A small laundry room may seem challenging to remodel, but with the right strategies, you can turn it into a functional, organized, and stylish space. Whether you’re working with a tiny closet or a corner of a larger room, remodeling your laundry space can enhance both its functionality and your home’s overall design. With space-saving solutions, smart storage ideas, and thoughtful décor, a small laundry room remodel can make this essential area both efficient and visually appealing.
In this guide, we’ll explore creative ideas and smart design solutions to help you remodel your small laundry room, maximizing both style and functionality.
1. Maximize Vertical Space
In a small laundry room, vertical space is your best friend. By making use of the walls, you can create more room for storage, organization, and even work surfaces, without taking up additional floor space.
- Tall Shelving: Install tall shelves above your washer and dryer for laundry supplies, towels, or even extra linens. This helps keep essential items accessible while freeing up floor space for other tasks.
- Hanging Rods for Drying: If you need a drying area, install a hanging rod or rail above the washer or dryer. This allows you to air-dry clothes or hang items straight from the wash without taking up precious floor space.
- Wall-Mounted Cabinets: Install wall-mounted cabinets above your washer and dryer to store detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry essentials. Opt for closed cabinetry to keep everything tidy and clutter-free.
- Hooks and Pegs: Use hooks or pegs on the wall for hanging laundry bags, towels, or even cleaning cloths. These can be installed on the inside of cabinet doors or along the walls to keep things organized.
2. Utilize Multi-Functional Furniture
When working with a small laundry room, multifunctional furniture can save both space and time. Furniture that serves more than one purpose allows you to keep your laundry room both efficient and organized.
- Fold-Down Table: Install a fold-down table or countertop above your washer and dryer to create a functional workspace for folding clothes. When you’re not using it, the table can be tucked away, freeing up space.
- Storage Benches: A bench with hidden storage underneath can double as a seating area and a place to store laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, or extra towels. Choose a bench that opens for easy access to the storage inside.
- Rolling Utility Cart: A rolling utility cart can be used to store laundry products and cleaning supplies. It can easily be moved around the room when needed, and when not in use, it can be tucked into a corner or between cabinets.
- Washer/Dryer Combo Units: If you’re remodeling to save space, consider a combination washer/dryer unit. These compact appliances provide full laundry functionality without taking up the room of two separate machines.
3. Create a Functional Work Area
Even a small laundry room can benefit from having a dedicated work area. Adding a folding station or counter space will make your laundry tasks more organized and efficient.
- Countertop Above Washer and Dryer: If you have the space, install a countertop above the washer and dryer. This provides a flat surface for folding clothes, sorting laundry, or even ironing. This small addition will make your laundry room feel more organized.
- Ironing Station: Incorporate an ironing station with a built-in, fold-down ironing board or a small portable ironing board. This ensures you have a designated space for ironing clothes, without taking up too much room.
- Compact Folding Table: If a full countertop isn’t feasible, consider a compact, wall-mounted folding table that can be tucked away when not in use. It can also function as a space for sorting clothes before or after washing.
- Laundry Basket Station: Install a dedicated area for sorting laundry baskets. This area can have separate sections or bins for whites, darks, and delicates, making it easier to organize your laundry as you go.
4. Add Stylish Design Elements
A laundry room remodel isn’t just about function—it’s also an opportunity to make the space aesthetically pleasing. Even a small laundry room can look stylish and inviting with the right design elements.
- Use a Bold Color Palette: Don’t be afraid to use color in your laundry room remodel. Choose light and airy colors to make the space feel larger, or opt for a bold accent color to add personality. For a more cohesive look, use colors that complement the rest of your home’s décor.
- Decorative Baskets and Storage Bins: Use woven or decorative baskets to store laundry essentials. These can be placed on shelves or tucked into cabinets, adding texture and warmth to the room.
- Stylish Light Fixtures: Update the lighting in your laundry room with a stylish pendant light, chandelier, or modern ceiling light. Proper lighting can brighten up a small space and set the mood for laundry day.
