You spend more time in your laundry room than you probably want to admit, yet it’s likely the least thought-out space in your home. I’ve gathered fifteen real examples from people who decided their laundry rooms deserved better than bare walls and exposed plumbing. These aren’t professional renovations with unlimited budgets—they’re practical DIY laundry room ideas that actually work.
Each space you’re about to see proves that you don’t need a massive budget or professional contractor to create a laundry room that makes this tedious chore slightly less terrible. From clever storage solutions to simple aesthetic upgrades, these transformations show what’s possible when you apply some creativity to those few square feet you’ve been ignoring.
Stacked Units with Smart Shelving in a Tight Closet
Small laundry closets present a unique challenge that most design advice ignores. This space solves the problem head-on with a vertical approach that doesn’t sacrifice functionality.
r/JustForYou616 installed stacked washer and dryer units in this narrow closet, then added a single white shelf above for detergent storage. The beige tile flooring keeps the space looking clean despite the heavy traffic it sees. Notice how the shelf sits just high enough above the units to be accessible without requiring a step stool—that’s the kind of measurement planning that separates functional from frustrating.
What makes this setup work is the restraint. Instead of cramming storage everywhere possible, they kept it minimal and focused on what actually gets used during laundry day. The blue detergent bottles are visible but contained, and there’s clear space to move around without bumping into things.
If you’re working with a closet-sized laundry area, measure your appliances first and calculate your vertical clearance before buying anything. That shelf could easily be DIY-installed with basic brackets and a cut-to-size board from any hardware store.
Basement Transformation with Custom Countertop and Drop Ceiling
Basement laundry rooms often feel like an afterthought—concrete floors, exposed ceiling tiles, fluorescent lights. This one breaks that pattern.
The gray-painted walls create a neutral backdrop that doesn’t scream “unfinished basement.” r/lagartofresco installed white upper cabinets that extend to the drop ceiling, maximizing storage without wasting vertical space. The gray laminate flooring mimics wood planks, adding warmth without the moisture concerns that come with actual hardwood in basements.
The custom countertop between the washer and dryer serves triple duty as a folding surface, storage area, and visual divider. That black pull-out trash can underneath isn’t just convenient—it keeps garbage out of sight, which matters more than people realize in a space where you’re spending significant time.
The built-in shelf above the appliances holds detergent in plain sight, eliminating the cabinet-digging that happens when you can’t remember where you stored supplies. Sometimes the best DIY laundry room ideas are just about making things easier to reach.
Patterned Tile Backsplash with Sage Green Walls
Color makes a bigger psychological difference than most people give it credit for. This laundry room proves that a single bold choice can define an entire space.
The sage green walls create a calm atmosphere that makes laundry feel less like a chore and more like time in a spa. r/amylouise0185 paired those walls with an intricate geometric tile backsplash in matching green and cream tones. The pattern adds visual interest without overwhelming the small space—the key is keeping the rest of the design elements simple.
A single floating wood shelf holds a potted plant and soap dispenser, styled with intention rather than randomly placed. The copper-toned faucet adds a warm metallic accent that contrasts beautifully with the cool green tones. White shaker-style cabinets below the sink provide closed storage that keeps clutter hidden.
If you’re considering patterned tile, buy extra. Seriously, buy at least 15 percent more than your measurements require. Cutting mistakes happen, and finding matching tile six months later when one cracks is nearly impossible. The installation itself isn’t as complex as it looks—tile adhesive and grout are forgiving materials for beginners willing to work slowly.
Sage Cabinets with Butcher Block Countertop
This space demonstrates how cabinet color alone can completely change the feel of a laundry room. The muted sage green cabinets create a custom kitchen look rather than a utilitarian washing space.
r/platofzion paired those cabinets with a light wood butcher block countertop that introduces warmth and provides a durable folding surface. The combination of painted cabinets and natural wood is having a moment in home design, but it works here because both materials are practical choices for laundry rooms—paint wipes clean easily, and butcher block withstands the moisture better than you’d expect.
Notice the three-drawer stack configuration on the left. That’s more functional than standard cabinet doors for storing frequently used items like dryer sheets, stain removers, and spare rags. You can see what’s inside without opening anything, and the drawers extend fully for easy access to items shoved in the back.
