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How to Make a Cluttered Laundry Room Look Classy and Organized

A functional laundry makeover starts with measurements and task zones. Learn how to choose an appliance layout, add vertical storage, decide between open shelves and cabinets, plan a folding counter, and finish the room with coordinated details.

By ThatPainter Team 18 October 2026
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A polished laundry room starts with function: clear the floor, measure the machines and pathways, assign every supply a home, and only then choose cabinets, shelving, colors, and labels. That order prevents a common makeover mistake—buying attractive storage that blocks a door, covers a vent, or leaves detergent and baskets without a practical place.

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Start with the room’s real jobs

Before moving anything, write down what must happen in the space. A laundry area may need to hold sorting, washing, drying, air-drying, folding, stain treatment, ironing, and putting clothes away. It may also contain cleaning products, a vacuum, paper goods, pet supplies, or household tools. A classy result is not an empty room; it is a room where each activity has a clear zone and the things used every day are easy to reach.

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Interior designer Zoe Feldman, quoted by Livingetc on April 24, 2022, puts the priority plainly: “Functionality is the most important aspect when designing a laundry room.” Use that principle as the test for every decorative decision. If a basket looks good but cannot be pulled out without moving the washer door, it is not good storage.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Homhedy Farmhouse Bathroom Storage Cabinet with Doors, Small Floor Cabinet
  • Ample Storage Space: This storage cabinet includes a farmhouse classic open space and a cabinet with barn doors. This bathroom storage cabinet is ideal for storing toilet paper, aromatherapy products, and other small bathroom essentials, making your bathroom space tidier and allowing you to enjoy a comfortable home life.
  • Farmhouse Style: Decorated with a black metal crossbar, this storage cabinet adds a touch of industrial accent to your home decor. It will make your home a charming and chic place to stay.
  • Adjustable height: The inner shelf of the small cabinet can be adjusted up and down according to the sizes of the items. Three height options are available for your convenience.
  • Sturdy and Safe: This freestanding cabinet is constructed from MDF and features metal accessories. The cabinet door is equipped with a magnetic device for easy opening and closing. For added safety, the included anti-tip kit secures the cabinet to the wall, providing a secure living space.
  • Easy Assembly: With all necessary hardware and clear instructions included, you can easily assemble this bathroom shelving unit in just a few steps, saving you from the hassle of complicated assembly processes.

Clear, sort, and edit before buying storage

  1. Empty the room. Remove supplies, baskets, loose hangers, and items that migrated from other rooms. Clean dust and lint from floors, baseboards, and the tops of machines.
  2. Sort by task. Make groups for washing, stain treatment, drying and hanging, folding, cleaning, and items that belong elsewhere.
  3. Discard responsibly. Dispose of empty containers and products that are dried out or expired according to the label and local rules. Do not combine leftover cleaners.
  4. Measure what remains. The amount of storage you need depends on the supplies you actually use, not on an aspirational shopping list.

Keep one temporary box for undecided items. If it is still untouched after the room is working, relocate it rather than designing permanent storage around it.

Measure appliances, clearances, and pathways first

Measure the washer and dryer individually: width, height, depth, door swing, control location, hose and duct positions, and the space needed to pull each machine out for service. Measure the room’s width, height, and depth, plus door openings, windows, trim, vents, floor drains, outlets, water connections, and the walking route into the room.

Check the installation manual for the exact models before ordering shelves, cabinets, a counter, or a stacking kit. Whirlpool’s sizing guidance says to leave clearance for connections and ventilation and gives about six inches behind a washer and dryer as a typical planning allowance. That is a general example, not a universal installation specification; the manufacturer’s instructions for your machines take priority.

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Whirlpool describes dedicated laundry rooms as typically measuring 40 to 80 square feet. Treat that as a description of common room sizes, not a minimum requirement. A smaller room can work when the appliance arrangement, door swing, ventilation, and storage plan are compatible.

