Laundry rooms are often the smallest spaces in a home, yet they carry one of the biggest responsibilities. If your laundry area feels cramped, cluttered, or uninspiring, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need a huge budget or a total renovation to make it functional and stylish. With the right design hacks, even the tiniest laundry room can look spacious, organized, and downright enjoyable to use.

Here are 20 clever small laundry room design hacks that will make your space both practical and beautiful.

1. Use Vertical Space with Wall Shelving

Most laundry rooms have limited floor space, but walls? They’re gold mines for storage. By adding floating shelves, you instantly create more room for detergents, baskets, and supplies.

Steps:

• Measure your wall and buy shelves that fit neatly above the washer and dryer.
• Use sturdy brackets to handle heavy bottles.
• Add baskets or bins to group items together.

Cost: Around $30–$100 depending on material and number of shelves.

Pros: Affordable, easy DIY project, keeps clutter off counters.
Cons: Needs drilling, may not hold super heavy items.

Tip: Use matching storage baskets for a clean, uniform look.

2. Install Cabinets Above the Machines

If you prefer hidden storage, cabinets are your best friend. Unlike open shelves, they conceal the mess and give the room a polished finish.

Steps:

• Measure the space above your washer and dryer.
• Buy pre-assembled cabinets from a home store or use kitchen cabinets.
• Secure them into studs for safety.

Cost: $150–$400 depending on size and material.

Pros: Sleek, organized, hides clutter.
Cons: Pricier than shelves, requires installation tools.

Tip: Choose white or light-colored cabinets to make the space feel bigger.

3. Stack Your Washer and Dryer

If your machines are front-loading, stacking them saves a ton of floor space. This frees up one side of the room for folding or storage.

Steps:

• Buy a stacking kit made for your washer and dryer model.
• Securely place the dryer on top.
• Check that water and vent connections are properly aligned.

Cost: $30–$60 for the stacking kit.

Pros: Doubles floor space, looks modern.
Cons: Machines must be front-loading, harder to reach the dryer for shorter people.

Tip: Add a step stool nearby for easy dryer access.

4. Add a Fold-Down Drying Rack

Instead of bulky drying racks that eat up floor space, install a wall-mounted fold-down version. When not in use, it tucks away neatly.

Steps:

• Choose a fold-down rack (wood or metal).
• Mount it at a comfortable height.
• Use it for delicates, sweaters, or small items.

Cost: $25–$100 depending on size and design.

Pros: Saves space, practical for hand-wash items.
Cons: Limited drying area, requires wall installation.

Tip: Place it near a vent or window for faster drying.

5. Use Pull-Out Hampers

Pull-out hampers inside cabinets keep dirty clothes out of sight and free up space. They’re especially great for keeping the room looking clean and organized.

Steps:

• Install sliding hardware inside a cabinet.
• Add baskets or bags that pull out like drawers.
• Label each hamper for whites, colors, and delicates.

Cost: $50–$200 depending on the system.

Pros: Hides laundry, organizes sorting.
Cons: Requires cabinet space, more expensive than basic baskets.

Tip: Use breathable bags to avoid odors.

6. Add a Countertop Above Machines

If your washer and dryer are side by side, a countertop gives you instant folding space. It also prevents socks and clothes from falling behind the machines.

Steps:

• Measure the top dimensions.
• Install a solid wood, laminate, or quartz countertop.
• Secure it with brackets.

Cost: $80–$300 depending on material.

Pros: Practical folding area, stylish finish.
Cons: Only works for side-by-side setups, needs measuring precision.

Tip: Match countertop color with cabinets for a seamless design.

7. Install Pegboards for Tools and Supplies

Pegboards aren’t just for garages—they’re great for laundry rooms too. You can hang lint rollers, scissors, cleaning brushes, and even small baskets.

Steps:

• Buy a pegboard and cut it to size.
• Mount it securely to the wall.
• Add hooks and accessories.

Cost: $20–$60.

Pros: Cheap, flexible, customizable.
Cons: Can look messy if not organized.

Tip: Paint the pegboard to match your wall color for a polished look.

8. Use Slim Rolling Carts

A slim cart between your washer and dryer is the secret to maximizing dead space. These rolling shelves are perfect for storing detergents and dryer sheets.

Steps:

• Measure the gap between your machines.
• Buy a cart designed to fit snugly.
• Fill it with laundry essentials.

Cost: $30–$70.

Pros: Affordable, mobile, saves hidden space.
Cons: Limited storage capacity, may be hard to clean underneath.

Tip: Choose one with wheels for easy access.

9. Brighten with Good Lighting

A small laundry room feels even smaller if it’s dark. Upgrade your lighting with LED fixtures or pendant lights to make the space inviting.

Steps:

• Replace outdated ceiling lights with bright LEDs.
• Add under-cabinet strip lights if you have shelves.
• Consider motion sensors for convenience.

Cost: $40–$200.

