DIY Small Laundry Room Makeovers: Creative Solutions on a Budget

Is your small laundry room making you feel boxed in?

I know the struggle – I’ve been there too. However, I learned that a tight space doesn’t mean giving up on function or style.

With some smart planning and budget-friendly ideas, I’ll show you how your compact laundry area can work better than ever.

I’ve tested many solutions in small laundry spaces, and I’m excited to share what really works.

Together, we’ll look at practical ways to add storage in unexpected spots, set up smooth workflows, and bring in personal touches – all without spending too much.

I’ve focused on simple fixes that make a big difference, using materials that won’t strain your budget.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll have clear steps to make your small laundry room both useful and appealing. Ready to get started?

Budget-Friendly Laundry Room Makeover: Step-by-Step Guide

Tools and Materials Needed

Tools/Materials	Purpose	Estimated Cost
Wallpaper (Gold Print)	Adds decorative patterns to the walls	$25 – $40 per roll
Wallpaper (Faux Brick)	Used as a backsplash design	$20 – $35 per roll
Stud Finder	Locates studs in walls for secure mounting	$10 – $15
Screws and Screwdriver/Drill	Secures bracket boards to the walls	$5 (screws) / $20+ (drill)
Level or Leveling App	Ensures the brackets are level	Free (app) / $10+ (level)
Bracket Boards	Holds the countertop over the washer/dryer	$10 – $15 each
Countertop Boards	Creates a functional surface above appliances	$15 – $20 each
Saw (Chop Saw or Jig Saw)	Cuts boards to the correct length	$20 (rental or basic model)
Wood Stain (Gray Toned)	Colors countertop boards for a natural look	$10 – $15
Wood Glue	Bonds boards and secures the countertop	$5 – $7
Wood Filler	Fills gaps between boards for a seamless look	$5 – $8
Vac Mop	Cleans floors before final setup	$50 – $80
Cat Litter Box Enclosure	Hides the litter box for aesthetic appeal	$50 – $75
Decorative Items (Baskets, Plants, Rugs, etc.)	Adds texture, warmth, and style	$5 – $30 each

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 Prepare the Space

Clear out all items from the laundry room to start with a blank slate.
Wipe down all surfaces, especially around and on top of appliances.

Step 2 Apply Wallpaper

Gold Print Wallpaper: Start with the main wall. Carefully align the wallpaper strips. Since it’s thin, working with a partner may make it easier to avoid crumpling.
Faux Brick Wallpaper: Apply it as a “backsplash” along the wall behind the countertop area. The thicker material makes application easier.

Step 3 Install the Countertop Brackets

Use a stud finder to locate wall studs, then screw the bracket boards securely into the wall.
Ensure each bracket is level using a traditional level or a leveling app.

Step 4 Create and Place the Countertop

Measure and cut two boards to fit across the top of the washer and dryer.
Apply a layer of wood stain to the boards, opting for a cool-toned, natural color.
Once dry, position the boards side by side on the wall brackets.
Apply wood glue between the two boards to join them into a single surface. Fill any visible gaps with wood filler.

Step 5 Set Up the Cat Litter Box Enclosure

Assemble and place the litter box enclosure. This will hide the litter box and contribute to the room’s aesthetics.

Step 6 Decorate and Organize

Arrange various storage baskets and glass jars, and add plants to create a cozy and functional space.
Layer rugs near the washer and dryer for warmth, and finish with any additional touches to make the room inviting.

Creative Ideas for Small Laundry Room

1. Wall-Mounted Drying Rack

A fold-down drying rack mounted on your wall offers a smart way to handle laundry in small spaces.

When not in use, it sits flat against the wall, taking up minimal space. When you need to dry clothes, simply pull it out, and you have instant drying space that doesn’t crowd your floor area.

Quick installation with basic tools and wall anchors
Perfect for delicate clothes that can’t go in the dryer
Costs less than buying a standing rack

2. Pull-Out Ironing Board

A hidden ironing board that slides into your wall or cabinet makes tight spaces convenient.

