IKEA Small Laundry Room Ideas — 5 Compact Solutions: Real-world, budget-friendly IKEA small laundry room ideas from a designer who’s squeezed a lot into tiny rooms

I once promised a client we could fit a washer, dryer, utility sink and ironing station into a space smaller than her walk-in coat closet — and nearly lost my calm when the measurements didn’t match the drawings. I survived by improvising with slim IKEA cabinets and a stacking kit, which saved me during a tiny remodel tiny remodel. That near-disaster is why I believe small spaces can spark big ideas.

In this piece I’ll share 5 IKEA small laundry room ideas I actually used on projects, including where to splurge, where to DIY, and the tiny trade-offs you’ll live with. These are practical, tested tips — not just pretty Pinterest boards.

1. Stack smart: vertical laundry towers

Stacking a washer and dryer is the classic space-saver, but the real win is creating a slim service column around them with an IKEA Sektion or UTRUSTA-style mini cabinet. I once tucked a 30cm broom closet next to a stacked pair; it felt like magic when the homeowner found room for mops and detergent.

This approach saves floor area and creates storage at reachable heights, though you may need a pro to secure units and handle venting or plumbing adjustments. Budget tip: buy open shelving for frequently used items and reserve closed cabinets for bulk storage.

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2. Use shallow cabinets and pull-outs

Deep cabinets swallow visibility in small rooms. I prefer 15–30cm deep IKEA wall cabinets with pull-out baskets or slide-out shelves for cleaning supplies and small items. One project used wall-mounted Ekby shelves plus labeled baskets; it’s low-cost and low-fuss.

Shallow storage keeps the room feeling airy, but check door swings so you don’t block the dryer door — a minor annoyance that’s easy to fix with sliding or bi-fold options.

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3. Multi-tasking countertops and folding spots

A countertop above a front-load washer and dryer becomes a folding station and a landing zone. I’ve used butcher-block tops from IKEA over machines and added a shallow towel rail underneath. Seeing a 3D render helped the client visualize how much counter depth was realistic before we cut wood seeing a 3D render.

It’s a high-impact, low-cost upgrade that improves workflow, but remember machines need airflow — leave vents accessible and avoid sealing everything tight.

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4. Turn doors into useful real estate

Doors are underused. I’ve hung slim organizers on the back of the laundry door for ironing boards, stain removers, and dryer sheets. If you have a bi-fold or sliding door, you can even mount a slim ironing board that folds flat against it.

This trick is cheap and very satisfying, though it reduces your hanging clearance slightly. For rental spaces, use damage-free hooks or over-the-door hardware to keep landlords happy.

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5. Design a workflow, not just a look

Think like a chef: sort, wash, dry, fold. I map the laundry workflow when I plan — place hampers near the sorting spot, keep detergents next to the washer, and position hangers near an exit. For layouts that borrow from kitchens, appliance zoning works especially well when you share plumbing walls appliance zoning advice.

Workflow-first design saves minutes every week and makes a small room feel calm. The downside is you may give up some decorative space for functional elements, but that’s a trade I happily make.

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FAQ

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

For narrow spaces I often recommend shallow wall cabinets and open Ekby-style shelves for visibility. IKEA’s Sektion base units can also be adapted with custom tops for a neat look.

Q2: Can I stack any washer and dryer?

Not always. Check the manufacturers’ specs: some compact washer-dryer combos are designed to stack, while other sets require a stacking kit. Always have a pro confirm stability and ventilation.

Q3: How much clearance do I need for appliances?

Standard guidance is to allow a few centimeters for ventilation at the back and sides and room for doors to open fully. Measure carefully and account for hoses and power cords.

Q4: Are IKEA solutions durable for laundry rooms?

IKEA cabinets are great value and often durable if you protect them from moisture. Use water-resistant backsplashes and keep direct moisture away from wood finishes to extend lifespan.

Q5: How can I improve laundry room ventilation?

Ensure dryer ducts are short and straight where possible, and consider an inline fan or louvers if the room is windowless. For electric or condenser dryers, follow manufacturer guidance for clearance and humidity control.

Q6: What’s an energy-efficient appliance tip?

Choose ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers to reduce energy and water use. According to ENERGY STAR (https://www.energystar.gov), modern efficient machines can save significant energy and lower operating costs compared to older models.

Q7: How do I budget a small laundry refresh?

Expect to spend more proportionally on labor in tight spaces; simple DIY shelving and a countertop are affordable, while rerouting plumbing or adding ventilation raises costs. Prioritize storage and workflow for the best return.

Q8: Any quick measuring tips before buying IKEA units?

Measure twice and account for door swings, machine connections, and wall irregularities. I also recommend sketching a simple layout or taking photos to check visual clearance before ordering pieces.

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