Your laundry room doesn’t have to be some dull, forgotten corner of your house. With the right DIY projects and a few decorative touches, you can turn this utility space into a spot that feels both practical and genuinely welcoming. Simple DIY laundry room decor projects can totally change how you feel about laundry, and you won’t have to break the bank.
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The secret to a good laundry room makeover usually comes down to smart planning and picking projects that actually fit your space and your lifestyle. Whether you’re working with a tiny closet or you’ve got a whole room to play with, there are so many ways to add style and make things more organized. You really don’t need fancy renovations or a pro to get a space that looks straight out of a magazine.
You can try clever storage solutions or add personal decorative touches to make the most of every inch in your laundry area. These projects vary—some are quick weekend updates, others take a bit more time. You get to pick what fits your schedule and skills. A lot of these ideas also work for renters, since they’re temporary and won’t mess up your walls.
Essential Planning for DIY Laundry Room Decor
Start with thoughtful planning if you want your DIY laundry room transformation to go smoothly. Take a good look at your current space, figure out what you’re willing to spend, and pick a design style that feels right for your home.
Assessing Your Laundry Room Needs
Kick off your DIY laundry room makeover by measuring your space and making note of what’s already there. Check where the plumbing, outlets, and vents are—they’ll all affect your options.
Think about your storage needs:
- How much detergent and other stuff do you keep on hand?
- Is there a spot where you fold clothes?
- Do you need room to hang delicates to dry?
Jot down the problem areas you want to fix. Most people struggle with bad lighting, not enough counter space, or storage that just doesn’t cut it.
Watch how your family uses the space. If your laundry room doubles as a mudroom, you’ll need a different setup than if it’s just for laundry.
Snap a few photos from different angles. They’ll help you picture changes and come in handy when you’re shopping or explaining your ideas to others.
Setting a Makeover Budget
Decide on a realistic budget before diving into any projects. Decorative updates can run anywhere from $50 for some simple wall art to $500 if you’re painting, adding storage, and swapping out lighting.
Break down your budget like this:
- Paint and wallpaper: $30-80
- Storage solutions: $50-150
- Lighting fixtures: $25-100
- Wall decor: $20-75
- Organization accessories: $40-120
Look around your house before buying anything new. You might be able to repurpose baskets, jars, or even furniture from other rooms to save cash.
Use leftover paint from previous projects to keep the color scheme consistent. It saves money and helps your home feel more cohesive.
If money’s tight, tackle your project in phases. Start with the simple, high-impact stuff like paint and wall decor, then move on to bigger storage solutions later.
Choosing a Design Style
Pick a design style that fits with the rest of your house, so the laundry room doesn’t feel out of place. Some popular styles are farmhouse, industrial, cottage, and modern minimalist.
Farmhouse style usually has:
- Shiplap or wood-paneled walls
- Vintage signs and mason jar storage
- Natural wood and white color schemes
Industrial style leans on:
- Metal pipe shelves and dark colors
- Exposed hardware and utilitarian touches
- Black and white combos
Think about what you like and how you live. If you’ve got a busy household, you’ll probably want easy-to-clean surfaces over anything too delicate.
Stick to two or three main colors for a balanced look. Neutral bases with a pop of color work great in small spaces and don’t feel overwhelming.
Match your style to things like cabinet hardware, light fixtures, or flooring. It helps the laundry room blend with the rest of your home.
Fundamental DIY Laundry Room Makeover Ideas
A great DIY laundry room makeover usually starts with three things: fresh walls (paint or wallpaper), clever use of small spaces, and making the room as functional as possible no matter its size.
Updating Walls with Paint or Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Paint can change your laundry room faster than just about anything else. Go with light shades like white, pale blue, or soft gray to make things feel brighter and bigger.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a fun, commitment-free way to add pattern or color. You can peel it off later without hurting your walls.
Some wall update ideas:
- Accent walls: Paint one wall a bold color and keep the rest neutral
- Board and batten: Add texture with vertical wood strips
- Two-tone paint: Darker on the bottom, lighter on top
Stick with lighter colors in small laundry rooms. They bounce light around and make the space look bigger.
Use painter’s tape for crisp lines. Pull the tape off while the paint’s still a bit damp for the cleanest edges.
Transforming Small Laundry Rooms
Small laundry rooms need creative solutions to use every inch. Don’t forget to look up—your walls go all the way to the ceiling.
Add shelves above the washer and dryer for detergent and supplies. Squeeze a slim rolling cart between machines for extra storage.
Vertical storage works wonders in tight spaces:
- Wall-mounted cabinets
- Pegboards for tools and supplies
- Over-the-door organizers
- Stackable bins and baskets
Install a folding countertop that flips down when you need it. It gives you a spot to fold clothes but doesn’t eat up space.
Hang a mirror to make your small laundry room feel more open. Place it across from the light source for the best effect.
Maximizing Functionality in Any Space
Smart organization and multi-purpose features make your laundry room work better. Set up zones for each task—washing, drying, folding, and storage.
Add a utility sink if you can. It’s perfect for treating stains or hand-washing delicates.
