13 Clever DIY Small Laundry Room Ideas to Save Space

A small laundry room doesn’t need an expensive renovation to become more organized and attractive. Sometimes, a few simple DIY projects can make the space easier to use without adding bulky cabinets or taking up valuable floor space.

The biggest challenge is usually finding a place for everything. Detergent bottles, laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, and freshly washed clothes can quickly make a compact laundry area feel crowded.

Fortunately, there are plenty of DIY small laundry room ideas that work for both homeowners and renters. You can add simple wall storage, create a folding surface, reuse old baskets, or give plain shelves a fresh look.

Whether your laundry area is a separate room, a small closet, or a corner of your home, these practical projects can help you make better use of the space you already have.

1. Build Simple Wooden Shelves Above the Washer

DIY Small Laundry Room Ideas: Add Shelves Above Your Washer

One of the easiest DIY small laundry room ideas is to use the empty wall above your washing machine to create additional storage.

Instead of placing detergent and fabric softener on top of the appliances, install one or two simple wooden shelves. They provide a convenient place for laundry essentials while keeping the floor clear.

You can make the shelves using suitable pre-cut boards and brackets.

What you’ll need:

• Wooden shelf boards
• Suitable shelf brackets
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Appropriate wall fixings
• Paint or wood finish

How to style them:

• Use matching baskets for smaller laundry supplies.
• Keep frequently used products within easy reach.
• Place lightweight decorative items on the upper shelf.
• Choose a finish that complements your laundry room.

Before drilling, check for wall studs and hidden plumbing or electrical wiring. Make sure the shelf is securely supported and does not interfere with appliance access or ventilation.

2. DIY Small Laundry Room Ideas: Create a Folding Counter Over Front-Loading Machines

If your laundry room has front-loading machines, the space above them may be useful as a folding surface.

A properly supported countertop can give you a convenient place to fold clothes, sort laundry, or temporarily place clean towels.

You can use a suitable pre-cut countertop board or a finished wooden panel. Measure the machines and surrounding space carefully before choosing the size.

A few practical tips:

• Choose a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.
• Make sure the counter is independently supported where necessary.
• Leave enough clearance for machine movement and maintenance.
• Avoid blocking detergent drawers, controls, or ventilation openings.

This project is generally better suited to front-loading machines. A top-loading washer needs enough clearance for its lid to open fully.open fully.

Looking for more ways to organize a small space? Explore our guide to very small bathroom storage ideas for practical inspiration, including smart shelving, compact organizers, and creative ways to make the most of limited space.

3. Turn Old Wooden Crates Into Storage Shelves

3. DIY Small Laundry Room Ideas: Repurpose Wooden Crates for Storage

Wooden crates can become useful storage when you don’t have room for a large cabinet. This is one of the practical DIY small laundry room ideas for making use of unused materials.

Clean and sand suitable crates, then paint or seal them with a finish appropriate for the laundry environment. You can use them as freestanding storage or mount them securely as small wall cubbies.

Store lightweight items such as dryer sheets, clothespins, spare cleaning cloths, and laundry bags inside.

Why this idea works:

• Gives unused wooden crates another purpose.
• Creates separate spaces for small supplies.
• Adds a simple rustic detail.
• Can be adapted to different wall layouts.

If you mount crates on the wall, use appropriate fixings and check their load capacity. Avoid using untreated wood where it may become damp.

4. DIY Small Laundry Room Ideas: Make a Hanging Laundry Bag Station

Laundry baskets can take up more floor space than expected, especially in a narrow laundry room.

A simple alternative is to create a hanging laundry bag station using suitable wall hooks and washable fabric bags.

You could use separate bags for:

• Whites
• Dark clothing
• Delicate laundry
• Towels

This makes sorting easier and helps keep clothes off the floor.

Choose hooks and mounting methods that can safely support the weight of a full laundry bag. For renters, a freestanding hanging organizer or suitable over-door option may be easier than drilling into the wall.

5. Add a Slim DIY Shelf Beside the Washer

Look at the space beside your washer and dryer. Even a narrow unused gap may be useful for storage.

A slim shelving unit can hold detergent, stain removers, spare cloths, and other laundry essentials.

If you enjoy simple DIY projects, you can build a narrow unit using appropriately sized boards and a stable frame.

