best ideas for creating an inviting space that was also well organized.
What I learned is this: no matter how big or small your laundry room is, it’s possible for it to be charming and efficient, even on a budget. Some ideas are incredibly easy, like storing cleaning supplies in cute containers. Others take a bit more effort, like installing shelving, but none are especially difficult.
We’re sharing 10 DIY ideas that create maximum impact with minimal effort. After all, everyone deserves to be surrounded by beautiful things, even when doing laundry!
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Stash Supplies
Storing laundry supplies in matching containers may be the easiest, most cost-effective way to transform your laundry room. Replacing the cluttered look of detergent bottles, boxes, dryer sheets, and what-not with a set of tidy bins just looks good. Wicker or wire baskets, wooden crates, or fabric options all work beautifully.
And while you’re at it, consider using clear apothecary jars for stowing detergent, dryer balls, clothes pins, or any other item that may look nice on display. It helps keep things organized while offering a polished touch.
Shop Similar:
2. Add a Countertop
Who doesn’t need more counter space? To maximize your work surface area, add a countertop over your washer and dryer. It can be as easy as a piece of plywood cut to fit or as fancy as a custom designed piece. Either way, it offers a place to sort laundry, fold clothes, or just put things down. Did we mention that it looks really good? Because it does!
Shop Similar:
3. Install Shelving
Shelves are a must for any laundry room, regardless of size. Installing just one over your washer and dryer ensures essentials like detergents are within easy reach. Add a rod underneath the shelf like in the image below, and it does double duty as a hanging rack.
If your plan includes multiple shelves, be sure to have a step stool on hand to reach the ones way up high.
Shop Similar:
4. Consider a Drying Rack
We do a fair amount of hand washing, especially during the winter. Wool sweaters, hats, and gloves get a lot of use in our house, so they need a good hand washing several times during the season. Having a rack for air drying these items makes life so much easier!
A mounted version maximizes wall area without sacrificing valuable counter space. When your clothes are dry, just fold it up and out of the way. No room for a wall version? No problem. Free-standing options work great, too, and can be collapsed for easy storage.
Shop Similar:
5. Stack Laundry Baskets
This is so smart. If you have multiple laundry baskets, you know they can take up a lot of room when in use. The solution: stack them one over the other so you’re using vertical space and not floor space.
Cubbies are great way to achieve this, and if you’re up to it, you can build your own like the team at The Creative Mom did. Or you can opt for something a bit less tool-intensive like an open bookcase. Just make sure the shelves are deep enough to hold your baskets.
Shop Similar:
6. Fill the Gap
This is another fantastic trick I love. If you have space between your washer and dryer, slide a narrow storage cart in there. It’s a super handy way to keep items like dryer sheets close by. It’s also a great place to put lost socks or items that you empty from pockets before washing.
Shop Similar:
7. Hang Lost Socks
And speaking of lost socks, how about a few magnetic clips. Just place them on the side of your machine or on a magnetic board hung on a wall. Use them to hang your orphaned socks as a reminder of what’s still in need of a mate!
Shop Similar:
8. Use the Space Under a Counter
If you have a folding station like I do, use the space underneath to store rolling laundry carts. We have three carts in our laundry room and stash two in the open space under my folding counter. It’s so convenient to just pull them over to the washing machine when I’m ready to do laundry. They’re cute to look at and they stay out of the way when not in use. Perfect.
Shop Similar:
9. Hang a Clothes Rod
This space-saving idea from Henry Lewis Home uses the ceiling as the spot for an industrial-inspired hanging rod. It’s great for those items that need to hang dry, or that your plan to steam, iron, or mend.
If you’re not comfortable using your ceiling, just mount the rod on a wall or try a tension rod between cabinets. Or you could opt for a free-standing rack, like Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage. This one offers shelving and hanging space, so you get the best of both worlds.
Shop Similar:
10. Organize with Pegboard
Take advantage of wall space by installing pegboard for hanging multiple items. This clever idea puts tools in view so they’re easy to find but keeps them from cluttering counters and floors.
Shop Similar:
Sometimes just a few simple changes is all it takes to transform your space from blah and cluttered to chic and organized. So go ahead and make the laundry room a joyful spot in your home!