Your laundry room measures six feet wide, and you’ve just squeezed past the washer for the third time today while carrying an overflowing basket. You’re not alone in this struggle, and you don’t need to accept a cramped, dysfunctional space.
I’ve gathered 15 real narrow laundry room setups that prove limited square footage doesn’t mean limited functionality. These examples show how thoughtful design choices, clever storage solutions, and strategic layouts transform tight spaces into efficient laundry areas. You’ll see exactly what works in narrow rooms and how to implement similar solutions in your home.
Custom Cabinetry with Statement Flooring
Floor-to-ceiling storage changes everything when you’re working with a narrow footprint. This setup uses vertical space aggressively while maintaining a surprisingly open feel.
r/balanoff built white shaker-style cabinets that extend from floor to ceiling on one wall, creating substantial storage without eating into the room’s width. The blue hexagonal tile flooring adds visual interest that draws your eye downward, which actually makes the narrow space feel more expansive rather than confined. Those black hardware pulls on the cabinets provide just enough contrast to define each storage compartment without overwhelming the light color scheme.
The real genius here is the wood countertop running above the washer and dryer. It provides a folding surface while connecting the cabinetry visually across the machines. Natural light from the window prevents that closed-in feeling you often get in narrow utility spaces.
If you’re planning something similar, measure your appliances precisely before building cabinets. Leave at least two inches of clearance on each side of the machines for ventilation and easier installation. The countertop should be removable in sections in case you need to replace appliances down the line.
Minimalist Side-by-Side Configuration
Sometimes the best design decision is knowing what to leave out. This approach strips away everything non-essential and focuses purely on function.
The side-by-side top-load washer and dryer configuration here maximizes the usable width of a particularly tight space. r/Critical_Morning_988 kept the walls bare white and the floor a simple dark tile, which creates clean sightlines that make the room feel larger than its actual dimensions. That touchless trash can mounted on the wall is a practical detail that eliminates one more floor obstacle.
What strikes me about this setup is the restraint. No decorative elements compete for visual attention. The cleaning spray and paper towels on top of the dryer are the only visible items, suggesting good closed storage elsewhere in the home.
This works best if you have storage in another location for detergents and supplies. Top-load machines require clearance above them, so you sacrifice overhead cabinet space. The trade-off is easier loading and unloading in a narrow room where bending down repeatedly becomes tiresome. Consider this layout if your laundry room is less than five feet wide.
Black and White with Patterned Tile
Pattern placement matters more than you might expect in a narrow space. This room demonstrates how a bold floor can actually improve the proportions of a tight layout.
r/Special-Coffee2166 chose black-and-white patterned tile that creates visual complexity at floor level while keeping walls, cabinets, and appliances neutral. The floating wood shelves with black brackets provide open storage for plants and a small decorative sign without the visual weight of closed cabinets. That black faucet and utility sink add functional work space for pre-treating stains or hand-washing delicates.
The Samsung top-load machines have a sleek profile that doesn’t protrude as much as front-loaders would. This matters when every inch of floor space counts. The white shiplap on the walls adds subtle texture without pattern overload.
Start with your floor if you want to add personality to a narrow laundry room. A patterned tile draws attention down and away from the compressed width. Keep everything else relatively simple so the space doesn’t feel busy. Those black shelf brackets should be anchored into studs since they’ll hold supplies that add up in weight quickly.
Compact Built-In Laundry Closet
Not every narrow laundry room is actually a room. Some are closets, and that’s perfectly fine when designed correctly.
The deep teal painted backing wall in this setup creates surprising depth perception in what is essentially a closet space. r/BigmacSasquatch installed custom wood countertops over white Samsung front-loaders, then built cubbies above with a mix of open shelving and closed storage. Those white storage bins with handles keep supplies organized while maintaining the clean aesthetic. The detergent bottles lined up on the lower left shelf are visible but contained.
That “Laundry Co” sign adds personality without taking up functional space. The small plants on the upper shelf and counter soften the utilitarian purpose of the space. Natural wood tones from the shelving and countertop warm up the white cabinets and appliances.
This approach works when you have a closet-width space roughly 60 to 72 inches wide. Front-load machines are essential here since top-loaders would eliminate the counter and storage above. Paint the back wall a color darker than your main walls to create the illusion of depth. Build your countertop at a comfortable height for folding, typically 36 inches.
