Level Up Your Laundry Room with These Shelving Ideas

Tired of laundry room clutter? This list provides eight practical laundry room shelving ideas to transform your space from chaotic to organized. Discover solutions for maximizing storage and improving functionality, whether you have a small closet or a large utility room. From open floating shelving to repurposed furniture, find the perfect laundry room shelving ideas to fit your needs and style. Explore these options and reclaim your laundry room!

1. Open Floating Shelving

Open floating shelving is a popular choice for modern laundry room shelving ideas, offering a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. These shelves are mounted directly to the wall without visible brackets or supports, creating the illusion that they are “floating.” This design choice provides accessible storage for laundry essentials while maintaining an airy, spacious feel, which is particularly beneficial in smaller laundry rooms where bulky cabinetry can feel overwhelming. This makes them a top contender for optimizing vertical space and achieving a clean, uncluttered look.

Typically made from wood, laminate, or metal, floating shelves come in various depths, with 10-12 inches being standard. They can also be customized to fit exact space requirements, making them a versatile option for laundry rooms of all shapes and sizes. This adaptability is a key reason why they’re a favorite for maximizing storage in often awkward laundry room layouts. From storing detergents and fabric softeners to displaying decorative items and folded towels, open floating shelves provide a practical and stylish storage solution.

Features and Benefits:

• Visual Openness: Eliminating visual clutter and making the space feel larger.
• Easy Access: Provides quick access to frequently used laundry items.
• Affordability: Generally more budget-friendly than traditional cabinetry.
• Flexibility: Can be installed in odd-shaped spaces and customized to fit specific needs.
• DIY-Friendly Installation: Relatively easy to install with basic DIY skills.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Creates visual openness, easy access to frequently used items, more affordable than cabinetry, can be installed in odd-shaped spaces, DIY-friendly option.
• Cons: Items are visible (can look cluttered if not styled carefully), less storage capacity than cabinets, requires regular dusting, weight limitations compared to built-in shelving.

Examples and Inspiration:

• West Elm’s floating wood shelves offer a sophisticated look in laundry settings.
• IKEA’s LACK floating shelves provide a budget-friendly and versatile option for utility spaces.
• Custom reclaimed wood floating shelves add a rustic touch to farmhouse-style laundry rooms.

Tips for Implementation:

• Clearance: Install shelves at least 15 inches above the washer and dryer for adequate clearance.
• Support: Use appropriate wall anchors based on the wall type and the anticipated weight of the shelves and items you plan to store.
• Organization: Group similar items in decorative baskets or containers to reduce visual clutter and enhance the aesthetic appeal.
• Seamless Look: Consider painting the shelves the same color as the walls for a cohesive and streamlined appearance.

Popularized By:

The popularity of open floating shelves in laundry rooms has been influenced by various sources, including HGTV’s Fixer Upper with Joanna Gaines, The Container Store, and the designs of Studio McGee. These examples showcase how effectively floating shelves can enhance both the functionality and style of a laundry space.

Open floating shelving deserves its place on this list of laundry room shelving ideas because it offers a practical and stylish storage solution that is adaptable to various laundry room sizes and designs. By carefully considering the pros and cons and implementing the tips provided, you can maximize the benefits of open floating shelving and create a laundry room that is both organized and visually appealing.

2. Built-In Cabinet and Shelf Combinations

For a truly polished and functional laundry room, built-in cabinet and shelf combinations offer one of the best laundry room shelving ideas available. This hybrid approach seamlessly blends the concealed storage of cabinets with the accessibility of open shelving, providing a tailored solution that maximizes space and enhances organization. Upper sections typically house cabinets ideal for concealing less visually appealing laundry supplies, detergents, and cleaning products. Meanwhile, open shelves below or adjacent to the cabinets offer convenient access to frequently used items like folded towels, laundry baskets, and ironing supplies. This thoughtful arrangement allows you to maintain a tidy and visually appealing space while keeping everyday essentials within easy reach.

These systems can be custom-designed and professionally installed for a perfect fit, or created using modular components from retailers like IKEA, offering varying degrees of customization and cost. Learn more about Built-In Cabinet and Shelf Combinations to explore different design possibilities and find inspiration. This approach elevates basic laundry room shelving ideas to a more sophisticated and integrated storage solution.

Examples of Successful Implementation:

• Custom Closet Systems: Companies like California Closets and Closet Factory specialize in creating personalized built-in laundry room solutions. Their designs often incorporate specialized features like pull-out hampers, ironing boards, and drying racks, maximizing both functionality and space utilization.
• Retailer Solutions: Martha Stewart Living laundry room designs available at Home Depot offer a more accessible pre-designed option, while the versatility of IKEA’s SEKTION cabinets combined with BOAXEL open shelving allows for a high degree of customization at a more affordable price point.

Actionable Tips for Incorporating Built-In Cabinets and Shelves:

• Precise Measurements: Before committing to any design, meticulously measure your washer, dryer, and other appliances to ensure a seamless fit.
• Vertical Storage: Include at least one tall cabinet to accommodate brooms, mops, ironing boards, and other long items.
• Folding Counter: Maximize efficiency by incorporating a folding counter over front-loading washing machines. This provides a dedicated space for sorting and folding laundry directly from the dryer.
• Child Safety: Use cabinet doors to safely store cleaning supplies and detergents away from children and pets.

When and Why to Use this Approach:

This method is ideal for homeowners seeking a long-term, high-quality storage solution that enhances both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of their laundry room. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Maximizing Awkward Spaces: Built-ins can be designed to perfectly fit challenging layouts and utilize otherwise wasted space.
• Creating a Cohesive Look: The built-in design creates a seamless and integrated appearance, making the laundry room feel like a natural extension of the home.
• Increasing Home Value: A well-designed and professionally installed built-in laundry room system can significantly increase the value of your home.

Pros:

• Balances aesthetics and function
• Hides clutter while keeping essentials accessible
• Can be designed to maximize awkward spaces
• Adds significant home value
• Creates cohesive, built-in look

Cons:

• Higher cost than standalone shelving units
• Typically requires professional installation for custom solutions
• Less flexibility for future layout changes
• May reduce floor space in smaller rooms

By carefully considering the pros and cons, and incorporating the tips above, you can create a built-in laundry room storage solution that transforms a utilitarian space into a well-organized and visually appealing area. This makes built-in cabinet and shelf combinations a top contender among laundry room shelving ideas.

3. Industrial Pipe Shelving

For a laundry room shelving idea that blends rugged charm with practical functionality, consider industrial pipe shelving. This style utilizes metal plumbing pipes and fittings to support shelves, creating a raw, utilitarian aesthetic. This striking framework isn’t just for looks; it provides remarkably sturdy storage, perfect for holding laundry detergents, towels, baskets, and other supplies. This laundry room shelving idea is particularly well-suited to modern, industrial, or rustic design schemes, where the exposed pipes and hardware become a prominent design feature.

Industrial pipe shelving offers a high degree of customization. You can choose from black, galvanized, or brass pipe supports and pair them with solid wood, plywood, or MDF shelving boards. This flexibility allows you to tailor the shelving unit to your laundry room’s exact dimensions and desired aesthetic. Whether you need a few small shelves for detergents or a full wall unit for linens and baskets, industrial pipe shelving can be configured to fit your specific laundry room shelving ideas. Each shelf typically boasts a weight capacity of 50-75 lbs, making it suitable for heavier laundry items.

Why Choose Industrial Pipe Shelving?

This approach deserves a spot on this list due to its unique blend of strength, style, and adaptability. It offers a robust alternative to traditional shelving units, introducing a visually interesting element to your laundry room. The visible hardware and exposed pipes contribute to the industrial aesthetic, making a statement while serving a practical purpose.

Pros:

• Exceptional Strength and Durability: The metal pipe construction provides superior strength and can handle heavy loads.
• Customizable to Exact Dimensions: You have complete control over the size, shape, and configuration of your shelving.
• Industrial Aesthetic Appeal: The raw, utilitarian look adds a touch of industrial chic to your laundry room.
• Can be Disassembled and Reconfigured: Easily adapt your shelving to changing needs or move it to a new location.
• DIY-Friendly: With basic tools and readily available materials, you can create a custom unit yourself.

