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Best shelving for laundry room


19 Best Laundry Room Shelving Ideas For an Organized Space

Rachael Somerville

We get it—even a beautiful laundry room can't make laundry day totally painless (although it sure can help). Laundry is one of those chores we all have to do, but rarely are we excited about it. But even if laundry day isn't your favorite day of the week, the right layout and setup can make this chore feel a little less mundane.

Here, we've rounded up great shelving ideas to make your laundry room a bit more functional (and beautiful, too).

01 of 19

Home by Polly

This simple, light-filled laundry room isn't overly decorative, but it has just enough storage space to be useful. The open layout is airy and light, which keeps it welcoming, and offers a single countertop shelf above the washer and dryer for folding. A wall-mounted cabinet adds extra storage out of sight.

02 of 19

DLUX Design & Co.

Though the shelf in this laundry room has a simple unfinished wood look, the light green cabinetry is a great match. Together, this laundry room feels fresh and modern, with just enough personality to make laundry day a bit less of a bore.

03 of 19

KG Designs

Not enough space for a mudroom and a laundry room? With some clever use of your existing real estate, there can be enough for both a laundry room and mudroom storage—and the shelving pictured here doubles for both needs. If you have a combination laundry room and mudroom, consider shelving and storage options that can suit both coats and laundry detergent.

04 of 19

Light and Dwell

A simple shelf with hooks is a great choice in the laundry room. Though you may typically associate these types of shelves with coats and entryways, they can also be invaluable in a laundry room. The shelf adds a bit of storage space, while the hooks give you real estate to hang items to dry.

05 of 19

Jessica Neslon Design

Even if your laundry room isn't in a beautiful attic like this one, you may have to work with the real estate you have and sometimes that means very little wall space to hang shelves. Instead, look down. Here, cabinetry and a low shelf add extra storage and a place for baskets.

06 of 19

Lemon Leaf Home Interiors

An easy way to add additional storage in your laundry room is by adding a few floating shelves. Floating shelves require less wall space than a traditional bracket unit and offer a landing for frequently-used items and even a few decorative elements.

07 of 19

Margaret Wright Interior + Lifestyle Photog

A few built-in shelves can keep your laundry baskets out of the way and give you a place to store dirty clothes before they go into the washer. If you don't have a whole cabinet unit, mount a few shelves lower to the ground where you can easily slide a laundry basket.

08 of 19

Stephanie Hoey Interiors

What's better than a laundry room with useful and chic shelves? A laundry room with shelving storage and eye-catching wallpaper. Wallpaper is a perfect choice for the laundry room because it gives it a bit of personality without a lot of effort.

09 of 19

Studio RIU

Who says that shelves need only be useful? Consider using a few shelves in your laundry room to add a bit of style to your space and create a more welcoming room. Mix in a few of your favorite photographs of your favorite memories to make laundry day a little happier.

10 of 19

Whittney Parkinson

We have all seen islands in the kitchen, but what about in the laundry room? If you need more shelving and counter space in your living room and you have the real estate for an island, consider purchasing a rolling island.

11 of 19

The Cozy Farmhouse

Even if the rest of your home isn't decorated in a modern farmhouse style, a laundry room is a great place to incorporate this cozy aesthetic. A simple black and white color palette and a few vintage-inspired accessories can transform your laundry room. Opt for a rustic wood shelf over a modern, lacquered one if you have space.

12 of 19

Kira Turner

Here, a cubby shelving unit acts as the perfect place to store laundry baskets when not in use. This storage idea is simple to DIY for a custom look that fits your space perfectly, but you can also shop around for a cubby shelving piece that is already made.

13 of 19

Light and Dwell

This laundry room is everything we love in small-space decor—it's quaint, cozy, and welcoming, and uses every inch of space well. On top of the cabinets and floor shelves, there's also a corner shelving unit that adds a bit of extra space for decorative pieces to give the room even more personality.