Ultra-Narrow Single-Machine Setup
Sometimes you’re not dealing with narrow—you’re dealing with impossibly tight. This configuration shows how to handle extremely limited width.
This appears to be a single combo washer-dryer unit in a space barely wider than the machine itself. r/Belle-Grce_27 maximized vertical storage with wire shelving on the left wall and added a tiny utility sink on the right. That white metal shelving unit holds folded items in baskets, cleaning supplies on the middle shelf, and additional storage below. The green storage container on top adds a pop of color in an otherwise neutral scheme.
The broom and cleaning tools tucked into the corner make use of dead space that would otherwise be wasted. Everything in this setup serves a clear purpose because there’s simply no room for anything decorative or unnecessary.
If you’re working with this level of space constraint, a combo washer-dryer unit eliminates the need for side-by-side appliances. Wall-mount as much as possible to keep floor space clear. Those wire shelving units are adjustable, which lets you customize shelf heights based on what you’re actually storing. Keep frequently used items at eye level and store bulk supplies higher or lower.
Stacked Units with Open Shelving
Vertical stacking frees up floor space for other functions. This layout shows how to make a stacked configuration work without sacrificing storage or utility.
The white stacked washer and dryer here occupy minimal floor space, leaving room for that cream-colored open shelving unit on the right. r/fearblanco used the shelves to store cleaning products, paper goods, and other supplies in a way that keeps everything visible and accessible. The wood flooring runs the length of the space, making it feel longer than it actually is. That single overhead cabinet provides closed storage for items you want hidden.
What I appreciate about this setup is the mix of open and closed storage. Not everything needs to be on display, but having frequently used items visible saves time during laundry sessions. The neutral color palette keeps things calm despite the amount of stuff stored in a small area.
Stacked units work well in spaces narrower than five feet. You need adequate ceiling height, typically at least seven feet clearance above the stacked units. That open shelving should be sturdy since laundry supplies can be heavy. Place the most-used items at the mid-level shelves so you’re not constantly reaching up or bending down.
Floor-to-Ceiling Built-In Storage with Shiplap
Custom built-ins transform a narrow corridor into a highly organized laundry space. This example shows how to achieve a cohesive, furniture-quality look.
The pale gray shiplap creates a backdrop that feels more residential than utilitarian. r/DIY designed floor-to-ceiling shelving on both sides of the washer and dryer, with a mix of open cubbies and areas for woven baskets. That dark wood counter spanning the machines provides a continuous work surface despite the front-load configuration. The varying shelf heights accommodate different item sizes, from detergent bottles to those quilted storage baskets.
The recessed ceiling lights ensure adequate visibility without taking up any of the limited space. Everything here feels intentional and permanent rather than cobbled together with freestanding storage pieces.
This approach requires careful planning before you start building. Map out what you need to store and design cubby sizes accordingly. The counter should be one continuous piece supported at the center, or two pieces with a well-disguised seam. Those woven baskets need to fit the cubby dimensions precisely for a clean look. Choose baskets first, then build cubbies to match.
Warm Wood Tones with Traditional Cabinets
Not every narrow laundry room needs to be white and modern. This setup proves traditional materials work beautifully in small spaces.
The honey oak cabinets here extend across the entire upper wall, providing substantial closed storage in a relatively tight room. r/PersFinToss chose black front-load LG appliances that create contrast against the wood tones without feeling harsh. The diagonal slate-look floor tile adds visual interest and disguises any dirt or lint that accumulates. That simple wall hook provides a spot for hanging items without requiring floor space for a hamper or basket.
The continuous wood trim around doors and cabinets creates architectural cohesion. Even though this room is narrow, it feels finished and intentional rather than like an afterthought space.
Traditional cabinets can actually make narrow spaces feel less cramped because they add architectural weight and substance. Choose a lighter wood tone if you’re concerned about the space feeling too dark. That floor tile should run the length of the room to emphasize the longest dimension. Install adequate lighting under the upper cabinets to eliminate shadows on your work surface.
Basement Laundry with Smart Appliance Placement
Basement laundry rooms often deal with narrow dimensions and the challenge of making below-grade spaces feel welcoming. This configuration handles both issues.
