23 Best Laundry Closet Ideas That’ll Make You Actually Want to Do Laundry
Let’s be real—laundry isn’t exactly anyone’s favorite hobby.
Between sorting colors, hunting for missing socks, and trying to remember which clothes can’t go in the dryer (because you definitely forgot last time), it can feel like a never-ending cycle.
But here’s the truth: a well-designed laundry closet can actually make the chore… enjoyable. Or at least less painful.
Whether you’ve got a tiny nook in your hallway or a double-door setup in your mudroom, these 23 laundry closet ideas will help you create a space that’s stylish, efficient, and surprisingly fun to use.
Ready to transform your “meh” laundry zone into your new favorite mini-room? Let’s go.
1. Go Vertical with Smart Shelving
If your laundry closet feels cramped, don’t waste that precious wall space. Install vertical shelves all the way up. Stack detergent, dryer sheets, cleaning supplies—whatever you need.
Ever tried reaching the top shelf with one hand while balancing a laundry basket? Yeah, not ideal. Keep everyday items at arm’s reach and stash bulk supplies higher up.
Pro tip: Use matching baskets or bins to keep everything looking neat and Pinterest-worthy.
2. Add a Sliding Barn Door
Swinging doors are fine—until they eat up half your hallway. Replace them with a sliding barn door. It saves space and adds rustic charm.
Barn doors come in all styles now—sleek modern glass, matte black metal, or classic wood. Pick one that matches your home vibe.
3. Hide It All Behind Bi-Fold Doors
Want to pretend your laundry closet doesn’t exist? Bi-fold doors are your new best friend. They open wide when you need them, then tuck neatly out of sight when you’re done.
Perfect for small apartments or open-plan homes where you don’t want the washer and dryer stealing the spotlight.
4. Stack It Up
Got limited square footage? Stack your washer and dryer. That’s rule number one for tiny laundry closets.
You’ll instantly free up half the footprint—space you can now use for storage, a folding counter, or maybe even a cute little hanging rod.
5. Add a Countertop for Folding
If you’ve ever folded laundry on your bed (and then fallen asleep on top of it—guilty), you need a countertop above your machines.
A simple wood or quartz counter turns your laundry closet into a mini workstation. And yes, it makes folding slightly less soul-sucking.
6. Install a Hanging Rod
Drying delicates shouldn’t mean draping them over your shower curtain rod. A small hanging rod above your machines gives you the perfect spot for air-drying clothes.
Bonus: it keeps freshly ironed clothes wrinkle-free while you finish the rest.
7. Add Some Wallpaper Drama
Just because it’s a laundry closet doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Slap on some bold wallpaper—floral, geometric, tropical, whatever sparks joy.
You’ll smile every time you open the doors. And honestly, who doesn’t want that?
8. Light It Up
If your laundry closet feels like a dark cave, you’ll never want to use it. Add LED strip lighting or a statement pendant.
Bright light makes a world of difference—and helps you spot that one red sock that could ruin your white load.
9. Keep It Neutral and Calm
If bold colors aren’t your thing, a neutral palette (think whites, beiges, and soft grays) creates a clean, spa-like vibe.
Add woven baskets or wood accents to keep it from feeling sterile. It’s the calm before the laundry storm.
10. Add Floating Shelves
Floating shelves give you easy access to essentials and make your closet feel open and airy.
Keep the lower ones for practical items and use the upper ones for decor—plants, jars, or even a cheeky “Laundry Today or Naked Tomorrow” sign.
11. Hide the Ugly Stuff
Let’s be honest, detergent bottles aren’t exactly decor. Use opaque containers or baskets to hide them.
Label everything, and suddenly your laundry closet looks straight out of a home magazine.
12. Add a Pegboard Wall
Why should garage walls have all the fun? A pegboard system in your laundry closet keeps tools, lint rollers, and brushes organized and easy to grab.
Plus, it’s customizable—add hooks, shelves, and baskets wherever you need them.
