Tired of doing laundry in a cramped, dim closet? A small laundry room makeover can magically transform that tiny nook into a bright, organized haven. With some clever hacks and a dash of creativity, even the most chaotic laundry corner can feel fresh and functional. Who says laundry has to be a claustrophobic chore? In this guide, we’ll share 15 easy makeover ideas to maximize space and efficiency. Ready to make laundry day a breeze? Let’s go!’
Top Small Laundry Room Makeover Ideas
1. Clear Out Clutter and Donate Unused Items
Let’s start by channeling your inner Marie Kondo. Empty those cabinets and bins – if it hasn’t seen action in a year, it can probably go. Donate mismatched socks, ancient cleaners, or that lonely set of hand towels collecting dust. Seriously, a little “out with the old” goes a LONG way toward opening the room up. The right organizational tools can make even a tiny laundry nook “totally possible to create an effective and tidy laundry room”. In practice, that means clearing surfaces and floors first.
Once you’ve decluttered, you’ll see the floor, and a plan will start to form. Bag up unwanted items for charity (hello, karma!), and leave only daily necessities. You might be surprised how much extra breathing room you get when piles of unused supplies vanish. Plus, starting with a clean slate makes it easier to implement the rest of our makeover hacks.
2. Maximize Vertical Storage with Shelves and Cabinets
When floor space is scarce, look up! Install tall shelves or cabinets that reach the ceiling. According to BHG, “one of the most effective ways to increase storage in a small space is to use the height of it as much as possible”. Think vertical: a set of deep shelves above the washer/dryer can store detergent, baskets, or folded laundry up high. Over-the-door racks are great too – hang an ironing board or extra ironing supplies there.
This not only gets stuff off your floor, but also plays a neat trick: towering storage makes the ceiling feel higher, which tricks your brain into sensing more room. We recommend picking shallow shelves so you can still reach things easily, and baskets for a tidy look. Bonus hack: A pegboard on a tall wall can hold brooms, mops, and even kids’ jackets. Every vertical inch you use means more free floor space for sorting laundry (or doing victory dances).
3. Install a Stackable Washer and Dryer
Height matters more than you’d think! If your models allow it, switch to a stackable washer and dryer setup. As BHG advises, “height matters especially when you’re designing and organizing a small space. Employ a stackable washer and dryer… so that you can squeeze in as much storage as possible”. Voilà – instantly double up on usable space. The square footage you save on the ground can be repurposed for a folding table, hampers, or even a tiny seating nook.
If stacking isn’t an option, consider side-by-side machines with a butcher-block countertop above for folding (see next tip). But if you can get that vertical stack, make sure you also extend cabinets or shelves over the stack as high as you can reach. In no time, you’ll get every last drop of storage out of the room – and walk into an open, airy feel instead of that cramped crawl space.
4. Brighten It Up with Paint and Lighting
Color can do wonders for a small space. A fresh coat of light paint instantly makes walls recede, tricking the eye into perceiving a bigger room. Think crisp whites, pale grays, soft pastels, or any warm neutral – these will bounce light around. For a pop of personality, try a fun accent wall or patterned wallpaper on one side (BHG even notes a sage green ceiling adds color without shrinking the space).
Lighting is equally important. Swap out that dull bulb for a bright LED flood or a pair of plug-in lights under shelves. If possible, keep the door open during daytime to let sunlight in. You could even throw up a mirror on a blank wall – just a small, trendy mirror can reflect light and double the perceived space. Suddenly, the laundry room feels airy and pleasant instead of cave-like. Who knew that painting and swapping a lightbulb could be so magical?
5. Add DIY Sorting Hampers or Baskets
Give each load a home! Investing in stackable or rolling hampers and labeling them can make laundry day much smoother. For example, keep three baskets for “dark”, “light”, and “color,” or even label one “Towels” and another “Delicates.” This way, sorting happens throughout the week instead of all at once (great for staying sane). You can even repurpose old wooden crates or fabric bins – simply add some crafty labels or chalkboard stickers for a cute, DIY touch.
These baskets don’t just look neat; they are tidy. A well-labeled system ensures you won’t spill clothes on the floor, and it teaches kids (and partners) exactly where that abandoned sock should go. Plus, baskets can double as extra shelving – slide one under the fold-down shelf or on any empty wall. It’s like having built-in laundry assistants (the silent kind – very quiet and efficient).
6. Create a Convenient Folding Station
Nobody likes folding floor laundry, so let’s give your laundry a dedicated folding surface! If you have side-by-side machines, install a countertop above them (a simple IKEA shelf or a cut-to-size board works wonders). Now you have a built-in tabletop to sort and fold. This tip comes straight from BHG’s playbook – they recommend adding a countertop over machines for “folding clean clothes” as a must-have feature.
