55 Small laundry room ideas | Clever ways to maximize your space

When I moved into a flat with a laundry “room” that was basically a broom cupboard with a door, I laughed. Then I panicked. Where would the ironing board go? How would I dry anything in winter? And why was the washing machine door knocking into the wall? If you’ve got a small laundry room (or just a laundry corner) I’m here to tell you: it’s more than possible to make it work.

Below, you’ll find unique, well-thought-out small laundry room ideas designed to help you maximize every inch. These aren’t vague Pinterest hacks. They’re actionable, tested and suited for real-life homes. 

From clever layout fixes to wall-mounted wonders, you’ll find creative ideas that actually solve the problem. Plus, we’ll talk about laundry room coolers, modern laundry rooms and small laundry room layout strategies, all while weaving in research-based ideas and opportunities for smart upgrades.

READ: 17 Beautiful Attic bedroom ideas | Transforming your loft

Why small laundry rooms are worth optimizing

Small laundry rooms force us to be intentional. They demand functionality, tidiness and clarity in layout. The upside? You get a laundry space that works harder, stays cleaner and doesn’t eat into your living space. Tucked into a closet, hallway or garage, it’s possible to make it feel seamless.

How to set up your small laundry room space

1. Start with a smart laundry room plan

A strong laundry room plan is your foundation. Without it, everything else gets messy fast.

1. Stack your washer and dryer to instantly free up floor space. This classic space-saving solution suits most front-loaders.
2. Build a galley layout in long, narrow spaces. Keep washer and dryer on one side, storage on the other.
3. Use bifold doors to turn a laundry closet into a hidden workspace.
4. Opt for a sliding barn door instead of a swing-out to save valuable clearance space.
5. Install machines under a kitchen counter. Yes, this works beautifully in open-plan homes.
6. Tuck appliances into your mudroom with custom-built cabinetry.
7. Place machines under stairs with tailored shelving above.
8. Split washer/dryer units between two cabinets for symmetry and organization.
9. Put your laundry zone in the bathroom. Practical plumbing and space-efficient.
10. Create a two-in-one linen closet/laundry zone with shallow appliances and tall shelving.

2. Make vertical space work harder

If your floor is full, go up. These small laundry room ideas use vertical height to your advantage.

11. Install wall-mounted drying racks. They fold flat when not in use.
12. Use pegboards for tools, cleaning supplies and mini laundry baskets.
13. Hang a drop-down drying rod for shirts and delicates.
14. Install open shelves above machines for detergents, baskets and folded towels.
15. Hang a fold-out ironing board on the wall.
16. Try a ceiling-mounted airer. The original laundry room cooler.
17. Use vertical cabinets with pull-out storage for hidden organization.
18. Mount laundry sorters on the wall to separate lights, darks and delicates.

3. Smart drying ideas (that don’t involve a tumble dryer)

Small spaces often lack proper ventilation for dryers. Enter the eco-friendly, space-saving alternatives.

19. Use a pulley clothes airer, mounted on the ceiling. These take up zero floor space and circulate air above the machines.
20. Install a dehumidifier. It acts as a laundry room cooler by pulling moisture from the air. This is the one we use. 
21. Place a compact fan next to hanging clothes to increase airflow.
22. Try heated towel rails. Great for warming or drying small loads.
23. Use retractable clotheslines that disappear when not in use.
24. Install a drying cabinet if you live in a cold climate. It dries without heating the whole room.
25. Place a wire shelf over the washer/dryer to hold drying racks for small items.

4. Add built-in efficiency

A modern laundry room should be high-functioning and streamlined.

26. Add countertop space over front-load machines for folding.
27. Use sink covers to double your working surface when the sink’s not in use.
28. Install under-cabinet lighting to see clearly even in tiny spaces.
29. Create a built-in laundry basket drawer under the machines.
30. Opt for a flip-down bench for folding, sitting or sorting.
31. Put outlets where you need them next to shelves, baskets and ironing boards.
32. Label everything so you don’t waste time searching.
33. Use touch-to-open cabinets for a seamless, handle-free look.

5. Go multipurpose with style

Small laundry room layout strategies often mean your space pulls double duty.

34. Combine your laundry with a pantry. Use closed bins for detergent and food storage.
35. Add a mini mudroom zone with hooks for coats and bags.
36. Include a pet care station with feeding bowls, storage and washing facilities.
37. Create a cleaning supply hub with all-purpose hooks, holders and drawers.
38. Build a mini craft corner if you have an unused shelf or fold-down surface.

6. Clever storage ideas for every inch

Storage is key to decluttering small laundry spaces.

39. Use rolling carts to tuck between machines and cabinets.
40. Store detergent in labeled glass jars to eliminate bulky packaging.
41. Hang baskets underneath shelving to catch socks, clothespins and tools.
42. Use drawer inserts for small laundry items…measuring cups, dryer sheets, scoops.
43. Add command hooks behind cabinet doors for brushes and gloves.
44. Use over-the-door racks for ironing boards and hangers.
45. Install tall lockers to hide unsightly gear and overflow storage.
46. Use tension rods between walls to hang hangers or spray bottles.

7. Add design that works

Function is great but don’t forget aesthetics. Make your small laundry room feel calm and clean.

47. Use a neutral palette to visually enlarge the space.
48. Try peel-and-stick backsplash tiles for a quick design win.
49. Add a runner rug to warm up cold floors.
50. Paint cabinets to match the walls. Blends in and expands the space.
51. Use beautiful wire or woven baskets for open shelving.
52. Hang one bold piece of art to add style without clutter.
53. Replace cabinet knobs with modern pulls to match your home’s vibe.
54. Use matching dispensers for detergent and softener to cut visual noise.
55. Display one small plant (real or faux) to add freshness.

Real-life small laundry room examples

Example 1
Rachel from Brighton converted her under-stairs cupboard into a fully functioning laundry room by stacking appliances, adding a sliding drawer for baskets and installing pegboard for supplies.

Example 2
Jay and Noor in a London flat tucked their washer-dryer combo into a wardrobe-style cabinet in the kitchen. With two shelves above and a fold-down ironing board, they managed to make the space invisible when closed.

Things to save time and space

• Ceiling-mounted pulley clothes airer. A must-have for drying clothes without sacrificing space. Free up your floor. Dry overhead instead.
• Slim rolling laundry cart. Fits between machines, holds all your essentials. Shop the space between now.
• Wall-mounted ironing board. Compact, practical and hidden when not in use. Make ironing disappear (literally).

FAQs about making small laundry rooms work

What’s the best layout for a small laundry room?
Stacked units or galley-style setups are ideal. Prioritize workflow. Keep folding, drying and sorting in a single direction.

Can I put a laundry in a bathroom or kitchen?
Yes. In fact, combining laundry with a wet room simplifies plumbing and saves space.

Do I need a dryer for a small laundry room?
Not necessarily. Ceiling airers, heated towel rails and dehumidifiers can handle most drying needs.

What are laundry room coolers?
It refers to tools like dehumidifiers, ceiling airers and fans that help regulate humidity and improve airflow in small laundry spaces.

Finally…

Small laundry rooms aren’t a problem. They’re an opportunity. With the right plan and a few simple upgrades, your laundry area can be efficient, stylish and even satisfying to use.

Choose just one idea today and get your laundry space working smarter by tomorrow.