23 Laundry Room Storage Ideas That Will Change the Way You Do Laundry

Let me be honest with you. The laundry room is probably the most ignored space in the entire house. We pour our hearts into the living room, we obsess over the kitchen, and we make the bedroom feel like a retreat. But the laundry room? We just hope it works.

Here is the thing though — your laundry room has so much more potential than you think. I have worked with dozens of homes over the years, from tiny apartments with a washer tucked into a closet to large family homes with full utility rooms. And in every single one, smart storage made all the difference.

In this article, I am sharing 23 of my favorite laundry room storage ideas. Some are big projects. Some cost almost nothing. All of them are real, practical, and genuinely worth doing. Whether you are working with a small closet or a spacious utility room, you will find something here that fits your space perfectly. Let us get into it.

23 Best Laundry Room Storage Ideas

Here are the top ideas:

1. Floating Wall Shelves Above the Washer and Dryer

Floating shelves are the single most impactful thing you can add to a laundry room without major renovation. They sit right above your machines, turning that blank wall into a fully working storage zone. You get easy access to your most-used supplies while keeping the counter and floor completely clear.

Why It Works

The wall space above your washer and dryer is almost always wasted. Floating shelves fill it perfectly. They hold detergent, fabric softener, stain sprays, and dryer sheets right where you need them. Because the shelves are fixed to the wall, they do not wobble or tip, and they keep everything stable even in a small space.

Best For

Small laundry rooms, rental apartments, and anyone looking for a budget-friendly upgrade. These shelves work whether your machines are side by side or stacked.

Styling Tips

Use two shelves at different heights — one lower for daily supplies and one higher for less-used items like bulk detergent or spare cleaning cloths. Go for white or natural wood shelves to keep the space feeling light. Add a small potted plant on the top shelf to bring some life into the room. Baskets on the lower shelf keep loose items grouped neatly.

2. Floor-to-Ceiling Built-In Cabinetry

This is the gold standard of laundry room storage. Floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinets use every single inch of your wall height. Nothing gets wasted. From the floor all the way to the ceiling, everything has a home — detergents, bulk supplies, cleaning tools, ironing boards, even spare linens.

Why It Works

Most rooms have 8 to 10 feet of ceiling height, but standard cabinets only go up 7 feet or less. That gap above standard cabinets collects dust and wastes precious space. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets eliminate that dead zone entirely. They also make the room look taller, cleaner, and more polished. Everything is behind closed doors, so the room always looks tidy even when it is not.

Best For

Dedicated laundry rooms with a full wall available. Ideal for families who need to store bulk supplies, extra cleaning products, and large household items like a mop or broom.

Styling Tips

Choose shaker-style cabinet doors for a timeless look, or go flat-front for something more modern. Use upper cabinets for items you reach for less often — bulk detergent, seasonal supplies, spare cloths. Keep daily-use items in the lower and mid-height cabinets. Install a simple interior light inside the taller cabinets so you can actually see what is in the back.

3. Pull-Out Hidden Hamper Drawers

Pull-out hampers are built directly into your cabinetry. From the outside, they look like a regular base cabinet. Open the door and pull the drawer, and there is your laundry basket — ready to go. No hamper sitting on the floor. No pile of clothes visible. Just a clean, tidy room.

Why It Works

Regular laundry hampers take up floor space and always seem to end up in the way. Pull-out hampers solve both problems at once. They are hidden, they are accessible, and they do not crowd the room. Many designs include two separate pull-out bins side by side — one for colors and one for whites — so sorting happens automatically, not as an extra step on laundry day.

Best For

Families with kids, couples who share laundry duties, and anyone who wants their laundry room to look like a showroom. Works especially well in larger laundry rooms with custom or semi-custom cabinetry.

