Outdoor laundry room design ideas

14 Creative Ideas for an Outdoor Laundry Room

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Our laundry room is getting a BIG makeover. Things have been a bit tight here at the Day farm as our household count rapidly grew from three to six (seven, if you count my nomad sister who's currently taking up the guest room). I've been mulling over the idea of an outdoor laundry room for awhile, and after visiting a ton of spots on the East Coast my wheels started turning.

Here in California we typically put the washing machines as an afterthought in a closet, the garage or their own tiny room tucked into a corner of the house. Most places I've encountered on the other side of the country (except Manhattan, of course) have laundry rooms that appear to serve a bigger purpose. They're more central to the home, often stuck smack dab in the kitchen or entryway. Laundry spaces over there, by and large, seem chock full of utility. This one in Georgia acted as a mudroom where the whole family could unload their weather-worn gear as opposed to tromping it through the house.

I've often contemplated how I might implement this sort of functionality in our own home.

There's no room by our front door for a sprawling wash area. Our back entry and all around the sides of our home, on the other hand, have been on the docket for a mini-revival and there's plenty of space out there. When one of my Portland friends recently installed a ‘she shed' in her backyard to serve as her office, it was like a lightbulb went off. I ogled her pictures and decided I could build myself a laundry she shed! It can act as an outdoor wash room, a place for our family to ditch their dirty duds, and a hipster-y sort of gathering spot where I can shake off the dust of farm life while simultaneously grilling carne asada and popping open a bottle of bubbly on the back porch. In my mind, an outdoor laundry room can take everyday tasks that parents do to keep the family running, and actually integrate that with the family's activities. For me, it's important that my boys see us doing laundry (and take part in the process whenever possible). This task shouldn't be sectioned off in a random corner of the house. Just like the East Coast and their loud and proud approach to laundry displays, I want to make the space mine – incorporating a casual outdoorsy twist, in true West Coast fashion.

When you last got a peek at our laundry room, it looked like this. We've been chugging away every chance we get at home renovations, and it now looks like this:

To some, this may seem like a step backwards. That's because we're actually gutting the current laundry room in favor of another bath. Our master bedroom is a converted garage, so there's no bathroom on this side of the house and I've grown tired of tromping through the living area when I have to pee at 3am. So I'm finally getting my very own commode, and the washing machines are finding a fun new space to occupy outside!

Planning an Outdoor Laundry Room

When I lived in Hawaii as a kid, almost everyone I knew had their machines on the patio because most people hang-dry clothes there. The idea's not so off-the-wall, but I searched online and couldn't find much about outdoor laundry rooms. There were a few shown in pool sheds, outhouses or other small spaces, including some interesting semi-off-the-grid situations coupled with solar panels and composting toilets. I chatted with our sponsor Speed Queen about the she shed idea and they were familiar with a few similar outdoor laundry room installations. The only obvious concern was protecting the machines from direct damage in case of severe weather.

I wanted the washer and dryer fully enclosed but not in any sort of closet or nook. Ideally, I was looking for a shed where I could leave clothes near the machines and take my time folding them without worrying that they'd get rained on or sun-bleached.

First, we set our eyes on this Keter My Shed. Unfortunately, Nate and I don't have time to install anything ourselves right now and the handymen in our area want to charge an absolute fortune. This one also kept going in and out of stock, which didn't instill a ton of confidence.

Next up, we eyed this beautiful Handy Home Solar Shed, but once again we faced the installation issue. I liked the idea of big, bright windows but I wasn't a fan of the single narrow door for access.

Finally, I spotted this large tool shed that was a phenomenal price and included an upgraded flooring system, installation, and the option to add windows immediately or even plop them in later with a widely-available upgrade kit. Ding ding, we have a winner! I placed my order, started clearing out the space where the shed was going to sit, and began brainstorming my decor.

For a laundry room that leads directly to the outdoors, I really like the idea of incorporating some greenery in the space and throwing down a big mat to catch any excess dirt. Hopefully, with that underfoot, we can easily shake away debris and keep the space neat.

The idea of a big, open tabletop has always been super-appealing for me in a laundry room. We're getting a stacked washer and dryer set from Speed Queen because I have a back injury that flares up every now and then and I want to minimize bending over as much as possible. I used to think I needed a ton of space to enjoy a pro-level washer and dryer, but the people at Speed Queen were so helpful in inquiring about our needs and guiding us to the most fitting model.

As far as decorations, the primary theme I'm going for is a sort of vintage-industrial vibe, with farmy accents and simple lines like we tend to use throughout the rest of the house. I want things to feel homey, not frilly. I think that cute metal signs can add just enough personality to give it a lived-in feel.