This compact solution means you’ll always have an ironing spot when needed without giving up precious floor space.

Fits neatly into a cabinet or wall cavity
Ideal for quick clothing touch-ups
Can be mounted at your preferred height

3. Stackable Washer and Dryer

Putting your washer and dryer in a vertical arrangement instantly doubles your available floor space.

This setup lets you use the same spot for two machines, opening up space for other needs. It’s a tried-and-true method for small laundry rooms that work well in any home.

Creates space for extra storage below or beside units
Works with most modern washer-dryer pairs
Needs proper securing to ensure safety

4. Over-the-Door Storage

The back of your laundry room door offers valuable storage space that often goes unused.

Adding an over-the-door organizer turns this empty surface into useful storage for supplies and tools. It’s an easy fix that requires no permanent changes to your space.

Holds cleaning supplies, dryer sheets, and small tools
Takes minutes to set up, with no tools needed
Keeps supplies visible and within reach

5. Wall Cabinets

Adding cabinets above your washer and dryer puts idle wall space to good use. This addition keeps your cleaning supplies out of sight while staying within easy reach.

Wall cabinets come in various sizes and styles to match your budget, making them a practical choice for any small laundry room setup.

Keeps supplies hidden but easily accessible
Provides dust-free storage for cleaning items
Can be found at budget prices at many home stores

6. Floating Shelves

Open shelves give you quick access to daily laundry needs without the bulk of full cabinets.

These simple additions work well for storing items you often use, and they’re one of the most cost-effective ways to add storage to your room.

Takes less space than full cabinets
Simple to install with basic tools
Works well for items you need to grab quickly

7. Hanging Rod

A simple rod between cabinets or across a wall section creates a spot for handling clothes straight from the dryer.

This basic addition saves time in your laundry routine and helps prevent wrinkles. It’s especially useful for work clothes and items that need to be hung right away.

Helps clothes stay wrinkle-free
Makes sorting and organizing easier
Can handle several items at once

8. Sliding Baskets

Pull-out baskets offer a smooth way to handle laundry sorting in tight spaces.

These units slide in and out like drawers, letting you tuck away dirty clothes or supplies when not needed. They fit nicely under counters or corners, making the most of spots that might otherwise go to waste.

Keeps laundry sorted and hidden
Rolls out smoothly when needed
Fits well in unused spaces

9. Pegboard Organizer

A pegboard wall adds flexible storage that you can change as your needs shift. This simple board with movable hooks lets you put supplies exactly where you want them.

It’s an easy way to keep cleaning tools, brushes, and other items visible and ready to use. Plus, you can update the layout anytime without making new wall holes.

Changes layout easily as needs change
Keeps tools visible and easy to grab
Works with many types of hooks and holders

10. Rolling Cart

A slim cart that fits between your washer and dryer turns unused space into valuable storage.

These narrow carts roll out when you need supplies and tuck away neatly when you don’t. The wheels make it simple to pull out for cleaning behind appliances too.

Perfect for small gaps between machines
Moves easily when cleaning
Holds lots of supplies in a tiny space

11. Custom Labels

Labels turn your laundry room into an easy-to-use space. Put them on bins, boxes, and bottles to know what’s what at a quick look.

This simple fix helps keep everything where it belongs and makes cleanup faster. When the whole family knows where things go, keeping the space tidy becomes much easier.

Speeds up finding what you need
Helps maintain order
Makes cleanup quick and simple

12. Shoe Organizer for Cleaning Supplies

A clear pocket shoe organizer on your door becomes the perfect storage for cleaning supplies. Each pocket holds spray bottles, brushes, sponges, or other small items that often clutter counters.

The clear pockets make it easy to spot what you need, and the vertical design uses space that usually goes empty.

Works great for small cleaning items
Shows all supplies at a glance
Uses empty door space wisely

13. Corner Shelf Unit

Those tricky corner spots in your laundry room can become useful storage with the right shelving unit. Corner shelves fit snugly where regular cabinets won’t, making the most of every inch.

They work well for storing items of different sizes, from detergent bottles to small supplies.

Uses often-wasted corner space
Fits items of various sizes
Makes supplies easy to see and reach

14. Under-Sink Storage Rack

Turn the space under your laundry sink into organized storage with a rack system.

These units work around pipes while giving you spots for cleaning supplies and tools. A good rack helps you use every bit of space without things getting lost in the back.

Works with existing plumbing
Keeps items visible and in order
Stops things from getting buried in back

15. Compact Foldable Table

A wall-mounted table that folds down gives you a work surface only when you need it.

When you’re done folding clothes, it folds flat against the wall, keeping your floor clear. This simple addition makes folding clothes easier without occupying your room’s permanent space.

Opens quickly when you need to fold clothes
Takes up zero floor space when folded
Strong enough to handle laundry tasks

16. Customized Drawer Dividers

To sort small items, add simple dividers to your drawers. Cut-to-fit dividers help organize everything from clothespins to spare buttons.

This setup prevents items from mixing together and makes finding what you need quick and simple.

Keeps small items from getting mixed
Creates sections for different items
Makes finding things quick and easy

17. Vertical Ironing Board Storage

Storing your ironing board vertically on the wall saves valuable floor space while keeping it within easy reach.

This setup works well in any small laundry room and makes ironing less of a hassle. The right mounting system keeps your board secure and ready to use.

Keeps the ironing board off the floor
Makes the board easy to grab when needed
Includes space for iron storage, too

Budget-Smart Laundry Room Updates

Paint Makes Perfect: Use leftover wall paint to refresh the space. A clean, bright color makes the room feel new without buying much.
Dollar Store Solutions: Find baskets, bins, and cleaning tools at discount stores. They work just as well as fancy options.
DIY Storage: Build simple wooden shelves with basic boards and brackets. It costs less than buying ready-made units.
Repurpose What You Have: Turn old jars into supply holders. Use boxes as drawer dividers. Make labels from paper you already own
Smart Shopping: Buy organizing items during sales. Check second-hand stores for baskets. Look for multi-use items that serve several purposes.
No-Cost Fixes: Sort supplies into groups you already own. Move furniture you have to make better use of space. Clean thoroughly to make everything work better.
Simple Swaps: Replace bulky storage with slim options. Use clear containers to see what’s inside. Switch to space-saving hangers.

Conclusion

After sharing all these storage ideas, I can tell you that a small laundry room doesn’t limit your options. The best part? You can start making these changes today with items you might already have at home.

I’ve watched many small spaces turn into well-planned rooms that work better than larger ones.

The key is picking solutions that fit your needs and budget. Start with one small change – maybe adding door storage or sorting supplies into bins you own.

Ready to begin? Pick your favorite idea and try it this weekend. I’d love to hear how these tips work in your space.

Share your before-and-after photos, or tell us about your own clever storage solutions in the comments below. Your ideas might help other readers, too!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Make My Small Laundry Room Look Bigger?

Paint the walls in light shades, add bright lighting, and hang a mirror. These simple changes help the room feel open and airy.

What Are Some Cost-Effective Ways to Improve Storage?

Make your own shelves, use items you already have at home, and add door organizers. These fixes work well without spending much money.

Is It Difficult to Install a Wall-Mounted Drying Rack?

Most drying racks come with clear setup guides. You’ll need basic tools like a drill and screwdriver. It’s a simple project most people can handle.

How Do I Deal with Limited Ventilation in a Small Laundry Room?

Use a small fan, keep the door open while washing, and wipe down damp surfaces. Good airflow stops mold and keeps the room fresh.

Can I Stack My Washer and Dryer to Save Space?

Check your machine’s manual first. Many modern washers and dryers can stack with a special kit. Make sure to secure them properly.