Laundry Room Ideas for Small Spaces

Does the size of your laundry room feel restricted? The experts at Better Homes & Gardens suggest arranging your items using vertical storage. This type of organization is key to making a small laundry room work to your advantage.

Every item has a function. Place your go-to cleaning tools within reach in a basket, bin, or caddy. Items may include detergent, stain removers, dryer sheets, or any other necessary washing components. Group them on the lowest level for easy access.

For optimal room, stack a front-loading washer and dryer system. Some washer and dryer combos also come with built-in storage. As a result, your floor space will be clear of additional clutter.

When it comes to cabinets, apply open and closed concepts. Naturally place your laundry room essentials within the lower realm while keeping other non-daily items like an iron or sewing kit within the upper cabinets. You might include lower, concealed cabinets that feature pull-out storage for additional cleaning supplies or recyclables.

With everything in its place, your laundry room will finally operate correctly. If your space is limited, now is the time to get creative. Make it simple. Where space is thin, add a handy cart for everyday supplies to slide between the washer and dryer. You might also consider positioning a bookcase on the side to store extra linens and towels. 

Establishing a home for your laundry baskets is also essential. Installing a pedestal underneath the washer and dryer is a great place to store laundry baskets. It provides another convenient opportunity to include drawers for extra storage. 

Attach handy add-ons! Have a spare ladder that you rarely use? The Good Housekeeping pros suggest suspending it from the ceiling so your clothes can hang high and dry. Alternatively, use the upper area by placing a rod above the washer and dryer to hang your garments neatly.



Have a blank wall or two in your laundry room? Mount a drying rack for extra clothes or wet swimsuits. Lifestyle blogger Erin Boyle from Reading My Tea Leaves recommends this simple approach as "it’s discreet and useful and dare I say, pleasant to look at.” For maximum storage, consider a wall-mount ironing board or a fold-down drying rack. Push these tools back up and keep them out of the way when not in use. 

Create more space with do-it-yourself tactics. Designate an area for dividing and folding laundry by placing a countertop over your washer and dryer system. Mandi Gubler of Vintage Revival recommends using plywood, as "wood just adds so much life to a space." Nevertheless, choose what works best for your style: wood, marble, granite, etc... A little extra flair will add both character and function to the room.

Feel welcome upon entering and organize your space with a theme. You can also restore the smallest of rooms with a fresh coat of paint and a style all your own. 

Better Homes & Gardens also suggests working with the spaces that you already have by combining them. If there's no other way to divide your living room from your laundry station, take the opportunity to arrange the area as a multi-functional zone. 

Include a utility sink in your laundry set up along the wall. This will leave room for a neighboring folding table or desk for any potential craft or work activities. You might consider attaching curtains on the counter where the washer and dryer reside to keep them unnoticed until needed. 

If you find that your home lacks a specific location for a laundry room, converting a closet into a workstation is never a bad idea. Attach hooks or rods to the back of the closet door to hang cleaning supplies, including brooms, mops, and dustpans. You can also mount a pegboard nearby with similar materials.

Maintaining a laundry room with limited space has its challenges, but there are several ways to work around those limitations. Maximize wall space, bring in a rolling cart, and, if needed, convert another area into a laundry space.