The stacked washer-dryer setup is partially built into the cabinetry, creating a seamless look that hides the fact you’re working with standard appliances. A small patterned rug at the entrance adds personality without requiring commitment—rugs can be swapped seasonally or when you get tired of the pattern.
Dark Wood Countertop with Built-In Appliance Nook and Open Shelving
Contrast creates visual interest, which this space uses to great effect. The combination of white open shelving, dark wood surfaces, and black-and-white machines creates distinct zones within a small area.
The built-in nook for the washer and dryer is framed by white cubbies that serve as both storage and architectural detail. r/TWHO4LIFE installed a dark wood countertop over the machines that extends past them to create a substantial folding and sorting surface. Above that, open white shelving displays folded towels and decorative items in the “live-in” style that makes a room feel used rather than staged.
Three small potted plants on the countertop add life without requiring much care—laundry rooms have good humidity levels for certain plant varieties. The small decorative sign reading “WELCOME TO THE NEVER ENDING LAUNDRY” acknowledges the reality of the space with humor rather than trying to pretend laundry is something other than endless.
That floor mat isn’t just decorative. It’s positioned exactly where you’d stand to load and unload machines, providing cushioning during the times when you’re transferring three loads in succession. Small comfort details like this make repetitive tasks less physically taxing.
Butcher Block Counters with Black Appliances and White Cabinets
Black appliances have fallen out of favor in kitchens, but they work differently in laundry rooms. This space shows how dark machines can anchor a design when surrounded by lighter elements.
The white shaker cabinets wrap around the room at both counter and upper levels, providing substantial closed storage. r/SulkyVirus chose butcher block countertops that add warmth and create a visual break between the white cabinets and black appliances. The stainless steel sink with a modern curved faucet suggests this space does double duty for tasks beyond laundry.
Open shelving between the upper cabinets displays a “LAUGH” sign and decorative basket—the kind of styling that makes the room feel intentional without being overly designed. The spacing of those shelves matters; they’re positioned to hold items that vary in height, from tall baskets to flat signs.
The beige tile floor is practical rather than exciting, but that’s the right choice. Laundry rooms get wet, and tile handles moisture without warping or staining. Save your design excitement for elements at eye level, where you’ll actually notice them while sorting socks.
Concealed Appliances Behind Cabinet Doors with Extended Counter Space
Some people prefer their appliances visible and ready to use. Others want them completely hidden when not in use. This design caters to the second group.
White shaker-style cabinets extend floor to ceiling, creating abundant storage that would rival many kitchens. r/MadDrewOB built the washer and dryer into cabinet enclosures with doors that fully conceal the appliances when closed. The gray quartz countertop spans the entire length of the wall, creating a continuous work surface interrupted only by an extended section in the middle with pull-out storage drawers.
The cabinets include both upper and lower storage, with a vertical cabinet tower in the center that adds depth variation to the wall. That pull-out trash drawer in the center section keeps garbage accessible but hidden—you can toss dryer lint or empty detergent bottles without breaking your flow.
This kind of setup requires careful measurement of your appliances before building or ordering cabinets. Front-loading machines need door clearance, and you need to account for hose connections and venting that extend beyond the machine’s basic dimensions.
Elevated Appliances on Storage Pedestals
Bending down to load and unload a front-loading washer bothers more people than manufacturers want to admit. This setup solves that problem directly.
White appliances sit on matching white storage pedestals that raise them roughly twelve inches off the ground. r/TWHO4LIFE paired this practical height adjustment with simple white upper cabinets and a beige wall color that keeps the small space from feeling cramped. The open counter space on top of the appliances serves as temporary storage for items moving through the laundry process—that pile of towels represents real life, not staged photos.
Those storage pedestals aren’t just for height. They typically include drawers that pull out from the front, adding storage exactly where you need it for items like extra dryer sheets, stain removers, or that collection of single socks you’re convinced will eventually find their matches.
The setup costs more upfront than placing machines directly on the floor, but if you’re tall or have any back problems, that investment pays off in reduced discomfort. You can purchase pedestals from appliance manufacturers or build custom ones if you’re comfortable with basic carpentry.