13. Install a Fold-Down Drying Rack
Short on space? A fold-down rack mounted on the wall lets you dry items without crowding your room.
When you’re done, fold it up, and boom—instant minimalism.
14. Use a Rolling Cart
You know that awkward gap between your washer and the wall? That’s prime real estate for a slim rolling cart.
Store detergents, dryer sheets, stain removers, and other odds and ends. Slide it in and out as needed—practical and oddly satisfying.
15. Bring in Some Greenery
A little life goes a long way. A small potted plant or hanging ivy adds freshness to the space.
Just make sure it’s something low-maintenance—because let’s face it, if you forget to switch your laundry, you’ll definitely forget to water a fiddle-leaf fig.
16. Hide Hoses and Wires
If you’re tired of staring at tangled cords and hoses, use a faux back panel or cabinetry to cover them up.
It instantly gives your laundry closet a clean, built-in look.
17. Add Open Cubbies
Open cubbies make sorting and storing easy. Designate one for clean towels, another for rags, and one for “mystery socks” (you know the ones).
It keeps everything organized and visually balanced.
18. Mix Closed and Open Storage
Not everything needs to be on display. Use a mix of cabinets and open shelves—keep essentials hidden and pretty things visible.
IMO, this is the sweet spot between functional and stylish.
19. Add a Chalkboard Wall
Laundry notes, reminders, stain-treatment hacks—write them all on a chalkboard wall or door.
It’s fun, practical, and adds character. Plus, it gives you something to do while waiting for that last spin cycle.
20. Choose Compact Appliances
If you’re designing from scratch, go for compact or all-in-one washer-dryer units. They fit snugly into small closets and free up space for extras like a pull-out ironing board.
Smaller footprint, same clean clothes. Win-win.
21. Add Hooks Everywhere
Hooks are underrated. They hold laundry bags, brushes, ironing boards, or even a drying rack.
A few well-placed hooks can totally transform your laundry closet’s functionality.
22. Give It a Personality
Let your laundry closet reflect you. Paint the cabinets a bold color, hang art, or display a funny quote.
Why settle for “blah” when you could have “wow”? Even a space you use twice a week deserves a little personality.
23. Create a Multi-Use Space
If you’ve got the room, double up your laundry closet as a utility station.
Add a broom organizer, cleaning supply cabinet, or even a pet washing station. It’s like giving your home a mini command center.
Bonus Tips: Keep It Clean and Functional
Because no one wants to organize their laundry closet just to have it fall apart again in a week.
- Declutter monthly. Toss empty bottles and extra hangers.
- Wipe down surfaces regularly. Lint and detergent residue build up fast.
- Label everything. It’s not just for looks—it actually saves time.
- Keep a laundry cheat sheet. Note what fabrics need special care (trust me, it’ll save your favorite sweater).
Why a Well-Designed Laundry Closet Actually Matters
You might think it’s just a small utility space, but a functional, stylish laundry closet can seriously upgrade your daily life.
When everything’s organized and easy to find, laundry takes half the time. And when your space looks good? You don’t dread using it.
It’s one of those “small changes, big difference” home upgrades. Plus, it adds resale value—because future buyers will definitely notice a beautiful, efficient laundry setup.
My Two Cents (Because Why Not?)
I used to think my laundry area didn’t matter. It was just a tucked-away corner with machines that made noise. Then I added shelving, a counter, and a cute wallpaper.
Now? I actually don’t mind doing laundry. Sometimes I even enjoy it. Okay, almost enjoy it. 🙂
So if you’re sitting there thinking your laundry closet is beyond hope, it’s not. You just need a few smart tweaks and a little design love.
Final Thoughts
Laundry might never be glamorous, but your laundry closet can be. Whether you go minimalist, rustic, or modern, the goal is simple: make the space work for you.
From stackable setups to hidden storage hacks, these 23 ideas prove that even the smallest corners can shine with a bit of creativity.
So go ahead—grab a paintbrush, install that shelf, or hang that barn door. Who knows? You might actually start looking forward to laundry day.