The pale gray walls here reflect the fluorescent lighting effectively, keeping the space bright despite being below ground. r/lagartofresco positioned mismatched white appliances side by side, then added a wire shelf above and a small cabinet in the corner. That wire shelving holds detergent and cleaning supplies at a comfortable height. The wood-look vinyl plank flooring adds warmth that concrete would lack.
The practical utility of this space is clear. Nothing here is decorative, yet the room functions efficiently. The extra refrigerator on the left suggests this narrow laundry area is part of a larger basement utility zone.
Basement laundry rooms often have support posts or mechanical elements that limit layout options. Work with your existing infrastructure rather than against it. That fluorescent shop light provides excellent task lighting for a fraction of the cost of multiple fixtures. If you’re dealing with concrete floors, luxury vinyl plank installs easily and holds up well to moisture and heavy use.
Gray Walls with Efficient Counter Space
Counter space above front-loaders transforms how you use a narrow laundry room. This setup shows a particularly effective execution.
The gray walls create a sophisticated backdrop for white machines and cream upper cabinets. r/balanoff built continuous countertops above the front-loaders with a slight overhang, providing ample folding space. The tile floor in a neutral tone doesn’t compete for attention. That window brings in natural light, which is crucial for a room where you’re sorting colors and checking for stains.
The single upper cabinet and wall-mounted shelf provide just enough storage without overwhelming the space. Sometimes restraint in storage design actually makes a narrow room more functional because you’re not constantly navigating around obstacles.
Natural light should influence your paint choices. These gray walls work because the window prevents the color from feeling too dark or closed in. If your narrow laundry room lacks windows, stick with lighter colors. Build countertops at least 24 inches deep if you plan to fold clothes there. The overhang should be minimal, just enough to hide the front controls on your machines.
Dual-Tone Cabinetry with Laundry Basket Storage
Using laundry machine tops as storage surfaces makes sense, but it’s not always attractive. This configuration offers a better solution.
The dark LG front-loaders sit beneath oak wall cabinets, with gray plastic laundry baskets resting directly on the machine tops. r/jbrum32 maximized vertical storage with those oak cabinets while keeping things accessible. The gray walls tie into the basket color, creating unexpected cohesion. That small space between the machines accommodates overflow items and takes advantage of every available inch.
What catches my attention is the practicality. Those laundry baskets can move easily when needed but have a designated home when not in use. The oak cabinets add visual warmth to counter the industrial feel of the gray machines.
This works well if you have multiple people in your household and need separate sorting baskets. The baskets should fit the width of your machines with a bit of clearance so they don’t scratch the surface. Choose cabinets with doors rather than open shelving to keep stored items dust-free. The cabinet height should account for the baskets so you can still reach the upper storage comfortably.
Simple Shelving with Wire Racks
Budget-friendly solutions can be just as functional as custom built-ins. This space proves you don’t need to spend thousands to create an organized narrow laundry room.
The white wire shelving here mounts directly to gray walls, providing tiered storage above the machines without the cost of custom cabinets. r/Queasy-Calendar6597 keeps supplies in the upper shelves while using the lower shelf for immediate-access items. The dark machines almost disappear against the gray walls, making the white shelves stand out as the main organizational feature.
The narrow doorway visible on the left confirms this is an extremely tight space. Despite the constraints, everything needed for laundry tasks has a designated spot. Function trumps aesthetics here, but the room still feels orderly.
Wire shelving is your friend in narrow laundry rooms where you can’t afford to lose floor space. Mount shelves directly to studs using heavy-duty brackets. Space shelves 14 to 16 inches apart for standard detergent bottles and supplies. Paint walls a medium to dark color if you’re using white wire shelving to create contrast that defines the space better.
Tight Closet Conversion with Personality
Converting a closet to a laundry area requires accepting certain limitations while maximizing charm. This example shows how personality compensates for lack of space.
The white Samsung machines sit side by side in what’s clearly a former closet space. r/lovessj painted the walls white and added a dark wood floating shelf above the machines. That decorative patterned rug on the floor adds character to an otherwise utilitarian space. The three potted plants on the counter bring life without requiring much depth. Wall-mounted hooks on both sides provide spots for hanging items.
The cream upper cabinets with black hardware create a cohesive look with the machines below. Even in this minimal space, the design choices add warmth and make the area feel intentional rather than makeshift.
