10 Best 8x16 Laundry Room Design Ideas: Make the most of your 8x16 laundry room with smart, stylish and functional ideas

When I look at current interior design trends, one thing stands out — small and mid-size utility rooms are finally getting the attention they deserve. And that’s exciting, because an 8x16 laundry room can be so much more than a place to wash clothes. In fact, I’ve found that these dimensions spark some of the most clever storage and layout innovations. Today, I’m sharing 10 design inspirations from my own projects and expert insights on how to turn your laundry area into a practical, beautiful space you’ll actually enjoy spending time in.

1. Minimalist built-in cabinetry

My Take: In one client’s 8x16 laundry room, we installed a seamless wall of white matte cabinetry. It instantly made the space feel calm and organized.

Pros: Built-ins maximize every inch, creating space for hidden hampers, folding areas, and cleaning supplies. Minimalist lines keep the room feeling uncluttered, which is especially important in elongated rooms.

Cons: Custom cabinetry can be more expensive up front and requires precise measurement to avoid clunky gaps.

Tip: For a similar streamlined look, check out how minimal cabinetry solutions were integrated into full-room designs in other spaces.

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2. Open shelving with baskets

My Take: I love the charm and accessibility of open shelves in a laundry room — perfect for displaying pretty jars of detergent and neatly folded towels.

Pros: They are budget-friendly, easy to install, and make it simple to grab what you need quickly.

Cons: Dust and lint can collect on exposed items, so regular upkeep is necessary.

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3. Multi-functional folding island

My Take: Adding a central island in an 8x16 space makes folding clothes feel less like a chore, and the storage inside is a bonus.

Pros: Islands create extra work surface, seasonal storage, and can even double as a craft table or pet station.

Cons: Needs careful planning to ensure you still have ample walking space around.

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4. Vertical drying racks

My Take: Wall-mounted or pull-down drying racks work wonders in narrow rooms. I once retrofitted a vintage ladder for a rustic look — clients adored it.

Pros: Saves floor space and keeps wet clothes out of the way; great for delicates or drip-dry items.

Cons: May not hold heavy loads; placement near ventilation is key to avoid mildew.

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5. Bright accent wall

My Take: I painted one end wall in a jade green in a client’s laundry room, and it completely changed the vibe.

Pros: Color can energize the space and make laundry less monotonous. Lighter colors visually expand a narrow room.

Cons: Bold hues can date faster; repainting means moving appliances.

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6. Farmhouse sink upgrade

My Take: I’ve added deep apron-front sinks to laundry rooms for handwashing bulky items — they look amazing and are highly functional.

Pros: Great for soaking, spot-cleaning, and even filling buckets. Adds a focal point with rustic charm.

Cons: Takes up base cabinet storage space and requires sturdy cabinetry to support the weight.

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7. L-shaped counter layout

My Take: For one remodel, creating an L-shaped countertop maximized folding space and kept appliances tucked neatly together.

Pros: Efficient workflow that supports sorting, washing, drying, and folding in sequence. Improves storage potential under counters.

Cons: Requires precise measuring to avoid wasted corner space.

See how an L-shaped layout optimizes countertop flow in other utility room setups.

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8. Under-counter washer/dryer combo

My Take: Ideal for freeing up counter space in an 8x16 laundry room, especially if you often fold laundry right on top.

Pros: Keeps machines accessible, creates visual continuity with uninterrupted counters.

Cons: Requires front-load appliances and good ventilation.

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9. Statement lighting fixture

My Take: Swapping out builder-grade lighting for a pendant or chandelier made one client’s space feel completely custom.

Pros: Adds personality, enhances visibility in task zones, and ties into surrounding décor style.

Cons: Statement fixtures can require higher ceilings and careful positioning.

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10. Wood accents for warmth

My Take: Adding wood tones — like a walnut countertop or cedar shelves — softens the utilitarian feel of a laundry room.

Pros: Brings natural texture, timeless appeal, and pairs well with various color palettes.

Cons: Wood surfaces need sealing to resist moisture; upkeep is essential.

Explore how wood accents transform functional rooms into inviting spaces in different design contexts.

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Conclusion

An 8x16 laundry room isn’t a limitation — it’s a perfect canvas for smarter storage, multi-functional layouts, and even bold style statements. As the National Kitchen & Bath Association notes, efficient design comes from optimizing both form and function, regardless of square footage. Which of these 10 ideas would you try in your own home?

FAQ

Q1: What’s the best layout for an 8x16 laundry room?

A galley or L-shaped layout often works well, ensuring appliances and work surfaces are within easy reach.

Q2: Can I fit both a washer and dryer plus a sink in this size?

Yes. With proper space planning, you can fit all three while maintaining good workflow.

Q3: How can I make my 8x16 laundry look bigger?

Use light colors, reflective surfaces, and continuous countertops to visually expand the space.

Q4: Is open shelving practical in a laundry room?

It can be, especially if you’re organized and don’t mind occasional dusting; store less-used items in baskets.

Q5: What type of flooring is best?

Water-resistant options like porcelain tile or luxury vinyl planks are ideal. The NKBA recommends slip-resistant surfaces in utility spaces.

Q6: How can I add more storage?

Consider vertical cabinets, overhead racks, or even an island with hidden compartments.

Q7: Does natural light matter?

Yes — natural light can make a laundry room feel fresher and more pleasant. If you can, add a window or a skylight.

Q8: Where can I see more layout inspiration?

You can browse other compact utility room designs, like those featured in realistic 3D design showcases, to spark new ideas.