A laundry room might not be the showstopper of your home, but it can be the unsung hero of daily life. With the right upgrades, it becomes more than a utility space—it becomes a place that makes chores easier, more efficient, and even stylish. Whether you’re dealing with a small closet setup or a spacious basement corner, a few smart additions can dramatically improve how your space looks and functions. Here are 12 laundry room upgrades that take your space from basic to beautifully practical.
1. Built-In Countertop Over Machines
According to The Spruce, a built-in countertop over your washer and dryer isn’t just a clever use of space—it’s also a buyer favorite. It creates an instant folding station, helps corral clutter, and looks much more polished than leaving your appliances exposed. If you choose a butcher block or quartz slab, it adds warmth or a touch of luxe to the room. Plus, the flat surface can double as a staging area for pre-treating stains or sorting delicates.
This upgrade is especially helpful in smaller laundry rooms where space is at a premium. Without a dedicated folding zone, clothes often end up piled on the couch or bed. A simple slab of wood can completely change your laundry flow. It’s DIY-friendly too, if you’re handy with a drill and level.
2. Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
As noted by Better Homes & Gardens, functional vertical space is key in laundry room design, and a fold-out drying rack is a classic example. These racks fold flat against the wall when not in use and pop out when you need to air-dry delicates. They keep your floor clear and eliminate the need for those bulky drying racks that never seem to fold quite right. Plus, they add visual interest to otherwise bare walls.
This addition is perfect for anyone who wants to preserve clothes by skipping the dryer occasionally. You can even find modern designs that look like minimalist artwork when folded up. Pair one with a nearby hook or towel bar to maximize utility. Bonus: drying clothes this way can save energy and extend fabric life.
3. Sink with a Deep Basin
House Beautiful also notes that a utility sink in the laundry room is one of those features that homeowners appreciate more than they expect. Whether it’s for rinsing muddy boots or soaking stained garments, a deep basin sink saves you from sacrificing your kitchen or bathroom space. Choose a stainless-steel or porcelain model for durability and easy cleanup. This addition feels especially useful in homes with kids, pets, or a penchant for messy hobbies.
Even better, sinks with an integrated washboard or high-arc faucet make tasks even easier. It’s also great for cleaning up paintbrushes or potting soil when your laundry space does double duty as a hobby room. Installing a small cabinet underneath can help you stash extra cleaning products out of sight. It’s a feature you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
4. Open Shelving
Open shelving, as featured in Martha Stewart, brings a modern, airy feel to laundry rooms—especially when styled with purpose. You can store laundry supplies in matching jars or baskets, add a few plants, and suddenly you have a Pinterest-worthy space. Shelves are also more flexible than cabinets, letting you adjust what you display based on your needs. And they’re often cheaper and easier to install.
This is a perfect solution for narrow or awkwardly shaped rooms where bulky cabinetry just won’t fit. You’ll be surprised how much you can store on just a couple of shelves. Use one for detergents and dryer sheets, and another for décor or even folded towels. It’s a small change that delivers both storage and personality.
5. Pull-Out Hamper Drawers
Hidden hamper drawers give your laundry room a clean, streamlined look while still keeping dirty clothes under control. These drawers work like regular cabinet pull-outs, but they’re built to hold baskets or canvas bags. This setup encourages sorting as you go—light, dark, towels—so laundry day starts off halfway done. Plus, it keeps clothes off the floor and out of sight.
It’s especially helpful in shared family spaces or mudrooms where laundry gear can get unruly fast. You can install single or double pull-outs, depending on how much room you have. If you’re custom-building cabinets, this is a must-add feature. It’s organization and design working together.
6. Overhead Cabinets with Task Lighting
Adding upper cabinets with built-in lighting gives your laundry room that “custom” feel instantly. It creates enclosed storage for clutter-prone items like bleach, bulk detergent, and cleaning supplies. The task lighting underneath makes it easier to spot stains, read labels, and find that one missing sock. It’s both a functional and aesthetic improvement.
Opt for cabinets that match the rest of your home’s style for a cohesive look. Shaker-style doors work well in almost every setting. And if you’re tight on space, consider narrower cabinets with lift-up doors to save room. Little luxuries like this make the space feel thoughtful.
7. Statement Tile Backsplash
A fun backsplash brings unexpected flair to a laundry room—and tile is practical for easy wipe-downs. Choose bold colors or graphic patterns to inject personality into a space that’s often overlooked. You don’t need a lot of square footage to make a visual impact. Just a strip of tile behind the machines or sink can change the whole vibe.
Peel-and-stick tiles are great for renters or budget-conscious DIYers. Or go luxe with hand-painted Moroccan tiles if you’re splurging. Either way, you’re adding a “wow” moment to a room that’s typically all function, no flash. Bonus points if your tile ties into other colors in your home.
8. Built-In Ironing Center
Forget dragging out the rickety ironing board—built-in ironing centers are sleek and surprisingly space-saving. They typically mount between studs and fold out like a cabinet door. Some even include lights, outlets, and dedicated storage for starch and sprays. It’s a game-changer for people who iron often or want a tidier solution.
This is an ideal upgrade for anyone short on floor space or with a multi-use laundry/mudroom combo. It blends right into your cabinetry or wall design. You can choose wood tones or white panels to match your room’s look. Best of all, it keeps the board out of sight when not in use.
9. Rolling Laundry Cart
A narrow rolling cart—especially one with three tiers—can hold everything from detergent to dryer balls without hogging cabinet space. It tucks easily between the washer and dryer or into a corner. Choose one with wheels so you can roll it in and out as needed. Look for metal or plastic versions that can handle moisture and heat.
This is perfect for renters or small-space dwellers who need flexible storage. It’s also great if you like to keep daily-use items out but still tidy. You can designate tiers for wash, dry, and delicate supplies. It’s surprisingly chic when styled right.
10. Wallpaper or Paint Accent Wall
Sometimes the biggest impact comes from a can of paint or a roll of wallpaper. An accent wall in a deep navy, sage green, or even floral print can instantly make your laundry room feel intentional. It’s an easy way to introduce style without redoing the entire space. And because laundry rooms are often small, one wall is all you need.
This is a weekend project with a big payoff. Try peel-and-stick wallpaper for a renter-friendly version. Even a half-wall treatment with wainscoting and color on top can feel elevated. Make the space a place you actually enjoy spending time in.
11. Over-the-Door Organizer
When space is tight, an over-the-door organizer can hold everything from stain sticks to spare socks. These typically hang on the back of the laundry room door and include multiple pouches or shelves. It’s an excellent solution for households with limited cabinetry. And it helps reduce visual clutter by keeping smaller items tucked out of sight.
Choose clear pockets if you want to see everything at a glance. Or go with canvas for a cleaner aesthetic. You’ll be amazed how much you can store in a small footprint. It’s proof that smart design doesn’t have to be expensive.
12. Laundry Sorter with Wheels
A 3-bag rolling laundry sorter is one of the most practical tools for managing laundry before it piles up. Each bag can be designated for a different wash type, making laundry day more efficient. Wheels make it easy to move the sorter around or bring it closer to where laundry actually happens. Plus, they’re easy to tuck away when not in use.
Some even come with a top shelf for folding or storing detergent. Choose canvas bags with removable liners for easy washing. This is especially helpful for families or roommates with multiple laundry needs. It’s a small investment that adds major efficiency to your routine.