Rank #2
Sale
Iwell 66.9" Tall Bathroom Storage Cabinet with 2 Doors & 1 Drawer
  • 【Perfect for Tight Spaces】It is 67" tall so is a great vertical storage solution, while taking very little floor space. Measuring just 15.7"L x 11.8"D at the base, it easily fits into narrow nooks. With 6 hidden shelves and a spacious drawer(store all your movies, CDs, photos) , this cabinet provides plenty of some eye level storage.
  • 【Scenario Multipurpose】Use it as a pantry cabinet in the kitchen to store smaller appliances, dishes, cups, glasses and cans, the drawer is just the rite size for spices and silverware. As a bathroom cabinet, it fits perfectly behind the door or beside your toilet for holding toiletries, medicine, towels, shower gel. Plus, it can also fit for small area at the end of the hallway as a bookcase or fit it for laundry room.
  • 【Adjustable Shelves】With adjustable shelves featured inside, this bathroom cabinet can effortlessly accommodate items of varying sizes. You can customize the storage according to your preference, keeping tall/large items alongside smaller ones for easy access.
  • 【Safety for Your Home】Built with high-quality particleboard, which is durable and not easy to deform, ensuring long time use. Plus, our cabinet can handle up to 25lb per shelf and it comes with anchor hardware to prevent tipping over or accidents.
  • 【Easy To Assemble】Our package comes with accurately labeled parts and large schematic drawings that clearly demonstrate the assembly process. All the essential structural hardware had extra pieces, in case you’re missing any.

Record a simple measurement schedule

  • Room width at floor level and at counter height.
  • Clear height from finished floor to ceiling and to any soffit.
  • Appliance width, height, depth, and required service gaps.
  • Distance from the front of each machine to the opposite wall or door.
  • Location and height of outlets, water valves, drain, vent, and gas connection if applicable.
  • Width of the entry door and the path needed to bring a replacement machine inside.

Choose the appliance layout that fits the room

Do not choose between side-by-side, stacked, or combination equipment by appearance alone. Compare measured width and height, connection and ventilation requirements, access to controls and doors, and the counter and storage space left after installation.

Configuration What it can make possible What to verify
Side-by-side machines A continuous work surface above the pair and convenient access to both doors Total width, door swing, rear clearances, control visibility, and whether a counter can be safely supported without contacting the machines
Stacked washer and dryer More open floor width and the possibility of wall storage or a folding surface beside the tower Model compatibility, approved stacking hardware, total height, ceiling clearance, vibration, and reachable controls
Washer-dryer combination One appliance footprint, potentially freeing floor or wall area Model-specific ventilation or drainage needs, cycle capacity, door access, and service clearances

Whirlpool notes that stacking a pair can free wall space for storage or a countertop that doubles as a folding station. That is general manufacturer guidance, not a promise of a specific space gain. A layout works only when the exact machines and room dimensions support it.

Can you put a counter over the washer and dryer?

Often, a counter can sit above side-by-side front-load machines, creating a useful folding station. It must remain level, leave the machines’ required ventilation and service access, and avoid pressing on the appliances or interfering with detergent drawers, controls, lids, or doors. Top-load machines may need opening clearance that makes a full-width counter impractical.

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Confirm the counter depth against the machines and the wall. Check how the surface will be supported, where it can be removed for service, and whether the room’s moisture conditions call for a water-resistant material. If the configuration cannot provide safe clearance, use a narrower folding shelf on an adjacent wall or a freestanding surface instead.

