The Ultimate Guide to Designing a Laundry Room That Actually Works
Photo by @gracelairdphotography
Let’s be honest—laundry is one of those never-ending household tasks. Whether you’re tackling piles of sports uniforms, work clothes, or everyday essentials, having a well-designed laundry room can make the process much easier and more efficient. We remodeled our laundry room a few years ago, and it has been a game-changer. While our space is large (it served the previous owners as a laundry & craft room), I know that not everyone has the luxury of a big laundry room. That’s why this guide includes tips and ideas for all kinds of spaces, from roomy laundry rooms to small closets and tiny nooks. Let’s dive in!
1. Prioritize Hanging Space & Air Drying Areas
A designated hanging space is a must-have in any laundry room. Even if you have a dryer, some clothing items need to air dry. Here are a few solutions depending on your space:
Large Laundry Rooms: Install a ceiling-mounted drying rack or a long brass rod under a shelf for hanging clothes.
Small Spaces: Use a retractable drying rack that can fold away when not in use.
Tiny Laundry Nooks: Add a tension rod above your washer and dryer to create instant hanging space.
2. Folding Space: Make It Work for Your Room Size
Having a dedicated surface for folding laundry saves time and keeps clothes from piling up in other areas of the house. Here are a few ways to incorporate a folding station:
Big Laundry Rooms: Install a countertop over your washer and dryer or add a large folding table.
Smaller Spaces: Use a wall-mounted drop-down table that folds flat against the wall when not needed.
Tiny Laundry Areas: Use the top of your washer and dryer as a folding station or take it to the living room & fold while you watch your favorite show. I did this in our previous home & it forced me to put things away immediately.
Photo by @gracelairdphotography
3. Smart Laundry Basket System: My Favorite Organization Tip
One of the best changes we made in our laundry room was giving everyone in the family their own laundry basket. Once clothes are folded, they go into the correct basket, and the kids are responsible for putting them away. This system works in any size laundry space:
Large Laundry Rooms: Dedicate a shelf or cubby for each family member’s basket.
Smaller Spaces: Stackable or rolling laundry baskets keep things organized.
Tiny Spaces: Use a collapsible basket that tucks away when not in use.
4. Maximize Vertical Storage
When space is limited, think vertically! Here are some ways to maximize storage:
Install floating shelves above the washer and dryer.
Use hooks or pegboards to store lint rollers, drying racks, or small baskets.
Stackable storage bins can help keep detergent, dryer sheets, and stain removers organized.
5. Improve Lighting for Functionality
Good lighting is essential in a laundry room to help spot stains and sort clothes efficiently.
If you have a window, make the most of natural light.
For dark spaces, install bright LED ceiling lights or under-shelf lighting to improve visibility.
Small spaces can benefit from motion-sensor lights or battery-operated stick-on lights for convenience.
6. Space-Saving Laundry Hacks for Tiny Areas
If your laundry room is more of a closet or hallway nook, try these clever solutions:
Use a pull-out or wall-mounted drying rack.
Install a slim rolling cart between appliances to hold detergent and supplies.
Opt for a stackable washer and dryer to save floor space.
Use over-the-door organizers for cleaning supplies.
7. Add a Personal Touch
A laundry room doesn’t have to feel like a chore-filled dungeon! Adding a few stylish touches can make it a more enjoyable space:
Choose a fun backsplash or wallpaper to brighten up the room.
Add framed artwork.
Use coordinating baskets and containers to create a clean, organized look.
Whether you have a spacious laundry room or a small tucked-away spot, smart design choices can make laundry easier and more efficient. From maximizing storage to creating a simple system for getting clothes put away, a little planning can go a long way in making this daily task feel less overwhelming.
What’s your favorite laundry room hack? Let me know in the comments!