14 of 19

We Remodel It

Don't be afraid to fill all of your unused wall space with floating shelves. Before you hang, consider what the shelves are closest to (for example, if they're above the sink or the washer and dryer) and where you need the most extra storage space.

15 of 19

The Simply Distressed

If you're short on space in a small laundry room or laundry closet, a shelf or two can add essential storage. Instead of buying off the shelf, consider measuring your wall and DIYing one that fits it perfectly. This will give you more bang for your buck and provide a more finished look overall.

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Design: Bradshaw Designs

Photography: Stephen Karlisch

This stunning laundry room has everything you could need for laundry day (and so much more). Not only does it feature endless storage space, but there's also an innovative pull-out shelf under the washer and dryer to add the perfect landing pad for a full laundry basket.

17 of 19

Cathie Hong

Just because it's your laundry room, doesn't mean you shouldn't spend a little time creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space. If you have enough hidden storage space, reserve your laundry room shelves for more decorative pieces that won't look messy or cluttered.

18 of 19

This Crazy Life

If you want a shelf unit that's a little more unique and eye-catching, consider giving it an industrial flair. This iron and wood piece is perfect for adding extra storage above the washer and dryer while also lending an industrial look and feel. This is fairly easy to DIY, but you can also purchase a premade piece suited for your room.

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A-List Interiors

Even if you don't have space for a full laundry room, a shelf can still be a helpful addition to a laundry closet. Here, a small but mighty laundry space is filled with storage, a sink, and a hanging bar for the drying closet, all in a compact package.

Everything You Need For an Expertly Organized Laundry Room

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(Image credit: deVol Kitchens, HW Interiors, Kate Marker Interiors)

The laundry room shelving ideas you implement in your space will play a big part in the way the room functions, whether you're designing the space from scratch or trying to make an existing one more functional, 

The right shelf setup can offer easy access to the various stain removers, detergents, and fabric softeners required for a proper load of laundry, making wash day more efficient (and who doesn't want that?). Plus, laundry room shelving can also offer a chance to infuse your space with a little style. Think: glass jars filled with laundry crystals or a vase with fresh flowers. 

Here, we've rounded up some of the best laundry room shelving ideas so that you can add them to your laundry room ideas wishlist.

Laundry room shelving ideas

If you're planning a laundry room makeover, give shelving the consideration it's due. Laundry room shelving is a key component to the space. Better still, shelving can be both practical and pretty. Take a cue from the designs below. 

1. Choose laundry room floating shelves for a streamlined look

(Image credit: Nick Sargent / HW Interiors )

'Integrating function, laundry room organization and beautiful design was our mission in a space which is not generally known for aesthetics,' says Lisa Hynes of HW Interiors , who designed the room above for the 2021 Palm Beach Decorator Showhouse. 'So we've applied a mix of unexpected materials in practical ways. ' 

That includes the floating, wood-toned open laundry room shelving. The sleek look adds a modern, elevated style to a hardworking space. 

2. Add laundry room cabinets and shelves

(Image credit: Emily Kennedy Photography )

Both shelves and cabinets are ideal laundry room storage ideas for different reasons, so why not include both? Chicago's Kate Marker Interiors combined shelving and cabinetry in a client laundry room, above. 'Closed storage with bins or a canvas rolling cart for gathering laundry can keep things neat and tidy,' says Marker, while open laundry room shelving offers easy access to your most-used items. 

3. Add a laundry room hanging rack

(Image credit: Sarah Shields / Whittney Parkinson)

If you have the space for it, one of our favorite laundry room upgrades is to add a hanging rack along with your shelving, like in this room by Whittney Parkinson Design . A rack makes it extra-convenient to hang up your clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer, preventing wrinkles, and can sit below laundry room shelving for super-efficient space saving. Though a clothing bar is technically not a shelf, you'll have to incorporate it at the same time you're planning cabinetry and other storage.  