Styling Tips

Go for canvas-lined pull-out hampers rather than hard plastic bins — they are quieter, softer, and easier to lift out when full. Label each pull-out with a small tag: “Colors,” “Whites,” “Delicates.” If you have the space, add a third pull-out for towels or bedding. Choose soft-close drawer hardware so the drawers glide back quietly every time.

4. Over-the-Door Organizer Rack

This is the most underused storage trick in the laundry room. The back of your laundry room door is completely empty — and it is valuable real estate. An over-the-door rack hooks over the top of the door with no drilling required. It gives you instant storage for spray bottles, dryer sheets, lint rollers, measuring cups, and small tools.

Why It Works

It adds storage without touching a single wall. That makes it perfect for renters, people in temporary spaces, or anyone who just does not want to drill holes. Most over-the-door racks hold a surprising amount — some have 6 to 8 pockets that can each hold a full bottle of cleaner. And because the door closes, everything is out of sight when you are done.

Best For

Renters, small laundry closets, and anyone working with limited wall space. Also great as an add-on in larger rooms where you just need a dedicated spot for small supplies.

Styling Tips

Choose a rack with clear pockets so you can see exactly what is inside without searching. Use the top pockets for frequently grabbed items — stain remover, dryer sheets — and the lower pockets for extras. Avoid overloading it with heavy bottles, as the weight can stress the door hinges over time. Opt for a matte black or brushed chrome finish for a polished look.

5. Pegboard Wall Storage System

Pegboard is one of those tools that craft rooms and garages have been using for years — and it is absolutely perfect for the laundry room too. You mount a large board to the wall, then attach hooks, shelves, bins, and holders in any arrangement you want. It is fully customizable and totally flexible.

Why It Works

The beauty of pegboard is that you can move things around whenever you want. As your needs change, your storage changes with them. You can hang everything from spray bottles to small baskets to a folding brush. In a laundry room, this means your wall becomes a completely organized, fully visible tool station — no hunting, no guessing.

Best For

People who love DIY projects, small laundry rooms that need to maximize every wall, and anyone who changes their storage setup regularly. Also brilliant for closet-style laundry spaces where wall access is limited.

Styling Tips

Paint the pegboard before mounting it — white gives a clean look, while sage green or soft navy adds personality. Use matching hooks and accessories in the same metal finish for a cohesive feel. Group similar items together: hang all cleaning sprays in one section, all small tools in another. Add a couple of small shelves on the pegboard for things that need to sit flat, like a small dish soap dispenser.

6. Rolling Utility Cart with Tiered Shelves

A rolling cart is one of the most flexible storage solutions you can add to any laundry room. It sits between machines or beside a cabinet, holds your most-used supplies on multiple tiers, and rolls out of the way the moment you are done. It is portable, affordable, and surprisingly spacious.

Why It Works

The narrow profile of a rolling cart lets it slide into gaps that would otherwise be completely wasted — the space between your washer and dryer, the gap beside a cabinet, or the slim space next to the door. Most utility carts have three or four tiers and hold a full set of laundry supplies easily. When you need more floor space, you simply wheel it into a corner.

Best For

Small laundry rooms, laundry closets, and anyone who wants flexible storage without permanent installation. Perfect if you rent and cannot modify the space.

Styling Tips

Choose a slim cart that is no more than 6 to 8 inches wide so it actually fits in tight gaps. A white or matte black metal finish looks the most intentional. Use the top tier for daily supplies, the middle tier for extras, and the bottom tier for bulkier items. Add a small hook to the side of the cart for hanging a clothespin bag or a lint roller.

7. Ceiling-Mounted Hanging Drying Rod

This one always surprises people with how elegant it looks and how well it works. A ceiling-mounted rod hangs from above, usually over or beside the machines, giving you a proper place to hang air-dry items, freshly ironed clothes, or garments that need to be dried flat on hangers. It keeps clothes completely off the floor and out of the way.

Why It Works

Air-drying clothes on hangers is much faster and gentler than machine drying, but most laundry rooms have nowhere to hang anything. A ceiling-mounted rod solves this with zero floor space used. It is especially useful for delicates, blouses, dress shirts, and anything that would shrink or crease in a hot dryer. When you are not using it, it sits up high and barely takes any visual space.

Best For

Homes where air-drying is common, households with a lot of delicates or hand-wash items, and any laundry room with at least 8-foot ceilings. Great for medium to large laundry rooms.

Styling Tips

Choose a wooden dowel rod with simple black iron ceiling brackets for an industrial-meets-warm aesthetic. Keep the rod at a height that lets you reach it comfortably — usually about 6.5 to 7 feet from the floor. Hang a set of matching slim velvet hangers so the rod always looks tidy even when clothes are on it. Avoid cramming too many items at once — leave space between each garment so air can circulate.

8. Fold-Down Wall-Mounted Folding Table

No folding station in your laundry room? This changes that without stealing any floor space. A fold-down table mounts to the wall on hinges. When you need it, you pull it down to a horizontal position and have a full work surface. When laundry is done, it folds flat against the wall and practically disappears.

Why It Works

Folding laundry on your bed or couch is a habit most of us have — and it makes putting clothes away feel like a much bigger task than it is. A dedicated folding surface right in the laundry room means clothes get folded immediately, sorted neatly, and are ready to put away without spreading across the rest of the house. The fold-down design means it takes zero space when you do not need it.

Best For

Small laundry rooms and closets where a permanent countertop is not possible. Also ideal for laundry nooks, apartments, and rooms shared between a laundry area and another function.

Styling Tips

Install it at counter height — around 34 to 36 inches from the floor — so you can fold comfortably without bending. Choose a wood finish that matches your shelving or cabinetry for a cohesive look. Mount a small hook on the underside of the table so you can hang a laundry bag or a measuring cup holder there when the table is folded up. A strip of rubber matting on top prevents clothes from sliding while you fold.

9. Open Shelving with Labeled Woven Baskets

Open shelves with baskets are the most popular laundry room storage combination on Pinterest — and for good reason. The shelves stay open and airy, the baskets keep everything grouped and contained, and the labels mean anyone in the house can find what they need. It looks effortlessly put-together with almost no effort at all.

Why It Works

Closed cabinets are great for hiding clutter, but open shelves with baskets give you the best of both worlds. You can see at a glance how much detergent you have left, find the dryer sheets in seconds, and grab a cleaning cloth without opening a single door. The baskets do the job of hiding loose items while the open shelves keep the room from feeling too heavy or closed-in.

Best For

Laundry rooms of any size. Especially good for families who need multiple people — including kids — to know where things go. Works beautifully in farmhouse, cottagecore, and modern rustic styles.

Styling Tips

Use matching baskets throughout — seagrass, rattan, or white fabric all work well. Label each basket clearly using a simple tag or a label maker: “Detergent,” “Rags,” “Extra Supplies.” Do not overfill them. A basket that is half to two-thirds full looks neat and stays organized. Add a small plant or a candle on the top shelf to make the space feel like a real room, not just a utility area.

10. Slim Pull-Out Cabinet Between Appliances

That narrow gap between your washer and dryer — or between a machine and the wall — is not wasted space. A slim pull-out cabinet, sometimes called a slide-out pantry, is designed specifically for those gaps. It slides out on wheels and reveals multiple shelves inside for storing detergent, dryer sheets, stain sprays, and small tools.

Why It Works

Most gaps between appliances are 6 to 12 inches wide — just enough for a slim pull-out unit. These cabinets are purpose-built to use exactly that space. When pushed in, they are completely invisible. When pulled out, they reveal a surprisingly generous amount of storage. It is one of the cleverest ways to add storage to a laundry room without any construction.

Best For

Side-by-side washer and dryer setups with a gap between machines or beside a wall. Also works in kitchens that share a laundry corner.