Elevated Platform with Bold Turquoise Walls and Lower Storage
Sometimes a dramatic color choice is exactly what a functional space needs. The turquoise walls in this laundry closet transform what could be a forgotten corner into something that makes you smile when you open the door.
The washer and dryer sit on a raised white platform that includes drawer storage underneath—notice the gold pulls that add a subtle decorative detail. r/stump36 installed simple white upper cabinets with under-cabinet lighting that makes the space brighter and more pleasant to work in. The white beadboard backing behind the appliances adds texture without competing with the bold wall color.
That geometric floor tile in black, white, and tan creates visual interest at ground level and helps define the space without requiring walls or a door. It’s clearly a separate zone from whatever room this closet opens into, thanks to the flooring change alone.
The robot vacuum tucked in the corner suggests this person has thought through the full lifecycle of their laundry routine, including the lint and dust that accumulates in spaces where fabrics are constantly sorted and folded.
Bright Turquoise with Dark Wood Shelving and White Appliances
This might be the boldest color choice in the entire collection. That vibrant turquoise creates an energetic atmosphere that transforms laundry from obligation into an activity that happens in a room you actually like.
Multiple dark wood shelves mounted with white brackets create an organized storage system for detergents, cleaning supplies, and baskets. r/12345665432112345 positioned the shelves at varying heights to accommodate different item sizes, from tall bleach bottles to short fabric softener containers. The white Samsung machines sit beneath a dark wood countertop that provides folding and sorting space.
Notice the small framed photo on the countertop. That personal touch makes the space feel like part of your home rather than a purely functional zone. The “Aloha” sign on the right reinforces this—your laundry room should reflect your personality, not some generic home store’s idea of what laundry rooms should look like.
The white bracket supports are clearly visible, which works fine. Sometimes the best DIY laundry room ideas acknowledge their DIY nature rather than trying to look professionally installed. Those brackets cost a fraction of what custom floating shelves would run, and they’re actually stronger.
Sage Green Built-In Cabinetry with Woven Basket Storage
This design takes the built-in approach further than most DIY projects attempt. The result looks closer to custom millwork than assembled cabinets.
Floor-to-ceiling sage green cabinetry frames the stacked Samsung washer and dryer, creating a cohesive unit that feels intentional. r/MadDrewOB installed a tower of woven baskets in open cubbies to the left of the appliances, providing visible storage that adds warmth through natural materials. The butcher block countertop on the right creates a work surface next to a built-in sink with a modern curved faucet.
The beige patterned rug brings in additional colors while providing comfort underfoot. Subway tile in a vertical stacking pattern backs the counter area, adding classic detail without overwhelming the space with pattern. Small decorative touches like the vase of fresh flowers and the gathered fabric curtain under the sink add personality.
That curtain detail is practical beyond aesthetics—it hides the plumbing and any storage underneath the sink while remaining easily washable when it gets dusty or splashed. It’s softer and quieter than cabinet doors, and you can change the fabric pattern whenever you want a refresh without any tools required.
Blue Cabinetry with White Countertops and Terrazzo-Style Flooring
Blue cabinetry works differently than sage green or turquoise. This deeper, more saturated blue reads as sophisticated rather than playful, creating a laundry room that feels like a designed space rather than an afterthought.
The Miele appliances sit on pedestals beneath white countertops with storage drawers below. r/customwoodworkscw extended the blue cabinetry to the upper walls, creating visual continuity while providing abundant closed storage for supplies and cleaning tools. The terrazzo-style flooring in soft beige with darker aggregate adds subtle pattern that hides dirt while maintaining the room’s overall calm aesthetic.
That horizontal stripe of blue paint around the room at counter height is a detail that elevates the design. It creates visual interest and ties the lower cabinets to the upper ones without requiring additional materials or complicated installation.
The space demonstrates the value of matching your cabinet hardware to your faucet finish—both appear to be black or dark bronze, creating a cohesive look that suggests everything was chosen as part of a complete plan rather than assembled from random pieces over time.
Dark Blue Walls with Light Wood Shelving and Top-Load Machines
Top-load washers have their defenders, and this space shows how to design around them. The black LG machines sit against a dark blue wall that creates depth in what’s clearly a small alcove or closet.