4. Display stylish essentials

(Image credit: Stoffer Photography Interiors / Grand Tradition Homes / Kate Marker Interiors)

If there's one drawback to open laundry room shelving, it's that it can quickly look cluttered. If you have aesthetic goals for your laundry room shelving as well as functional ones, choose laundry supplies that look good on display.

Glass jars can be used to house soaps and powder detergents, and neutral-colored wool dryer balls look like decor when stashed in a pretty basket, like in the space above by Grand Tradition Homes and Kate Marker Interiors.

'A laundry room should have a way to store or display cleaning supplies in a convenient and eye-pleasing manner,' says Marker. 'Woven baskets to corral detergent pods and stain removers provide texture in open spaces.'

Our motto: if it makes doing the laundry more enjoyable, it's well worth the effort.  

5. Use freestanding laundry shelving

(Image credit: Future)

If you have counter space in your laundry room and don't want to go through the hassle of hanging shelves on the walls, try standing a small bookcase or shelving unit on top of your laundry room counter instead. This will create vertical storage space without the need to break out the drill and stud-finder.

To enhance the aesthetic and achieve an intentional look, paint the shelves to match the walls. 

6. Try a bar with hooks as a shelving idea

(Image credit: Rejuvenation)

Who says you can't get creative in a functional space? If you're looking for an out-of-the-box laundry room shelving idea, why not try a hanging rail with hooks? Hanging rails, like the one above from Rejuvenation , typically come with sets of hooks and cups that can hold items like stain sticks, detergent pods, lint rollers, delicates bags, and clothes brushes. 

7. Edit what's stored on your shelves

(Image credit: Stephen Karlisch / Kathleen Walsh)

If you're combining laundry room shelving with laundry room cabinet ideas and laundry room closet ideas, be intentional about what gets stored where.

'Clients usually have a strong opinion as to their preference for closed cabinets versus open shelves, and we design accordingly,' says interior designer Kathleen Walsh , who's behind this ultra-organized laundry room. 'A good hybrid is to think of keeping one set of your go-to detergents, solutions, and tools out in the open and within easy reach of the washer and dryer. Leave an extra shelf or two open for some décor and functional items. The rest, like the extra paper towels, the stored bottle of bleach, etc., can live behind closed doors. Ironing too is either out and ready or hidden away.'

8. Hang a laundry maid

(Image credit: DeVol Kitchens)

If you're looking for small laundry room ideas, try incorporating the fifth wall, AKA the ceiling, into your laundry room shelving plans. A laundry maid, which is a drying rack that's suspended from the ceiling, offers a spot to dry anything that can't go in the tumble dryer, as well as a place to store hangers for easy access.  

9. Add a dual-purpose shelf

(Image credit: Kate Lester Interiors)

If you're short on space and want to maximize the efficiency of your laundry room, look for a shelf that pulls double duty. 

'Open laundry room shelving creates depth and dimension while also serving as storage, which is perfect for this laundry room nook. It was also a great way to add in hanging bar for clothing, making it extra multi-functional,' says Kate Lester, who designed the laundry room nook, above.

10. Free up space for a countertop

(Image credit: Eye for Pretty Design)

If you tend to store all of your detergents, fabric softeners and stain removers on top of your washer and dryer, then one of the best reasons to install laundry room shelving is to free up that space. It'll increase your organization and efficiency tenfold. 

Once you have your laundry essentials stashed away on a shelf, you can then add a laundry room countertop above your washer dryer, which makes a convenient space for folding laundry or storing laundry baskets, a la this laundry room by San Francisco's Eye for Pretty Design.   

11. Choose built-in laundry room shelving

(Image credit: Scott Davis / The Fox Group)

If you're after longstanding quality and a high-end look, consider built-in shelves, like in the above laundry room by The Fox Group .  This extra large utility room provides space for desks underneath the shelves, but if you're working with a smaller room, build your cabinets on top of your washer/dryer, sink, or a set of drawers. 