Styling Tips

Look for a pull-out cabinet with smooth-rolling wheels and a handle that blends with your existing hardware. Adjustable shelves let you customize the height of each level to suit what you are storing. Keep the shelves organized with small containers or dividers so loose items do not slide around when the unit is pulled in and out.

11. Built-In Ironing Board Cabinet

An ironing board that lives inside a wall cabinet is one of those things you see and immediately think — why does everyone not have this? The cabinet mounts flush to the wall. Open the door, and a full-size ironing board folds out at the perfect height. Close the door, and the entire thing disappears back into the wall.

Why It Works

Most ironing boards are clunky, awkward to store, and always seem to be in the way. A built-in ironing board cabinet solves this problem permanently. The board is always out when you need it and gone when you do not. Many units also include hooks inside the cabinet door for hanging the iron and its cord, keeping everything in one compact spot.

Best For

Laundry rooms where space is tight but ironing happens often. Ideal for homes where the ironing board currently lives behind a door or in a hallway closet. Works best in rooms with an available wall section that is at least 15 inches wide.

Styling Tips

Choose a cabinet with a door finish that matches your other cabinetry — painted MDF or wood veneer both look great. Make sure the board folds out to counter height, not too low. Inside the cabinet, add a small hook for the iron cord and a magnetic strip for any small iron accessories. A mirror on the inside of the door is a clever bonus for checking freshly ironed clothes.

12. Upper Cabinets with Glass-Front Doors

Upper cabinets with glass inserts are a step above standard closed cabinetry. They close everything in, protect supplies from dust and moisture, but still let you see what is inside without opening a single door. They make the laundry room feel more finished, more intentional, and honestly more like a beautiful kitchen than a utility room.

Why It Works

Regular closed cabinet doors hide everything — which is great for clutter, but frustrating when you cannot find what you need without opening every door. Glass-front cabinets solve that. You still get the clean, closed look, but you can see your organized baskets and labeled jars right through the glass. It encourages you to keep things tidy because the contents are always visible.

Best For

Laundry rooms that double as a style statement. Works especially well if you use matching containers and labeled jars inside — the glass turns your storage into a display. Great for medium and large laundry rooms.

Styling Tips

Use matching glass jars or clear acrylic containers inside the cabinets. Decant your detergent pods, washing powder, and fabric softener into these containers and add simple labels. The result looks magazine-worthy. Choose reeded or fluted glass over clear glass if you want a softer, more textured look that still lets light pass through without showing every detail.

13. Wall-Mounted Fold-Down Drying Rack

A wall-mounted drying rack folds out when you need it and folds completely flat against the wall when you do not. It is not the same as the ceiling-mounted rod — this rack has multiple horizontal arms, usually made of wood or stainless steel, that extend outward so you can drape clothes directly over them without needing hangers.

Why It Works

It holds far more than a single rod because of its multiple arms. You can lay a shirt flat across two arms, drape socks over individual bars, and hang a towel over the whole thing at once. When folded up, it sits only an inch or two from the wall. It is the perfect solution for homes that air-dry frequently but do not have space for a freestanding drying rack.

Best For

Any laundry room where air-drying is a regular habit. Especially useful for households with baby clothes, delicates, wool items, or anything that should not go in the dryer. Works in both small and large spaces.

Styling Tips

Teak wood drying racks have a warm, spa-like look that makes even a utility room feel pleasant. Mount it beside or above the machines, not directly over them — the heat and steam from drying cycles can warp wood over time. If you go for stainless steel arms, pair them with matte black wall brackets for a sleek, modern finish. Leave space between the folded rack and any shelving above it so items can drape freely when extended.

14. Countertop with Under-Counter Storage Cabinets

A countertop that stretches across your washer and dryer — with cabinets below — gives you the most functional layout a laundry room can have. The counter becomes your folding station, sorting area, and work surface all in one. The cabinets below hold hampers, cleaning products, or anything else that needs to be within arm’s reach.