Even if you only have a washer or laundry closet, a fold-down shelf or wall-mounted drop leaf table can serve the same purpose. When you’re done folding, the surface doubles as extra storage space for baskets or lamps. Bonus points: adding a decorative or rustic wood finish makes your laundry nook feel like an intentional, stylish room instead of a chore cave. You’ll actually want to fold laundry there (or at least not dread it as much).
7. Mount Hooks and Hanging Racks
You can also use a tension rod between walls and drape hangers on it – instant indoor drying rack or space to hang delicates. These hanging solutions make use of real estate we often ignore. And as a bonus, everything is within arm’s reach. Picture grabbing your steamer off the peg as you fold – much better than a scavenger hunt through the closet, right?
8. Add a Rolling Laundry Cart for Extra Storage
Choose a cart that fits in a corner or between machines (many are slim enough). Use it as your mobile laundry station: top tier for supplies, middle tier for a laundry basket, bottom tier for folded items or a small hamper. Because it’s on wheels, you can tuck it away after use or slide it out to share laundry duties with a helper. It’s organization on the go – exactly what a bustling family laundry room needs.
9. Incorporate a Multipurpose Countertop or Furniture
Think outside the box (literally): repurpose furniture to add surface area and storage. For instance, a low dresser or side table can serve as a fold-and-store station. Slide baskets in their drawers to hide laundry supplies or kids’ socks. One BHG idea shows a “waterfall wood countertop” over front-loaders for a folding spot and hidden detergent storage underneath.
If your laundry space is in a closet or corner, try a floating shelf or a salvaged door as a mini table. Even a breakfast bar stool can double as a kid-sized folding counter. These tricks add personality and shelf space without a full remodel. Just be sure to keep it secured if it’s tall or heavy, especially around little climbers. A custom piece like this not only organizes, it can make the room feel cozy and intentional, like you meant for laundry day to be a little special.
10. Personalize with Fun Decor and Plants
Remember, a happy laundry room makes for a happy home. Maybe add a radio dock and dance off wrinkles with your kids! The point is: infuse warmth and personality. When your space feels loved, you’ll love taking care of it.
11. Use Overhead Drying Racks or Ceiling-Mounted Solutions
Bonus tip: ceiling racks free up lower walls for shelves or art. And if your ceilings are low? Consider a wall-mounted fold-out drying rack—it’s like a Murphy bed for your socks. Either way, you’ll dry smarter and cleaner.
12. Add a Sliding Barn Door or Pocket Door
Additionally, barn doors are Pinterest gold—they instantly add a rustic or modern farmhouse vibe. Add hooks or chalkboards to the outside and make your door multi-functional as well. You’ll wonder why you didn’t ditch the swing-open door years ago.
13. Hide Laundry with Curtains or Cabinets
If you’re short on wall space or just want to keep things tidy, install a curtain or cabinet doors to conceal your machines. This is especially helpful if your laundry shares a space with mudrooms, kitchens, or hallways. A breezy curtain on a rod adds instant charm and can be swapped seasonally for fun patterns.
Want a more polished look? Install cabinet doors or bi-fold panels to hide your machines when not in use. It’s a little touch that makes a big difference—suddenly your laundry space blends seamlessly into the rest of your home.
14. Label Everything (Stylishly!)
Labels might seem minor, but they’re magical. Label your baskets, bins, jars, drawers… You name it. It cuts down on time searching for supplies and adds a stylish, cohesive look. Use chalkboard labels for a rustic touch or printable vinyl for a sleeker vibe.
Clear jars or containers are great for detergent pods, clothespins, or even dryer balls. It’s also the kind of small DIY project that scratches your organizing itch without needing a full weekend commitment. Functional and pretty? Yes, please.
15. Repurpose a Closet or Unused Nook
Don’t have a “laundry room” at all? No problem! Convert a closet, hallway nook, or even part of a mudroom into your dream laundry zone. With compact machines and a little creative planning, you can fit a whole setup into as little as 3–4 feet of space.
Install shelves above the machines, tuck baskets underneath, and boom—you’ve got yourself a functional laundry station. Add a curtain or bifold doors for concealment, and don’t forget the little details like lighting and decor. It’s not about the size of your space—it’s how cleverly you use it.
Final Thoughts
There you go—15 genius ways to makeover your small laundry room into a space that works hard and looks fabulous. Whether you’re working with a laundry closet or a shoebox-sized nook, these ideas prove that style and function can totally coexist. And with each improvement, you’re not just saving space—you’re creating a more joyful home for your whole family.
Now it’s your turn—pick one idea and run with it this weekend! Then tap that Pinterest save button and inspire someone else with your stylish laundry glow-up.