Laundry Room Decorating Ideas
1. Trim with Shelves
One of the easiest ways to keep a laundry room looking tidy, fresh and pulled together – without taking up floor space – is through shelving. Whether you need the extra storage area or simply want a way to display your favorite accent pieces, a good shelf placed above or opposite the washing machine adds effortless depth. Go with distressed wood for rustic chic or a shiny metal for a sleek, contemporary finish.
Tip: When adorned with decorative accents, two or three staggered shelves will soften a blank white wall with a touch of definition and a whole lot of charm.
2. Accent with a Bench
Because laundry rooms tend to run on the smaller side, the slender shape of a simple laundry bench is a laundry room must-have. Whether you use it for stacking piles of folded clothes or showing off a decorative basket (or both!), a well-built bench can open up even the tiniest of spaces with a fresh, breezy ambience.
Tip: To keep a light air, stick with organic materials and soft neutrals.
3. Refine with a Rug
If your laundry room’s style feels like it’s lacking something, but you simply don’t have the wall or counter space for any more accents, consider an area rug. Choose from fresh shades of white, beige or grey, bold patterns and cozy textures for a homey – yet effortlessly pulled-together – feel.
Tip: Contrast white walls with a grey or beige rug (and vice versa).
4. Organize with Baskets
Step up your laundry room’s storage game with chic, oversized baskets – preferably made of coastal elements like jute or seagrass for a lighthearted take on classic hampers. You can even tie a decorative tag around the handle of each one to determine easily the clean clothes pile from the dirty. Set them on a laundry room bench, counter or the washing machine itself, along with other laundry room staples – such as cleaning supplies, coin trays and glass jars for powder detergent.
Tip: Let no detail go unnoticed! If you keep your cat or dog’s food in the laundry room, store it in a chic distressed metal canister.
5. Perk Up with Wall Decor
Refresh dull wall space with a couple (or three, or four!) pieces of laundry room wall decor. For a contemporary look, opt for sleek abstract works in bold, energizing hues like cherry red or sunshine yellow; for a more calming effect, go for deep blues and neutrals.
Tip: When hanging your wall art, give yourself some versatility. Consider arranging four smaller signs together to form a larger square; this will free up more of your wall space for even more of your favorite pieces.
6. Freshen Up with Foliage
Whether they are real or simply pictures, trees, flowers and greenery in general can liven a mood – and effortlessly elevate any laundry room’s style. Place a small cactus or other succulent as an accent on a shelf among your other décor or – if you have the appropriate natural lighting – a larger, potted plant near the doorway.
Tip: For windowless laundry rooms without access to natural light, incorporate hints of earthy greens through hand-painted ceramic vases or wall art featuring nature scenes.
7. Cozy Up with Comfort
The laundry room may be the freshest space in your home, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be the coziest! A velvety-soft throw blanket spread over a countertop – or even hung on a wall – offsets sleek surfaces with luscious comfort.
Tip: To give your laundry room cozy textures without weighing down a light ambiance, choose breezy colors like white or beige.
8. Get Detailed
If you’re in the laundry room, chances are it’s because you’re hard at work. Folding clothes, hanging clothes, loading the wash – it’s definitely the room dedicated to chores! Why not liven up the energy with a dash of whimsical decor?
Tip: Whether you prefer animal figurines or the more abstract varieties, a little bit of detail goes a long way!
9. Clock In
No laundry room is complete without the face of a pretty clock staring you down while you fold clothes – and more importantly, reminding you when your shift is over!
Tip: Opt for a classic blue shade like the one pictured above for a fresh ‘laundry-room’ feel.
10. Make a Splash
No color is as clean, fresh and energizing as blue. In nature, it’s the color of a freshwater lake on a radiant summer’s day, Hydrangea petals glistening with dew on an autumn’s morning, and the spring sky just before the sunset. Truly, is there any color you’d rather be surrounded by in the laundry room?
Tip: If you don’t want to paint an entire wall blue, then go for a portion of a wall – like the strip of space between two wall shelves.
11. Balance the Energy
Of course, we’ve all heard of the woman who went too hard on decorating with ‘splashes’ of blue: she drowned her laundry room with more than the recommended ‘splash,’ and as a result, she got lost in a sea of blue every time she entered her laundry room. It often took her hours of ‘swimming’ around to try to find her way back through the door.
Tip: The moral of the story here is balance. Balance color with neutral decor – warm, brown laundry wall decor is a great place to start!
Best Rugs for Laundry Room
No matter the size of your home, the laundry room will always be the smallest room. Average dimensions span about five feet by seven feet, so placing a rug involves strategy. Measure the rug to make sure it will fit, and choose rugs that serve to make the space feel more spacious (instead of less). The best rugs will be light in color (white, blue and grey are perfect for the laundry room) and short in pile (too much shag will feel stuffy on hot days).
How to Get the Luxury Laundry Room Look
Creating a luxe-inspired laundry room emphasized form with function. Let every detail, from the light switches to the drawer handles, bring elegance – without getting in the way of purpose. Start with a light, bright color palette, combined with durable, long-lasting materials.
Laundry Room Style
Capri II Wicker Outdoor Dining Chair | Woven
- Weather Resistant
- RustResistant
- Wicker
- Machine Washable
Coastal Blue 30" Storage Accent Cabinet With Drawers + Baskets | Entryway
- More Colors
Kailua Modern Greywashed Natural Rattan Woven Fabric + Mahogany Dining Chair With Cushion | Armless
$180
Large Black Brown Multicolor And Seagrass Diamond Basket | Rectangle | Square | Woven
$62
13 + 17 Inch Natural Brown Seagrass Handmade Multi-media Two Toned Storage Basket With Matching Lids Set Of 2 with Storage
$154
24" Green Plastic Artificial Palm Tree In Beige Woven Basket
$70
Common Questions About Laundry Room Design
How can I make my small laundry room feel more spacious and organized?
Even compact laundry rooms can feel expansive with smart design choices. Opt for wall-mounted shelving and cabinets to maximize vertical space, keeping floors clear. Consider a stackable washer and dryer to free up valuable floor area, and utilize rolling carts or baskets for easy access to detergents and supplies.
What are the best materials for laundry room countertops and flooring?
For countertops, durable and water-resistant materials like quartz or laminate are excellent choices, offering both style and practicality for folding clothes. In terms of flooring, consider luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or ceramic tile; they are highly resistant to moisture, easy to clean, and can withstand the wear and tear of laundry day.
Is it worth investing in a high-efficiency washer and dryer for my home?
Absolutely, high-efficiency (HE) appliances are a wise long-term investment. They use significantly less water and energy, leading to lower utility bills and a reduced environmental footprint. Modern HE models also often offer gentler fabric care and advanced features for better cleaning results.
How can I incorporate pet-friendly features into my laundry space?
To make your laundry area more accommodating for furry friends, consider installing a durable, easy-to-clean flooring like LVP or tile that can handle muddy paws. Adding a low-profile pet bed or even a designated spot for pet supplies, like a pull-out drawer, can make laundry time more comfortable for everyone.
What are some creative ways to add personality and style to a functional laundry room?
Don't shy away from making your laundry room a stylish space! Introduce pops of color with vibrant accessories, or opt for a statement wallpaper on one wall. Good lighting, like stylish pendant lights or under-cabinet LEDs, can also transform the atmosphere, making chores feel less like a chore.