IKEA laundry room ideas: 5 Clever Small-Space Hacks: Practical, budget-friendly IKEA laundry room ideas I’ve used in tiny homes and apartments

I once tried to squeeze a full laundry setup into a closet because a client insisted the dog needed a ‘laundry nook’ too — lesson learned: small spaces force creativity. If you’re staring at a cupboard-sized laundry area, the first thing I do is plan your small space on paper (or a mockup) so nothing gets awkwardly half-installed.

1. Stack and Conceal with IKEA Cabinets

I love using IKEA’s tall cabinets and a stacked washer-dryer combo to hide the machines and create a tidy facade. It’s great because you get hidden storage for detergents, ironing boards, and that mysterious pile of socks; the downside is you might sacrifice some ventilation unless you add vents or leave tiny gaps — an easy fix if you measure first.

save pin

2. Fold-Down Counter: Extra Surface, No Bulk

A fold-down counter above the washer is one of my favorite IKEA hacks — I’ve made one from a single countertop and two simple brackets. It gives you a real folding surface that disappears when not needed; the trade-off is you lose a bit of vertical storage where the counter mounts, so plan where bottles and bins will live.

save pin

3. Built-In Hampers and Pull-Out Trays

Pull-out hampers inside a base cabinet feel luxurious in a tiny laundry room — you open a door, toss clothes, and slide them away. I often prototype layouts as a visual 3D mockup before committing, because seeing the swing of doors and drawer clearances saves headaches. It’s super practical, though slightly pricier than brute-force baskets.

save pin

4. Vertical Drying and Slim Radiators

Use vertical wall space for drying racks or foldable rails; an IKEA wall-mounted drying rack or slim radiator keeps the floor clear and speeds drying. I once installed a retractable rack above a folding counter — clients loved the combo — but remember to keep humidity control in mind to avoid mildew.

save pin

5. Mudroom + Laundry Combo with Bench Storage

If your laundry sits near an entry, merge it with a narrow bench and cubbies — shoes, coats, and laundry all have homes. I designed a tiny unit with bench seating, hooks, and open cubbies using IKEA shoe organizers; it’s efficient and charming, though it does mean more style decisions up front to keep the look cohesive.

save pin

Quick Budget Tips

Mix IKEA ready-made fronts with custom panels if you want a higher-end look without breaking the bank. I frequently swap expensive bespoke cabinet doors for IKEA ones and add trim to match existing millwork — small carpentry saves big on budget.

save pin

FAQ

Q1: What are the best IKEA products for small laundry rooms?

I usually recommend tall SEKTION or PAX units for vertical storage, ALGOT rails for drying, and basic countertops for folding. These systems are modular, affordable, and easy to customize.

Q2: Can I put a stacked washer-dryer inside an IKEA cabinet?

Yes, you can, but measure carefully for ventilation and service access. Leave a small gap for airflow and future repairs so you’re not moving the whole cabinet later.

Q3: How do I maximize ventilation in a compact laundry closet?

Add vents in the cabinet back or use louvered doors and ensure the dryer has proper exhaust to the outside; consider a dehumidifier if humidity is a recurring issue.

Q4: Are IKEA laundry solutions budget-friendly?

Generally yes — IKEA balances cost and modularity well, letting you mix budget fronts with a few upgraded pieces for a nicer finish. I often reconfigure their components for a custom feel without custom prices.

Q5: How can I visualize my laundry layout before buying?

I recommend creating a simple mockup so you can test door swings and workspace; I often make a 3D sketch to avoid surprises. Seeing the proportions saves time and money during installation.

Q6: Any tips for combining laundry with a mudroom?

Keep zones clear: wet gear near the entry, dirty laundry sorted into hampers inside cabinets, and a wipeable bench for shoes. A small mat and hooks go a long way to keep things tidy.

Q7: Is IKEA’s storage advice reliable?

Yes — IKEA offers many practical tips on efficient storage and modular systems; for foundational guidance I reference IKEA’s planning pages directly (https://www.ikea.com/). Their modular approach is why I use their pieces so often.

Q8: How do I start planning my IKEA laundry remodel?

Measure your space and think about workflow: unload — wash — dry — fold. Then test layouts and use custom layout templates to draft a plan before you shop so you avoid impulse buys and fit everything cleanly.

save pin