Sticking with that old-school theme, I really want to track down some nice-looking laundry carts! One pick that IS going totally modern is our decision to opt for mechanical controls. I was anxious about that because we've had electronic panels fail on us before, but Speed Queen guarantees them with a 5-year warranty on parts and labor. The control buttons are tested to 1,000,000 depresses, which is the number times an owner is likely to push the buttons over the average 25-year life of the machine. Since Speed Queen has set industry standard for commercial use, I'm going to trust that they know what they're doing when it comes to our house.

Also following the lead of big companies, I'm thinking we'll probably wind up tiling the floor and walls of our shed eventually. I like the idea of total durability and water resistance in an outdoor laundry room. The shed is being constructed right outside my bedroom so I'm slightly concerned about noise, and I feel like tiles on the walls might help offer a dampening effect. The Speed Queen people assure me that's unnecessary and we're getting a set that has amazing balancing technology for a remarkably silent operation.

I'll report back on that after my first load!

For storage of soaps and detergents, I've seen a couple Pinterest photos showing clever storage in antique drink servers (labeled and put up away from children, of course). I bet I could track some of those down for a bargain at our local thrift shop.

Another farm-inspired, outdoorsy idea is using galvanized containers and glass jars for clothespins and other necessities.

Speaking of necessities, a retractable clothing line is totally on the list. I think that's pretty much essential for an outdoor laundry room. Gotta take advantage of all our sunny San Diego days!

Last but certainly not least, we're sprucing up the area all around our outdoor laundry room so it can be exactly as I envision: a central gathering place to involve the entire family in the tasks that keep us all going.

We've already yanked out those old fences that were enclosing this space, the pipes have been redirected through the wall and we've tested the hook-ups with our old machines. Concrete is being leveled out for the shed base as I type, and we've sorted through everything in our storage containers to make room for all the random storage stuff that was pulled out of the former laundry room. Shed construction happens in three days, and I couldn't possibly be more excited!

We'll finally be able to ditch these dingy old hand-me-down machines and make the much-anticipated switch to our trusty new Speed Queens. I can't wait to give them a whirl!

UPDATE: Our outdoor laundry shed is done, it's amazing, and I'm utterly obsessed with my newfound space. Click on through and check it out!

Would you ever use an outdoor laundry room?

10 Laundry Room Upgrade Ideas

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 09/30/22

onurdongel / Getty Images

The laundry room probably isn't your favorite part of your house, but if you have a family you likely find yourself spending time in it more often than you'd like. So why not make it a room you enjoy visiting, to the point where - gasp - you might even look forward to your next load of laundry? These totally cool, totally beautiful ideas span from super easy to some-renovation-required, but they're all gorgeous enough to make your friends jealous. Just prepare for guests to bring their dirty laundry over each time they visit.

01 of 10
Farmhouse Sink

brepurposed / Instagram

The first step to any practical laundry room is a sink; this simple addition will pay off time and time again. The farmhouse sink is both trendy and practical, lending a vintage vibe in any room. The deep basin is perfect for your laundry room, especially if you have a lot of delicates, and if white isn't your style you can find a farmhouse sink in many different materials to fit your look. Add in the subway tile and the gorgeous gold fixtures, and this laundry room steals the show.
02 of 10
Add a Barn Door

scoutandnimble / Instagram

If you don't have a totally separate space to do laundry, never fear. Just because your washer and dryer are in a closet doesn't mean you have to settle for a boring wood door. This easy-to-install barn door is a stunner, and adds a stylish-yet-rustic look without a lot of effort. This is a great idea if your laundry area is in a main room, such as a bedroom or a living space.
11 Ways to Decorate With Barn Doors
03 of 10
Simple and Chic
Cherished Bliss
Here's another idea for those of us who don't have 500 square-foot rooms to dedicate to cleaning our clothes. This cute idea takes little to no work - simply install a reclaimed wood shelf, add some matching baskets to stay organized, and your little laundry nook instantly becomes a little brighter. Even if you can't afford to upgrade your appliances, a simple makeover can make the area feel less outdated. Adding a few cute accessories (such as this lamp) if you can spare the space is a great way to add some warmth.
04 of 10
Go Big
Enchanted Home
This one is for the dreamers out there. This large, natural light-filled space is only for those of us who have the room to spare, but it sure is stunning. This is a great idea to combine with a mudroom – we love the nooks for coats, shoes, and firewood. Making your laundry room a multitasking space will help it feel less isolating, and if you've got that natural light it's a great way to open up the space.
05 of 10
Go Rustic