12. Stash pet supplies

(Image credit: Elizabeth Gil Interiors)

Laundry and utility rooms often double as the dog's room. If this is the case in your home, laundry room shelving is the perfect spot to stash pet essentials, like food and toys. But if you do it, take a cue from Elizabeth Gill Interiors and store them in simple glass jars for a clean look. 

'I styled the shelves to be both human and dog friendly,' says Gill, who designed the laundry room, above, for a show house. 'The dog treats and toys are on full display in these pretty glass canisters. '

How deep should shelves be in a laundry room? 

Above all else, laundry room shelving needs to be practical. If you're wondering how deep shelves in your laundry room should be, consider how you'll use them. If you simply be storing bottle of laundry detergent and boxes of fabric softener, a 10in-12in shelf will work just fine. However, if you'd like to use storage bins or stash laundry baskets, you'll need a shelf at least 18in deep. 

Kaitlin Madden Armon is a writer and editor covering all things home. Her work has appeared in Real Homes, Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, Refinery29, Modern Luxury Interiors, Wayfair, The Design Network, and lots more. She graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism and currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, three kids, and black lab.

Laundry design - practical ideas in the photo

Variant with more shelf space

Welcome back to the Room Interiors Portal. Today, with our visitors, we would like to talk about proper laundry planning in your home.

When designing a new home or discussing upcoming refurbishment of an existing home, most often the idea of ​​creating a laundry room comes to us belatedly and, as a result, rarely materializes into reality. However, a well-designed laundry space has so many benefits that, believe me, will make your life much easier. nine0003

Today, such an element is an absolute must for modern living.

Unusual shelves and colorful baskets

They can easily decorate your room. One of the biggest benefits that an exclusive laundry room has is that there is a lot of storage space. Various racks and shelves will help you to use the available space to the fullest.

Paneled cabinets and quartz stone countertops

There's no point in mounting a huge number of awkward or large shelves if they don't fit the particular style and size of your own laundry room. You can see one of the furnishing options if space is limited. In the case when your room is compact, it would be better to use vertical racks that will help you make the most of the free space. nine0003

Beautiful laundry room with plenty of space

While closed shelves help you hide clutter and keep the room tidy, open shelves give the room a feeling of airiness and lightness. If the available space is large enough, then you can simply add a stand-alone storage rack.

Blue Laundry Room with Lots of Shelf Space

Shelves and baskets are not only used to add functionality, they can also be a great addition to your interior. Shape and color are no less important parts of the design that can bring a little warmth and comfort to the planned room. The combination of white and blue colors works brilliantly. We must not forget that such an element as a laundry room will be a wonderful addition to your home with a bright and fresh atmosphere inside, which will make work more efficient. nine0003

Amazing shiny decoration

Clever shelving is an absolute must and you always need to plan your work area well so that the space is not cramped. Thoughtful distribution of storage spaces automatically makes the space more organized. It is worth paying special attention to the number of shelves so that you do not have to dig through piles of dirty laundry later.

Clever and adequate design of the laundry workspace

Beautifully stacked baskets, tilted drawers, pull-out and drop-down shelves all help to balance the elements of your space. By adding some floating shelving, you can even spruce up the room with family photos that can be neatly placed next to wicker baskets. nine0003

They will make the room more homely and cozy. You should not use monotone colors, because they will look very boring. Also, for greater convenience, you can add an ironing board to your laundry room, picking it up in the color of the interior.