Must-have functional features:
| Feature | Purpose | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pull-out laundry sorter | Makes separating clothes easier | $50-150 |
| Fold-down ironing board | Saves floor space | $75-200 |
| Built-in hampers | Hides dirty clothes | $30-100 |
Install good lighting right over your work areas. LED strips under cabinets can really brighten up countertops.
Keep the stuff you use most often within arm’s reach. Store seasonal things, like beach towels, up high.
Put hooks by the door for coats or bags. It’s a simple way to keep clutter from piling up elsewhere.
Creative Storage Solutions for an Organized Look
Well-planned storage can turn your laundry room into a functional workspace that still looks great. Shelving, baskets, and built-in counters help you use every bit of space.
Installing Floating Shelves
Floating shelves make the most of vertical space without making small rooms feel crowded. Hang them 12-18 inches above your appliances so you can easily grab detergent and supplies.
Pick shelves that hold at least 20 pounds per linear foot. Wood brings warmth, while metal gives you that industrial vibe.
Mount shelves with heavy-duty brackets anchored into studs. Space them 15-20 inches apart so you can fit standard containers.
Use clear glass jars or matching containers to keep things tidy and easy to find.
Add a lip or rail to stop stuff from sliding off when your machines vibrate. LED strip lights under the shelves can brighten your workspace.
Incorporating Laundry Baskets and Storage Bins
Laundry baskets aren’t just for sorting—they can double as decor. Go for wire baskets if you want breathability, or woven ones for a cozier look.
Install pull-out basket drawers in your lower cabinets. They hide dirty clothes but are still easy to reach.
Label baskets clearly: “Whites,” “Colors,” “Delicates.” Waterproof labels hold up against laundry room steam.
Stack clear storage bins on open shelves. They’re great for seasonal items like beach towels or extra bedding.
Pick bins with tight lids for powders and softeners. That way, you avoid spills and keep everything fresh.
Hang wire baskets from closet rods or wall tracks for flexible storage. You can move them around as your needs change.
Building Countertops Over Appliances
A countertop over your front-loading washer and dryer gives you a super handy folding spot. Use butcher block, quartz, or laminate depending on your budget and taste.
Support the countertop with brackets every 24 inches. Let it overhang the appliances by an inch or two.
Add shelves or cabinets above the counter for even more storage. It ties the look together and uses your wall space.
Leave a little gap behind the counter for cords. That way, you can still get to electrical connections if you need to.
Slide pull-out bins under the counter between appliances. They’re perfect for stashing cleaning supplies or linens.
If you can, add a small sink. It turns your laundry area into a full-on workstation for stain treatment and hand-washing.
DIY Drying and Hanging Solutions
Custom drying and hanging setups can make your laundry room way more practical. Build wall-mounted racks from simple materials like wood dowels and hinges, add hanging rods in tight spots, or try foldable options that give you flexibility.
Adding Wall-Mounted Drying Racks
A wall-mounted drying rack saves floor space and gives you plenty of room to air-dry delicates. Build one with pine boards, wooden dowels, and sturdy hinges.
Cut two rectangular frames from 1×2 pine boards. Drill evenly spaced holes for the dowels. Sand everything before you put it together.
Connect the dowels between the frames with wood glue and screws. Attach heavy-duty hinges so the rack folds flat against the wall when you’re not using it.
You’ll need:
- Pine boards (1×2 inches)
- Wooden dowels (3/4 inch diameter)
- Heavy-duty hinges
- Wood screws
- Wall anchors
Mount the frame into wall studs for stability. Seal the wood with a waterproof finish to prevent damage from moisture. This rack supports heavy wet clothes and folds away when you’re done.
Installing Hanging Rods
Hanging rods are a simple fix for narrow spaces between appliances or under cabinets. Install an adjustable closet rod between your dryer and the wall for instant hanging space.
Measure carefully before you buy hardware. Tension rods work for lighter items, but mounted rods hold more weight.
For something more permanent, use wall-mounted brackets rated for at least 20 pounds. Set the rod 6-8 inches from the wall so clothes hang freely.
Mount rods under cabinets for hidden drying space. Try pull-out rods that slide back when you’re finished. They’re especially handy for shirts and blouses that wrinkle easily.
Foldable and Pull-Out Drying Options
Foldable drying racks give you full drying space when you need it and tuck away when you don’t. Build a fold-down rack with three boards and some wooden dowels.
Cut 1×4 boards to your desired width for the frame. Drill holes for dowels every 4 inches. Use piano hinges to connect sections so they fold accordion-style.
Pull-down racks mount high on walls or the ceiling. Use ropes and pulleys to lower the rack for loading, then lift it up to dry.
Install wall cleats to hold the rack flat against the wall. Add a latch to keep it secure. This setup shines in small laundry rooms where floor space is precious.
Stain or paint the wood to match your decor. If you build and mount it right, your rack should hold 15-20 pounds easily.
Personalized Decorative Touches for Laundry Spaces
Adding personal touches can turn a practical laundry room into a space that actually feels inviting. Custom signs, a few vintage finds, and thoughtful accessories can make laundry day a little less of a drag.
