Discover 12 stylish laundry room ideas with open shelving. Create a fresh, functional space with modern shelves, clever storage, beautiful baskets, and creative layouts to simplify laundry day and elevate your home.
Introduction
Looking to breathe new life into your laundry routine? These laundry room ideas with open shelving combine good looks with serious function. Whether your laundry is a whole room or a tiny closet, open shelving keeps essentials at your fingertips, transforms blank walls into display zones, and makes even dull chores feel a little more stylish. In this guide, you’ll find fresh, practical approaches to shelving—plus clever tips on styling, storage, and DIY upgrades that make laundry time brighter and easier.
12 Stylish Laundry Room Ideas with Open Shelving
1. Floating Shelves Above Washer & Dryer
Maximize vertical real estate by installing floating shelves just above your machines.
- Perfect for storing detergent, cleaning tools, and baskets
- Style in white, wood, or black to suit your vibe
- Easy to install DIY or with simple brackets
Floating shelves keep supplies close and add a light, open feel, even in laundry closets.
2. Counter Over the Machines
Turn unused space into a folding or sorting surface by adding a shelf or counter just above your washer and dryer.
- Try butcher block, laminate, or even painted plywood
- Use baskets below for hidden storage
- Make it removable if your machines are stacked
This set-up creates instant counter space and extra spots for pretty bins or decorative jars.
3. Run Shelving Around the Room
Create a “belt” of continuous shelving along one or more walls to maximize storage.
- Line shelves at the same height for a cohesive look
- Store towels, supplies, or decorative canisters
- Keep less-used items up high, daily things at eye level
Shelving that wraps around the room can make even the busiest spaces feel organized and intentional.
4. Metal Shelving for a Crisp, Clean Finish
Metal shelves are durable, modern, and easy to clean—perfect for a hard-working space.
- Match your machines with powder-coated shelves
- Stand-alone or wall-mounted options
- Add clear or white bins for a sleek, streamlined effect
Metal shelves help bounce light and give your laundry area a crisp, utility-inspired vibe.
5. Matching Baskets for Chic Organization
Unify the look of your shelves with matching baskets, bins, or boxes.
- Use rattan, cloth, or plastic—whatever fits your style
- Label each for sorting towels, cleaning supplies, and seasonal items
- Stack in groups for a tidy, magazine-ready look
Basket systems keep open shelves from feeling cluttered and add cozy texture to sterile rooms.
6. Wallpaper or Backsplash for Contrast
Make open shelves pop by backing them with wallpaper, tile, or painted color blocks.
- Pick a bold print or classic subway tile
- Accent shelves with art, vases, or fun jars
- Changes the feel from “storage” to “decor focus”
This idea adds instant style and helps make laundry a place you actually want to be.
7. Hanging Bar with Shelves
Pair open shelving with a bar underneath for hanging shirts, sweaters, or delicates.
- Great for air-drying and organizing
- Combine with high shelves for baskets and cleaning tools
- Use S-hooks for extra hanging spots
Useful for busy laundry days—and ideal for anyone who irons or line-dries often.
8. Built-In Shelf Niches
Create built-in “niches” by carving shelves between cabinets, along blank walls, or in underused corners.
- Paint shelves the same color as your walls for seamless flow
- Use for decorative jars, lost-and-found bins, or a plant
- Makes use of odd-shaped spaces beautifully
Custom-fit shelves can transform awkward nooks into highlight zones without taking up extra floor space.
9. Decorative Open Shelf (Not Just for Storage)
Install a single decorative shelf for art, family photos, or a beautiful jar of laundry pods.
- Use above the sink, near a window, or next to the door
- Keep clutter off—just use as a mood booster
- Change the display by season for fresh energy
Open shelves aren’t only about storage—they’re about personality and fun details.
10. Shelf Level Customization: High, Low & Eye-Level
Adjust the height and spacing of shelves to fit your storage needs.
- High shelves for bulk supplies and off-season decor
- Eye-level for daily detergents and bins
- Low shelves for kids’ baskets or pet supplies
Flexible layouts let you personalize for your unique laundry routines.
11. Minimalist Shelving with Clean Lines
For fans of simplicity, use minimalist open shelves—plain wood, single metal brackets, or crisp white lines.
- No visible hardware for a modern, airy look
- Keep shelves clear except for essentials
- Easy to clean and maintain
Less is often more—especially in small spaces or light-filled rooms.
12. Floating Corner or L-Shaped Shelves
Take advantage of every inch by placing floating shelves in corners or as an L-shape above appliances.
- Stores hard-to-fit items like jugs, tall vases, or cleaning gear
- Maximize narrow laundry closets or odd-shaped laundry spaces
- Pair with hanging plants for a special touch
Corner shelves are space-saving and make laundry rooms both practical and inviting.
Quick Table: Open Shelving Styles at a Glance
| Shelving Style | Best For | Vibe | Storage Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floating Shelves | Any laundry room | Modern & airy | Detergents, baskets |
| Metal Shelving | Industrial or modern homes | Sleek & durable | Bins, cleaning gear |
| Built-in Niches | Small or custom spaces | Seamless look | Jars, art, lost & found |
| Matching Baskets | Family-friendly spaces | Cozy & organized | Towels, supplies |
| Corner Shelves | Narrow rooms, apartments | Space-saving | Tall bottles, decor |
Extra Value Sections
Budget & DIY Tips
- Use inexpensive MDF boards painted in your favorite color for DIY shelves
- Hit up thrift stores for baskets, jars, or vintage shelf brackets
- Add removable wallpaper or decals behind shelves for a trendy look that’s easy to change
- Repurpose old shelves from closets or bookcases for zero-cost upgrades
- For renters, try tension-rod shelves or non-permanent bracket systems
Maintenance & Safety Advice
- Use wall anchors for heavy shelves—especially above machines
- Store liquids or detergents in lidded containers to avoid leaks
- Dust and wipe shelf surfaces weekly to prevent buildup
- Keep heavier items on lower shelves to avoid falls
Styling & Storage Suggestions
- Refresh shelf displays each season for new energy
- Use clear jars for powders, pods, or dryer sheets for a boutique style
- Store only what you need for a streamlined, calm space
- Combine shelves with hooks for extra utility (think: bags, cleaning cloths, hangers)
FAQs: Laundry Room Ideas with Open Shelving
Q1: How do open shelves compare to cabinets for laundry storage?
Open shelves offer easy access, better visibility, and more flexibility, while cabinets hide clutter but can make spaces feel closed in.
Q2: Can open shelving work in very small laundry spaces?
Yes! Floating shelves above machines or along one wall maximize tiny rooms and keep things organized.
Q3: How do I keep open shelves from looking messy?
Use matching baskets or bins and limit what’s displayed—less is more for a tidy impression.
Q4: Are floating shelves sturdy enough for heavy detergents?
With proper installation (wall studs/anchors), floating shelves can support most laundry needs, but test weight limits for safety.
Q5: How often should I declutter laundry shelves?
Do a quick tidy every month—return, donate, or toss anything you don’t regularly use.
Conclusion
These 12 stylish laundry room ideas with open shelving prove that practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of beauty. Mix and match floating shelves, baskets, and special styling touches to create a laundry space that’s both organized and inviting. Whether you’re tackling a total reno or just refreshing one wall, open shelving gives your laundry routine the lift— and look—it deserves. Try an idea or two and spark new joy in wash day!
