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Open shelving for laundry room


28 Pretty & Functional Laundry Room Shelving Ideas

By

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.

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Published on 11/09/21

Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

If you are looking to add storage to your laundry room, there are a multitude of options that can work for any space or budget. Think open shelves, shelves tucked behind cabinets, shelving systems you can install yourself, and DIY or custom-built shelving that will maximize every last inch of this crucial hub in your home, no matter how big or small. Whether you’re looking to install new shelves or organize and style the shelves you’ve got, here are some clever ideas for an organized and stylish laundry room. 

12 ways to create a neat space |

(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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Stylish shelving above the washing machine

Each of us once tried to organize a household space in order to conveniently and efficiently place cleaning products, detergents and other necessary items. A very competent solution in this case is the placement of practical shelving, giving style and functionality to the room.

As an example, consider the modular storage system, which is a customizable way to place everything you need in the interior. On multiple shelves there is a place for household products, clothespins, brushes and more. If there is enough space in the laundry room or utility room to add built-in shelving, then this will be most effective. nine0003

Ideal location: above the washer and dryer. In many located under the countertop or in cabinets, convenient drawers are also provided. Another popular place for shelves is inside cabinets, which is a good way to hide things behind closed doors.

Open shelving in the utility room leaves everything in view. The well-equipped offerings from IKEA here are both practical and attractive. You can see how the metal construction of the shelves creates crisp shapes that are perfect for a laundry room or dressing room. nine0003

The vertical racks and horizontal bars in the system provide the perfect place to hang clothes that are not completely dry. Don't forget that in addition to the shelving, it is effective to complement the existing ones with your own wall fixtures, such as suction hooks or magnets.

Deciding on the type of shelves and where to install them is just the beginning. At the next stage, there is an important task of maximizing their functional filling. Part of the space should be filled with stylish decor elements and the rest is purely practical. Loose parts are best arranged in baskets, boxes and containers. nine0003

However, the most frequently used ones should be placed at arm's length. One of the more popular laundry trends is storing laundry detergent and other essentials in special tins. Glass containers are another effective choice. Use them to keep small items close at hand, like clothespins and pins.

It is worth decorating the utility room in the same way as any other room in the house.

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