Make the most of a small laundry room with practical storage solutions, attractive decor, and smart organization ideas that keep the space functional and inviting.
This updated post is a reminder to revisit older projects and appreciate how small changes add up over time. After this initial mini makeover we later completed a weekend laundry room refresh.
Although the room is compact, I enjoy how it turned out. I’m especially grateful for reliable appliances that actually do their job!
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The laundry room wasn’t part of my original plan when we moved in. Tucked at the end of a narrow hallway off the kitchen, it quietly did its job until an appliance change opened up a chance to rethink the space.
When I painted the kitchen, I painted the hallway too, but left the area immediately behind the washer and dryer untouched because the appliances sat on tall pedestal drawers and were difficult to move.
Those pedestals were great for storing cleaning cloths, light bulbs, and small odd items, but they made the upper shelf inaccessible. The washer eventually stopped working, and replacing it became an opportunity to reconfigure and paint the whole area.
Losing the old machine was disappointing, but the silver lining was clear: we could clear the pedestals and start fresh.
Choosing a top-loading washer changed the layout and freed up both visual space and physical access. Removing the pedestals opened the room, allowed us to paint behind the appliances, and gave us the flexibility to add storage and decor that suit the scale of the space.
With the pedestals gone, a fresh look emerged quickly.
Ideas for Small Laundry Room Organization
This laundry space sits just outside the main floor powder room and sees frequent foot traffic from guests, so the goal was to make it tidy and stylish rather than a plain utility closet. Below are practical, space-conscious strategies that worked well here.
1.Add laundry shelves above the washer & dryer for storage.
Installing a shelf that spans the width of the room provides storage without crowding the floor. Use the shelf for baskets and bins to keep supplies organized, or for decorative items that make the space feel finished. In this room the shelf mostly holds attractive containers and a few functional items within easy reach.
2. Add a curtain to hide the plumbing pipes
A short curtain is a simple, farmhouse-inspired solution to conceal exposed pipes and the faucet box. It’s an inexpensive fix that softens the space and keeps the focus on decor and storage rather than mechanical elements.
3. If you don’t have laundry cabinets, put basic laundry supplies in pretty containers that are easy to reach.
Open shelving looks cleaner when common supplies are contained. I like a clear glass jar for powdered detergent with a scoop for easy access, and a small tray on the dryer top is a convenient home for dryer balls. Use matching jars, baskets, or labeled containers to create cohesion and reduce visual clutter.
4. Add art for some fun farmhouse laundry style.
Artwork and printables add personality to a small laundry room and help it feel like a designed space rather than just a work area. I created and framed several printables for the wall; the large frame in the center was given a fresh coat of chalk paint to coordinate with the room’s palette.
Framed art can be a focal point and makes the laundry zone feel welcoming. Rotating seasonal printables is an easy way to refresh the look without major expense.
Wall Color: Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere — a soft, neutral shade that brightens the narrow hallway while providing a calm backdrop for decor and storage.
For more laundry room inspiration
- Small laundry room ideas
- How to make laundry smell good (tips that don’t rely on dryer sheets)
- Laundry room makeover (a follow-up update with more improvements)