rusticfarmhome / Instagram

Rustic is in, and we adore this quaint little laundry room look. Adding old cabinets from a recent renovation or a flea market is a great way to stay organized in your laundry room. Keeping a clutter-free space in this room is key, since no one wants to do chores in a room begging for a deep clean. We love the Americana country feel of this room.
06 of 10
Go On Trend
Vintage Revivals
Subway tile, unfinished wood and Turkish prints are all big right now, but if you tend to shy away from trends, a laundry room is a great way to get your feet wet. The wood machine cover adds instant utility that's both pretty and useful and the graphic rug adds a bit of personality to the space. Don't forget to add a few fun laundry gadgets to make the task even easier.
07 of 10
Dog Friendly
The Creativity Exchange via Pinterest
We absolutely love this dog-lovers laundry room trend. If you're totally renovating your space and your house has more canines than humans, adding a dog wash is a wonderful idea that will make life so much easier. Imagine the days of convincing Fido to get into your bathtub without getting water everywhere are over. This dog wash also doubles as a foot or shoe wash for muddy days.
08 of 10
Get Organized
Decora Cabinets
The best way to enjoy using your laundry room is to ensure it stays tidy and organized. We have some tips to help you get there, but designing your space with organization in mind is a great way to ensure you stay on top of it. Adding shelves and matching containers to hold laundry detergent and dryer sheets will go a long way.
09 of 10
Chalk It Up

decor_for_kids / Instagram

Getting kids to participate in chores without constant reminders can be tough, but adding a chalkboard to your laundry room can help send some gentle reminders. It's also a great way to remind yourself of which clothes can't be dried (who hasn't ruined a fancy dress or two?), or simply of tasks that should be done this week. You can even DIY this one. We also love the laundry basket shelf in this room; it's a great way to keep every member of the house's belongings in order.
10 of 10
Mid-Century Clean
M Pression
Mid-century design is a very stylish way to make a space feel open and trendy. We love these bamboo, retro-inspired laundry room doors. If barn doors aren't your thing, these add privacy while giving off a cool Palm Springs vibe. This is a wonderful idea for a laundry room you can't fit in a basement or a closet. Bonus points if you can do laundry outside all year long like this lucky homeowner.
19 Clever DIY Laundry Room Ideas

Laundry Rooms - 55 Best Photo Ideas for Laundry Room Design in Apartment and Home

Townhouse by the Bay

Maxim Maximov

Pictured: Rustic medium-sized, straight-line laundry room with flat fronts, beige fronts, acrylic stone countertops, beige walls, porcelain stoneware floors, with a washer and dryer next to it, gray floor and black countertop

Photoshoot Apartment on the Angara

Badyaeva Maria

Thanks to the large area, a family that lives in this apartment managed to create a beautiful space in each corner.
Fresh design idea: modern style laundry room with tumble dryer - great interior photo

Wellhouse apartment complex

Special-style

Fresh design idea: modern style corner laundry room with sink, flat facades, beige facades, with a tumble dryer on a washing machine, brown floor and white countertop - excellent photo of the interior0003

Inspiration for home comfort: contemporary style separate laundry room with sink, flat cabinets, beige cabinets, beige backsplash, beige walls, tumble dryer and beige worktop

GREYCOLOR_135

ART BURO

3 365 for a young family with a child. Based on shades of gray. Each room has its own bright accents.

Stylish design: large contemporary laundry room with gray walls, laminate flooring and gray floors - the latest trend

Residential complex "Khoroshevsky"

BALCON

Design idea: a modern-style laundry room with a tumble dryer on a washing machine

Fresh Design Idea: Loft Laundry Room - Great Interior Photo

dogs dream

Artistic Renovations of Ohio LLC

this dog wash is a great place to clean up your pets and give them the spa treatment they deserve. There is even an area to relax for your pet under the counter in the padded cabinet.

Greenlea

Visbeen Architects

A fresh design idea for a medium-sized country-style detached, parallel laundry room with recessed-panel fronts, white fronts, quartz countertops, white walls, slate floors, washer and dryer side by side, blue floor and white counter top - great interior photo

Omaha, Nebraska Residence- Interior Design for New Build

Haven Design and Construction

The light filled laundry room is punctuated with black and gold accents, a playful floor tile pattern and a large dog shower. The U-shaped laundry room features plenty of counter space for folding clothes and ample cabinet storage. A mesh front drying cabinet is the perfect spot to hang clothes to dry out of sight. The "drop zone" outside of the laundry room features a countertop beside the garage door for leaving car keys and purses. Under the countertop, the client requested an open space to fit a large dog kennel to keep it tucked away out of the walking area. The room's color scheme was pulled from the fun floor tile and works beautifully with the nearby kitchen and pantry.

Ranch Reinvented

RD Architecture, LLC

Juliana Franco
A fresh design idea: a medium-sized, straight-line, retro-style laundry room with flat fronts, acrylic stone tops, white walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, a tumble dryer on washing machine, gray floors and green facades - great interior photo

Transitional Laundry Room

Original design example: neoclassical laundry room (modern classic)

8 ideas for organizing a home laundry in a small apartment

In the bathroom

If your bathroom size allows, organize a home laundry there. Hint: the area of the bathroom can be increased by a corridor or hallway. Another life hack: the washing machine and dryer will fit perfectly on top of each other, saving a lot of space on the floor.