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A laundry room doesn’t just have to be a utilitarian space. By making a few functional and creative updates, you can turn it into a joyful, organized, and efficient area. From clever storage ideas to smart appliances and stylish touches, these 25 updates will make doing laundry feel like a breeze. Ready to make your laundry room a space that sparks joy every time you step in? Here’s how!
1. Install Custom Shelving for Extra Storage
Adding custom shelving to your laundry room is a quick way to create more storage space. Shelves keep detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry supplies neatly organized. You can choose open shelving to keep everything visible and easily accessible or closed cabinets to hide clutter. Custom shelving allows you to design your laundry space based on your needs and the room’s size.
2. Upgrade to a Stackable Washer and Dryer
If you want to save space, consider upgrading to stackable washer and dryer units. This layout not only saves floor space but also allows for better organization. Plus, with the additional space freed up, you can add a folding counter or more storage options. Stackable units come in various sizes and models, so you can find the perfect fit for your space.
3. Create a Folding Station
Designate a specific area for folding clothes in your laundry room. Whether you opt for a simple countertop or a built-in folding station, having a dedicated area for this task makes it much easier. A folding station will also help you keep the room tidy by offering a place to sort your laundry before putting it away.
4. Install a Deep Sink for Soaking
A deep utility sink is essential for any laundry room. It’s perfect for soaking stained clothing, washing shoes, or cleaning up before working on other household chores. This update will help keep your laundry space functional and versatile. Choose a durable sink with a modern design for a sleek look that’s also practical.
5. Add a Drying Rack
A foldable drying rack is a simple and effective way to save energy and protect your delicate clothing. Install a wall-mounted drying rack or keep a foldable one that you can store away when not used. This functional update allows you to air-dry clothes conveniently and is perfect for special items.
6. Incorporate Smart Appliances
Upgrading to smart appliances can take your laundry room to the next level. Many modern washers and dryers now have Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control them from your phone. This feature makes it easier to monitor laundry cycles and receive notifications when your laundry is done.
7. Use a Laundry Hamper System
A laundry hamper system helps you organize your dirty clothes before you even start washing. Consider a multi-bin hamper to sort clothes by color or fabric type. Some hampers even come with built-in sorting options, making getting laundry done faster and more efficiently easier.
8. Add Built-in Ironing Board
Save space and time with a built-in ironing board. This compact feature can be folded down from the wall when needed and hidden away when you’re done. It’s a great way to add convenience to your laundry routine without wasting valuable floor space.
9. Optimize with Pull-Out Drawers
Pull-out drawers are a fantastic solution for creating more storage space in your laundry room. Use them to store small items like fabric softener sheets, lint rollers, or cleaning supplies. These drawers are often hidden beneath countertops or cabinets, so they won’t interfere with your room’s overall aesthetic.
10. Use Decorative Baskets for Storage
Incorporating decorative baskets into your laundry room is an easy way to add a touch of style while keeping things organized. You can use baskets for everything from dirty laundry to cleaning supplies. Choose baskets that fit your laundry room’s color scheme and style to create a cohesive, visually appealing space.
11. Install a Rod for Hanging Clothes
Installing a clothes rod for hanging clothes is a simple yet effective update that saves you time. This will allow you to hang freshly washed clothes immediately after removing them from the washer. It’s especially helpful for delicate items that can’t go in the dryer.
12. Choose a Stylish Color Scheme
A fresh coat of paint can completely change the vibe of your laundry room. Opt for a light, airy color palette to create a calm and relaxing environment. Soft blues, greens, or neutrals work well in laundry spaces, making it a pleasant place to spend time, even when folding laundry.
13. Install a Tiled Backsplash
Add a stylish backsplash behind your sink or folding station for both functionality and visual appeal. Tiles are easy to clean and come in various patterns, colors, and materials. This small update can make your laundry room feel more polished and put together.
14. Make Use of Vertical Space
Don’t forget about the walls! Vertical storage solutions, like tall cabinets, hanging shelves, and hooks, make storing items like brooms, mops, and detergents easy. These updates will help you maximize your laundry room’s storage potential while keeping the space clutter-free.
15. Use Clear Storage Containers
Switching to clear storage containers helps keep your laundry room organized and easy to navigate. By storing items like laundry pods, dryer sheets, or cleaning products in transparent containers, you’ll always know exactly where everything is and can avoid buying duplicates.
16. Add a Countertop for Sorting Laundry
Having a countertop for sorting laundry can make the process more efficient. You can sort clothes by type, color, or fabric, which will make washing, drying, and folding much quicker. Choose a durable, easy-to-clean material like quartz or granite for your laundry countertop.
17. Create a Laundry Room Chalkboard Wall
One of the simplest and most helpful uses for a chalkboard wall is to keep track of laundry tasks. You can write down the laundry schedule, a list of items that need special attention, or mark down reminders like “wash towels” or “separate colors.” This way, you’ll never forget an important laundry task, and it will help you stay organized throughout the week.
18. Add a Touch of Greenery
Bring some life into your laundry room with a few houseplants. Plants like snake plants or pothos thrive indoors and can improve air quality. A touch of greenery adds a refreshing vibe, making your laundry room feel more like a cozy space.
19. Choose a Durable, Waterproof Floor
For a laundry room that’s both functional and stylish, opt for a waterproof and durable flooring material. Vinyl, tile, and laminate floors are great choices as they’re easy to clean and resistant to water damage. These floors will help keep your laundry room looking pristine, no matter how much traffic it gets.
20. Add Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting in your laundry room can make a big difference in both functionality and ambiance. By installing LED lights under your cabinets, you create a well-lit workspace, perfect for sorting, folding, and handling laundry tasks. The soft, focused light brightens up countertops, making it easier to see small details, like missing socks or stains.
21. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Washer
A high-efficiency washing machine uses less water and energy, lowering utility bills. Upgrading to a newer model with better features can also improve the quality of your laundry. Look for washers with steam cleaning or sanitizing settings for extra convenience.
22. Pull-Out Trash and Recycling Bins
Incorporating pull-out trash and recycling bins into your laundry room is a smart and functional update. By installing these bins inside your cabinetry, you can easily sort and dispose of waste without cluttering up the room. This feature allows you to keep laundry-related waste, such as lint, fabric softener sheets, or empty detergent containers, hidden away.
23. Install a Mudroom for Laundry
If your laundry room is located near an entryway or mudroom, consider integrating them. This multifunctional space can be used for laundry, shoes, outerwear, and other household needs. Adding a mudroom area will help you stay organized and keep the laundry area from becoming a dumping ground.
24. Incorporate a Sliding Door
A sliding door is an excellent choice for saving space if your laundry room is small. Sliding doors take up less room than traditional swing doors and allow you to separate your laundry space without cutting off the room’s flow. With the right type of door, careful installation, and thoughtful design choices, you can transform your laundry room into a more accessible and visually appealing area.
25. Create a Pet Laundry Station
A laundry room can double as a pet washing station for pet owners. Install a low sink, a towel bar, and storage for pet supplies, creating an area where you can wash and groom your pets. This functional update will make your laundry room even more versatile.
Simple Updates for a Joyful Laundry Room
With these 25 functional updates, your laundry room can transform from a drab space to a cheerful, efficient area that makes laundry day less of a chore. Whether you’re upgrading appliances, adding storage, or introducing a bit of style, these updates will help you create a space that sparks joy every time you walk in. Ready to start your transformation?