Cons:

• Metal Pipes Can Be Costly: Depending on the type and quantity of pipes needed, the initial cost can be higher than other shelving options.
• Assembly is Time-Consuming: Building the shelving unit requires some effort and time.
• Pipes Require Cleaning Before Installation: Prepping the pipes for assembly adds an extra step to the process.
• May Rust in High-Humidity Environments: Proper sealing with a clear coat is necessary to prevent rust, especially in laundry rooms.

Tips for Success:

• Use floor flanges to securely anchor the shelves to the wall for added stability.
• Apply clear polyurethane to untreated pipes to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Consider adding pipe hooks for hanging smaller laundry items like clothes hangers or drying racks.
• Pre-drill holes in wooden shelves to prevent splitting when inserting screws.

Examples and Inspiration:

Retailers like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn offer pre-designed industrial pipe shelving units. Etsy is a great source for custom-built units tailored specifically for laundry rooms. For the DIY enthusiast, websites like ‘This Old House’ and blogs like ‘Cherished Bliss’ provide detailed instructions and inspiration for creating your own industrial pipe shelving. This style has been popularized by brands like Restoration Hardware and the work of industrial designers like Tom Dixon. By considering these factors, you can effectively integrate industrial pipe shelving into your laundry room shelving ideas.

4. Pull-Out Vertical Storage Solutions

Looking for innovative laundry room shelving ideas? Pull-out vertical storage solutions offer a clever way to maximize every inch of your laundry space, especially those awkward, narrow areas that often go unused. This space-saving solution transforms the slivers of space between your washer and dryer, or between appliances and walls, into valuable storage real estate. These slim, sliding units, sometimes called “laundry room slide out shelves,” tuck neatly away when not in use, maintaining a clean and organized appearance. They are a particularly ingenious approach for small laundry rooms where maximizing every square foot is crucial for efficient organization.

These units work by employing full-extension slides that allow the entire shelf to glide out, providing complete access to stored items. They typically feature multiple tiers or shelves to organize various laundry supplies, from detergents and stain removers to dryer sheets and cleaning tools. Some models even include casters for added mobility, making them easy to reposition if needed. You can find both freestanding options and built-in solutions, catering to different laundry room layouts and configurations.

Successful implementations of this concept range from ready-made products like Rev-A-Shelf’s Pull-Out Between Washer/Dryer Shelving and the Household Essentials Slimline Rolling Laundry Cart, to custom cabinet pull-outs designed by companies such as Closet Factory. Learn more about Pull-Out Vertical Storage Solutions to explore the variety of options available. This approach has been popularized by brands like Rev-A-Shelf and Elfa Storage Systems, as well as by organizing gurus like Marie Kondo, whose space-maximizing principles emphasize utilizing every available area.

Pros:

• Maximizes underutilized narrow spaces: Turns wasted space into valuable storage.
• Keeps supplies organized and visible: Everything is neatly arranged and easy to find.
• Reduces countertop clutter: Frees up valuable counter space for folding and other tasks.
• Space-efficient solution for small laundry rooms: Ideal for maximizing limited space.
• Accessible without bending or reaching: Full-extension slides allow easy access to all items.

Cons:

• Limited width capacity: Suited for narrow items only.
• Quality slides needed for smooth operation: Invest in durable hardware for long-lasting performance.
• Can be challenging to DIY with precision: Requires careful measurements and installation.
• Higher cost per square foot of storage: Can be more expensive than traditional shelving.

Tips for Implementing Pull-Out Vertical Storage:

• Measure the gap space accurately: Account for baseboards and any other obstructions.
• Choose units with adjustable shelves: Provides flexibility for storing items of different heights.
• Add non-slip liners: Prevents items from shifting or falling during operation.
• Look for locking casters: Essential for stability if using a rolling unit on uneven floors.

Pull-out vertical storage solutions earn their place on this list of laundry room shelving ideas because they offer a unique and highly effective way to maximize storage in tight spaces. Their slim profile, full-extension access, and customizable features make them an ideal solution for keeping laundry supplies organized and within easy reach, ultimately contributing to a more functional and efficient laundry room.

5. Overhead Storage Racks

When brainstorming laundry room shelving ideas, looking up can unlock a wealth of potential. Overhead storage racks are a game-changer, especially in compact laundry rooms where floor and wall space is at a premium. This method capitalizes on often-underutilized ceiling space, providing a practical solution for storing items you don’t need daily, like seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or bulky cleaning supplies.

These systems typically consist of heavy-duty wire grids or solid platforms suspended from the ceiling joists by adjustable height hanging systems. This allows you to customize the height to suit your needs and maximize vertical space. Overhead storage racks boast impressive weight capacities, typically ranging from 250 to 600 pounds, making them suitable for even heavier items. They are available in various depths and widths to accommodate different laundry room dimensions and storage requirements.

Examples of Successful Implementation:

• Adapting Garage Storage: Products like FLEXIMOUNTS Overhead Garage Storage Racks are easily adaptable for laundry spaces, providing robust and reliable overhead storage.
• Dedicated Ceiling Units: HyLoft Ceiling Storage Units are specifically designed for indoor spaces like laundry rooms, offering a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing option.
• Custom-Built Platforms: For a truly bespoke solution, consider custom-built overhead platforms. These can be tailored to fit the exact dimensions of your utility room and incorporate features like integrated lighting.

Actionable Tips for Utilizing Overhead Storage Racks:

• Secure Mounting: Ensure the racks are mounted directly into ceiling joists, not just drywall, to support the weight safely. This is crucial for stability and safety.
• Strategic Placement: Install over the washer/dryer area to utilize space that would otherwise be unusable. This maximizes efficiency in your laundry room layout.
• Visibility is Key: Use clear plastic bins to store items, allowing you to easily see the contents without having to pull everything down.
• Safety First: Maintain at least 18 inches of clearance between the storage rack and any sprinkler heads.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Utilizes unused ceiling space, a significant advantage in small laundry rooms.
• Keeps seasonal or less frequently used items accessible but neatly tucked away.
• Frees up valuable floor and wall space for other laundry room shelving ideas.
• Offers a high weight capacity, accommodating heavier items.
• Can be installed to span above appliances, maximizing every inch of space.

Cons:

• Requires ceiling mounting, which might not be suitable for all ceiling types and may require professional installation.
• Stored items are less accessible and may require a step stool or ladder.
• Installation can be more complex than simple wall shelving.
• May not be visually appealing in rooms with low ceilings, potentially making the space feel cramped.

Why Overhead Storage Deserves a Spot on this List:

Overhead storage racks offer a unique solution for maximizing storage capacity in laundry rooms, particularly those constrained by limited space. By utilizing the often-forgotten ceiling space, these racks free up valuable floor and wall real estate, contributing to a more organized and functional laundry area. This approach provides a practical and efficient way to store items that aren’t needed daily, keeping them accessible yet out of the way. While installation might be more involved than other laundry room shelving ideas, the benefits in terms of space optimization and organization make overhead storage a worthwhile consideration. This makes them a valuable addition to any list of laundry room shelving ideas. They are particularly beneficial for homeowners looking to optimize vertical space and declutter their laundry rooms.

6. Basket and Bin Shelving Systems

Looking for versatile and budget-friendly laundry room shelving ideas? Basket and bin shelving systems offer an excellent solution for organizing your laundry space without breaking the bank. This approach combines standard shelving units with removable baskets or bins, creating a flexible and visually appealing storage system perfect for any size laundry room. Learn more about Basket and Bin Shelving Systems

This method works by utilizing a shelf frame, often made of wire, wood, or laminate, which provides support for slide-in baskets or bins. These containers are typically made of wire, woven material, or plastic and come in various sizes. The beauty of this system lies in its adaptability. You can easily categorize items by laundry task (detergents, stain removers, fabric softeners), family member (each person gets their own basket), or garment type (delicates, towels, whites). The containers also conceal visual clutter, keeping your laundry room looking neat and tidy while maintaining easy access to everything you need.

Several retailers offer ready-made basket and bin shelving systems. The Container Store’s Elfa Utility Shelving, for example, is highly customizable and allows you to choose the perfect combination of shelves and baskets for your needs. IKEA’s JONAXEL shelving system with mesh baskets offers a more budget-friendly option, while Pottery Barn’s Gabrielle System with woven bins brings a touch of style to the laundry room. These examples demonstrate the range of aesthetics and price points available, making this a truly accessible laundry room shelving idea.

Features and Benefits:

• Shelf frames with integrated basket supports: These systems are designed to work seamlessly together.
• Removable, interchangeable containers: Easily reorganize and adjust your storage as needed.
• Available in wire, wood, or laminate frameworks: Choose a material that suits your style and budget.
• Customizable configurations: Create a system that perfectly fits your space and storage needs.
• Often labeled for organization: Maintain order and efficiency with clear labeling.
• More affordable than custom cabinetry: Achieve a custom look without the high price tag.

Pros:

• Easily sortable and reconfigurable
• Conceals visual clutter
• Baskets can be removed and carried to where needed
• Good for sorting by family member or laundry type

Cons:

• Less space-efficient than fixed shelving
• Baskets can limit vertical storage space
• Quality baskets can be expensive to purchase in quantity
• Some systems have less weight capacity than solid shelving

Actionable Tips:

• Use clear or mesh baskets for frequently accessed items so you can easily see what’s inside.
• Label each container clearly for family use, promoting organization and responsibility.
• Consider color-coding baskets by family member for easy identification.
• Leave some open shelf space for oversized items like laundry hampers or ironing boards.

Basket and bin shelving systems deserve a spot on this list because they offer a practical, adaptable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for laundry room organization. Popularized by retailers like The Container Store and IKEA, as well as organizing experts like Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of ‘The Home Edit’, this approach is a proven method for taming laundry room chaos. This shelving idea is particularly useful when you need flexible storage and want to maximize vertical space while keeping visual clutter at bay.

7. Repurposed Furniture Shelving

Looking for laundry room shelving ideas that blend practicality with personality? Repurposed furniture shelving offers a unique and eco-friendly approach to laundry room storage. This method involves transforming pre-owned furniture pieces – such as bookcases, hutches, wardrobes, or even dressers – into functional and stylish shelving units. By giving these items a new life, you not only create customized storage solutions but also inject character and warmth into a typically utilitarian space. This approach is a fantastic way to incorporate your personal design style while keeping costs down and minimizing environmental impact.

Repurposed furniture shelving often incorporates both open shelving for easy access to frequently used items and closed storage (drawers or cabinets) for concealing clutter. These pieces can be customized with paint, new hardware, and retrofitted elements specifically designed for laundry use, like pull-out drying racks or ironing board storage. For example, a vintage kitchen hutch can be repurposed to store laundry supplies, with the upper shelves displaying decorative items and the lower cabinets housing cleaning products. An old bookcase can be painted and fitted with baskets to hold folded towels and linens. Even an antique dresser, with its drawers removed, can be transformed into a unique shelving unit.

This laundry room shelving idea deserves its place on the list because it offers numerous benefits. It’s an eco-friendly way to reuse existing furniture, adding unique character and warmth to your laundry room. It’s often a more affordable option than purchasing new shelving systems, and allows you to tailor the storage to your specific needs. This flexibility brings design personality to a space often overlooked in home décor.

However, repurposed furniture shelving also has some drawbacks. Finding the perfect piece can require time and patience. Modifying furniture may necessitate some basic carpentry skills. While often cheaper than buying new, the cost of refinishing and modifications can add up. Also, repurposed furniture might not maximize space as efficiently as custom-built options, and unless properly treated, some pieces may not be moisture-resistant, a crucial factor in a laundry room environment.

Tips for Repurposing Furniture for Laundry Room Shelving:

• Seal thoroughly: Protect wood pieces from humidity by sealing them with a waterproof sealant.
• Add mobility: Install casters for easy movement when cleaning the floor.
• Line shelves: Use washable contact paper to protect shelves from spills and make cleaning easier.
• Consider door options: Remove doors for easier access or replace them with mesh or glass for visibility.

Repurposing furniture for laundry room shelving has been popularized by DIY bloggers like Ana White, HGTV shows like Flea Market Flip, restoration expert Nicole Curtis, and countless vintage design influencers on Instagram and Pinterest. Their creative projects demonstrate the potential of transforming old furniture into stylish and functional laundry room storage solutions. By following their lead and implementing these tips, you can create laundry room shelving that is both beautiful and practical.

