Daily chores become downright delightful in a space that’s as beautiful as it is functional
There are a few places in your home where functionality reigns: your kitchen, your bathroom, and of course, your laundry room. While many homeowners understand that their kitchen and bathroom should be just as beautiful as they are useful, it's easy for the laundry room to get overlooked when a remodel is underway. This essential place— where you wash and dry your clothes—is typically relegated to a basement corner or an unused closet space and finished with nary a bare lightbulb. However, this area can (and should!) be as chic as it is functional, which is why we've curated an inspiring list of small laundry room ideas to help you get started.
Each of these designer laundry rooms below is packed with clever small-space ideas to support your sorting, washing, and folding. Whether you want to hide away your washer and dryer or simply want more room to hang your delicates, the laundry rooms below prove that you can happily marry form with function.
Love it or hate it, laundry is simply one of those tasks that we all have to do—and these small laundry room ideas will certainly help make it more enjoyable. Keep scrolling for the solutions your laundry routine is missing.
Additional copy by Hadley Mendelsohn
Let’s be honest: No one wants their undergarments or soiled towels on display. To prioritize privacy in this French-inspired farmhouse, Kate Marker added ruched curtains to the door for a touch of charm.
To make the most of this Brooklyn brownstone laundry closet, Jennifer Hunter installed a pocket door, scoring an extra few feet for utility.
Designed by Amy Vroom of The Residency Bureau, this cheery wash space feels like an extension of the main living spaces, thanks to thoughtful add-ons like wallpaper, an antique rug, and a skirted cabinet with Schumacher fabric.
Design is in the details, especially when creating a laundry that lives larger than its humble name. In this home by Sugarhouse Design & Architecture, thoughtful upgrades include painted tiles and classic venthole cabinetry.
For a room that functions just for you, plan with your wardrobe in mind. Janelle Patton of Lark Interiors prioritized a spot to hang-dry delicates using a tension bar.
In this Texas laundry room, Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design made the most of an expansive layout by incorporating an island, the ideal surface for folding crisp, Marie Kondo-approved lines. Powder blue cabinetry and energetic fabric make a vibrant backdrop for life’s daily to-dos.
To keep all the essentials within reach, Julia Miller outfitted this mudroom and laundry with plenty of cubbies for stylish storage—and a checkered floor that delivers her signature funkiness.
With four machines, this space from Pearson Design Group is keyed into functionality. To balance out the utility, reclaimed wood paneling and concrete floors echo the home’s rustic atmosphere.
In this Florida laundry room, Andrew Howard packed in a slew of useful features, including a sink for treating stains and rinsing swimwear. Pierre Frey wallpaper and statement cabinetry keep the space feeling luxe.
Tucked behind a jib door in the powder room and wrapped in Robert Crowder wallpaper, this incognito space by Heather Peterson hides function in plain sight—and keeps clothing away from prying eyes.
Now is not the time to skimp on your wish list. Incorporate high-end materials and sumptuous finishes that only get better with daily use, like the fluted marble, stone flooring, and brass fixtures seen here in this 19th-century Boston townhouse by Jaimie Baird.
Eliminate the need for back-breaking work by putting your machines on risers. Here, Allison Handler designed a built-in unit, complete with storage at the base, to bring the machinesup to standing height.
Your small laundry room needs scaled-down features, such as a condensed sink. We love the one in this room by designer Ashley Montgomery. It's essential for handwashing your delicates, and it adds some charm to the space.
In small laundry rooms, a dark color palette can sometimes make the space feel larger—especially when paired with ample natural light, as seen in this design by Alison Giese. Here, the dark quartzite countertops steal the show.
Designer Sarah Stacey decided to cover this small laundry room in a stunning flowering-trellis wallpaper, creating a jewel box space. Rather than solely using this room for its functional capabilities, it's now a beautiful part of the home.
In small spaces, it's important to use as much surface area as you can. The tall shelves and racks in this small laundry room increase its functionality without taking anything away from the design.
Eden Passante, the blogger behind Sugar and Charm, converted one of her closets into a laundry station. She used chic shelves, a beautiful wallpaper, and matching storage boxes to keep everything she needs.
The team at Camden Grace Interiors was clever when hiding the washer and dryer in this small laundry room, closing the units behind cabinet doors to disguise the space. Doing this allowed for more counter space for folding and sorting too.
In this beautiful, bold small laundry room by Michelle Murphy of Demi Ryan, the three mini laundry carts add a functional and charming feature to the space. "We used a bold patterned wallpaper of blues and orange and paired that with a patterned tile floor," Murphy says. "Even in tight quarters, beautiful materials and intentional color can turn a purely functional space into one you actually enjoy being in."
Designer Alexis Pew of Kaminski + Pew chose to color-drench this small laundry room in a deep merlot color to add depth. "The walnut butcher block top brings warmth and texture to the space," Pew says. "A ceiling-mounted drying rack can be raised and lowered to add utility and functionality."
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