Rank #3
OKZEST Slim Laundry Room Organization Cart with Upgraded Metal Hub Casters
  • Designed for Narrow Space or Gap: Our 4-tier slim storage cart is designed to fit perfectly in tight spaces such as between the washer and dryer, between fridge and cabinet, beside stove/oven, next to toilet, between vanity and wall, or other awkward nooks in your home.
  • What Items Fit Best: Perfectly built for laundry supplies—holds detergent bottle, dryer sheet, laundry pod, fabric softener, and cleaning disinfectant. Fits all spice jars perfectly and has it right by the stove, pure convenience! Or store canned goods, bottled drinks, oils, and pantry overflow between fridge & cabinet. In bathroom, take quick access to toiletries, hand soap, extra towels, and toilet paper. Or even craft, office supplies.
  • Durable & Rust-Resistant: Made of premium alloy steel with powder coating for rust resistance. Mesh shelves allow airflow and prevent water buildup even in humid bathroom. Heightened diamond-pattern guardrails keeps items from falling off.
  • Easy to Move & Set Up: Equipped with 4 high-quality 360° swivel casters(Better wheel quality than alternatives) and an ergonomic handle, the rolling cart easily glides in and out of small space. Clear part numbers and easy-to-follow instructions make assembly a breeze.
  • Chic Wood-Metal Blend: Light natural wood tone top meets gloss white alloy steel frame for a crisp, modern industrial look that brightens your home effortlessly.

Assign storage by frequency and task

Give the most-used products the easiest reach. Detergent, stain remover, dryer balls, and a daily hamper should not require a step stool or a deep cabinet search. Less-frequent items—seasonal linens, backup supplies, or specialty tools—can occupy higher shelves or closed cabinets.

Use vertical wall space

Wall-mounted laundry shelving uses height instead of valuable floor area. The Home Depot’s laundry-storage guidance notes that a shelf above the appliances can also serve as a folding station. Keep the appliance controls, doors, vents, and service access unobstructed, and anchor shelving to suitable wall structure according to the hardware instructions.

Create a sorting zone

Place two or three labeled laundry sorting baskets where clothing is dropped off, not where it merely looks symmetrical. Labels such as “lights,” “darks,” and “delicates” work when they match your actual routine. If floor space is tight, use a vertical sorter, pull-out hampers, or baskets on a sturdy shelf that can be removed without unloading the entire cabinet.

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Contain small supplies

Use lidded containers or bins for clips, mesh wash bags, clothespins, and stain-treatment tools. Keep original product instructions and warnings available, and never transfer chemicals into food containers. A shallow tray can corral bottles so a spill is easier to clean.

Rank #4
Sauder Select Storage Cabinet/ Pantry cabinets, White finish
  • SOLVE YOUR STORAGE NEEDS WITH STYLE – This double-door storage cabinet offers four adjustable shelves, providing customizable storage options for your home office, pantry, or craft room
  • ADJUSTABLE SHELVES FOR VERSATILITY – Easily store items of varying heights and widths, from pantry essentials to craft supplies, ensuring everything has its place
  • IDEAL FOR MULTIPLE ROOMS – Perfect for the living room or utility room, this cabinet helps you maintain an organized and functional space wherever you need it
  • ELEGANT WHITE FINISH - Finished in a bright and neutral White, this cabinet complements any decor style, adding a touch of modern elegance to your home
  • BUILT TO LAST - Crafted for durability, this cabinet features smooth operation and easy assembly, making it a reliable addition to your home

Open shelves or closed cabinets?

The right choice depends on how much visual calm you want, how often supplies are used, how easily you can clean the surfaces, and how much wall space is available.

Storage type Best fit Trade-off
Open shelving Frequently used products, baskets, folded towels, and a room where quick visibility matters Contents remain visible and collect dust or lint, so matching containers and regular editing matter
Closed cabinetry A calmer appearance, mixed-size supplies, or products you want hidden from view Doors require clearance and add a step to every retrieval; deep cabinets can hide items

A mixed approach is often practical: closed doors for backup chemicals and household overflow, with one open shelf for daily detergent and a basket for active laundry. Keep heavy items low and ensure children and pets cannot access hazardous products.

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Plan a folding and hanging station

A work surface is useful only if the room still has comfortable passage in front of it. Measure the standing clearance with doors open and baskets pulled out. A counter above side-by-side machines may be enough; a separate narrow shelf can handle folding when a full counter would crowd the room.

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For air-drying, add a wall-mounted rail, retractable line, or a few hooks where garments will not block the door or vent. Keep hangers together in one visible container. If you iron or steam clothes, reserve a safe location for the appliance and allow it to cool before storage.