DIY Laundry Room Signs and Wall Art
Custom signs bring personality and celebrate your laundry room’s purpose. Try making vintage-inspired wooden signs with reclaimed barn wood or pallet boards.
Paint classic phrases like “Loads of Fun” or “Wash, Dry, Fold, Repeat” in bold, contrasting colors. You can use stencils for crisp lettering, but sometimes a hand-painted look feels more fun and real.
Popular sign materials:
- Aged wood planks
- Metal sheets
- Canvas boards
- Chalkboard paint
A letterboard lets you change up messages whenever you want. Go for humor with lines like “Sorting Out Life One Load at a Time.”
Arrange vintage wooden clothespins in patterns—sunbursts, hearts, whatever strikes you—on painted canvas for unique art. Mixing old and new clothespins adds a bit of visual interest.
Frame fabric swatches in matching or eclectic frames for a textile-inspired look. This cheap trick adds color, texture, and just feels right for a laundry space.
Displaying Vintage Finds and Artwork
Vintage touches add character and a bit of nostalgia to your laundry room. Hunt for authentic finds at flea markets, or just use well-made reproductions if that’s easier.
Vintage display ideas:
- Antique soap advertisements
- Classic washing machine ads
- Vintage flat irons on shelves
- Old-fashioned washboards
Frame colorful soap brand ads—Ivory, Tide, whatever catches your eye. Hang them gallery-style, mixing up sizes and placements for a casual vibe.
Mount antique flat irons on decorative shelves or directly on the wall with brackets. Mixing different sizes and styles makes the display pop.
Build a little botanical print gallery with vintage flower and herb illustrations. Use wooden or metallic frames, and arrange them in balanced patterns.
Add tiny tags with dates or quirky facts next to your vintage pieces. It makes the display feel thoughtful and a bit educational.
Accent Rugs and Decorative Accessories
Soft furnishings really pull the laundry room together. A good rug softens hard floors and adds a splash of color—or just makes it more comfortable to stand around folding.
Pick washable rugs in patterns or colors that go with your style. If you stand in there a lot, anti-fatigue mats are a lifesaver.
Essential decorative accessories:
- Woven baskets for texture
- Mason jars with custom labels
- Small potted plants
- Decorative storage containers
Fill clear Mason jars with detergent pods, clothespins, or whatever you use most. Custom labels make it look organized and cute.
Mount woven baskets on the wall for a little dimension. Try mixing round and oval shapes, and play with light and dark tones.
Add a couple of small plants that like humidity. They freshen up the space and help with air quality—plus, they just look good.
Budget-Friendly and Renter-Safe Decorating Tips
You can totally transform your laundry room without spending much or risking your security deposit. Try removable wall treatments, upcycling projects, and seasonal swaps that you can undo when it’s time to move.
Removable Wall Treatments
Peel-and-stick wallpaper makes a huge difference in a DIY laundry room. Pick moisture-resistant types designed for utility spaces.
Stick wallpaper on the wall behind your washer and dryer. It creates a focal point without making the room feel cramped.
Removable Options That Work:
- Subway tile patterns
- Geometric designs
- Faux wood planks
- Marble textures
Vinyl wall decals work well too. Find ones with laundry quotes or simple geometric shapes.
Washi tape can make stripes, grids, or even frame light switches. It’s a quick way to add some personality.
Always clean the wall before you stick anything up. It helps everything stay put and makes removal easier later.
Test a small spot first to be sure the adhesive won’t mess up your walls.
Repurposing and Upcycling Decor Elements
Turn Mason jars into storage for laundry supplies. Mount them under shelves or just keep them on the counter for pods and dryer sheets.
Old wooden crates make great open shelving. Stack them, or mount them to the wall with removable brackets.
Empty detergent containers become handy storage bins. Cover them with contact paper or give them a coat of spray paint to match your decor.
Easy Upcycling Projects:
- Paint old baskets for stylish storage
- Use vintage signs as wall art
- Convert glass bottles into decorative containers
- Repaint thrift store picture frames
Use fabric scraps to make curtains for open shelves. It hides messes and adds a splash of color.
Spray paint cheap wire baskets from discount stores to fit your color scheme. They make great organizers.
Label everything with chalkboard labels or printed tags. It keeps the space organized and looks sharp too.
Quick Swaps for Seasonal Updates
Switch up your storage bin colors to fit the season. Go for lighter shades in spring and summer, then lean into darker tones as fall and winter roll around.
Try swapping out towels and cleaning cloths for seasonal colors. It’s a quick change, but honestly, it makes the whole room feel different right away.
Change your wall decals every few months if you can. Keep the extras tucked away so you can bring them back out next year.
Seasonal Swap Ideas:
- Bright florals for spring
- Beach themes for summer
- Warm oranges for fall
- Cool blues for winter
Switch out little decorative things, like candles or small plants. Even tiny updates like these can make your space feel new.
Try updating labels and signs with seasonal fonts or colors. You can just print new ones at home, no fancy tech needed.
Keep seasonal items in boxes with clear labels. That way, when you want to change things up, you’ll find what you need right away.