Washer And Dryer Decorating Ideas

Laundry Room Storage Ideas

Find tips on how to make the most of your laundry area and maximize storage.

Laundry and utility rooms seem to collect clutter like magnets to metal. Here are some ideas for structuring your laundry room so it will be easier to keep it neat and orderly.

Take your laundry-related storage to the ceiling by installing cabinets or shelving over your washer and dryer. Look for modular storage systems that have a variety of shelves, racks and hampers that can be fitted to your space.

Elevated storage keeps potentially dangerous cleaning supplies out of reach of young children, and it is also practical if your laundry space is in a basement that is prone to flood.

To make more functional space — like a folding table — construct a built-in cabinet around the washer and dryer. This works well if you have a front-loading washer, but can still be done with a top-loader. Build the cabinet with a hinged countertop so the appliances can be removed in case repairs are needed. If you have a top-loading washer, make sure you have enough head room for a hinged countertop and you'll want to use a hinge with locking side arms that can stay open. To totally conceal the washer and dryer, install bi-fold doors or use a shower-curtain tension rod to hang upholstery-weight material just below the edge of your countertop.

Laundry area with white cabinets, washer and dryer, clothes hanging on rack on built in shelf, storage compartments, and wicker laundry basket on floor.

Install shelving around the perimeter of the room mounted 12 to 18 inches from the ceiling. It'll provide additional storage for infrequently used items. Use utility baskets that slide onto shelving to hold items such as extra paper towels, toilet paper and trash bags.

Laundry chute with a white towel hanging out the side of the unit next to a window during the day time.

Is your laundry room directly below a bathroom or closet? See if you can install a chute inside a bathroom vanity or linen closet. A conveniently located laundry chute coming from the floor above can help alleviate mounds of clothes lying on the floor in the bedroom or overloaded in hampers. If your laundry area is in a basement, it should be easy to see if you can cut through the floor.

Turn a closet into a laundry area for a stackable washer and dryer. You'll probably have to call in a plumber and an electrician to run the required utilities, but it may be worth the price with the space you'll save. If you're lucky, you have a little extra room on the sides of the appliances for wall shelves or a narrow storage bin.

Built in wall storage for laundry items, towels, wicker baskets, shelves.

For extra storage, consider building recessed shelves into a wall. You may only be able to go a few inches deep, but it may be adequate enough to hold towels, detergents and laundry supplies.

To conserve space, attach the ironing board to the back of the door so it flips down when in use then back up when you're finished. Or install a cabinet-mounted ironing board that swivels out and folds up out of sight.

If you have cabinets or shelves above your washer and dryer, suspend a rod on the underside to hang clothes for drying or until you are ready to put them away. Clothing racks can serve the same purpose and some are even mounted on wheels which will allow you to roll them from room to room for putting away clothes effortlessly.

If your laundry room is in an out-of-the-way place like the basement or a closet, experiment with the decor. It's your chance to go wild and crazy and use lots of fun colors or a bold theme.