Creative Solutions for Organizing a Small Laundry Room

“I love doing laundry,” said no one ever. This necessary chore may not be your favourite but there are ways to make your laundry room more functional and attractive despite a lack of space. Here’s some innovative ideas to help get you started.

Space-Conscious Washer & Dryer

If you have limited space for your laundry room, consider buying a stackable washer and dryer. Stackable machines offer front loading and can free up space for shelving and other storage options. They also allow for more floor space so you can move around more freely.

Space-Saving Furniture

• Cabinets, storage bins, and other furniture in your small laundry room can do double-duty to save space.

• Stackable bins or wire shelving units typically used in a pantry can work well along one wall to store detergent and other items.

• A shower bar can be affixed to a wall to hang-dry clothes

• Place hooks on the wall to hang ironing boards and steamers.

Create a Themed Decor

One of the best ways to add some pizzazz to your laundry room is to create a specific theme for the space. For example, a rustic retro theme would be great with old-fashioned signs and antique hardware on the cabinetry. For a cozy country theme, you could opt for wooden shelving, wicker baskets, jugs, and antiques. If there is an option to add flooring, make sure it’s waterproof and matches your theme.

Hampers & Laundry Baskets

Storage is key in a small laundry room. Baskets and hampers come in all shapes and sizes and can be stacked, collapsed, or wheeled to be moved in and out of the room. There are many decorative styles as well that will add to your overall theme.

Ironing Boards

A small laundry room means you have to get creative with your space. Try installing a pull-down ironing board, or hang it with an over-the-door holder to keep it off the ground and stored away when not in use. It can also be used to fold clothes if you don’t have room for a table or shelf.

Shelving

A functional laundry room needs to have items within easy reach. Open, floating wall shelves come in a variety of materials and can be placed in the most convenient locations. The hidden brackets help keep the room looking neat.

Cabinetry

There are endless options for cabinets, making it easy to find one that fits your laundry room size and budget. If you have plumbing in the room, you can install a cabinet with a sink which is ideal for pre-soaking clothing or quick clean-ups. Other options include bathroom-style cabinets including wall units, base cabinets, and open cubbies for baskets/bins.

Bins & Baskets

Be creative when storing your typical laundry room necessities like detergent, softeners, and clothes pins with a variety of bins and baskets. Using decorative storage options will also keep counters clutter-free.

Fold Away Drying Racks

Not all clothing can go into the dryer. For those special garments, a fold-up drying rack can not only save the day, but it can save valuable floorspace as well. Whether mounted directly on the wall for easy expandability or free-standing and collapsible when not in use, drying racks are a useful laundry room item.

Take it Outside

If you don’t have the space to use a folding rack in your laundry room, why not go old school and hang your clothes outside? A clothesline is simple to install whether it’s a line or a stand-alone umbrella, and is an ideal way to save energy and get fresh-scented laundry in the process.

Brighten Your Space

Your laundry room should be located in an area with a window to add brightness and cheeriness. Most times, laundry rooms are located in dark spaces like the basement. Revitalize the space by adding bright paint colours to one or more walls. Be sure there is adequate lighting with the use of recessed lights, track lights, and under cabinet lighting.

Turn an Open Alcove into an Accent Wall

Accent walls are making a come back and the laundry room is a place that can utilize this feature to enhance the overall décor of your home. Consider installing a sliding barn door to conceal the room when not in use. You can even paint the door in an accent colour so that it stands out from the other areas in the house.

Bathroom / Laundry Room Combo

When space is at a premium in your home, one solution can be to combine rooms such as a bathroom with laundry. Get creative with your space. Use your storage cabinets for towels and toilet paper, but also for laundry supplies to disguise the fact that the room serves two functions. You should also consider stackable laundry machines to make more floor space available for bathroom activities.

Convert a Closet

An unused hallway or bedroom closet can be easily converted to a laundry room if there is easy access to plumbing. Using smart design ideas such as having stacked machines and recessed, or floating shelves can give you a much-needed laundry area.

Pet Centre

If laundry day typically goes to the dogs, why not make it happen? The laundry room is an ideal place to add an area for washing and grooming your dogs – or cats – as well as creating a custom bed and feeding area. Devote a drawer or cabinet for your pet needs to free up other areas of your home.

No matter how much room you have, utilizing unique storage ideas, maximizing space, and using a bit of ingenuity will create a laundry room that will not only function well, but will feel inviting. It will certainly help make laundry day easier if not more fun.