- Wall Art and Decor: Add a personal touch with wall art or a motivational laundry quote. Framing artwork or vintage laundry signs can make the room feel more welcoming and less utilitarian.
5. Incorporate Efficient Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important elements in any laundry room remodel, especially in small spaces. Good lighting can make the room feel more open and improve visibility for tasks like folding clothes or sorting laundry.
- Bright Overhead Lighting: Install bright, overhead lighting to ensure your laundry room is well-lit. Choose LED or fluorescent lighting, which is energy-efficient and long-lasting.
- Under-Shelf Lighting: Add under-shelf lighting to illuminate shelves and countertops. This can make the room feel more spacious while also making it easier to find and access laundry supplies.
- Task Lighting: Consider adding task lighting near work areas like folding stations or ironing boards. A pendant light or adjustable desk lamp can provide focused lighting for these tasks.
- Natural Light: If your laundry room has a window, take full advantage of natural light. Use sheer curtains or blinds to allow sunlight to filter in without sacrificing privacy. Natural light helps make small spaces feel larger and more open.
6. Maximize Laundry Room Accessibility
Making your laundry room more accessible ensures that you can efficiently do laundry without unnecessary hassles. With a few updates, you can enhance both the function and ease of use in your small space.
- Pull-Out or Pull-Down Systems: Install pull-out or pull-down shelves, drying racks, or even a pull-out ironing board. These systems provide convenience and can be tucked away when not in use to save space.
- Rolling Bins: Use rolling laundry bins that can be easily moved around. These can be used for sorting, folding, or transporting laundry items. Roll them in and out of cabinets or closets to keep things neat and accessible.
- Sliding Doors or Pocket Doors: Replace traditional swinging doors with sliding or pocket doors to save space in a small laundry room. These doors take up less room and are easier to open, especially in tight areas.
- Wall-Mounted Foldable Drying Rack: A wall-mounted drying rack that can be folded down and tucked away is perfect for small laundry rooms. This option lets you dry clothes without taking up floor space.
FAQs
- How can I make a small laundry room feel bigger? Use light colors, mirrors, and open shelving to create a sense of space. Maximize vertical storage and keep the design minimal to avoid overcrowding the room.
- What are the best space-saving ideas for a small laundry room? Opt for stackable washer and dryer units, wall-mounted shelving, and fold-down countertops. Use multi-functional furniture like folding tables or rolling carts for added functionality.
- Can I add a sink to a small laundry room? Yes! Look for a small utility sink that can fit under a countertop or in a corner. It’s practical for pre-washing clothes or soaking delicate items.
- How do I organize laundry products in a small space? Use vertical shelves, baskets, and bins to store detergents, fabric softeners, and cleaning supplies. Label containers for easy identification and access.
- What color scheme works best for a small laundry room? Light, neutral colors such as whites, grays, and soft blues create an open and airy feeling. For a pop of personality, incorporate bolder accent colors in décor or accessories.
- What are some budget-friendly updates for a small laundry room? Fresh paint, new shelving, and updated lighting are cost-effective ways to refresh your laundry room. You can also repurpose old furniture for additional storage or work areas.
- Can I hide my washer and dryer in a small laundry room? Yes! Use cabinetry or sliding doors to conceal your washer and dryer. This will keep the space looking neat and cohesive with the rest of your home’s design.
- How do I improve lighting in a small laundry room? Install bright overhead lighting, add under-cabinet lights, and maximize natural light by using sheer curtains. Task lighting near work areas like ironing boards can also improve visibility.
- What should I focus on when remodeling a small laundry room? Focus on maximizing storage, organizing laundry essentials, and ensuring the layout is efficient. Incorporate multi-functional furniture and consider space-saving appliances.
- How can I make my small laundry room more stylish? Add decorative elements like baskets, plants, and artwork. Choose stylish but functional storage solutions, and update the lighting to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere.