5 Laundry Room Entryway Ideas: Smart & Stylish Entryway Design Tips for Laundry Spaces

One of my funniest design memories was a client asking for a "laundry runway"—yes, a literal catwalk between her mudroom and washing machine. It made me rethink how entryways tied into laundry spaces: done right, they can be functional, beautiful, and even a little dramatic. Small spaces often push us to be more creative, and the laundry room entryway is a perfect example. Today, I’ll share 5 ideas I’ve used in real projects that blend style with practicality.

1. Hidden Storage Benches

I love building storage into benches right by the entry—it’s a lifesaver for stashing shoes and cleaning supplies. In one makeover, I used a bench with lift-up lids and the owner said it made her mornings calmer. If you’re planning from scratch, a room planner can help you visualize proportions before buying furniture.

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2. Vertical Hanging Systems

Coats, bags, umbrellas—these can overwhelm a small entryway. A vertical hanging panel with staggered hooks keeps it organized while leaving floor space free. One tip from my experience: use water-resistant panels so damp laundry or coats don’t damage the wall.

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3. Sliding Barn Doors

Instead of a traditional swing door, I’ve installed sliding barn doors to separate laundry from entry zones. They’re space-saving and add charm. Just remember, quality rails matter; I once tried to save money here and ended up with a loud, clunky door.

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4. Integrated Folding Zone

If space allows, a narrow countertop along the entry wall can double as a folding station for laundry. Bonus: it’s the perfect spot to drop mail or keys. Digital tools like a free floor plan creator help ensure the depth won’t choke traffic flow.

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5. Natural Light and Greenery

Even the most utilitarian space feels better with sunlight and plants. I once placed a potted snake plant near the laundry entry, and the client swore it made chores less dreary. To really see how light plays in your layout, experiment with a kitchen layout planner—surprising, but it handles spatial light modeling beautifully.

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FAQ

Q1: How can I maximize space in a laundry room entryway?

Use vertical storage, slim furniture, and multi-purpose zones to keep the floor clear.

Q2: Should I combine my mudroom with laundry entry?

Yes, if you want to centralize utility zones; but invest in durable, water-resistant finishes.

Q3: What’s a good budget for a small entryway redesign?

For basic updates, $500–$1,500 is common; built-ins or custom doors will increase costs.

Q4: Are barn doors suitable for damp environments?

Choose treated wood or metal, and ensure tracks are rust-resistant.

Q5: What flooring works best?

Porcelain tile, vinyl planks, or sealed concrete handle moisture and foot traffic well.

Q6: How important is lighting?

Very—task lighting for folding or sorting, and ambient lighting to make the space inviting.

Q7: Can plants survive in low-light laundry spaces?

Yes, opt for low-light tolerant plants like snake plants or pothos.

Q8: Where can I plan my laundry layout digitally?

Try online tools with 3D visualization; Coohom offers several planners to simulate real spaces.