Shelf configuration makes the space special

The ideal laundry room is one that caters to the specific needs of your family. But each of us owns different areas and financial possibilities. If you do not have a separate room, you can combine the laundry room with your kitchen, this will help make your space more comfortable and functional. nine0003 Categories: Laundry and pantry decoration

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Laundry design - photo collection 33 options

Go beyond the standard boring closets and transform into a spacious, functional space

Today we want to present our readers with creative laundry design ideas. Modern requests have radically changed their appearance, which until recently was a small room, but technological progress and the demands of mankind, the thirst for freedom and space have become a powerful impetus for transformation. Let's look at the most relevant options that were developed by gurus in the world of design and architecture, and evaluate the given below image. nine0003

But first, we would like to share a few secrets:

The role of the cabinet in the laundry room

Here is an example of a sophisticated solution. Modern modular furniture, small step chair to reach the upper levels. It is pleasantly surprising that a working office with a view of the garden is also located here, an unusual use, but practical. nine0003

Few people imagined such an elegant design in such an unusual place, the hostess still lacks a TV for a complete spectacle, then you definitely won't want to leave such a cozy room.

An example of the right layout, a spacious window, a glossy surface of the worktop combine together to create an excellent overall picture.

A chic presentation that combines innovation, ergonomics and contrast that enhances color balance.

This luxurious space is a modernized basement. From a gloomy and useless space they made a laundry room. Wardrobes gleam in metallic finishes, while exotic rug adorns the marble floor. A sink, a soft ottoman - everything is for the convenience of the hostess, here you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday affairs while the washing machine does all your work. nine0003

Good lighting is the key to maintaining the right atmosphere, which should be bright and clean. Shelves, baskets help keep everything you need within reach.

The following samples show us how important organization is. Although these are very compact rooms, but the use of smart and creative ideas allows you to make the most efficient use of every centimeter of space.

Even in such unexpected places, such an expensive material as granite can be used. Roomy and stylish furniture only emphasizes the excellent taste of designers. nine0003

Not only a small, but also a large room can make it difficult to design. But using all your imagination and creativity, you can create a fairly attractive interior that is worthy of admiration.

Inspiring and vibrant colors should not be overlooked either, as they can add much-needed flair to a setting.

Original ideas

Plenty of open space provides unlimited possibilities, both for the realization of your ideas and for adding details that will greatly expand the potential. Below is not just an impressive, but also a chic dressing room and laundry room. nine0003

Why not create a cozy island where you can not only fold things, but also get real pleasure from such a routine task as washing.

Stylish design ideas

There are not enough words to describe the next room! The hostess of this example will never have the feeling that there is nowhere to store things.

What if you set up your own work area next to the washer and dryer? A slightly unusual solution, but relevant. nine0003

Emphasize the contrasts, in this version of the interior, colors combine very favorably, which together form a complete picture.

Great organization and stylish furnishings with plenty of room for your belongings.

Fantastic ideas are embodied in a design that breathes not only freshness and cleanliness, but also has its own individual style thanks to the blue background.

Current topics and trends

It would be very clever to place a wardrobe for shoes and outerwear. nine0003

Made simple fantasies look elegant and modern, and bright lighting will saturate the interior with some mystery.

The perfect balance of these contrasting colours.

Application of curtains

Textiles will create an atmosphere of home comfort and slightly dilute the cold and calm look of the surfaces.

Once again about paints

The extraordinary use of pink in the interior fills the room with romance and tranquility.

Choose decor: wallpaper or tiles

The use of branded coatings for original wall decoration shows that even utility rooms can be exclusive and bold.

Floral ornaments look no less catchy - a print that beautifully combines white and purple.

Original blotches on a milky background become more visible, a fun and playful statement.

Colorful ideas that bring positive emotions will help you brighten up routine everyday life.

Colorful wallpaper in the laundry room

Compact yet functional

Below is a variant that shows how to properly and ergonomically fit in a cramped room without limiting your options.

An interior inspired by calmness and tranquility.

Basement makeover you'll love.

After reviewing many laundry room interior design ideas, we have seen just how versatile decor can be. The most impressive, from elegant to expensive and luxurious, rooms deserve to be vivid examples of how modern solutions not only decorate our lives, but also make it simpler and more carefree.

Learn more