23 Narrow Laundry Room Ideas

A narrow laundry room can feel challenging to work with, but with the right ideas, it can become a functional and stylish space. Limited width doesn’t have to mean limited potential.

In fact, narrow laundry rooms often benefit from creative storage solutions, smart layouts, and compact furniture that can maximize every inch. From vertical storage to multi-functional furniture, each design choice can add to the room’s practicality and aesthetic appeal, transforming it into a more efficient, enjoyable part of your home.

In this guide, we’ll explore 23 clever ideas for narrow laundry rooms, each tailored to help you get the most out of a small space. Whether you’re looking to add under-cabinet lighting, a fold-out drying rack, or a compact sink, these solutions will ensure your narrow laundry room is optimized and organized.

23 Narrow Laundry Room Ideas For 2024

1. Vertical Storage Solutions with Multi-Level Shelving

One of the most effective ways to maximize space in a narrow laundry room is to build up, not out. Vertical storage allows you to use your wall space for items like detergents, cleaning supplies, and baskets.

Installing multiple shelves, especially above appliances or in empty wall spaces, keeps essentials accessible without cluttering the floor.

Tips for Vertical Storage

• Wall-mounted shelves: Place above the washer and dryer to keep detergent, softeners, and cleaning supplies within reach.
• Overhead cabinets with sliding doors: Great for storing bulkier items like spare towels, hampers, or large bottles of detergent.
• Adjustable shelving: Choose customizable options that let you vary shelf heights based on the items you store.

Benefits

By utilizing vertical storage, you keep the room organized and spacious. You’ll also free up floor space, making it easier to navigate.

2. Space-Saving Sliding Doors

Sliding doors and barn doors are ideal for narrow laundry rooms, as they eliminate the need for door clearance. Unlike traditional swing doors, sliding doors move along a track, preserving the limited square footage.

This can make it easier to access the laundry room without a door encroaching on valuable workspace.

Sliding Door Ideas

• Glass sliding doors: Use frosted glass to keep your laundry room visually open while adding privacy.
• Modern barn doors: Available in wood, metal, or composite, barn doors add a unique design touch and can match both modern and rustic styles.
• Pocket doors: If possible, pocket doors slide into the wall itself, creating a seamless entry and exit.

Benefits

Sliding doors save on space and give a sleek look to narrow rooms, offering better access and flexibility for placement of other storage elements.

3. Stackable Washer and Dryer

A stackable washer and dryer set is perfect for narrow laundry rooms, as it frees up floor space by placing appliances vertically.

Many modern stackable units also offer powerful performance without sacrificing capacity, making them a practical choice for compact laundry areas.

Stackable Appliance Tips

• Choose front-loading models to use the surface on top as additional storage or a folding station.
• Go for energy-efficient units: Many stackable washers and dryers are also energy-saving, helping to reduce utility costs.

Benefits

Stacked units allow you to incorporate other storage solutions, like a folding station or pull-out shelving, in the same limited space.

4. Fold-Down Ironing Board

A fold-down ironing board attached to the wall or inside a cabinet is a convenient solution for narrow laundry rooms.

This space-saving feature folds up flat when not in use, keeping your laundry room streamlined and free of extra furniture.

Installing a Fold-Down Ironing Board

• Place near electrical outlets for easy access to an iron.
• Built-in cabinets can house the ironing board, keeping it hidden when folded.

Benefits

Having an ironing board on hand without taking up floor space adds functionality to the laundry room, giving you everything you need for garment care in one place.

5. Under-Cabinet LED Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting brings a practical and aesthetic boost to narrow laundry rooms, especially if they lack natural light.

LED strip lights or puck lights illuminate countertops and work surfaces, making it easier to sort, fold, and handle laundry.

Lighting Tips

• Install motion-sensor LED lights for convenience, especially in smaller spaces where reaching for switches can be inconvenient.
• Dimmable lights: Opt for dimmable LEDs to adjust the brightness based on your needs and preferences.

Benefits

Under-cabinet lighting not only brightens the room but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. It enhances visibility, which is especially helpful in a windowless or dimly lit laundry room.

6. Slimline Appliances

When every inch counts, slimline appliances can make a big difference. These appliances are designed to fit into compact spaces without compromising on power or performance, making them ideal for narrow laundry rooms.

Choosing Slimline Appliances

• Look for models that are 24 inches or less in width.
• Consider a compact washer and dryer combo unit if you’re especially tight on space.

Benefits

Slimline appliances free up space for other organizational elements, such as storage cabinets or a drying station, making the laundry room more functional overall.

7. Pull-Out Hampers

Pull-out hampers make sorting and storing dirty laundry easy without adding clutter.

Built into cabinets, these hampers can slide out when needed and be tucked away when not in use, keeping your laundry room clean and tidy.

Pull-Out Hamper Options

• Dual-bin hampers: Use separate bins to sort lights and darks immediately.
• Under-counter installation: Great for small rooms as they utilize vertical space within a cabinet.

Benefits

With pull-out hampers, you keep laundry hidden, organized, and easily accessible, making the room feel more spacious and less cluttered.

8. Custom Built-Ins for Tight Spaces

Custom built-ins allow you to utilize every inch of your narrow laundry room, creating cabinets, shelves, and nooks that fit perfectly within the room’s dimensions.

From housing appliances to organizing laundry essentials, custom-built furniture can transform your laundry room into a streamlined and efficient space.

Built-In Ideas

• Install cabinets above the washer and dryer for bulk storage.
• Add small pull-out drawers for storing smaller items like detergent pods or dryer sheets.
• Consider a built-in drying rack that can pull out when needed and retract when not in use.

Benefits

Built-ins provide a seamless look while maximizing storage, creating a clutter-free, organized space tailored to your needs.

9. Pegboard Wall for Hanging Accessories

A pegboard wall is a versatile and customizable option for organizing tools and accessories.

It’s ideal for hanging lint rollers, scissors, brushes, and other laundry tools that you want easy access to without crowding the counter.

Pegboard Setup Ideas

• Use hooks, bins, and baskets on the pegboard for storing small items.
• Arrange items by frequency of use, with commonly used tools at eye level.

Benefits

Pegboards offer flexibility and visual appeal, allowing you to rearrange items as needed, keeping everything accessible without taking up floor or counter space.

10. Fold-Out Drying Rack

A fold-out drying rack offers a way to air-dry clothes without occupying permanent space. Mounted on the wall, this drying rack can fold flat when not in use and extend when needed.

Choosing a Drying Rack

• Opt for wood or metal finishes to match your laundry room’s style.
• Place it near a window or fan for quicker drying.

Benefits

This rack allows you to dry delicates without the need for a bulky drying stand, making it perfect for small, narrow laundry rooms.

11. Rolling Utility Cart for Extra Storage

A rolling utility cart is a portable, flexible storage solution that can hold detergents, fabric softeners, and other supplies.

You can move it around as needed and tuck it away when not in use, which is perfect for small, narrow laundry spaces.

Utility Cart Ideas

• Three-tiered slim carts fit neatly between appliances or along walls.
• Choose carts with wheels that lock in place for stability.

Benefits

Rolling carts offer convenient storage that you can adapt to your needs, making it easy to organize and relocate supplies as necessary.

12. Murphy-Style Drop-Down Table

A Murphy-style drop-down table can transform your narrow laundry room into a functional workspace.

These tables fold up against the wall when not in use, saving space while providing a convenient folding or sorting station.

Installation Tips

• Mount near the washer and dryer for quick access.
• Ensure it’s strong enough to support folding laundry.

Benefits

A Murphy table combines functionality with space-saving convenience, allowing you to keep the room clear when the table isn’t in use.

13. Hooks and Racks for Wall Organization

Adding hooks and racks to the walls of a narrow laundry room is a simple way to store items off the floor.

Hang hooks for laundry bags, cleaning tools, or clothes hangers to keep everything within reach.

Tips for Using Hooks and Racks

• Use sturdy hooks for heavier items.
• Position hooks near the door or washer for easy access.

Benefits

Wall hooks free up floor and counter space while keeping essentials organized and accessible.

14. Compact Sink for Hand-Washing and Quick Cleanups

Adding a compact sink to a narrow laundry room is a great way to make hand-washing clothes and small cleanup tasks easy without taking up much space.

Opt for a smaller basin or corner sink to fit within tight areas while still offering functionality.

Compact Sink Tips

• Corner placement: Installing the sink in a corner can save space and keep other areas open for storage.
• Deep basin design: A deeper basin can make washing easier without requiring a lot of horizontal space.

Benefits

A compact sink provides extra convenience without crowding the area, making it a valuable addition to a narrow laundry room.

15. Corner Shelves for Unused Space

Corner shelves utilize space that often goes unused in narrow rooms. These shelves can store smaller items like detergents, fabric softeners, or decorative accents to personalize the space.

Ideas for Corner Shelves

• Floating corner shelves: These offer a modern, streamlined look and work well in tight spaces.
• Stackable options: If the room allows, stack two or three corner shelves for additional storage.

Benefits

Corner shelves make use of awkward areas and keep items organized without taking up floor space, adding both style and functionality.

16. Bright Color Scheme for an Open, Airy Feel

Choosing a bright color scheme can make a narrow laundry room feel more open and inviting. Light colors reflect natural or artificial light, making the space appear larger and more welcoming.