Light wood shelves with white brackets provide storage for everyday laundry supplies, detergent, and decorative items. r/E28A-AD61 used different shelf depths—the ones above the machines are deeper to hold larger items, while the corner shelf is shallower to avoid protruding into the walkway. That attention to spatial planning prevents the common problem of shelves that stick out too far and become obstacles.
The white cabinets on the right add closed storage, likely for items you want hidden away. Small decorative signs (“LAUNDRY ROOM” and “Aloha”) personalize the space without requiring much investment or commitment.
What this setup does well is acknowledge that top-load machines require different spatial planning than front-loaders. You need clearance above to lift the lids and lean over to reach items at the bottom of the drum, which means your overhead storage needs to be positioned carefully.
Farmhouse Style with Black Cabinets and Butcher Block Counters
Black cabinetry in laundry rooms remains uncommon enough to feel distinctive. This space combines those dark cabinets with natural wood countertops and white subway tile to create a modern farmhouse aesthetic.
The butcher block countertop extends over the white front-loading appliances, providing folding space and visual separation from the black lower cabinets. r/gthetree installed matching black upper cabinets, creating a bold frame around the work area. The “LAUNDRY CO.” sign centered above establishes the room’s purpose with vintage-style graphics.
White subway tile covers the backsplash area with dark grout lines that prevent the white from feeling too stark against the black cabinets. Small decorative elements like the wooden bowl and potted plants add life and warmth to counter the bold dark elements.
The built-in sink with the butcher block surround suggests this space handles more than just laundry—it’s likely used for hand-washing delicates, cleaning tasks, or even pet grooming. Multifunctional spaces work harder for you, which matters when square footage is limited.
Minimal White Space with Dark Appliances and Functional Storage
Not every laundry room needs bold colors or elaborate cabinetry. This space proves that simple, clean, and functional can be exactly enough.
White shaker cabinets extend above black LG washer and dryer units, providing closed storage that keeps supplies hidden. r/Bbrotman23 installed a gray quartz or laminate countertop above the machines that creates a folding surface without adding visual weight to the small space. The white walls and light wood-look flooring keep the area feeling open despite the dark appliances.
Simple chrome cabinet pulls match the modern aesthetic without adding unnecessary decoration. The space includes what’s needed and nothing extra—a laundry basket, a few decorative items on the counter, and hooks on the wall for bags or clothing.
This approach works particularly well for people who don’t spend much time thinking about their laundry room design. You want it clean, organized, and functional, but you don’t need it to be a showpiece. That’s completely valid.
Comparison of Storage and Style Approaches
| Approach | Best For | DIY Difficulty | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stacked units with minimal shelving | Small closets, rental properties | Easy | $ |
| Full built-in cabinetry | Dedicated laundry rooms, long-term homes | Advanced | $$$ |
| Painted cabinets with open shelving | Those who want personality, moderate storage needs | Medium | $$ |
| Concealed appliances | People who prefer clean lines, abundant storage | Advanced | $$$ |
| Raised platforms with under-storage | Taller individuals, those with back problems | Medium | $$ |
| Bold wall color with basic elements | Budget-conscious DIYers wanting maximum impact | Easy | $ |
Making Your Laundry Room Work for Your Life
The examples above share common threads despite their different styles. They acknowledge that laundry rooms serve functional purposes first, but that function doesn’t require ugliness or disorganization.
Storage solutions appear at multiple heights because laundry involves many different types of items—from tall detergent bottles to small dryer sheets to folded towels. Work surfaces matter because clean laundry needs somewhere to land between the dryer and your bedroom. Personal touches like plants, signs, or colored walls make the space feel like part of your home rather than a forgotten utility closet.
Most of these transformations didn’t require professional contractors or massive budgets. They required measuring carefully, planning thoroughly, and executing basic DIY skills like cabinet installation, painting, or tile work. The results prove that your laundry room deserves more than builder-grade basics and exposed pipes.
Whether you’re working with a dedicated room or a small closet, you can implement at least some of these DIY laundry room ideas. Start with the changes that address your biggest frustrations—lack of folding space, inadequate storage, depressing atmosphere—and build from there.