Why It Works

Having a proper work surface completely changes how laundry day feels. Instead of balancing a laundry basket awkwardly, you lay everything flat, sort it efficiently, fold it neatly, and stack it ready to go. The under-counter cabinets mean the work surface stays clear because everything has somewhere to go. It turns the laundry room into a genuinely functional workspace rather than just a room with machines in it.

Best For

Side-by-side washer and dryer setups. Excellent for medium and large laundry rooms. Also works above a stacked washer and dryer if you build in side cabinetry with a connecting counter.

Styling Tips

Choose a quartz or laminate countertop for durability — both resist stains and moisture well. White countertops with wood cabinet bases create a clean, warm aesthetic. If your ceiling is tall enough, add open shelving above the counter for additional storage without making the space feel cramped. Install a power outlet under one of the upper cabinets so you can plug in a steamer or a label maker right at the counter.

15. Overhead Ceiling Storage Rack

Ceiling storage racks are mounted directly to the ceiling joists and hang down slightly to create a storage platform above head height. They are commonly seen in garages but work brilliantly in large laundry rooms. You store seasonal items, bulk supplies, extra linens, and things you only need occasionally up on the rack — completely out of the way.

Why It Works

The ceiling is genuinely the most underused surface in any room. A ceiling rack puts it to work without touching a single wall. It is completely separate from your everyday storage, which means it handles the overflow — bulk detergent packs, spare mops, extra paper towels, seasonal items — so your cabinets and shelves only hold what you use day to day.

Best For

Large laundry rooms, utility rooms, and basement laundry spaces with high ceilings. Works best in rooms where the ceiling is at least 8 feet high so the rack does not feel low and in the way.

Styling Tips

Use matching storage bins or boxes on the rack — all in the same color — to keep the overhead storage looking organized rather than like a jumbled pile. Label the front of each bin clearly. Choose a rack with a weight rating well above what you plan to store, and always anchor it into ceiling joists, not just drywall. Consider overhead lighting installed nearby so you can see what is up there.

16. Vertical Pull-Out Drying Rack Cabinet

This is different from a wall-mounted fold-down rack. A vertical pull-out drying cabinet is built into your cabinetry like a tall, thin drawer. You pull it open and multiple horizontal drying bars slide out vertically — like a hidden drying station tucked right into your cabinet run. When not in use, it disappears completely behind a cabinet door.

Why It Works

It is one of the most space-efficient drying solutions available. Every single bar gives you a separate drying surface. A single vertical pull-out unit can hold an entire load of delicates — socks, underwear, workout gear, baby clothes — all laid flat across different bars to dry overnight. In the morning, you close the cabinet and the room looks completely clean.

Best For

Homes that air-dry frequently and want a hidden, permanent drying solution. Best for medium to large laundry rooms with custom cabinetry. Ideal for families with lots of delicates or sports clothing.

Styling Tips

Install this cabinet near — but not immediately beside — the dryer to avoid excess heat. Make sure there is at least a few inches of space between each bar when extended, so clothes get enough air circulation to dry properly. Choose a cabinet door that matches the rest of your cabinetry exactly so the unit blends in seamlessly. Inside, keep the bars wiped down regularly to prevent any moisture buildup.

17. Two-Tone Shaker Cabinet System

A two-tone cabinet setup uses one finish for the lower cabinets and a different finish for the upper cabinets. This is not just a style choice — it is a smart way to visually organize the room and draw the eye upward, making the space feel larger. Shaker-style doors give the cabinets a timeless, structured look that works in almost any home.

Why It Works

Two-tone cabinetry adds depth and visual interest to a room that can often feel very utilitarian. It makes the laundry room feel intentional and designed. Practically, it also helps you instantly know where things are — uppers for one category of supplies, lowers for another. The shaker door profile is easy to clean, which matters in a room where spills and drips are common.

Best For

Medium to large laundry rooms where cabinetry takes up most of the wall space. Works beautifully in farmhouse, transitional, and modern traditional homes. Also great if you want your laundry room to feel like an extension of your kitchen design.