8. Wall-to-Wall Adjustable Track Shelving

Looking for laundry room shelving ideas that maximize space and adapt to your ever-changing needs? Wall-to-wall adjustable track shelving might be the perfect solution. This highly versatile system offers a customizable and practical approach to laundry room organization. It earns its spot on this list due to its adaptability, strength, and efficient use of vertical space.

This shelving system works by mounting vertical metal tracks directly to your wall studs. Adjustable brackets are then attached to these tracks, allowing you to place shelves at any height you desire. The modular nature of this system is a game-changer. Need more space for detergent bottles? Simply adjust a shelf. Acquired a new set of bulky towels? Reconfigure the brackets to accommodate them. This flexibility makes wall-to-wall adjustable track shelving a perfect choice for laundry rooms, where storage demands can shift frequently.

The shelves themselves come in various materials, including laminate, wood, and wire, offering options to suit different aesthetics and budgets. Because the tracks run the full length of the wall, you can create shelving that spans the entire space, maximizing every inch for storage. Systems like the Elfa utility wall system from The Container Store (https://www.containerstore.com/elfa/), Rubbermaid FastTrack, and ClosetMaid offer excellent examples of this type of shelving in laundry applications. The Container Store even features Elfa Custom Laundry Solutions, demonstrating the tailored possibilities of this system. Organization expert Lisa Woodruff of Organize365 also champions the flexibility of these solutions.

Features and Benefits:

• Customizable Heights and Configurations: Position shelves exactly where you need them, accommodating items of all sizes.
• Adaptable Storage: Easily reconfigure the shelving as your storage needs evolve.
• Maximizes Vertical Space: Utilize wall space from floor to ceiling, perfect for small laundry rooms.
• High Weight Capacity: When properly installed into wall studs, these systems can support substantial weight.
• Modular and Expandable: Start with a basic configuration and add components as needed over time.

Pros:

• Highly customizable heights and configurations
• Adaptable to changing storage needs
• Maximizes vertical wall space
• Supports substantial weight when properly installed
• Expandable over time

Cons:

• Visible tracks and hardware can appear less streamlined than built-in shelving.
• Requires secure mounting to wall studs.
• Shelf depth is limited by the strength of the brackets.
• Can have a more utilitarian or institutional aesthetic compared to built-ins.

Tips for Successful Implementation:

• Ceiling Clearance: Install the highest shelf at least 12 inches below the ceiling for easy access.
• Staggered Depths: Utilize varying shelf depths – deeper shelves at the bottom for bulkier items and shallower shelves at the top for smaller items.
• Solid Shelving Above Appliances: Use solid shelving (not wire) above the washer and dryer to prevent items from falling through.
• Specialized Components: Enhance functionality with specialized components like drying racks, valet rods, and hooks.

By carefully considering these laundry room shelving ideas and utilizing a wall-to-wall adjustable track system, you can transform a cluttered laundry room into an organized and efficient space.

8-Point Laundry Room Shelving Comparison

Ready to Reinvent Your Laundry Routine?

From open floating shelves to repurposed furniture and robust wall-to-wall adjustable track systems, this article has explored a variety of laundry room shelving ideas to inspire your organizational overhaul. We’ve seen how incorporating clever storage solutions, like vertical pull-out drawers or overhead racks, can maximize space, especially in smaller laundry rooms. The key takeaway is that choosing the right shelving for your needs depends on both the available space and your personal style. Whether you prefer the clean lines of built-in cabinet and shelf combinations or the rustic charm of industrial pipe shelving, thoughtful implementation of these laundry room shelving ideas can transform a chaotic space into a well-oiled, efficient hub. Mastering these organizational concepts not only streamlines your laundry process but also contributes to a more organized and peaceful home overall. By decluttering and optimizing your laundry room, you’ll free up time and mental energy to focus on the things that truly matter.

Ready to bring your dream laundry room to life? Explore LAMU’s wide selection of home organizers and storage solutions at LAMU to perfectly complement your chosen laundry room shelving and elevate your organization efforts to the next level. LAMU offers everything from stylish baskets and bins to innovative drawer dividers, helping you maximize the functionality of your new shelving system.