5 DIY Laundry Room Makeover Ideas: Small space, big impact: Creative laundry room transformations

One of the funniest design mishaps I’ve had was with a client who insisted her laundry room needed a chandelier – crystal drops and all. The result? It looked more like a royal hallway than a place to wash socks. But that’s the magic of small spaces: they push us to think outside the box and sometimes even laugh at ourselves. Today, I’m sharing five DIY laundry room makeover ideas inspired by real projects, including my own wins and “oops” moments.

Tip 1: Vertical storage is your best friend

In tight laundry rooms, the wall is prime real estate. Installing floating shelves or tall cabinets keeps detergents and baskets off the floor. In one project, I used a simple room planner to test shelf heights before installing – it saved me multiple drill holes and headaches.

save pin

Tip 2: Fold-out workstations

I once designed a laundry counter that folded down when not in use, perfect for small apartments. It’s budget-friendly but requires sturdy hinges and wall anchors. This lets you have a functional folding space without sacrificing walkway comfort.

save pin

Tip 3: Multi-purpose sinks

If you can, opt for a deep farmhouse sink – great for handwashing clothes and even bathing pets. Midway through a reno, I realized my client’s old basin fit perfectly with a new faucet, saving hundreds. It's worth exploring options with a free floor plan creator to visualize plumbing changes before you commit.

save pin

Tip 4: Lighting matters more than you think

It’s tempting to stick with the single bulb that came with the house, but proper task lighting changes everything. LED strips under shelving can make sorting and folding much easier, plus they give a modern touch. A soft warm hue also makes laundry less of a chore.

save pin

Tip 5: Hideaway hampers

Sliding hampers into cabinetry keeps dirty laundry out of sight and reduces clutter. I once used wicker baskets inside a pull-out cabinet – it looked chic and kept odors contained. Planning this detail is smoother when mapping cabinet dimensions with a kitchen layout planner, even though it’s for laundry – the principles are surprisingly similar.

save pin

FAQ

1. How can I make a laundry room feel bigger? Use vertical storage, fold-down surfaces, and light colors to maximize the feeling of space.

2. What’s the cheapest makeover option? Paint and updated lighting can give dramatic results on a tight budget.

3. Is a laundry room sink worth it? Absolutely, if you have pets or frequently handwash items – it adds functionality.

4. Can I move my washer and dryer? Yes, but it requires plumbing and electrical changes; check local building codes first.

5. Are built-in hampers practical? They save floor space and keep laundry organized, but require thoughtful planning.

6. How much does a DIY laundry makeover cost? Depending on scope, anywhere from $200 to $2,000.

7. Should I hire a designer? If your layout is complex or you’re unsure about structure changes, a designer can prevent costly mistakes (source: National Kitchen & Bath Association).

8. What’s one tip to avoid clutter? Assign a ‘home’ for every laundry item so surfaces stay clear.