A Small Laundry Room Can Still Be a High-Functioning Space
A small laundry room doesn’t have to mean small performance. In fact, many homeowners find that small laundry rooms can be just as efficient and stylish as large utility spaces—if not more so. With the right planning and a few creative design choices, even the smallest corners of your home can be transformed into highly functional laundry areas.
Whether you’re working with a narrow closet, a pass-through mudroom, or a tight basement nook, you can incorporate practical, smart small laundry room ideas to maximize storage and usability. From space-saving shelving to clever fold-away features, every square inch counts. And if you’re working with a top-loading washer, stacked machines aren’t your only option—there are still plenty of ways to gain back space.
In this article, we’ll walk through nine clever small laundry room remodel ideas, perfect for homeowners who want to organize, streamline, and make the most of their laundry space—without the clutter or chaos.
1. Stack the Washer and Dryer for Maximum Floor Space
One of the most impactful ways to reclaim space in a small laundry room is to stack the washer and dryer. This vertical solution can instantly free up several square feet of floor space, which can be used for storage cabinets, folding areas, or drying racks.
Stacked units work especially well with front-loading machines, but you can also find creative stacking kits and space-saving appliance towers designed specifically for small laundry room ideas with top loading washer combos. These allow the dryer to be wall-mounted or offset so you can still open the top of the washer with ease.
If stacking raises concerns about accessibility, especially if the dryer controls sit too high, a simple folding step stool tucked nearby can make reaching the top panel easy. Choose a lightweight, collapsible version that stores flat behind the machine or on a wall hook.
By going vertical, you don’t sacrifice functionality—you gain versatility and the freedom to add more practical features elsewhere in the room.
2. Use Floating Shelves to Add Vertical Storage
Wall space is precious real estate in any small laundry room. Installing floating shelves high on the wall is one of the most effective ways to gain storage without using up floor space.
Unlike traditional shelving with bulky brackets, floating shelves offer a clean-lined look that doesn’t compete for visual or physical space. They’re ideal for storing detergents, dryer sheets, stain removers, and baskets for organizing small items.
Try installing shelves above your washer and dryer, and don’t be afraid to go high. Items that are used less frequently—like extra cleaning rags or fabric softener refills—can go on the top shelf. Reserve lower shelves for everyday essentials in easy-to-grab bins or baskets.
If you’re a DIYer, diy small laundry room ideas like building your own floating shelves using wood planks and wall anchors can be both affordable and customized to your space. Just be sure to use wall studs or anchors rated for the weight of your storage bins.
Floating shelves help you stay organized and clutter-free, turning wall space into a hidden powerhouse of storage.
3. Mount Closet Rods Higher for Out-of-the-Way Hanging
Laundry rooms often need temporary space for hanging clothes, whether it’s freshly ironed shirts or delicate items that need to drip-dry. In small laundry rooms, where space is limited, consider mounting closet rods higher on the wall to make the most of the vertical dimension.
By positioning the rod higher—above floating shelves or near the ceiling—you create hanging space that doesn’t interfere with your work area or appliance access. It also allows for long garments to hang freely without brushing against countertops or hampers.
For even more flexibility, choose a rod that’s removable or swings down for easy access. You can mount one rod parallel to the back wall or install two shorter rods on opposite walls if your space is narrow.
This simple addition is a favorite among small laundry room storage ideas because it makes vertical space both decorative and functional, especially when paired with matching hangers or wood finishes.
4. Fold-Away Drying Racks Keep Clutter to a Minimum
Conventional drying racks are often bulky, floor-bound, and in the way. In a small laundry room, you need alternatives that give you the same function without eating up precious space. Enter the wall-mounted, fold-away drying rack.
These racks function much like accordion-style coat racks or vintage laundry frames. When not in use, they fold flat against the wall, leaving plenty of space for moving around or accessing your machines. When needed, they pull out to provide ample room for hanging sweaters, delicates, or towels.
Look for models with wooden frames and metal bars, or go vintage with an antique-inspired rack that adds charm as well as function. You can install these above a work table, beside the washer, or even on the back of the laundry room door.
Fold-away racks are the ultimate in diy small laundry room ideas because they can be installed in an afternoon but save space for years.
5. Wall Hooks and Cabinet Pull-Out Racks for Drying Clothes
When space is really tight, even wall-mounted racks might feel too bulky. That’s where hooks and pull-out drying racks come in. These low-profile solutions offer smart ways to hang dry clothes without crowding the room.
Install a row of wall hooks near your folding station or on an empty wall to hold clothes hangers, reusable grocery bags, or even freshly pressed garments. This strategy eliminates the need for hangers on closet rods and helps keep the space clear and open.
Additionally, many small laundry room cabinet designs now feature pull-out drying racks in place of standard drawers. These look like regular cabinet drawers, but when pulled out, they reveal metal slats or drying rails perfect for laying or hanging damp items.
Both solutions prove that with a little creativity, you can incorporate small laundry room shelving and storage ideas that serve multiple purposes without wasting an inch.
6. Create a Multipurpose Work Table for Storage and Sorting
If you have a little floor space left after the machines are installed, consider adding a work table that doubles as a folding station and storage area. This can be built from a set of base cabinets topped with a countertop, giving you both storage below and workspace above.
These small laundry room cabinet bases can house detergents, pet supplies, seasonal items, or cleaning tools. Meanwhile, the countertop gives you a place to fold clothes, sort linens, or even stack laundry baskets.
For extra utility, some homeowners add a closet rod underneath the countertop, giving you one more place to hang garments straight out of the dryer. Others install pegboards above the table for storing scissors, clothespins, or mini ironing boards.
The goal is to turn one space into many—storage, prep, drying, and organizing all in one compact area.
7. Built-In Ironing Boards and Iron Storage Solutions
Traditional ironing boards are space hogs—and in small laundry rooms, they often get relegated to other parts of the house. But there are better solutions. A pull-out or fold-down ironing board built into your cabinetry saves floor space and keeps ironing where it belongs: in the laundry room.
These built-ins can slide out like a drawer or fold down from inside a wall-mounted cabinet. Either way, they’re tucked out of sight when not in use and take just seconds to set up.
Prefer to keep your freestanding ironing board? Mount coat hooks or a vertical rack on the wall to keep it off the floor and out of the way. Add a basket nearby for your iron and spray bottles to create a compact ironing station that doesn’t take over the room.
From folding boards to wall-mounted organizers, small laundry room ideas like these make even large chores feel manageable in small spaces.
Honey-Doers Can Transform Any Laundry Room
You don’t need a large utility room to enjoy a beautiful, efficient laundry space. With the right combination of vertical storage, built-in solutions, and clever design, even the smallest laundry rooms can become highly functional and organized.
At Honey-Doers Remodeling, we’ve helped countless homeowners convert cluttered closets and cramped corners into streamlined, stylish laundry rooms. Whether you’re looking to add shelving, reconfigure your appliances, or create a space-saving folding station, we’ll help you find solutions that fit your space—and your lifestyle.
Reach out today to explore how we can turn your small laundry room into one of the most productive rooms in the house.