Before starting:

1. Measure the available width and depth.
2. Check that the machine doors can open fully.
3. Leave access to hoses, outlets, and service areas.
4. Make sure the finished shelf cannot tip over.

Don’t squeeze a storage unit between appliances if the manufacturer requires additional clearance.

6. DIY Small Laundry Room Ideas: Make a Pegboard Organization Wall

A pegboard is a flexible way to organize small laundry accessories.

Mount a suitable pegboard on an available wall and add compatible hooks, small baskets, and holders.

You can use it for:

• Clothespins
• Small laundry bags
• Lint rollers
• Cleaning brushes
• Measuring scoops
• Reusable garment bags

Paint the board a soft white, warm beige, or muted green to coordinate with your decor.

This is particularly useful when you want frequently used items to remain visible instead of getting lost in drawers.

Choose a moisture-appropriate board and secure it according to its manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Create a DIY Wall-Mounted Drying Rack

A traditional drying rack can occupy a surprising amount of space in a small laundry room.

A folding wall-mounted drying rack offers another option. It can be folded away when clothes are not drying.

You can purchase a suitable folding rack or build a simple version if you have the right tools and experience.

Think about where it will be installed. It should not block doors, walkways, or access to appliances.

Also consider ventilation. Hanging wet clothes indoors can increase humidity, particularly in a small enclosed laundry space. Provide adequate airflow and avoid allowing walls or nearby furniture to remain damp.

8. Refresh an Old Cabinet With Paint and New Handles

You don’t always need to build new storage. An existing cabinet may only need a simple refresh.

If you have an old cabinet in your laundry room, clean it, repair minor surface damage, and apply a suitable finish.

Replacing dated handles can also make a noticeable difference.

For a fresh, simple look, consider:

• Warm white
• Soft sage green
• Light beige
• Pale grey

Use paint designed for the cabinet material and allow it to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before putting supplies back inside.al.

9. Build a DIY Shelf With Baskets

Open shelves are useful, but small bottles and cleaning products can make them look cluttered.

A simple way to improve their appearance is to combine shelves with matching storage baskets.

Use one basket for stain removers, another for spare laundry supplies, and a smaller container for clothespins or other accessories.

You can label the baskets to make it easier for everyone in the household to find what they need.

For laundry areas with humidity, choose washable or moisture-resistant storage materials.

10. Use a Tension Rod for Hanging Clothes

A tension rod can be a useful addition when your laundry room has a suitable gap between two sturdy surfaces.

Install one in an appropriate alcove or between compatible walls to create a temporary hanging space for clothes straight from the dryer.

It can also hold a few items that need to air-dry.

Best uses:

• Hanging shirts
• Air-drying lightweight garments
• Keeping freshly ironed clothes separate
• Temporarily hanging delicate items

Check the rod’s weight rating and make sure the surfaces can support it. Don’t install it where it could interfere with appliance doors or movement.

11. Create a DIY Laundry Supply Station

Instead of keeping laundry products scattered across different surfaces, organize them in one dedicated area.

A small wooden tray, compact shelf, or existing countertop can become a simple laundry supply station.

Keep the items you use regularly together, such as detergent, stain remover, and laundry measuring tools.

Use containers intended for the products they hold, and keep chemicals in their original labeled packaging whenever possible. Store them securely away from children and pets.

A small station makes the room feel more organized without requiring additional cabinets.

12. Add a DIY Curtain to Hide Laundry Clutter

Sometimes the biggest improvement is simply hiding the visual clutter.

If your washer, dryer, or open storage sits in an alcove, a curtain can create a softer appearance.

Install a suitable tension rod where the opening and wall surfaces allow it, then hang a washable curtain that complements the rest of your home.

Choose a simple fabric in a neutral shade or a subtle pattern.

This can be particularly useful in apartments where laundry appliances are located in a kitchen, hallway, or bathroom.

Keep the curtain clear of appliance controls, heat sources, vents, and moving parts. Never enclose a dryer in a way that interferes with its required airflow.

13. Give the Laundry Room a Simple DIY Decor Refresh

Storage is important, but a laundry room can also look welcoming.

You don’t need to add many decorations. A few carefully chosen details can make the space feel more complete.

Consider:

• A small framed laundry print.
• Matching storage labels.
• A washable floor mat.
• A simple wall clock.
• Coordinated baskets.
• A fresh coat of suitable wall paint.

For a small laundry room, keeping the color palette simple can help the different storage pieces look more coordinated.

Avoid placing decorations where they can fall onto appliances or block ventilation.

DIY Small Laundry Room Ideas to Save Space

Before starting several projects, decide what your laundry room needs most.

A room with no storage requires a different solution from one that has plenty of shelves but no place to fold clothes.

Use this table to choose a practical starting point.

Main problem	DIY solution	Best benefit
No storage	Wooden wall shelves	Uses vertical space
No folding area	Supported countertop	Creates a work surface
Laundry on the floor	Hanging laundry bags	Separates clothing
Too many small supplies	Pegboard wall	Keeps accessories organized
No drying space	Folding drying rack	Saves floor space when folded
Cluttered open shelves	Matching baskets	Keeps small products together
Unattractive cabinets	Paint and new handles	Refreshes existing storage
Visible laundry clutter	Simple curtain	Creates a tidier appearance

Choose Materials That Suit a Laundry Room

Laundry rooms can experience moisture, particularly when wet clothes are dried indoors or ventilation is limited.

Choose suitable finishes for the location. Moisture-resistant materials can be helpful, and wooden surfaces should be properly sealed where necessary.

For additional guidance, Health Canada’s guide to addressing moisture and mould indoors includes specific advice for laundry areas, washing machines, and dryers.

Keep Appliance Access and Ventilation Clear

A DIY project should never make laundry equipment harder or less safe to use.

Before installing shelves, counters, curtains, or storage units, check the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

Keep dryer ventilation clear, regularly clean the lint filter, and make sure the dryer exhaust is properly maintained. Do not cover access panels, electrical connections, or water hoses.

If a project involves moving plumbing, electrical work, or dryer ducting, consult a qualified professional when needed.

Common DIY Laundry Room Mistakes to Avoid

Buying materials before measuring

Measure the available wall and floor space before building shelves or purchasing storage units. Remember to account for doors, machine lids, and drawers.

Installing shelves without proper support

A shelf holding detergent bottles can become heavy. Use suitable brackets, wall anchors, and fixings for the wall material and intended load.

Choosing materials that cannot handle moisture

Untreated wood, cardboard, and unsuitable fabrics can deteriorate in damp conditions. Select materials appropriate for the environment.

Blocking appliance ventilation

Storage and decorations should never interfere with the ventilation requirements of washing machines or dryers.

Trying to fit too many projects into one small room

More storage isn’t always better. Start with the problem that causes the most inconvenience and add improvements gradually.

Final Thoughts

A small laundry room can be more functional without a complete renovation. The best improvements are often the simplest ones: a useful shelf, a better place for laundry bags, a compact folding surface, or a more organized supply station.

Start by looking at the empty walls and unused corners in your laundry area. Choose one DIY project that solves a real problem, measure carefully, and use materials suited to the space.

With a little planning, you can create a laundry area that feels cleaner, more organized, and easier to use every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a small laundry room look better on a budget?

Start with simple changes such as painting an existing cabinet, adding affordable shelves, organizing supplies in matching baskets, and improving the lighting. You don’t need a complete renovation to make the space look more organized.

What are the best DIY storage ideas for a small laundry room?

Wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, hanging laundry bags, slim storage units, and baskets are useful options. Choose projects that make use of vertical space without blocking appliance access.

How do I organize a very small laundry room?

Keep frequently used products together, use separate laundry bags for sorting clothes, and store less-used supplies in labeled containers. Make sure the floor and appliance access areas remain clear.

Can I improve a laundry room without drilling holes?

Yes. Freestanding storage units, tension rods, rolling carts, removable organizers, and decorative baskets can improve organization without permanent wall changes.

What should I put above my washer and dryer?

For front-loading machines, a properly supported shelf or countertop can provide useful storage. Keep heavy items secure and follow the manufacturer’s clearance and ventilation requirements.

How can I make a laundry room more attractive?

Use coordinated storage baskets, a simple color scheme, attractive labels, suitable wall art, and a washable floor mat. Keep decorations away from heat sources and appliance ventilation.