Ever looked at your laundry room and thought, “Well, this is tragic”? Yeah. You’re not alone. Small laundry spaces often get the short end of the design stick—crammed, cluttered, unloved. But hey, it doesn’t have to be that way. A tiny laundry room can pack a huge punch with the right tweaks. Here’s your no-fluff, no-nonsense guide to making that tiny, forgotten space into your fav lil corner of the house.
1. Stack It Up
Stackable washers and dryers are the MVPs of small laundry spaces. If your machines are side-by-side, you’re literally wasting precious vertical real estate. Go up, not out. You might even get space for a folding table or cabinet underneath.
2. Open Shelving Is Magic
Cabinets are cool. But open shelves? Chef’s kiss. They give the illusion of space, and you can see everything. No more opening 6 cabinets just to find fabric softener. Put your prettiest baskets and jars out. It’s functional and kinda artsy.
3. Use The Door. Yes, The Door.
Don’t ignore the back of the door—it’s just hanging there, doing nothing. Hang a rack or organizer for detergents, dryer sheets, maybe even an ironing board. Max out every surface like your laundry life depends on it.
4. Sliding Doors For The Win
Swing-out doors are space hogs. They need room to open. And that’s room you don’t got. Try barn doors or pocket doors. They slide. They glide. They save space. They look kinda bougie, too.
5. Hang It High
Add a rod above your machines or across the room. You can hang-dry delicates without looking for a weird place to drape them. Bonus: it kinda looks like a boutique if you style it right.
6. Fold-Down Folding Table
Wall-mounted, fold-down tables are like secret agents. They’re hidden until you need ‘em. Fold laundry, iron clothes, sort socks—you name it. When you’re done? Bam. Fold it back up and go live your life.
7. Paint It Bright
Dark colors suck the life outta small rooms. Pick a light, airy tone like mint, blush, soft blue, or classic white. Even beige has a glow-up these days. A fresh coat of paint makes everything feel clean—even when the clothes aren’t.
8. Wallpaper Wonders
Don’t underestimate the power of a bold wallpaper. Think palm leaves, polka dots, or something totally offbeat. You only need a little, and it gives the room personality. Laundry doesn’t have to be boring, babe.
9. Add a Skinny Cart
Those awkward 6-inch gaps beside machines? They’re gold. Roll in a slim cart with shelves. Store dryer balls, clothespins, stain sprays. It’s basically a secret weapon.
10. Go Vertical With Hooks
Hooks are underrated. Pop a few on the wall for mops, bags, brooms, or laundry bags. Keeps the floor clear and looks oddly satisfying. Especially if the hooks match. You’ll feel like you’ve got your life together.
11. Matchy-Matchy Containers
Swap the loud detergent boxes and plastic jugs for matching containers. Glass jars, matte canisters, or vintage tins. Suddenly, it’s not just a laundry room—it’s a mood. You might even start looking forward to doing laundry. Might.
12. Hang A Pegboard
Pegboards are basically adult LEGO walls. You can hang scissors, brushes, mini baskets—anything. Paint it to match the room. Change it up whenever you want. It’s the wall equivalent of a mood ring.
13. Tiny Sink, Big Energy
If you’ve got even a sliver of space, squeeze in a mini sink. Handy for hand-washing, soaking, or just looking fancy. A farmhouse-style one? Gosh, yes. Suddenly, you’re in a Pinterest board.
14. Hide It In A Closet
No actual laundry room? No problem. Tuck machines into a closet with bifold doors or curtains. Outta sight, outta mind. Bonus points for adding shelves above or inside the doors.
15. Light It Up
Bad lighting makes everything look worse—your laundry room included. Install bright LED strips under shelves, or a funky pendant lamp. Good light makes a good mood. Trust me.
16. Drying Rack on The Wall
Bulky floor racks? Nope. Try a wall-mounted, accordion-style drying rack. Pulls out when you need it. Pushes back when you don’t. It’s like a polite guest—helpful and invisible.
17. Color-Code Like a Pro
Organize with color-coded bins or labels. Whites, colors, darks. You’ll save time and it looks like you actually know what you’re doing. Even if you don’t. That’s the trick.
18. Rugs Are Game-Changers
Yes, rugs in the laundry room. A cute runner or washable rug softens the vibe. Plus, no more cold toes on tile. Go for something bold. Why not? It’s just laundry.
19. Add a Mirror
Mirrors aren’t just for selfies. They bounce light, make the room feel bigger, and add style. Hang one above a shelf or sink. Suddenly, your small space isn’t so small anymore.
20. Put Your Machines on a Pedestal
Literally. Build or buy pedestals to lift your washer and dryer. You’ll save your back, and get bonus drawer space underneath. Feels fancy. Costs less than you’d think.
21. Make It a Mudroom Combo
If your laundry’s by the door, merge it with a mini mudroom. Add hooks, cubbies, maybe a bench. It’s not chaos anymore—it’s a clever lil transition zone.
22. Decorate. Seriously.
Why not hang art in your laundry room? A funky frame, a cheeky quote, a thrifted find. It humanizes the space. Makes it somewhere you want to be, not just have to be.
Final Thought
Look, laundry rooms ain’t the stuff of dreams. No one lies awake imagining detergent shelves. But that’s the magic, really. Turning a chore zone into something that’s actually kinda joyful? That’s a win. Start small. Don’t overthink it. Use what you’ve got, tweak what you can, and let your personality sneak in.
It’s not about having a big space. It’s about having a smart one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my small laundry room look bigger?
Use light colors, add mirrors, and keep things off the floor. Every inch counts, so go vertical and use multi-purpose items.
Can I fit both washer and dryer in a closet?
Absolutely. Stack ‘em or place side by side if you’ve got enough width. Just make sure you’ve got ventilation and enough room to open the doors.
What’s the best color for a small laundry room?
Light neutrals like white, soft gray, or pale blue make the room feel open. But don’t be afraid to add a bold accent—like navy or forest green—on a single wall or the door.
How do I organize detergents and supplies in a small space?
Use matching containers, labels, and a slim rolling cart. Store less-used stuff up high, and keep daily items within reach.
Is it worth decorating a laundry room?
100%. Even a little art or wallpaper makes a huge difference. It turns a utilitarian space into one that feels, well, loved. And that’s always worth it.