Styling Tips

Classic pairings: white upper cabinets with sage green or navy lower cabinets, or warm white uppers with natural wood lowers. Match the hardware across both — brushed brass or matte black work beautifully with both. Keep the countertop neutral — white quartz or butcher block — so it bridges both cabinet colors without competing with either. Add crown molding at the top of the upper cabinets for a polished, finished look.

18. Corner Floating Shelf Tower

Corners in the laundry room are almost always wasted. A corner floating shelf tower solves this with a vertical stack of small shelves that wrap around the corner, using both adjacent walls. It creates a storage column that uses zero floor space and holds a surprising amount — jars, baskets, small supplies, even decorative touches.

Why It Works

Corners are awkward for standard shelving because standard shelves only run along one wall. A corner shelf system is specifically designed to wrap the junction of two walls, which means you are using both wall surfaces simultaneously. The vertical tower format means you get multiple storage levels stacked in a very small footprint.

Best For

Laundry rooms where straight wall space is already taken by machines or cabinets. Excellent for small and medium laundry rooms that need additional storage without major installation. Works in both open rooms and closet-style laundry spaces.

Styling Tips

Keep the shelves at varying distances apart — wider gaps for baskets and bins on lower levels, narrower gaps for small jars and bottles up top. Use a simple white floating shelf system for a clean, minimal look, or go for natural wood for warmth. Decant supplies into matching containers on the corner shelves so they look neat from every angle. A small trailing plant on the top shelf adds a lovely, organic touch.

19. Stacked Washer and Dryer with Side Storage Column

When you stack your washer and dryer vertically instead of putting them side by side, you free up an entire section of floor space. Use that freed space to build a full-height storage column beside the stacked machines — shelves, pull-out drawers, hanging rods, or any combination — and you have transformed a laundry closet into a proper organized room.

Why It Works

Stacking your machines is the single biggest floor space win you can make in a small laundry room. It immediately doubles your available floor and wall space. The storage column that goes in beside the machines then uses that reclaimed space productively. The result is a compact, efficient laundry station that handles everything — washing, drying, storing, folding, hanging — in a fraction of the original footprint.

Best For

Small laundry rooms, laundry closets, and compact utility spaces. Ideal for apartments, terraced houses, and homes where the laundry room doubles as another function like a mud room or pantry.

Styling Tips

Build the side storage column to the full ceiling height so it matches the height of the stacked machines. Include a mix of open shelves at mid-height for daily supplies, a hanging rail above for freshly dried clothes, and a pull-out hamper at the bottom so dirty clothes go straight from the column to the machine. Match the column finish to any existing cabinetry for a cohesive, built-in look.

20. Mudroom-Laundry Combo with Cubby System

A mudroom-laundry combination gives you two hardworking rooms in one. The cubby system is the key — a row of individual storage cubbies, one per family member, with hooks above and a bench or shelf below. The laundry machines sit beside or behind the cubbies, making the transition from outdoor clothes to clean laundry completely seamless.

Why It Works

Dirty clothes, shoes, bags, and outdoor gear enter the house through the same door every time. A mudroom-laundry combo captures all of that at the entry point — coats go on hooks, shoes go in cubbies, and muddy sports kits go straight into the machine. It stops mess from spreading to the rest of the house and makes the laundry process feel like a natural step rather than a separate chore.

Best For

Homes with children, pets, or anyone with an active outdoor lifestyle. Works best in larger laundry rooms or utility rooms that connect to an external door. Ideal for detached houses, semi-detached homes, and family homes.

Styling Tips

Assign a cubby to each family member with a small name label or a simple hook labeled per person. Use deep baskets inside each cubby for sports gear, school bags, or seasonal accessories. Choose a bench seat with a flip-top lid so it doubles as extra storage underneath. Extend the cubby cabinetry in the same finish as your laundry room cabinets so the whole space looks unified.