Color Scheme Ideas

• Soft whites, light grays, or pastels: These colors brighten up the room and create a spacious feel.
• Aqua blue or sunny yellow accents: Adding pops of color with accessories or accent walls can give personality without overwhelming the room.

Benefits

Using a bright color palette visually expands the space, creating a cheerful, open atmosphere even in a small room.

17. Mirror Panels for Depth and Light Reflection

Adding mirror panels to a narrow laundry room is a clever way to create the illusion of more space. Mirrors reflect light and add depth, making even the smallest rooms feel larger and brighter.

Mirror Placement Ideas

• Cabinet doors or walls: Attach mirrors to cabinet fronts or walls to maximize light reflection.
• Full-length mirrors on sliding doors: If you have a sliding door, adding a mirror to it can serve both as decor and functional enhancement.

Benefits

Mirrors add sophistication, reflect light, and make the space appear larger, turning a narrow laundry room into a brighter, more comfortable area.

18. Open Shelving for Easy Access and Visual Interest

Open shelving is a practical and stylish option for narrow laundry rooms. It allows you to store and display items in a way that’s easily accessible and visually appealing, giving the room a sense of openness.

Open Shelf Ideas

• Wooden or metal shelves: Use sturdy materials that complement your laundry room’s style.
• Organize items in decorative baskets: This keeps items like detergents and cleaners neatly organized and adds a decorative touch.

Benefits

Open shelves keep essentials within reach while maintaining a clean, airy look. They help prevent the room from feeling cramped, as closed cabinets sometimes do.

19. Compact Folding Station for Convenience

A compact folding station provides a dedicated area to fold clothes without requiring extra space.

Folding stations can be incorporated into countertops above appliances or set up as a small foldable table that can be stored away when not in use.

Compact Folding Station Ideas

• Countertop folding space: Place above the washer and dryer for a built-in look.
• Pull-out or fold-down table: Use a wall-mounted table that can fold away to save space.

Benefits

This station lets you handle laundry more efficiently without crowding the room, keeping the flow of tasks smooth and organized.

20. Decorative Baskets for Organized Storage

Decorative baskets offer storage while adding a touch of style to the laundry room. They’re great for organizing loose items, such as cleaning supplies, small towels, or laundry pods, making the room look tidy and cohesive.

Tips for Using Decorative Baskets

• Label baskets to make finding items easier.
• Place on open shelves or countertops for easy access.

Benefits

Using decorative baskets brings a sense of order to the room and can match or enhance your design aesthetic, making a narrow laundry room both functional and visually appealing.

21. Overhead Cabinets for Additional Storage

Overhead cabinets maximize storage in narrow laundry rooms by utilizing wall space above the appliances.

These cabinets keep items neatly stored away, out of sight, creating a clean and polished look.

Overhead Cabinet Ideas

• Cabinets above the washer and dryer: Ideal for storing less frequently used items or bulk supplies.
• Glass-front cabinets: Provide visibility to what’s inside, making items easier to locate.

Benefits

Overhead cabinets save floor space and reduce visible clutter, giving your narrow laundry room a more spacious and organized appearance.

22. Wall-Mounted Drying Rack for Air Drying

A wall-mounted drying rack is perfect for narrow laundry rooms, offering a dedicated spot to air-dry delicate items without taking up floor space.

These racks can fold flat against the wall when not in use and are available in various sizes to fit your room’s dimensions.

Wall-Mounted Drying Rack Ideas

• Accordion-style racks: These racks can expand when needed and retract against the wall when not in use.
• Hooks for hangers: Add hooks to the wall to hang clothes directly on hangers if space is very limited.

Benefits

This drying solution is ideal for small spaces, keeping the room organized and functional while allowing air drying without a bulky drying rack.

23. Portable Laundry Cart for Extra Storage and Flexibility

A portable laundry cart is a versatile addition to a narrow laundry room, providing extra storage that you can move around as needed.

These carts often come with multiple shelves or drawers to store laundry supplies, folded clothes, or cleaning products. When not in use, you can simply roll it out of the way.

Portable Laundry Cart Ideas

• Three-tiered cart with wheels: Perfect for storing items like detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets.
• Slim, compact design: Look for a narrow cart that fits between the washer and dryer or against a wall without taking up much space.

Benefits

A portable cart keeps frequently used items within reach, and you can easily reposition it to create more space when needed.

This addition enhances both the functionality and organization of a narrow laundry room, making tasks quicker and easier.

Final Thoughts on Narrow Laundry Room Design

A narrow laundry room doesn’t have to feel cramped or limiting. By incorporating smart storage solutions, multi-functional furniture, and efficient organization techniques, you can create a functional workspace that’s both practical and stylish.

The right combination of storage ideas, color schemes, and compact appliances will transform even the smallest laundry rooms into spaces that are enjoyable to use.