Best Value
Sale
Homhedy Farmhouse Bathroom Storage Cabinet with Doors, Small Floor Cabinet
  • Ample Storage Space: This storage cabinet includes a farmhouse classic open space and a cabinet with barn doors. This bathroom storage cabinet is ideal for storing toilet paper, aromatherapy products, and other small bathroom essentials, making your bathroom space tidier and allowing you to enjoy a comfortable home life.
  • Farmhouse Style: Decorated with a black metal crossbar, this storage cabinet adds a touch of industrial accent to your home decor. It will make your home a charming and chic place to stay.
  • Adjustable height: The inner shelf of the small cabinet can be adjusted up and down according to the sizes of the items. Three height options are available for your convenience.
  • Sturdy and Safe: This freestanding cabinet is constructed from MDF and features metal accessories. The cabinet door is equipped with a magnetic device for easy opening and closing. For added safety, the included anti-tip kit secures the cabinet to the wall, providing a secure living space.
  • Easy Assembly: With all necessary hardware and clear instructions included, you can easily assemble this bathroom shelving unit in just a few steps, saving you from the hassle of complicated assembly processes.

Make the finishes look intentional

Once the functional plan is fixed, coordinate the visible elements. Choose one main finish for cabinets or shelves, one accent color for baskets and labels, and hardware that repeats across doors and hooks. Light, moisture-tolerant paint can make a compact room feel brighter, but finish selection should follow the surface manufacturer’s instructions and the room’s ventilation.

Use matching bins only where they improve access. Uniform containers on an open shelf create visual calm, while a mixture of baskets may be more useful for irregular items. Keep labels short, high-contrast, and placed where they can be read without pulling every bin down.

A practical makeover sequence

  1. Photograph and measure the empty room. Capture connections, vents, doors, and appliance labels before moving anything back.
  2. Choose the appliance arrangement. Test side-by-side, stacked, or combination options against the measured width, height, clearances, and service path.
  3. Mark storage zones with painter’s tape. Outline the proposed shelf, cabinet, counter, hamper, and hanging areas on the wall and floor.
  4. Check every movement. Open appliance doors, cabinet doors, hampers, and the entry door at the same time. Walk through with a full basket.
  5. Install or place durable storage. Follow the shelf, cabinet, counter, and appliance instructions; do not cover vents or connections.
  6. Load by frequency. Put daily products at comfortable reach, occasional supplies higher or behind doors, and heavy items low.
  7. Add visual details last. Apply labels, matching containers, hooks, and artwork only after the room functions for a full laundry cycle.

Small-room tactics that preserve access

  • Use the wall above the machines rather than narrowing the walkway with extra floor cabinets.
  • Choose shallow shelves for daily supplies and reserve deep storage for items that can be pulled out fully.
  • Use a single tall cabinet for backup stock instead of several mismatched pieces.
  • Replace free-standing baskets with stackable or pull-out units when floor width is the constraint.
  • Keep a clear service path so a machine can be disconnected and moved without dismantling the entire room.
  • Use the back of a door for lightweight hooks or a slim organizer only when it does not strike the machines or block ventilation.

Safety and installation cautions

General makeover advice cannot determine the electrical, plumbing, gas, venting, structural, or local-code requirements for a particular installation. Use the exact appliance manuals and, when the work affects utilities or structural support, a qualified professional. Do not treat a typical six-inch rear allowance as permission to reduce the clearance specified for your model.

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Keep detergents, bleach, pods, and other chemicals in their original labeled containers. Store them where children and pets cannot reach them, and keep products separated as directed on their labels. Clean lint regularly, maintain the dryer vent as recommended for your equipment, and leave access to shutoff valves and service panels.

Keep the room classy after the makeover

Set a short reset routine: return detergent to its tray, place empty baskets back in their zone, remove stray hangers, and wipe the folding surface after use. Once a month, review backup supplies and relocate anything that has accumulated without a defined job. A small, consistent reset prevents the room from reverting to a storage dump and lets the finishes remain visible.

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