21. Detergent Decanting Station with Labeled Jars on a Shelf

This idea takes a small, dedicated shelf and turns it into an organized, beautiful detergent station. You transfer your laundry supplies — washing powder, pods, fabric softener crystals, bicarbonate of soda — into matching glass or acrylic canisters, label them clearly, and arrange them on the shelf in a neat row. It is simple, inexpensive, and looks absolutely stunning.

Why It Works

Laundry detergent packaging is almost always ugly. Bright plastic bottles, conflicting colors, different sizes — it makes the room look chaotic even when it is technically clean. When you decant everything into matching containers, the visual noise disappears instantly. The room looks calm, organized, and intentional. Practically, it also means you can see at a glance when a supply is running low, so you never run out at the wrong moment.

Best For

Any size laundry room. This is one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades on this entire list. Works particularly well in open shelving setups or on floating shelves where the jars are always visible.

Styling Tips

Choose a set of matching glass canisters with airtight lids — they preserve powders better than open containers. Use a label maker or hand-lettered tags for a polished, consistent look. Arrange the jars by frequency of use — most-used in front, least-used behind. Add a small wooden scoop or a measuring spoon in the front jar so the whole station is functional, not just decorative. A small tray underneath ties the collection together neatly.

22. Wall Hook Rail with Hanging Baskets

A hook rail is a long, horizontal bar mounted to the wall with multiple hooks at regular intervals. Hang small wire or fabric baskets from the hooks, and you have an instant wall of accessible storage that holds small supplies, cleaning tools, clothespin bags, and anything else you want within reach but off the counter.

Why It Works

Wall hook rails are incredibly versatile. The hooks hold baskets, but they can also hold bags, a spray bottle, a lint roller, an apron, or anything with a loop or handle. Because the items hang down from the rail, they are easy to grab and easy to return to their spot. The rail itself is quick to install — just two screws — and can span the full width of any wall.

Best For

Small laundry rooms with limited shelf and counter space. Also excellent as a secondary storage layer in medium laundry rooms alongside cabinets and shelves. Works in any style from farmhouse to industrial to modern.

Styling Tips

Choose a hook rail in matte black for an industrial look, or a natural wood rail with brass hooks for something warmer. Space the hooks at least 8 inches apart so baskets and bags do not crowd each other. Use matching wire baskets in the same size for a uniform look, or mix small and large baskets intentionally for a more layered, organic feel. Mount the rail at shoulder height so every basket is easily reachable.

23. Under-Stair Laundry Nook with Built-In Storage

If your home has a staircase and the space beneath it is unused, this idea uses it brilliantly. The laundry machines tuck into the under-stair space, and the sloping wall above and around them becomes a custom storage system — shelves, small cabinets, and hanging rails built to fit the exact, irregular shape of the under-stair area.

Why It Works

The under-stair space is often used for nothing more than a coat cupboard or left completely empty. Turning it into a full laundry nook with custom built-in storage is one of the most efficient uses of dead space in any home. Because the storage is built to the exact angles and dimensions of the space, nothing is wasted. The machines are tucked out of sight, the storage is all around them, and the rest of the home gains back a room.

Best For

Homes where the laundry is currently in the kitchen, bathroom, or garage. Ideal for homes with a generous under-stair space — usually anything wider than 4 feet and deeper than 3 feet will accommodate a washer and dryer. Works beautifully in terraced houses, townhouses, and compact family homes.

Styling Tips

Paint the inside of the nook in a contrasting color — a deep navy or warm sage — so it feels like a purposeful design choice rather than a space-filling solution. Use the tall sloped section for a hanging rail for freshly dried clothes. Add small shelves along the lower slope for baskets and supplies. Install a good overhead light inside the nook so the space does not feel dark and cave-like. Fit a half-door or a full door to the front so the entire station can be closed away when not in use.

