22 DIY Laundry Room Ideas
The laundry room might not be the first space you think of when it comes to home décor, but it’s one of those rooms we rely on all the time. That’s why giving it a little love through DIY upgrades can make a big difference—not just in how it looks, but also how it functions. Whether you’re dealing with a cramped space or just want to freshen things up, these 22 DIY laundry room ideas are affordable, approachable, and guaranteed to make this chore feel a little more rewarding.
1. Install a Fold-Down Drying Rack
When space is limited, a fold-down drying rack is a game changer. You can build one with a wooden frame and some wire or dowels. Mount it to the wall so it folds flat when not in use. It’s perfect for air-drying delicates without taking up floor space and blends nicely into any wall with a coat of paint.
2. Use Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Want a quick and temporary design update? Peel-and-stick wallpaper is your best friend. Choose a pattern that reflects your personality—floral, geometric, or even faux brick—and apply it behind shelves or on an accent wall. It’s renter-friendly and adds instant charm without a single nail or drill.
3. Add a Countertop Over the Washer and Dryer
If your washer and dryer are front-loading, you can build a simple wooden countertop to sit over them. This not only hides gaps and cords but also provides a neat surface for folding clothes or storing laundry baskets. You can stain or paint the wood to match your cabinetry for a cohesive look.
4. Hang Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are great DIY additions to any laundry room. Install a couple above the washer and dryer to hold detergent, dryer sheets, or even decorative touches like small plants or framed prints. Use baskets or bins on the shelves to keep everything tidy.
5. Make a Rolling Laundry Cart
Turn an old wooden crate into a functional rolling cart by adding caster wheels. It’s ideal for sorting laundry, holding supplies, or even acting as a mobile folding station. Add a handle for easy maneuvering and customize it with paint to match your laundry room theme.
6. Create a Lost Sock Board
Socks always seem to lose their mates in the wash. A “Lost Socks” board with clothespins attached can keep those lonely socks in one place until their partner shows up. It’s a fun project and a cheeky way to bring a little personality into your space.
7. DIY a Stain Removal Station
Mount a small board on the wall and attach jars, spray bottles, or small wire baskets to hold your stain-fighting tools. Group them together in one place for easy access when you’re tackling tough spots. It keeps your supplies from cluttering up your shelves.
8. Build a Laundry Sorter from Scratch
Using basic wood and canvas, you can build your own laundry sorter with separate bins for whites, darks, and delicates. Add labels and wheels for convenience. It helps the whole family stay organized and makes laundry time more efficient.
9. Paint the Cabinets
Old or mismatched cabinets can drag the whole room down. A fresh coat of paint in a cheerful or sophisticated color can completely transform the space. Soft blues, fresh whites, or moody grays all work beautifully and give your cabinets a new lease on life.
10. Add a Utility Sink Skirt
Utility sinks are incredibly helpful, but not always the most stylish. Sew a skirt from fabric that matches your room’s color palette and attach it with Velcro or a tension rod. It’s an easy way to hide cleaning supplies or laundry baskets stashed beneath.
11. Label Everything
Use printable labels or chalkboard stickers on containers and baskets to create a sense of order. Not only does this make it easier to find what you need, but it also gives the space a clean, intentional look. You can even handwrite labels for a charming, personal touch.
12. Hang a Pegboard Wall
Pegboards are an underrated DIY storage solution. Install one above your folding station or sink and use it to hang everything from lint rollers to scissors to cleaning cloths. Spray paint it a fun color to coordinate with your décor.
13. Create a Folding Station with Storage
Repurpose an old desk or small table into a folding station. Add a few baskets or cubbies underneath for storing folded laundry, towels, or supplies. It gives you a designated workspace, which is a game changer when you’re sorting and folding loads at a time.
14. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Brighten up your laundry room by sticking LED strip lights under cabinets or shelves. These battery-operated options are easy to install and help illuminate dark corners. It also gives the room a modern, functional feel—especially helpful during late-night laundry sessions.
15. Make a Decorative Detergent Dispenser
Ditch the bulky plastic bottles and pour your laundry liquids into glass beverage dispensers or large mason jars. You can even use drink dispensers with spouts for easy pouring. It’s a stylish upgrade that brings a bit of elegance to a utilitarian chore.
16. Add a Chalkboard Wall or Sign
Paint a section of your laundry room wall with chalkboard paint, or hang a framed chalkboard for notes, reminders, or laundry instructions. You can jot down wash temperatures, stain tips, or just a fun message to brighten your day.
17. Hide the Litter Box
If your laundry room doubles as your pet’s bathroom, build a simple wooden cabinet or curtain enclosure to disguise the litter box. It keeps things tidy and gives your pet some privacy while blending in with the rest of the décor.
18. Use a Curtain to Conceal Appliances
If your washer and dryer are exposed and you’d prefer a cleaner look, hang a fabric curtain in front of them. Choose a fabric that matches your space or adds a soft contrast. It’s an easy no-tools-needed project, especially for renters.
19. Repurpose an Old Ladder as a Drying Rack
Mount an old wooden ladder horizontally on the wall or hang it from the ceiling with rope and hooks. Use it to hang drying clothes or even baskets. It brings a touch of farmhouse charm and helps free up floor space.
20. DIY a Rolling Hamper Drawer
For a more polished solution to dirty laundry, build a rolling drawer under your counter or table. Add removable laundry bins or baskets to slide in and out. It keeps piles out of sight and makes sorting easier.
21. Add Hooks and a Rod for Hanging
Install a wall-mounted rod or tension rod to hang freshly laundered clothes. Hooks below or beside the rod can hold hangers, bags, or brushes. It’s great for air-drying or keeping wrinkle-prone clothes fresh right out of the dryer.
22. Incorporate a Folding Ironing Board
You can create a space-saving ironing board by mounting one that folds out from the wall or a cabinet. When not in use, it tucks neatly away. It’s especially useful in small laundry rooms where space is tight.
FAQs
How can I upgrade my laundry room without spending much?
Start with small projects like painting cabinets, adding shelves, or using DIY storage bins. Most of these ideas can be done with items you already have at home or low-cost materials from a hardware store.
Are these projects beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. Many of these ideas involve basic tools like a hammer, screwdriver, or drill. Even if you’re new to DIY, you can tackle most of them in a weekend or less.
What’s the best way to organize a small laundry space?
Think vertical. Use shelves, hanging rods, pegboards, and wall hooks to make the most of your wall space. Rolling carts and folding stations also help keep things functional and clutter-free.
Can I do these DIYs if I’m renting?
Yes, many of these ideas are temporary or reversible—like peel-and-stick wallpaper, portable carts, tension rods, or fabric skirts. They let you personalize your space without risking your security deposit.
How long do most of these projects take?
It depends on the complexity, but most can be completed in a few hours to a day. Start with one or two small ideas and build from there over time.
Conclusion
A laundry room doesn’t have to be a boring or chaotic space. With a little DIY spirit and creativity, you can turn it into a clean, cozy, and inspiring room that actually makes you want to do laundry (well, almost). Whether you’re building a folding table, organizing with baskets, or just adding a pop of color with wallpaper, every small touch can make a big difference. So roll up your sleeves and let your laundry room reflect the same care you give the rest of your home—it deserves it.