Pros: Makes space look larger, energy-efficient.
Cons: May need electrical work.

Tip: Use daylight bulbs for a fresh, clean look.

10. Add a Sliding Barn Door

Traditional doors take up precious space. A sliding barn door saves floor area while adding rustic charm.

Steps:

• Measure the doorway.
• Buy a barn door kit.
• Install the sliding track above the door frame.

Cost: $200–$600 depending on style.

Pros: Stylish, space-saving.
Cons: Higher upfront cost, requires wall space for sliding.

Tip: Choose a mirrored barn door for a two-in-one benefit.

11. Create Hidden Storage Behind Curtains

If cabinets are too pricey, curtains are a budget-friendly way to hide shelves or clutter.

Steps:

• Install a tension rod above your machines.
• Hang a stylish curtain.
• Store supplies behind it.

Cost: $20–$50.

Pros: Cheap, easy, customizable.
Cons: Less durable than cabinets, fabric may get dusty.

Tip: Use a washable fabric so you can clean it regularly.

12. Paint in Light Colors

Small spaces feel bigger when painted in light shades like white, pale gray, or soft blue.

Steps:

• Clean and prep walls.
• Use light, washable paint.
• Add an accent wall if you want a pop of color.

Cost: $50–$150 for paint and supplies.

Pros: Inexpensive, instantly brightens the room.
Cons: Light walls show dirt faster.

Tip: Use satin finish paint for easy cleaning.

13. Hang Hooks for Everyday Items

Hooks are perfect for hanging laundry bags, dusters, ironing boards, or even dog leashes.

Steps:

• Install sturdy wall hooks.
• Place them at different heights for multiple uses.

Cost: $10–$40.

Pros: Cheap, versatile.
Cons: Can look cluttered if overused.

Tip: Choose decorative hooks to blend with the style of your room.

14. Add a Small Utility Sink

If space allows, a utility sink is a game-changer. It’s perfect for soaking stained clothes or rinsing delicate fabrics.

Steps:

• Choose a compact sink with a cabinet base.
• Hire a plumber for installation if needed.

Cost: $200–$700 depending on size and plumbing needs.

Pros: Super practical, adds value to the home.
Cons: Expensive, needs space and plumbing.

Tip: Add a pull-down faucet for flexibility.

15. Use Over-the-Door Storage

Don’t ignore the back of the door. Over-the-door racks can hold sprays, cleaning cloths, or even small baskets.

Steps:

• Buy an adjustable over-the-door rack.
• Hang and organize supplies.

Cost: $20–$50.

Pros: Cheap, maximizes unused space.
Cons: Door may not close flush if overloaded.

Tip: Store lightweight items to avoid straining the rack.

16. Choose Compact Appliances

If you’re shopping for new machines, compact or stackable models are ideal for small laundry rooms.

Steps:

• Measure your space before buying.
• Look for energy-efficient front-loaders.

Cost: $800–$2,000 depending on brand.

Pros: Saves space, energy-efficient.
Cons: Expensive upfront.

Tip: Check appliance store sales for seasonal discounts.

17. Add Decorative Touches

Just because it’s a laundry room doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Add wall art, patterned rugs, or decorative jars for supplies.

Cost: $20–$150 depending on items.

Pros: Makes the space pleasant, adds personality.
Cons: Can get messy if over-decorated.

Tip: Use washable rugs since spills are common.

18. Create a Folding Station with a Wall Table

A fold-down wall-mounted table gives you extra folding space when needed and tucks away when not.

Cost: $50–$150.

Pros: Space-saving, practical.
Cons: Limited weight capacity.

Tip: Mount it securely with strong brackets.

19. Use Clear Containers for Supplies

Clear jars or bins for detergents, pods, and dryer sheets make the room feel organized and stylish.

Cost: $10–$40.

Pros: Affordable, keeps things neat.
Cons: Needs regular refilling.

Tip: Label containers for quick access.

20. Add a Ventilation Fan

A small laundry room can get hot and damp. A ventilation fan keeps air fresh and prevents mold.

Cost: $100–$300 installed.

Pros: Improves air quality, prevents mildew.
Cons: Requires installation, some noise.

Tip: Choose a quiet fan model for comfort.

FAQs

Q1: How much does it cost to update a small laundry room?
It depends on the upgrades. Simple hacks like hooks and shelving may cost under $100, while bigger changes like appliances or sinks can reach $2,000+.

Q2: Can I make a small laundry room stylish without spending much?
Yes. Use budget-friendly hacks like curtains, paint, and wall hooks. Even decorative jars and rugs can make the space look designed.

Q3: Do I need professional help for these hacks?
Not always. Most are DIY-friendly, but projects like plumbing or electrical work may require professionals.

Q4: What colors make a small laundry room look bigger?
Light colors like white, pale gray, soft green, and pastel blue create the illusion of space.

Q5: Is a countertop above the washer and dryer worth it?
Absolutely—it adds folding space and prevents items from falling behind machines.