Mistakes to Avoid

Here is where most people go wrong. Avoid these and you will save yourself a lot of frustration.

Ignoring vertical space. Most people stop adding storage at eye level. Your walls go all the way to the ceiling — use them. Floor-to-ceiling storage dramatically increases your capacity without touching the floor.

Storing too much in one room. Just because a laundry room can hold a lot does not mean it should. Keep only what belongs there — laundry supplies, cleaning tools, spare linens. Extra stock of things that belong in other rooms should stay in other rooms.

Choosing style over function. Open woven baskets look beautiful, but they collect lint and dust quickly. Glass-front cabinets are stunning, but they require you to keep contents organized. Choose what you will realistically maintain, not just what looks best in photos.

Skipping labels. Labels feel unnecessary until the day someone else does the laundry and cannot find anything. Label everything — shelves, baskets, pull-out drawers, jars. It keeps the system working for the whole household, not just you.

Underestimating moisture. Laundry rooms are humid spaces. Not every material handles that well. Avoid untreated wood shelves directly above machines, paper labels in high-steam areas, and fabric storage that cannot be easily wiped or washed.

Not planning for growth. A family’s laundry needs change. Kids grow, habits change, new appliances arrive. Build in adjustable shelves where possible and leave a little breathing room so your storage system can evolve without a complete redesign.

Conclusion

A well-organized laundry room genuinely changes how the whole task feels. When every supply is in its place, when the hampers are hidden, when folding has a proper surface — laundry day loses most of its drag. It becomes a smooth, efficient routine rather than a room you dread walking into.

You do not have to do all 23 ideas at once. Start with one or two that fit your current space and budget. A set of floating shelves and some labeled baskets can completely transform a small room. A pull-out hamper and a fold-down table can turn a laundry closet into a proper functioning station.

The goal is simple: a room that works as hard as you do. Pick the idea that speaks to your space, make it happen, and enjoy the difference it makes every single laundry day.

FAQs

How do I add storage to a very small laundry room? Start with vertical storage — floating shelves above the machines and an over-the-door rack on the back of the door. Then look at the gap beside or between your machines for a slim rolling cart. These three moves alone can double your storage capacity without using any additional floor space.

What is the best storage for a laundry room with no cabinets? Open shelving with baskets is your best starting point. It is affordable, easy to install, and looks great. Add a pegboard wall for tools and spray bottles, and a rolling cart for supplies. You can create a fully functional, beautifully organized room without a single cabinet.

How do I keep my laundry room smelling fresh? Ventilation is the key. Make sure your dryer vent is clear and functioning. Leave the washing machine door open between cycles to prevent mildew. Add a small open jar of bicarbonate of soda on a shelf to absorb odors. A reed diffuser or a natural wax melt on a high shelf adds a pleasant scent without being overpowering.

Can I add storage to a laundry room without drilling into the walls? Absolutely. Over-the-door organizers, freestanding shelving units, rolling carts, and floor-standing storage towers all require zero drilling. For renters or anyone in a temporary space, these options give you full storage capability without leaving a mark on the walls.

What should I store in the laundry room? Laundry detergent, fabric softener, stain removers, dryer sheets, a lint roller, spare hangers, a small ironing kit, and cleaning cloths. Spare linens and towels work well if you have enough space. Beyond that, keep the room focused on laundry-related items — it is a working space, not a general storage room.

How do I make a laundry room look stylish on a budget? Decanting supplies into matching jars, adding a simple hook rail, painting the walls a rich color, and using matching baskets on open shelves will transform the room’s look for very little money. These four changes cost less than most people expect and make a dramatic visual difference.

Is it worth investing in custom cabinetry for a laundry room? If you plan to stay in your home long-term, absolutely. Custom cabinetry uses every inch of your specific room perfectly, adds significant value to the home, and lasts for decades. If you are renting or in a shorter-term home, modular flat-pack cabinets from home improvement stores give you a very similar result at a fraction of the cost.