Closet conversions need proper ventilation for dryer exhaust. That’s non-negotiable for safety. Add personality through small touches like rugs, plants, and cabinet hardware rather than trying to fit in large decorative elements. That floating shelf needs proper blocking in the wall since it spans a considerable distance. Keep the floor clear except for a rug to maintain the ability to move around the machines.
Wire Rack Budget Solution
Sometimes you’re renting, or you simply don’t want to invest in permanent built-ins. This setup shows how to create functional storage with minimal commitment.
The stacked top-load washer and dryer here occupy one corner while wire shelving fills the opposite wall. r/PANICATLEDISKO organized supplies in various bins and baskets on the wire shelves, creating zones for different categories. The white walls and ceiling keep things bright despite the utilitarian fixtures. That simple overhead light provides adequate illumination.
This configuration is entirely removable if you move or change your mind. Nothing here is permanent except the paint. The wire shelving mounts with basic brackets that leave small holes you can easily patch.
Top-load stacked units are less common than front-load stackables but work well if that’s what you have. Wire shelving from home improvement stores comes in standard sizes but can be cut to fit your exact space. Group items by category in separate bins to maintain order. Place heavy items on lower shelves and lighter, less-used items higher up.
Under-Stairs Laundry Nook
Awkward spaces under stairs can become functional laundry areas with the right approach. This installation shows how to work with a sloped ceiling.
The sloped ceiling here creates an interesting challenge that r/shawnandbrit07 solved by keeping everything low-profile. White LG front-loaders fit beneath the lowest point of the slope, with a single wire shelf above holding supplies. The gray walls on two sides and white textured wall behind create a defined nook. That brown basket on top of the dryer provides a folding spot for completed loads.
The lighting is simple but effective. The space feels tucked away yet functional. Nothing here fights against the architectural constraints.
Under-stair spaces require careful measurement before you purchase appliances. Front-loaders work better than top-loaders because of the height restrictions. That wire shelf should mount low enough to be useful but high enough to clear your head when you’re loading machines. Paint the nook a different color than surrounding areas to define it as a distinct zone rather than trying to make it disappear.
Making Narrow Laundry Rooms Work
The examples above share common threads that you can apply regardless of your specific layout. Vertical storage is your primary tool when width is limited. Every setup that functions well uses walls aggressively for shelving, cabinets, or hooks.
Light colors expand space visually. Even the spaces with darker walls use white or light-colored appliances and cabinets to prevent a cave-like feeling. Strategic pops of pattern or color work best at floor level or through small accessories rather than on walls.
Front-load machines provide counter space that top-loaders can’t, but top-loaders work better in spaces where you can’t bend down comfortably. Know which constraint matters more in your situation.
The table below compares different storage approaches based on the setups I’ve shown:
| Storage Type | Best For | Installation | Budget Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Built-Ins | Permanent homes, homeowners | Professional required | $$$ |
| Wire Shelving | Renters, temporary solutions | DIY-friendly | $ |
| Floating Shelves | Medium-term solutions | Moderate DIY skills | $$ |
| Stacked Units | Spaces under 5 feet wide | Professional recommended | $$$ |
| Under-Cabinet Storage | Counter space optimization | DIY-friendly | $ |
Your narrow laundry room needs three elements to function well: adequate storage for supplies, work surface for folding and sorting, and proper lighting. Everything else is optional. Start with those fundamentals, then add personality through your choice of colors, hardware, and small accessories.
The measurements matter more than you think. Standard washers are about 27 inches wide, dryers similar. You need at least 30 inches of width per machine when side by side, plus a few inches of wall clearance. That puts your minimum functional width around 65 inches for a side-by-side layout. Anything narrower requires stacking or a single combo unit.
Final Thoughts on Narrow Laundry Spaces
Working with a narrow laundry room forces you to be more intentional about every choice. That’s not a limitation—it’s an opportunity to create a highly efficient space where everything earns its place.
I’ve learned that the most successful narrow laundry rooms don’t try to hide their purpose. They embrace their utilitarian function while adding just enough personality to make the space pleasant to use. You don’t need to turn your laundry room into an Instagram showpiece. You need it to work smoothly when you’re carrying a heavy basket and just want to get the load started.
The real measure of success is whether your narrow laundry room makes the task easier or harder. Can you reach what you need without contorting? Is there a spot to set down a basket? Can you see what you’re doing? If you can answer yes to those questions, your narrow laundry room is working exactly as it should.