Laundry Remodel Ideas: 5 Smart Small-Space Fixes: Practical and creative laundry remodel ideas for small homes, with real tips from a pro designerUncommon Author NameOct 05, 2025Table of ContentsIdea 1 — Pocket Laundry Closet with Folding DoorIdea 2 — The Utility Cabinet: Make It Look Like a Piece of FurnitureIdea 3 — Under-Counter Laundry with a SinkIdea 4 — Combo Washer-Dryer with Multi-Use CounterIdea 5 — Create a Multi-Task Mudroom + Laundry ZoneFAQTable of ContentsIdea 1 — Pocket Laundry Closet with Folding DoorIdea 2 — The Utility Cabinet Make It Look Like a Piece of FurnitureIdea 3 — Under-Counter Laundry with a SinkIdea 4 — Combo Washer-Dryer with Multi-Use CounterIdea 5 — Create a Multi-Task Mudroom + Laundry ZoneFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOnce a client asked me to hide the washer behind a bookshelf because they hated appliance aesthetics — I built the shelf and it collapsed under a box of towels the first week. That crash taught me two things: small spaces demand clever solutions, and humor helps when things go wrong. If you’re wrestling with tight square footage, turning a cramped closet into a true laundry nook is one of my favorite tricks.Idea 1 — Pocket Laundry Closet with Folding DoorI love the pocket closet because it tucks everything away without eating hall space. Install a stacking washer/dryer, a pull-out folding shelf, and vertical shelving for detergents to keep this compact area tidy.Advantages: looks clean and inexpensive. Challenges: ventilation and plumbing need attention — add a vent and a drip pan, and budget a few hundred for proper hookups.save pinIdea 2 — The Utility Cabinet: Make It Look Like a Piece of FurnitureOne of my clients wanted a seamless look, so I disguised the laundry behind cabinet doors that match the kitchen. A shallow countertop above the washer doubles as a folding station, and baskets live on open shelves above.Why I recommend it: hides noise and integrates style. The trade-off: cabinets can limit airflow, so I always leave a small gap or use louvered doors to help the machine breathe.save pinIdea 3 — Under-Counter Laundry with a SinkUnder-counter washers are a game-changer in apartments — you get counter space plus a sink for hand-washables. If you’re unsure about fit, I often tell clients to visualize the layout in 3D first so plumbing and appliance clearance are perfect before buying.Perks: very space-efficient and functional. Small hiccup: doors and drawers must be planned around machine vibration and clearances, so factor in 2–3 extra inches behind the unit.save pinIdea 4 — Combo Washer-Dryer with Multi-Use CounterCombo units reduce footprint and let you reclaim floor space for a slim sorting cart or recycling bins. Pair them with a pull-out drying rack above and a countertop that doubles as an ironing station.Good for tiny budgets and studio layouts; downside is longer cycle times on combo units and less drying capacity — I advise reserving them for singles or couples.save pinIdea 5 — Create a Multi-Task Mudroom + Laundry ZoneIf you can carve out even a narrow strip near an entry, add hooks, a bench, and a stacked washer behind a curtain or bi-fold door. This hybrid approach handles shoes, coats, and laundry in one go — very practical for family life.For a modern edge, I’ve started using AI design suggestions to quickly generate cabinet layouts and color palettes; it speeds up decisions but remember to double-check measurements manually.save pinFAQQ1: What’s the cheapest way to remodel a laundry area?A: Reface doors, add open shelving, and install a folding countertop over your machines. Small cosmetic upgrades give big visual returns without major plumbing work.Q2: Can I put a washer in a closet?A: Yes, with proper ventilation, a condensate tray, and access panels for service. Always check local codes for venting and drainage requirements.Q3: Are stackable units better than combo machines?A: Stackable units usually dry faster and handle more laundry per cycle; combos save more floor space but often take longer to dry. Choose based on your household’s load size.Q4: How do I ventilate a pocket laundry closet?A: Use louvered doors, an inline fan, or dedicated vents to the exterior. Proper airflow prevents mildew and keeps the machine running efficiently.Q5: What about soundproofing for laundry near living spaces?A: Add acoustic pads beneath the machine and build insulated cabinet fronts. Vibration is the main offender, so anti-vibration feet are a cheap, effective fix.Q6: Do stackable washers need special hookups?A: They need adequate height clearance, secure stacking kits, and standard water and drain lines. Verify dryer venting needs if you choose a vented dryer.Q7: How can I save energy in my laundry remodel?A: Use ENERGY STAR certified machines and wash in cold water when possible; according to ENERGY STAR, washing in cold can significantly reduce energy use compared to warm or hot cycles (source: https://www.energystar.gov).Q8: Should I hire a pro for a laundry remodel?A: For plumbing, electrical, or structural moves I always recommend a licensed contractor — DIY is fine for cosmetic updates, but safety and code compliance matter for anything permanent.save pinStart for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE