Having a utility cart in your home is helpful for every occasion. Whether you need an extra surface in your kitchen, or an easily movable "crafting trolley for kids" a utility cart makes your life more mobile and often more organised. We've used countless different carts in our quest to find the best, and here is our favourite list!

Roll your way to success!

I never knew I needed a rolling utility cart until I started getting into creative arts. Having my tools on a cart that can move from 3D printer to 3D printer makes every part of working in my workshop easier. I especially like the Alvorog 3-tier rolling cart as it has the little cups that hang from the side, as well as dividers to keep my tools organized.

Why trust us?

At Real Homes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Great laundry room ideas can make all the difference to what can be a loathsome task. Whether it's professional attire, school uniforms or a sports kit, we all have to wash clothes daily or weekly, depending on our work and social schedules.

It's a tough nut to crack, but staying on top of those never-ceasing wash pile mountains is easier done when you've got a stylish set up to keep your space in check. 

Stacks of ironing just aren't a good look, and since most of us have to dedicate a fair amount of time to doing laundry, it makes sense to keep your utility area looking as fresh as your washing loads, right?

If you have a separate laundry room, complete with the best washing machine around, there are lots of things you can do in the way of adding design interest and organized functionality. But fear not if you don't. Even a small scheme can work hard at looking good and staying true to its purpose, helping you to keep those cotton-fresh scents coming and your laundry room decor ideas styled and as beautiful as ever.

Laundry room ideas for seamless style and function

Create a, dare we say, blissful environment replete with laundry room storage ideas and clever decor tricks. Keeping the workspace looking good and shipshape will make doing laundry much more enjoyable, and who doesn't want that?

Experts at Persilconcur: 'Regular laundry is essential for your household, and a clean, well-organized laundry room will make the task a whole lot easier.'

Transform your lackluster laundry room from messy to immaculate with easy laundry room organization ideas, clever configurations and pro styling tips that will scrub up and refresh how you use and see your space. Yep, you'll be able to tackle the mud, without the sweat and tears!

1. Make use of every last inch of space

Let your laundry room reach new heights (quite literally) by optimizing the space you have to store clothes, detergents, pegs and more by making the most of recessed walls and tall ceilings.

The shelves within this alcove idea allow for framed art and other home accessories to create a cozy atmosphere. Because let's face it, no one really enjoys cleaning, so you'll want to make the environment feel as hospitable as possible. The airer suspended from the ceiling, will make your room feel taller and is a great place to hang tea towels too.

2. Highlight your wash day assets with LED strip lights

Laundry rooms aren't known for being the most fashionable of rooms, but if you want to remove the frumpy feel of this room – modernize your laundromat with a sultry lighting idea to create an ambient mood.

Though it looks super expensive, you can DIY the job by buying strip lighting on Amazon and fitting it yourself. Choose warm bulbs and dark decor (we love the walnut wood and matt black wall paint) to create a beautiful contrast that has a midcentury modern touch. With its chic and sophisticated, gender neutral look, this is bound to break the boundaries of 'blue and pink' household chores.

Show off your best eco-friendly laundry detergents and display the best bath towels for a spa-like space you'll want to show off to guests.

And, if you've got the room to play with, the adjacent walk-in closet idea is a must for fashionistas who like functionality. 

3. Squeeze a comprehensive setup into cupboards

Ideas for small laundry rooms don't have to be sub-par, so if you've got an itsy-bitsy space – think outside the box. Contrary to what you might think, laundry rooms aren't just for lavish houses with wealthy inhabitants in the sticks. So if you're looking for a laundry room idea that'll look good in urban dwellings, make use of your cupboard space.

'Our client wanted to hide all the appliances in their compact city kitchen. The cleaning cupboard has been designed with every detail in mind.' says Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder of Sims Hilditch.

By utilizing the broom cupboard, and strategically stacking a washing machine and tumble dryer, everything is tucked away tidily in the resident's cooking space. A recipe for success, we think you'll agree?

4. Go wild with wallpaper

It might sound counter-intuative to introduce a wallpaper idea in a place where water and wet objects are present, but done carefully it can add atmosphere and interest to your laundry room.

If you are concerned that your beautiful wall covered will get ruined, considering using products designed for the bathroom or areas with high humidity. A peel and stick wallpaper is a renter-friendly choice should you be blessed to have a designated laundry room in your rental.

We particularly love this on-trend, biophillic idea with palms and a pop of green. A budget way to refresh a tired laundry room quickly and cheaply. If the Entomological framed wall art bugs you out a bit, get the Miami beach look with this Tempaper adhesive wallpaper, available on Amazon. It'll look great with some pastel pink cabinets.

5. Create a calming coastal feel with nautical decor

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside, and we can bet you'd rather be by the coast than drowning in a sea of socks, pants and underwear. But if you can't go to the beach, bring the beach to you.

Wall paneling ideas are an instant way to bring coastal character to your clothes cleaning cabin, and when paired with a dark teal hue, is a 'shore' way to harbor that at-sea aesthetic.

The Harbor Small Sideboard by Dunelm is the an idyllic place to store clothes, and reinforces the nautical theme without going overboard with cheese. The Louvre doors had that beach hut/cabin vibe, while also adding an ayr of rustic charm with distressed edge detail. 

6. Introduce Shaker-style details into the mix

Shaker-style decor isn't exclusively reserved for the kitchen. So if you want to add a sophisticated touch to your space, this is one laundry room idea that washes with us.

When thinking about laundry room paint color ideas, navy can add a dramatic atmosphere to your laundry, while brass fixtures are bound to make it feel classic and expensive too. Elevate the look by introducing faux marble counter to create a – dare we say it – glamorous feel!

7. Go shabby-chic with clashing prints, colors and textures

Bring your laundry room to life with a lived-in feel that feels authentic. Because if we're being realistic, a proper cleaning space isn't spic and span all the time, so by embracing clashing hues, different textures and motifs, you don't have to stress about a perfectly matching ensemble of coordinating items.

This modern traditional setup is a beautiful example of a laundry room that has organically evolved. The floral and French laundry baskets add a classic feel, while painting a wooden table is super easy to DIY, if you know how to paint furniture.

8. Separate lights and darks with a unique system

Everyone has their preferred laundry ritual – we’re certainly not going to dispute! But to get the most out of this dedicated space, you need to group and order with ease.

To do this, incorporate a mix of drawers, cupboards, and open shelves to store laundry essentials at all levels, maximizing functionality whilst making the same look seamless.

Shown here, are dedicated pull-out bins to separate washing colors, not only getting garments ready for action (avoiding ‘accidental’ color dyes) but lending a charming accent feature with a nod of country charm. 

9. Elevate your utilitarian space with decorative tiles

Turn basic into beautiful with a hardworking floor and wall tiles to give your laundry space a creative update. From eye-catching patterns on glossy tiled splashback features to meandering pathways with splash-resistant floor tiles, pave the way to your dream aesthetic with a tile shape, material, and finish to suit all.  

If you rent or are looking for a quick, budget-friendly update that requires minimal effort, try a creative peel and stick tile from the likes of Tileclub wall in a dry area for a fun new look!

Going for conventional concrete tile? Learn how to tile a wall so you can splash out a bit more on your favorite design and save on labor costs.

10. Luxe up laundry days with contemporary details

Spin your laundry space into a sophisticated haven with designer-inspired touches. Nod to the coolest kitchen backsplash ideas with smart subway tiles that tick all the boxes for style and practicality also.

Keep things airy and bright with open-shelving to make a functional yet attractive display of sustainable small storage solutions, like glass storage jars for washing powders and woven baskets for folded linens. And for a final touch that helps define the space, frame white goods with contrasting cabinets.

11. Incorporate a pet bed for a dose of puppy therapy 

It’s no fun doing the laundry alone. Why not enlist the company of your favorite four-legged friend whilst boosting your laundry room’s efficiency by converting a cupboard into a cozy nook for furballs to curl up in? You never know, you might even be able to prevent muddy paws from marking their territory throughout the main home! Note that you may want to opt for a quiet washing machine to not disturb their zzzs!

Simon Bodsworth, MD at Daval says: ‘Given that pet ownership is higher than ever before, taking a more considered approach with dedicated storage space, integrated pet stations and durable materials that can withstand heavy use, yet remain beautiful is going to be essential.’ 

He continues: ‘Fresh design concepts like the 'bootility room' and perfect combo mudroom laundry ideas are helping to retain the social aspects of open living by minimizing noise from laundry appliances and preventing dirt and debris coming into the main areas of the home.’ 

12. Install white goods above ground level 

Washing machines and dryers are big and bulky by nature, so consider the best integrated washing machines and opt for other laundry room appliances that can be into built-in cupboards to free up precious floor space, making room for more useful additions like a portable ironing station and clothes dryers. It's all about getting clever with what you do have.

Julia Steadman, commercial director, Brandt Design comments: ‘Creating space is essential in the home these days with the kitchen becoming all rooms to all people. Having to accommodate both practical and social aspects of modern life is key and so finding new ways to maintain high functionality yet keep noise levels to a minimum has given the laundry and utility room new focus.’

She continues: ‘Taking the time to do a ‘laundry audit’ is highly recommended, as this will give you a better idea of how much laundry is being done each week and how it is currently managed to ensure your new utility room can fully support your needs.’ 

13. Work out the best location for your laundry room

Laundry rooms are the workhorse of the home and a noisy one at that! The size of the household will ultimately determine the weekly laundry mountains, so it’s important to establish what’s going to be the most time-efficient scenario. 

‘Graeme Smith, head of retail and commercial design at Life Kitchens comments: ‘To work out the best location for a utility room think of what function you are going to use the space for,'

'A utility room could be located towards the center of the house and not too far from the bedrooms as most of your washing will come from these. With the acoustics of appliances running in mind, you may alternatively wish to locate it away from a room where you entertain and socialize.

'On the other hand, a utility room often contains many items that we need at hand on a daily basis, so having this close to your cooking and food preparation area is handy as you’ll be able to easily access things you’ll need quickly.’

14. Create hanging space for air drying and ironed clothes

One of the most practical laundry room ideas is creating hanging space to keep newly pressed threads crease-free as you iron or to air-dry freshly laundered pieces.

All you need are simple tension rods easily found at Amazon et voila! Create a flexible shelving system that serves all of your requirements. Learning how to dry clothes without a dryer will help you to save energy at home, lower energy bills and enjoy longer-lasting clothes, as well as being kinder to the planet – win-win!

15. Get crafty with DIY counter space

Fancy dabbling in a spot of DIY? Add extra workspace by creating a tabletop for your washer and dryer using simple plywood sheets which can be bought online at Amazon. 

Alternatively, learn how to put up a shelf with brackets. Or, if you don't fancy all the work involved, you could introduce a deep shelving idea to make extra workspace. 

16. Hang a clothes airer on the wall or ceiling

Clothes racks are beyond useful additions to bedrooms and laundry rooms alike, but if you don't have so much space available, choose a wall-mounted drying or hanging version to make the most of that precious square footage. Check out this clothes airer from UK brand Garden Trading which has a nifty shelf for even more storage and hooks for must-have laundry accessories – think lint rollers and the like.

17. Stick to a storage theme

Sticking with a particular style for your laundry room will make it look and feel tidier, which, in turn, will probably make laundry chores much more enjoyable. 

Mix utilitarian laundry staples boasting nostalgic appeal (yes that's you tin canisters, glass storage jars, and wire mesh caddies), with natural materials on cabinets for a country-inspired scheme, full of character and texture. 

18. Label stackable storage baskets

Restore order in your laundry space with baskets and storage with labels. Stackable baskets with in-built, wipe-clean labels look really neat in any space, big or small; plus, they will make a daily laundry room sweep far easier if you know which compartment to add items to.

Create labels by using the Scotch thermal laminator (available on Amazon) with card to make the tickets waterproof, or invest in a label machine, like a Cricut Joy, which is occasionally on offer on Amazon, for uber professional results.

19. Store products in glass containers

There's nothing worse than feeling like you're trapped in a laundry room, rummaging through messy cupboards to find what you're looking for. So save the washing powder spills and stresses by displaying your products proudly in glass and acrylic vessels. Here, we love how the clear containers look against the textured grey walls.

Blending functionality with style, you'll be able to access the best cleaning products with ease and efficiency. Cinderella who? When you're not housing flowers, fill your fishbowls with pegs, and use kitchen canisters (like these on Amazon) with a scoop to display laundry detergent and washing pods. Always keep them out of reach of your little ones on a top-shelf.

See-through accessories will also make the room appear bigger and airier. You could go one step further and buy eco-friendly detergent loose from a bulk store. You'll be making an eco-friendly choice, save on all that recycling and reduce your carbon footprint.

Or why not look into investing in eco-friendly detergents (that also come in pretty packaging we may add) like KINN Living's laundry collection?

Sophie Barrow, Co-Owner of KINN, explains, 'When you switch to using a natural laundry product that doesn't use these ingredients you're already not only improving the quality of your own home environment by not breathing in those chemicals but you're also stopping these harsher ingredients from washing down our drains and into our waters.'

20. Add a console or bookshelf

Add extra storage by simply bringing in a bookcase, cabinet or console table if the laundry room space permits. 

Or if floor space is at a premium, you could hang a wall cabinet or try a shelf to store the laundry clutter and feature your most Pinterest-perfect laundry accessories.

21. Make space for a laundry sink

If your space permits, a laundry room sink is a really useful addition to dedicate to washing delicate items by hand or pre-soaking stains or soiled items. If space is at a premium, a corner sink might be just the ticket.

22. Opt for an industrial look

Using open shelving such as String Furniture's shelving system, can create an industrial look with stainless steel surfaces, shelving hooks for hanging accessories, and clean white accents such as tiles and appliances.

The modular nature of this furniture means that you can add or take away shelves to suit the growth or minimalism of your space.

23. Use wall hooks to hang laundry bags

Nowhere to hang clutter like laundry bags and accessories like towels? Follow IKEA's lead and add wall hooks that will fit in even the smallest area of wall space. 

Create a regimented line of hooks or make more of a feature with an irregular positioning and an odd number of hooks.

24. Add laundry bins with wheels

Create built-in spaces beside your washer for laundry bins with wheels – making lugging heavy laundry baskets a thing of the past. Bins will also hide a multitude of sins because they take a large quantity of washing, so there'll be no messy laundry overspill coming up to laundry day.

25. Keep things clean with white

Keeping your laundry room decor pared back will give the illusion of a larger space and it'll feel tidier too. 

Whitewash the walls, use white subway tiling and add to the simplicity with natural basics and accessories.

Peter Erlandsson, co-owner of String Furniture explains, 'To make your utility feel larger, there is an age-old doctrine of using light colors on walls to make your home look bigger.' 

26. Create laundry space in a kitchen

No room for a laundry room? Dedicate a space in your kitchen for your laundry baskets and accessories, either by clearing out a cupboard or adding a kitchen trolley solution on wheels. 

A cart can be wheeled over to your washer when needed and stored away the rest of the time. Add in some of the best indoor houseplants to get it a familiar vibe that fits in with the rest of the kitchen scheme.

27. Create a feature wall to add interest

Thinking of redecorating your laundry room? Add extra interest by creating a feature wall with a dramatic paint color or for a more practical option go for stylish tiles as a backsplash. 

28. Paint a simple wall design with tape

If you're going to redecorate your laundry room, why not be brave and adopt a creative approach to your repainting? Give painting with tape a whirl, in a bold design to zhuzh up a dull backdrop, or try out this washi tape idea.

29. Store laundry room clutter behind a sliding door

If you don't have a laundry room, why not use sleek fitted sliding storage in your bathroom or kitchen to store laundry clutter and stack a washer and your tumble dryer? 

The shelving will be useful for folding and will also hide stress mess – all you need to do is slide the door closed...

30. Create a laundry station in a powder room

With careful planning, the best washer dryer can be accommodated without giving up too much floor space. You could incorporate a small laundry space in a powder room, closet or even an en-suite bathroom. We also like the tall shelves that draw the eye upwards, while making use of vertical space.

What should every laundry room have?

Laundry room essentials include: Detergent; bleach; dryer sheets; clothes dryers; small storage solution; stain and odor removers; sewing and mending supplies; an iron station; towels; cleaning supplies - go eco wherever possible for a mindful approach that's kinder to you, your home, and the planet. 

Kim Emery aka @clippercityhouse, advises: ‘The best ideas for a laundry room in addition to the obvious washer and dryer are upper and lower cabinets for storage, a stylish utility sink, and space for hanging. You'll love a laundry room that is functional as well as beautiful!’

How do you set up a laundry room?

Create a functional space with a space-saving, stackable washer and dryer; open shelves for storing wash day essentials; laundry bins to separate colors; an ironing station; drying racks - either standing or wall or ceiling mounted; a utility sink; and task lighting. 

Matt Phillips, head of UK operations, Rotpunkt, comments: 'New and exciting design concepts, which are driving trends towards hardworking utility furniture like wall systems, multipurpose workstations and display cabinetry through to asymmetrical layouts and wall-hung solutions have a more ‘lifestyle’ vibe and design aesthetic,'

'For me, I find the ability to integrate appliances with the furniture is still an unexpected design concept for the typical homeowner: especially when you’re able to include multiple appliances in one tall housing unit.'

'Not only does this style of utility storage create a reactive laundry room able to conceal noise pollution and/or conflicting styles, but it also leaves more space to add-value through coordinated accessories and practical floor and wall storage.'

This was the laundry room in our farmhouse before we started demolition. Before we officially moved in, we replaced the flooring and baseboards and that’s about it. 

We have been using the existing cabinets and making them work for the past few months. But even after some TLC with the best paint for kitchen cabinets, they weren’t really looking that great, and I knew that I could make them more functional and beautiful.

The laundry room space to start:

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cost: $111

Time Spent: A weekend

Supplies used:

• ½”mdf 
• Beadboard 
• ⅝” trim 
• Crown molding 
• Square clamps 
• Jigsaw 
• Nail gun/brad nails 
• Caulk 
• Spackle 
• Hammer 
• Screwdriver/screws 
• Paint sprayer/paint 
• Tape 
• Plastic tarp

We removed the existing cabinets from the wall as well as the 1x4 cleat below them. We then rehung the cabinets about 6 inches lower. This will make them more accessible when reaching over the washer and dryer. 

Adding the 'faux' upper cabinets

I originally thought that painting the now lower cabinets would be enough but after DIY painting kitchen cabinets I discovered something that I should have done from the beginning. The gap between the cabinet and ceiling was too jarring and just didn't look right. I wanted to extend the cabinets to the ceiling. To do this, I needed to add a “faux cabinet” above the existing cabinet.  

I bought a piece of 2x4 ½” mdf from Home Depot and ripped it in half with my table saw. I cut the pieces to size in order to create a box to place above the cabinet. Actually, it was just a front and side piece secured together using wood glue and a few brad nails.

I also put a couple of pocket holes in the box where the studs in the ceiling joists would be.

I placed the box on top of the existing cabinets and secured using screws into the pocket holes and a piece of wood I attached to the box beforehand in order to secure it to the cabinet frame.

When the box was secure I got busy cutting beadboard to cover the box frame. I used brad nails to attach the beadboard. I used a ⅝” piece of trim on the cabinet to hide to gap between the new box and the existing cabinet. 

Installing the crown molding

This is the part where I got intimidated! I knew I wanted to attach crown molding to the top of the upper portion of the cabinet… The problem was, that I’ve never cut or installed crown molding. I actually watched quite a few YouTube videos and even bought a crown pro jig made by Kreg from Amazon to help me cut the molding. This was a lifesaver. It ensures that the molding is cut at the precise degree for the best possible fit. 

The most important part of all of this is filling nail holes and caulking all the edges and seams to make everything look clean and finished.

Spray painting the upper cabinets

With all the trim attached and caulked and nail holes filled, I taped off the existing cabinets (that I’d already painted) as well as the ceiling in order to spray the upper portion of cabinets. I used the Emerald urethane trim enamel from Sherwin Williams for the cabinets and this paint sprayer. I would definitely recommend not skimping on this step. Good paint will make all the difference and will be sure to last for a long time!

Adding finer decorative and functional detail

Another thing I’ll note is that I added small brass cabinet knobs and soft-close cabinet hinges to the cabinet doors.

I absolutely love these updated cabinets!! Adding the upper cabinet was definitely the right call and I’m glad I spent the extra time to do it. Not only are these more beautiful but I now have fully functional cabinets in this laundry room. 

The finished laundry room:

Project Cost Breakdown:

• MDF $20
• Trim/Molding $24
• Beadboard $22
• Paint $33
• Tape/plastic $12 (other misc.)

Total: $111

If you're at design stage and looking for inspiration from the best basement laundry room ideas, listen up. Because, although a laundry room is no doubt one of the most hardworking spaces in any home lucky enough to have the spare square footage for one – this space needs to work a little bit harder than you might think. 

That's because basement rooms are often windowless, they can be small and, more often than not, they have low ceilings. Making this work for all the functional and stylistic needs of a laundry room can be tricky, but that's not to say that you can't strike the perfect balance.

Darren Watts, Wren Kitchens Design Director says: 'There are a lot of great benefits of transforming your basement into a luxurious utility room. Not only does it promote organization for both your kitchen and laundry space, it hides away all those messy and noisy items. The basement space specifically is great for this because it diffuses the noise emitted by washing machines and tumble dryers and can keep these to a minimum. Having a laundry room in your basement also often means that you have more space to work with which gives you extra freedom when it comes to designing the space.'

How to make your basement laundry room pretty and practical

When it comes to designing a laundry room, the key is to strike the balance between the functional element and the aesthetics. 

From the positioning of your best washing machine to the tiles you choose, keep in mind how you can make your basement laundry room a place you'll want to be. Especially if you've got stacks of dirty laundry to wash, dry, and fold on a daily or weekly basis. 

To help you do just that, we've spoken to the experts, rounded up the best ideas and compiled everything you need to know when it comes to cleverly combining beautiful basement ideas with your laundry room. 

1.    Choose a natural color palette

Color is king when it comes to the hue of your basement cabinets and the same can be said for your walls too.

As Emma Bestley, Creative Partner for YesColours, explains 'If your laundry room has low ceilings, is in the basement or has a limited amount of natural sunlight, consider a light palette of warming neutrals or muted pastels. A softer yet refreshing scheme can really help to lift and lighten the space, making it feel much bigger and brighter.'

2. Place everything in a cupboard 

Cupboards and cabinets will prove to be invaluable when it comes to keeping your basement laundry room organized, functional and fun. So choose wisely. 

Al Bruce, Founder of Olive & Barr tells us: 'Maximising space is a critical part of planning and designing your ideal laundry room. 

'As well as an area for white goods and counter space for folding, you’ll also want to consider plenty of cupboard spaces for cleaning products, mops, brushes and a vacuum cleaner.'

3. Go upwards and add a ceiling air dryer 

If space allows, hang your clothes dryer on the ceiling. Not only does it make way for extra cupboard space (because you can never have too much storage) – but by choosing to keep things off the floor, it also creates the feeling of a bigger room. 

Bruce explains, 'Save on floor space with a ceiling air dryer that can be raised and lowered on a pulley system, erasing the need for bulky freestanding airers.'

4. Choose hardwearing surfaces

Durable surfaces are super important in any laundry room. Especially because your laundry room has to stand up to everyday dirt and grime, along with the wear and tear that comes with using your wash space on a weekly basis. 

As Darren Watts, Wren Kitchens Design Director explains, 'With the laundry room being such a hardworking place, it means that you should choose durable materials which can withstand the hustle and bustle of the space. 

'A great worktop surface for this is a luxury laminate or durable quartz. Likewise with flooring, choosing a durable yet easy to clean material is key in a laundry room.'

5. Invest in a deep sink

Many of the best basement laundry room ideas start with a big sink.

Watts says: 'Having a large, deep sink is ideal as it offers extra space to empty mop buckets or handwash your favorite top. Otherwise, let your imagination run wild!'

If space is at a premium, a corner laundry room sink might prove useful. While if space is no problem, opt for a Belfast or Butler style to make a slick statement.  

6. Be clever with lighting

Although your basement can make for the perfect laundry room, the bottom floor of any home can be lacking in light. Especially of the natural kind. 

So, if your basement laundry room is windowless, make use of clever lighting solutions by dotting sources of light around your space. Along with overhead lighting, you could also consider LED strips, spotlights or mirrors to help bounce light around your space. 

7. Max out on any height you do have 

We can't all be blessed with big laundry room basements. Nor can we all be blessed with laundry room basements that have vast amounts of height. However, if there's one thing all laundry room basements can house, it's cabinetry that makes use of every inch of space you've got. 

No matter how big or small your ceiling height is, invest in fitted cabinets that utilize the space, working with what you've got. That way, not only can you fit all your washing must-haves into your space, you can keep your mop, ironing board hidden. 

9. Make use of shelving 

Sometimes, the best ideas aren't the fanciest. They just do the job they've set out to achieve. And this shelving unit from IKEA is just what any laundry room basement ordered.

Stash laundry detergent on it, spruce it up with faux plants, and pile your freshly washed and dried linen on it. The options are endless and the results are indispensable.

10. Choose a built-in ironing board 

A built-in ironing board might just be the thing you never knew your basement laundry room needed. As well as being space-saving, having a built-in ironing board means you can also save on the height of your cupboards. 

Just remember, if you do decide to go down this route, choose a position where you will be happy ironing. As these built-in and foldable designs will be fixed in one place and set to a specific height too. 

How can I make my basement laundry room look nice? 

You might not think your basement laundry room can be just as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of your home. But with a few quick tricks, you can absolutely make it a space you love being in.
As Emma Bestley, Creative Partner for YesColours, says: 'Instead of treating your laundry room as an afterthought, give it as much attention as you would to any other room in the house.' 

'We have to spend a lot of time in one, so to help lighten the chore, brighten up your walls and cabinets with a color that you think rejuvenates and energizes you – that way you’ll always enjoy this small pocket of your home.' 

One of the best and easiest ways to do that? Accessorize. Whether it's baskets from Amazon, frames, candles, a rug or artificial plants – make sure you inject accessories and homewares into your space and only add pieces that bring you joy. 

Plus, if you are trying to make your basement laundry room look brighter and airy, pop a mirror up, add spotlights or fit under-the-counter LED strips as another source of light.

What do you put under a washer and dryer in the basement? 

If you're placing your washer and dryer in your basement, help lighten the load, reduce noise pollution and protect your flooring by ensuring your machines are level. 

Secondly, consider adding anti-vibration pads to the bottom of your machines. Even if your washer is level and is on one of the lowest spin settings, different cycles can cause your machine to rock and vibrate which in turn can cause high levels of noise in your home. However, these pads work by creating a buffer between your machine and your flooring.  

Thirdly, you could invest in a pedestal. A laundry pedestal gives your washer and dryer a 12-16-inch boost which can help encourage better ergonomics. It also keeps your machines off the floor and on a sturdy surface, which again can help prevent any water damage or wear and tear to your flooring.

Do you dream of having a dedicated space to get your whites and darks on? Whether it's a standalone utility nook nestled beyond the kitchen or a cozy under the stairs setup, get creative and think outside of the closet when it comes to small laundry room ideas. Contrary to what you might think, you don't need to have tons of space to realize your laundry room of dreams.

Nailing the perfect laundry room idea does take some thought, especially when space is limited. How should the white goods be laid out? How can we make the best use of space to maximize functionality whilst utilizing off-the-floor storage solutions? How should we organize our space to create a zen den that's also pleasing to the eye?

Small laundry room ideas that bubble-up on space

Becky Martin, interior design leader at IKEA says, 'Homes come in a whole range of wonderful shapes and sizes, and sometimes spaces can seem too small or awkward to make full use of. But with clever space-saving ideas, the dream of having a laundry room can become a reality, even in small spaces.'

There are in fact tons of ways to banish your laundry and all its paraphernalia to even the tightest of closets. Don't believe us? Just keep reading...

1. Utilize storage on every level with integrated storage solutions

Make every inch count in your small space with laundry room storage ideas that free up precious floor area for ironing and drying. Include built-in cubby holes for shoes (if your space doubles up as a combo mudroom laundry space); caddies, baskets, and storage jars on the counter for smaller washroom essentials, and an integrated rail to hang freshly pressed shirts above the counter. Install a handy rail on a cupboard to hang towels or cloths. 

In a nutshell, Integrated storage solutions will make the best use of space, keeping all wash day essentials on hand but safely out of reach from pets and young children.

2. Brighten up a small, windowless space with patterned wallpaper

No natural light? No problem. Breathe fresh air into your small laundry space with a modern, nature-inspired wallpaper design, that blossoms playful pattern and color. If you’re renting and after an easy DIY update, try Chasing Paper's fun and innovative peel-and-stick wallpaper designs, for added flexibility. 

Elizabeth Rees, co-founder, Chasing Paper, comments: ‘One of my favorite ways to make a laundry room look thoughtful and design-forward is by installing peel-and-stick wallpaper! In a matter of hours, you can simply peel, stick and adhere the panels (without an interior designer or contractor) for a huge impact.’

She continues: ‘If the space is small and has no windows, try using a subtle, light-colored print to brighten up the space without the need of natural light.’ 

3. Try a space-saving pull out ironing board

Max out functionality and storage space with a fold-out ironing board and pull-out drawers. This over-the-door ironing board, from Honey-Can-Do, is a compact solution that saves you wrestling with a freestanding design every time you want to wrangle it out of storage. 

Kim Emery, owner and designer, Clipper City House, advises: ‘Add a drawer pull-out ironing board. A space-saving drawer organizer is so functional in a small laundry room. Pull it out when it's in use and put it away when you're done.’

4. Create a bijoux space with fitted furniture

Luxury kitchen designers Brandt Design advise: ‘Fitted furniture is definitely your best solution if working with a more compact arrangement, as it allows you to integrate a range of appliances and custom storage options to suit the space in question like the elevated laundry combo, as pictured. 

‘By choosing a Shaker-inspired furniture range, Brandt has created depth in this galley-style kitchen and its choice of rich mid-gray cabinetry adds a timeless quality that is accentuated by the natural daylight and well-considered task lighting.’

5. Max out natural daylight with a window or skylight

By design, laundry rooms often don’t include a window and are prone to being stuffy, humid, and cramped spaces. If feasible, installing a window or skylight to flood your space with natural daylight, whilst allowing fresh air to ventilate, is a practical small utility room idea that will save money on energy bills.

6. Go for a wall dryer

Utilize wall space and free-up floor space with a versatile wall dryer that will help you reduce your carbon footprint whilst saving money on electricity bills. Organize a laundry room like an expert and choose a design that features different height options, and folds flat after use to conserve space. 

Prevent any clumsy tripping over freestanding models, and introduce a permanent solution for laundry, not to mention an environmentally friendly alternative to using the tumble dryer, with Pulley Maid’s selection of wooden drying racks and clothes airers.

7. Transform even the tiniest of spaces into a small laundry room

The alcove/niche/cabinet you can fit a laundry room into can be super narrow if you only want to house a washer and dryer.

'Start by thinking about lesser-used corners that you could re-purpose, like hallway closets and any space under the stairs, which are perfect to get organized and keep all your cleaning and laundry solutions in one place.' Becky Martin explains.

'Using modular, wall-mounted storage like IKEA’s BOAXEL system gives ultimate flexibility for shelves, baskets and even hanging clothes to dry, and can be used under sloping ceilings, so you can use every available area.'

A great small laundry room idea is to pack all your storage on the wall above your washing machine so you don't take up any of the limited floor space. Add a curtain to hide all that clutter.

8. Put a small laundry room under the stairs

The space below the stairs in the hallway is usually a decent enough size to house at least a washing machine and perhaps even a condensing dryer, too. 

Maximize the space with a small utility sink, a ventilated hanging area for drying or airing clothes, and plenty of stack space for folded clothes. 

Doors can be left open while you're out or you can invest in a small dehumidifier to keep the area dry... 

If you would rather keep your space for storage, consider a plethora of under stair storage ideas for loads more inspiration.

9. Create a laundry closet in the kitchen

Not just a great way to get the washing machine out of sight, a floor-to-ceiling closet or cabinet in a corner of your kitchen is a practical small laundry room idea too, allowing you to stash everything from appliances to hanging space to the ironing board in one compact area.

Or if you have a top load washing machine, give it its own space in your kitchen by using a partition to house all your laundry essentials. Better still, consider a space-saving integrated washing machine, and tackle laundry mountains with a single appliance that does the work of two - sound familiar?! 

10. Create a larger laundry space behind double doors 

If you have the room you could create a whole (but still tiny) laundry space behind a closet with double doors. We love this idea of hiding an entire laundry room, not just for your appliances, but an area to fold and store your washing too, in a shallow closet. To create a space to fold clothes and house detergent, add a simple countertop over a front-loading washing and dryer, and add some shelves above. 

Once you are done you just close the doors and no one needs to know it's there.

11. Add a small laundry room in a hall closet

Got some space to spare in your hallway upstairs? It's the perfect place for a small laundry room because all the laundry stays upstairs, all the time (except when you're wearing it), plus you can have it built with some stud partitions at a very affordable price. 

Ensure you choose a quiet washing machine if you're putting a machine upstairs, have children, and tend to do laundry at night. Otherwise, do it while you're out.

12. Move a small laundry room to the bathroom

Why not make like the Europeans and put your laundry area in a larger bathroom?

Becky Martin explains more, 'Traditionally laundry rooms are downstairs, but when we visit our customers’ homes we often see laundry areas incorporated upstairs.'

'Organized linen closets can be repurposed to keep laundry all in one place, and with them often being located near bathrooms, adding plumbing might not be as complicated as you think.' It makes perfect sense: it's often where the laundry basket's kept; plumbing and drainage in place. What's not to like?

13. Hide the laundry room in your bedroom closet

You get dressed and undressed in your bedroom, so why not? Got a walk-in closet? Even better. Just ensure ventilation is really good so that drying clothes doesn't cause a damp atmosphere that the rest of your wardrobe won't thank you for.

14. Tuck it under the basement stairs

Finishing your basement? Why not copy this small laundry room idea and design space under the new stairs to hide the laundry?

The associated costs will be minimal and even the smallest of spaces, like this one, can make for good laundry space. Our preference would be for some doors to hide it away, though...

15. Hide a small laundry room behind sliding doors

Got a niche for a small laundry room but no space for doors to open out or fold back against the wall. 

Take inspiration from this small laundry room idea and instead of resigning yourself to an on-show utility, put sliding doors right across the front, just like Instagrammer The House in the Hollow.

16. Think about ergonomics when designing a small laundry room

If you're thinking of adding your washer-dryer setup to built-in cabinetry, placing the appliances off the floor in a sturdily built frame will mean you don't have to bend every time you load and unload it. Pull-out shelf for the basket beneath? Don't mind if we do.

17. Try a DIY small laundry room idea

If you are just after a space in your home to store your laundry, do the ironing, and fold your clothes, maybe you don't need built-in cabinets or secret sliding doors. 

Create a workstation from the furniture you already have, stash some laundry baskets underneath, add some pretty wall-shelves for your detergent and whatnot, and there you go: a makeshift mini 'laundry room'.

18. Make space for a small laundry room in your pantry 

Lucky enough to have a pantry in your home? Why not see if you can squeeze a small laundry room in there? One side for dry food and one side for your washing machine and dryer? 

Max out on valuable storage and stay organized with amazing pantry shelving ideas for small or large walk-in spaces. 

19. Create a small laundry room with open shelving

Maybe your floor space is at a premium and you just don't think you have the space to build cabinetry or you're not lucky enough to have a pantry to house a DIY laundry station. 

Why not take inspiration from open kitchen shelving ideas and use wall space to store all your laundry clutter and accessories, ideally close to your washing machine.

String Furniture's co-owner Peter Erlandsson says, 'A simple wall-mounted storage unit can solve all your problems. Placed above the sink or by the washing machine, the shelving collection maximizes your space throughout the home.' 

20. Get a laundry cart 

Another space-saving laundry room idea if you live in a close-quarters is to buy a slim trolley cart for all your laundry accessories and neatly tuck it away by your washing machine when not in use. This IKEA trolley is as compact as they come.

Experts at IKEA say, 'Make smart storage out of a small space with the help of JONAXEL frame and mesh baskets. It’s narrow and can fit in many places, and the castors make it easy to pull out when you need a clear overview.'

21. Use baskets and boxes to hide laundry room clutter

Clutter builds up and in a small space, it can get you down and make the laundry room downright unusable. Tap into small space storage ideas to make a tiny room feel bigger. A failsafe option to put order into mayhem is by adding neat baskets and boxes to house all the accessories. 

Experts at Garden Trading say, 'Even though it’s the hardest-working room of the house, your utility space need not look like this is the case.'

'Create rules for where things live with smaller storage boxes which can be stacked one on top of each other to make the most of shelf space.'

22. Include a laundry room sink

If you're dealing with a small space, chances are you have also got fairly limited work space. 

Cabinet laundry room sinks are great for compact spaces as the closed cabinetry is a nifty storage nook for laundry essentials.

How do you set up a small laundry room?

Graeme Smith, head of retail and commercial design, Life Kitchens, comments: 'How much space is needed to build a utility room can vary from a whole room to just over a meter of space. Even under the stairs can be a great place to lodge washing machines or dryers. To gain a full room space around 2m square would give you enough room to create a practical utility.'

'It is not at all always necessary to extend a home to create space for a utility room. You can fit a utility room into the corner of the dining space – or as I mentioned above under the stairs for washing machines or dryers.'

How can I maximize my tiny laundry room?

Experts at Brandt Design advise:

1. Fold-out ironing boards and pull-out drawers will help to maximize every inch of storage space, as will open shelving for storing laundry baskets and everyday linens and towels 

2. Think about the extra savings at the design phase and upgrade to eco-friendly appliances, which will save you time and money by reducing your level of energy and water consumption

3. Choose an extra deep sink that will accommodate more cumbersome tasks like pot washing through to soaking and hand-washing your delicates’ 

4. Double up with a twin set of appliances so you can get your laundry washed and dry in half the time and if you don’t have the space, consider up to a 9kg drum which is ideal for average family-sized loads

Utility room vs laundry room: it's a tough one, and surprisingly, there are some subtle but key differences to note when considering one of these additions to your home. Once perceived as luxurious extras, utility rooms and laundry rooms are increasingly common, even in smaller homes. And both are well worth the setup time and investment because they free up valuable space elsewhere in your home – especially in the kitchen. To say nothing of the fact that utility and laundry rooms can in themselves look beautiful, making the process of washing and folding laundry, and other household tasks, more pleasurable... For real! 

Before you start browsing laundry room ideas or utility room ideas, it's worth thinking about the pros and cons of both spaces. Once you've decided which is better suited to your needs, you can start thinking more about the design.

What is the difference between a laundry room and a utility room?

The most obvious difference is in the names. Kyle Davies, the Director of Handyman Hunter explains that 'a laundry room is, simply put, a place specifically dedicated to doing laundry. It's where you'd place your washing machine and dryer and other related paraphernalia. A utility room, on the other hand, is a more general use space, hence the ''utility''. It's targeted as a very functional room that serves multiple purposes and is usually near yet separate from the kitchen for heavy-duty cleaning equipment and/or storage.'

In other words, the concept of a utility room is similar to that of a laundry room's however, the latter is a more dedicated space for your washing and a utility varies in design. For example, one identifying feature of utility rooms is their extensive storage in comparison with laundry rooms. According to Volodymyr Barabakh, the Co-Founder and Project Director of building contractors Structural Beam, utility rooms typically 'hold extra cabinets for storage'. At first glance, you may think that utility rooms and laundry rooms are exactly the same, since both will have 'a sink, washing machine and dryer', but a utility room typically will also accommodate cleaning equipment and products, and maybe even functional elements like a boiler or water heater. Utility room storage ideas are an essential component of designing them.

It's also worth considering the differences in the typical locations of these two rooms. While both laundry rooms and utility rooms are often found near kitchens, this isn't always the case. Chris Alexakis, an interior designer and the co-founder of Cabinet Select, points out that 'a utility room is typically adjacent to a garage or closet, where it is convenient to store household cleaning supplies. On the other hand, a laundry room is usually a basement or lower-level room where the laundry appliances are within easy reach of a washer and dryer.'

Utility room vs laundry room: how to decide which will suit you better

The biggest factor in deciding whether you should have a laundry room or utility room is space. Laundry rooms are highly sought-out spaces but, Barabakh reminds, 'since a laundry room is exclusively used for laundry you would only opt for this choice if you have the space to dedicate a whole room to this.'

Generally speaking, laundry rooms don't have to be big, and even small homes can have one if there is sufficient storage elsewhere. However, 'If you are in need of extra storage, or if your belongings don't seem to have enough space around the house then you may want to consider turning this extra room into a multifunctional utility area.'

The choice will also depend on the layout of your home. Alexakis believes that 'it can be beneficial to have a single room to serve the purpose of both a laundry room and utility room' if the room in question is big enough. This will help you keep all your cleaning appliances like vacuum cleaners and household chemicals in one space.

However, it's best to avoid cramming everything in one smaller space, so 'if you don't have enough space for such purposes, you might elect to have separate rooms for laundry and utility. Laundry rooms are typically smaller than utility rooms, so the choice often comes down to square footage.'

Don't have a separate room at all? You could still have a utility area or closet, advises Davies: 'If you don't necessarily need a whole room within the house for additional cleaning equipment and whatnot, maybe leaning towards a utility closet is a better choice.'

The expense of realizing those neat laundry room storage ideas is also worth thinking about. Davies's top tip is that 'if you think having a dedicated space for laundry is excessive or out of budget or you just don't have the room for it, incorporating it in some other places (e.g. the kitchen) could be an option.' Open-plan kitchen layouts are especially forgiving of incorporating a laundry room-style area – just make sure it's well away from the cooking area.

In a nutshell, a utility room is more versatile and can accommodate a laundry room within it: 'a utility room is for general use so incorporating a laundry area in the space is more than possible as long as you have the pipes and the systems in place. In that sense, the utility room is worth having as it is more flexible and can accommodate more use for the area.' A laundry room may look prettier and more streamlined, but it makes more sense if you have a room to spare for it.

Utility room vs laundry room: which is more desirable?

This may sound like an odd question in relation to rooms that are primarily functional, but there's no denying the fact that laundry rooms are very desirable spaces nowadays. Taking your home organization to the next level is definitely currently a thing, not least thanks to the rise of the Marie Kondo tidying up method. Barabakh confirms that between utility rooms and laundry rooms, 'a laundry room is definitely more glamorized.' Laundry rooms are associated with neatly folding fresh laundry, while utility rooms may conjure up associations of much more practical activities like looking for the floor cleaner. 

Laundry rooms are more readily associated with a nice design, although in practice, there's no reason why you can't make all those storage cabinets in the utility room look just as nice. Painting kitchen cabinetry as opposed to open shelving will take a utility room to the same level of desirability as a laundry room, although if you are planning on selling your home, you may wish to use the term 'laundry room' as it's so desirable.

Take a ‘load off’ your mind and make laundry day less of a drag with fresh laundry room paint color ideas that will totally upgrade your washing room space.

After all, ironing isn't the most riveting of chores but one we all must do. So you need the perfect paint colors to give your laundry room space a stylish spin! Whether your area is large and airy, or small and dark, there’s a color wheel of possibilities to consider.

Transformative laundry room paint colors to put a spin on your scheme

‘Detergent’ to make your space look better? Do you dream of ironing to a background of brilliant white for a fresh and clean perspective? Or perhaps you want to liven up the monotony of tackling laundry mountains with dynamic, zesty tones like green, yellow or orange? Elyse Moody, kitchen and laundry design expert at Designer Appliances, comments: ‘Rich blues are still popular in laundry rooms just as they are in bathrooms. And because your laundry space is really just for you to enjoy, colors like pinks and purples pop up too for a fun look. Black and white themes always look crisp and clean, and it's easy to find black appliances. But colors like gray, metallic gray, and sapphire blue are available in appliances too, and they really can pull a room together.’

Which paint color trend will you choose to give your laundry room aesthetic its very own ‘wash day’ and refresh. 

1. ‘Wash’ you scheme in clean mid-tone neutrals

Take inspiration from cotton fresh laundry with a palette of nourishing, mid-tone neutrals, and harmonize your space with a look and feel of bright and breezy calm. Team relaxing tones like gray or ‘new neutrals pastels’ on walls, backsplashes, and cabinets with glass task lighting and chrome fittings and fixtures for a timeless yet modern aesthetic. 

Lisa Rickert, CEO and creative director at Jolie Home comments: ‘I like to keep the color scheme in a laundry room fairly neutral so that it always feels fresh and clean. Mid-tone colors, like Jolie’s Misty Cove, Swedish Grey, or Farmhouse Beige are great options for cabinets or walls. Pair with woven baskets and glass containers to add texture and interest to your space while keeping things organized.’

2. Go bold with maximalist brights

Put the fun factor into wash days with cheerful brights that transform your laundry space into a rainbow retreat of motivation. For a maximalist takeover, try color-drenching walls in a saturated shade or two, or have a pop at pattern clashing with contrast wallpaper patterns on walls and the ceiling, united with a coordinating paint shade on woodwork and cabinets. 

Elizabeth Rees, co-founder of Milwaukee-based Chasing Paper comments: ‘The laundry room can be a great place to experiment, whether that be with color or placement of the wallpaper. For a maximalist feel, opt to install a bold print on all of the walls that you might not consider for a more common space, such as a living room or kitchen. Another fun maximalist option is to wallpaper the ceiling, following the same rule of a light print for a dark space without natural light, or a bold option for instant interest.’

Chasing Paper’s peel-and-stick wallpapers add a huge impact for a design-forward approach to decorating. Try a bold botanical or abstract design to bloom and grow the personality of your space.  

3. Elevate country-inspired interiors with muted sage green

Bring the vitality of nature into your washroom with soft shades of green that refresh and nourish, without overpowering the space. Take inspiration from green kitchen ideas, and marry sage green cabinets with a ceramic utility sink and buttery smooth counters for a wholesome modern country style.

Elyse Moody, kitchen and laundry design expert at Designer Appliances in New Jersey, comments: ‘We're seeing a lot of sage green in laundry rooms, just like in kitchens. It was a popular choice for paint brands' 2022 color of the year picks, and we're seeing it carry through into laundry.’ 

4. Magic up your space with a striking monochrome palette 

Just like crisp white sheets, give your space an impactful aesthetic with on-trend black and white. This en vogue pairing celebrates the contrast between light and dark with a graphic edge and is a great choice for perfect combo mudroom laundry designs. 

If you’re feeling bold, try this fashion-forward wall decor idea by painting contrasting stripes on walls using Benjamin Moore's Toucan Black and Cotton Balls. Take the stripes vertical to enhance the feeling of height and space, or opt for chunky horizontal stripes to keep a small space from looking too busy. But don't stop there. Learn how to paint a ceiling and continue the color update onto your fifth wall added wow factor. 

5. Beat the laundry blues with blue sky shades

Embrace ‘blue therapy’ with positive shades of sea-to-sky blue room ideas, and elevate your laundry room into a wellbeing environment – well, there is water involved after all! 

Will Thompson, head of product marketing at Valspar says: ‘Our environment can have a big impact on our mood including the color of our surroundings. Blue tones have a biophilic nature and therefore evoke a stress-relieving and mood-boosting atmosphere.’

He continues: ‘Hazy, muted, and softer shades are all grounded in the natural world and encourage us to reflect and take a moment of calm. Whilst fresher cleaner tones, such as teals and turquoises, encourage more light into a space, boosting serotonin and enhancing positive moods.’

We love Sherwin-Williams' color of the month Aleutian - a wintry blue that brings calm and quiet to create sanctuary spaces of all kinds. Whether you’re seeking a bohemian haven or folklore-filled retreat, this cool blue has mastered the art of blending beautifully with any design style.

6. Create a relaxed outlook with natural tones

Coordinate your space in warm, natural shades like putty, stone or sand, punctuated with gleaming brass accents and styled shelves to create an understated, yet charming utility setting, brimming with character. 

For a lovely design note, experts at Armac Martin, advise: ‘Make a subtle statement and tie your color scheme together with patterned gray wallpaper. To achieve a radiant aesthetic team lighter tones on walls and cabinets with natural woods and warm brass hardware. Natural tones ensure the room remains light and airy.’

7. Perk-up your space with pretty pastels

Give your utility space a playful edge with happy-go-lucky pastel decorating ideas in an ice-cream palette that includes mint, lilac, blush, coral, and soft blue. Coordinate a chosen shade on walls with matching laundry room storage solutions for a sense of continuity and calm, or experiment with tonal shades across different interior elements, like appliances and decorative accessories to give your space a dose of personality and love. 

As an alternative to paint, try a fresh floral pattern wallpaper design, like these lovelies from Chasing Paper, in soft pastel shades, and radiate your space in perky, petal positivity.

8. Get lost in a dark abyss

Has your black kitchen inspired you to venture to the dark side in other spaces? For an indulgent look that envelops your laundry room in a moody atmosphere, choose wilderness-inspired hues in dark indigo, forest green, or night sky noir. Darker tones add an element of sophistication, creating a lifted and opulent environment – and why shouldn’t Cinderellas’ enjoy such decadence on wash days?! 

Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr, comments: 'Laundry rooms can often be a smaller space but don't be afraid to be bold, contrary to popular belief, dark colors used in a small space can make the room feel larger and welcoming. Pair with warm neutrals that will lift the space, in turn making the ceilings appear much taller and will add an element of balance and warmth.'

Darren Watts, showroom development and design director at Wren Kitchens, comments: ‘Colors of a darker tone add a contemporary and dramatic feel to a room, whilst also helping to close the space slightly creating a cost environment.’

9. Keep your whites bright!

Keep things bright in white with a simple, space-enhancing palette, that bounces the light. Perfect for small laundry rooms that want lifting and lengthening. 

Associated with cleanliness, freshness, and simplicity, white symbolizes new beginnings – so it’s a fitting choice in a utility space where dirty laundry travels for a ‘fresh start.’ 

For a seamless look that flows, in keeping with classic white kitchen ideas, opt for white walls, cabinets and appliances. Add a few easy house plants for verdant pops that will bring the space to life.

What kind of paint should you use in a laundry room?

Okay, so they're not exactly saunas, but laundry rooms are prone to getting humid and moist by their utilitarian nature. Just as you would in other wet spaces, use moisture-resistant paints for bathrooms on walls. 

Featuring a slightly shiny finish, semi-gloss paint is easy to clean and reduces the risk of unwanted mildew developing. 

What is a good color for a laundry room?

Antoinette, founder of interior design studio, Happy Your Space, advises: 'Stick to cool colors and warm neutrals in the laundry room for a crisp and clean look and feel.'

And her top 5 Paint colors for Laundry rooms include:

Benjamin Moore, Chantilly Lace

Sherwin-Williams, Buoyant Blue

Benjamin Moore, Titanium

Benjamin Moore, Stonington Gray

Pratt & Lambert's color of the year 2022, Gray Mist

Figuring out how to design a laundry room is essential if you want your space to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Laundry rooms are becoming more and more common in our homes, even those on the smaller side. Any home with a spare room can have a laundry room, and designing one really pays off. Laundering, drying, and folding your clothes all in one room really saves time – and saves you looking for lost socks all over the house.

While browsing laundry room ideas is an integral part of deciding on what your laundry room will look like, there are quite a few practical considerations to tackle first. 

Designing a laundry room: top expert tips

From the positioning of the washing machines and sink to organizing adequate storage, we've rounded up the best pointers to help you nail the design of this useful, functional room.

Experts at Refresh Renovations, recommend starting with these quick tips to create a space for a small laundry room with 'a basic budget': '

• Positioning: 'Ideally, this area could be situated next to a bathroom or the kitchen, so that plumbing points are close by'
• Use the garage, if large enough, to realize your small utility room ideas
• Add walls or room dividers 'to build a separate room that houses a washing machine and dryer and keeps all your laundry related items out of the way'

Why make space for a laundry room?

As long as designing a laundry room for your home doesn't compromise your kitchen or bathroom too much, doing so should add value – and if not, desirability – to your home.

‘I’m increasingly asked to create designs for open plan kitchen-diners, including a separate area as a utility, so much so that it is now unusual if one is not part of a kitchen redesign,’ says Melanie Clear, founder and director of Clear Architects. 

With an ever-increasing number of appliances and gadgets in our kitchens, having a separate space to store them, as well as somewhere to carry out tasks such as the laundry, makes sense,' says Matthew Franklin, senior chartered architect at etc Design Ltd. 

‘Utility rooms are now often seen as an essential element for a modern family home.'

How much does it cost to add a laundry room?

In terms of cost, adding a new laundry room, either as part of a kitchen addition or redesign, is very much like adding a small kitchen. 

You will need to consider the same things, such as redirecting and moving services like water, gas, and electric, while also thinking about laundry room storage, worktops, and lighting. 

If you are fitting out a laundry room to match the kitchen, expect to pay from $3,000, including plumbing and wiring. 

Alternatively, a local joiner could fit out the space on a budget and incorporate appliances and white goods that you already own.

A cheaper and more flexible solution would be to buy freestanding or flat-pack furniture and fit the units yourself as part of fitting a kitchen for just a few hundred pounds. 

That way the space can be reorganized and adapted to suit changes in your lifestyle..

Consider how you'll use the laundry room 

When planning and designing a laundry room, first, consider what you need from your space.

Natasha Brinsmead from Homebuilding and Renovating advises that 'to begin, you will need to make sure you have a hot and cold water supply and waste for the sink and washing machine.'

'You also need to bear in mind that if you have a vented tumble dryer you will need somewhere for it to vent to.' 

Laundry rooms can be designed in windowless rooms, but 'if you do not have windows to the exterior, plan in an extractor to reduce moisture when air-drying clothes, too.'

Here are a few further things to consider for your laundry room design:

• Is it a place for a washing machine and tumble dryer?
• Do you need an ironing space and a laundry chute from the first floor.
• Do you need laundry storage included in your design?
• Do you intend to free up space in your kitchen by having a fridge, prep sink, worktops and storage?
• Will you be creating larder storage within your utility room?
• Do you need a large laundry room sink for washing a muddy dog, boots or sports gear?
• Does it need to incorporate room for bike storage?

Where to put your laundry room

Where should your laundry room be located? According architect Matthew Franklin, 'the location will be driven by your requirements. You won’t want a utility space spoiling a view to the garden, for instance, but you might like it to have an entrance to your garden, which means your utility will need to be on an external wall.’

‘It makes sense to have your utility as close to the kitchen as possible, as it is more convenient and less expensive for the utilities to be connected, but there is no hard and fast rule.’ adds Jamie Telford, director at Roundhouse.

Another option is to have a laundry room near or within a large bathroom if laundry space is to be its main role.

If you are extending a house, always think about your laundry room as subordinate to the kitchen. 

Designing a well-thought-out kitchen will always add more value to your home than a laundry room.

Alternatively, think outside the box:

• Could you incorporate the appliances from your laundry room into your new kitchen design (see below)?
• Could you wall off a portion of the garage to fit your washer, dryer and a fridge?
• Do you have space in the garden for a shed or garden room that could be used as an external laundry room? We have plenty of garden room ideas that could get you inspired. 

Creating space for a laundry room

The prime space for a laundry room is one that is under-used, has become overflow storage or is full of clutter. 

Be creative, even the smallest nooks could be used to free up useful space in your kitchen.

• If the under stair cupboard is used as a dumping ground, measure it up and consider stacking your washing machine and dryer to create a small laundry room (find tons of under stair storage ideas in our feature).
• Consider installing a worktop in a storage cupboard. If there is potential to add plug sockets, you could free up kitchen worktop space by moving appliances.

What to include in a laundry room

What you choose to include in your laundry room design is essentially down to how you want to use the space, we've covered plenty of options below:

How to design a laundry room with a food-prep area

• Worktops
• A sink
• Dishwasher
• Fridge-freezer
• Pantry and larder storage

You could also relocate your small appliances, like the toaster, microwave and anything else that eats up worktop space.

Creating a laundry room

• Save room with a washer/dryer or stack your tumble dryer over your washing machine.
• Swap out a tumble dryer for a smaller and cheaper-to-run dehumidifier.
• A deep sink will be useful for soaking clothes and washing muddy boots (or pets).
• Lots of versatile laundry storage ideas.
• Cupboards invaluable for hiding away cleaning products.
• Tall cupboards can hide mops, brushes, an ironing board and the vacuum cleaner.
• If there’s no wall space for drying racks, consider a pulley-style ceiling-hung design.
• An extractor fan will lessen the effects of condensation.
• Underfloor heating will help dry your washing without taking up wall space.

• Shop for the best washer dryer to save space and allow for easy and efficient laundry in our expert guide.

Laundry spaces should be uncluttered, functional rooms, with easy-to-clean worktops and as much storage space as is possible. 

If there is enough space, a spot for ironing, an open cupboard with hanging space, and shelves for freshly laundered clothes, are all very useful.

How to design a laundry room and a boot room

You needn't make lots of space for a boot room to combine it with a laundry room. 

Use our guide to designing a boot room to find out all the essentials and see our boot room design ideas for inspiration, but look to include:

• Storage options for shoes and boots and outdoor clothing.
• Hooks and drying space for damp coats.
• Benches to sit on while taking off muddy walking boots.
• If you have dogs, a small shower for hosing down is a popular addition.

Choosing the best laundry room cupboards 

‘If the utility room is connected to the kitchen, it makes sense to continue to use the same style of cabinetry as it will enhance the feeling of space and visual continuity,’ says Jamie Telford, director at Roundhouse. 

‘Consider the practicality of the worktops and the internal layout of the cupboards – you may need shelf space for upright vacuum cleaners, mops and brushes, for example, as these need to be housed in tall cupboards.'

'Focus on practical, wipe-clean units, with a mix of open and closed full-height storage that is, ideally, tiered for easy reach for all the family.’ 

Laundry rooms may not have natural light, so combining a well-lit room with a neutral or light reflecting unit will help give a spacious feel. 

‘You may also wish to consider choosing handle-less styles with integrated appliances for smaller utility spaces to give a seamless look.'

How to design a laundry room: Extra things to consider

Whether you’re adding a utility as part of an extension or you’re converting an existing area of your property, it’s easier and more cost-effective to build it near to already existing drainage and ventilation.

You’ll also need to think about redirecting heating, water supply, electrics and don’t forget ample power points for all your appliances.

• Good drainage: Ensure there are sufficient links to the mains and speak to a plumber to assess the cost of relocating pipes.
• Natural light: Locate the room where there’s access to the outside and a window for ventilation. Consider glazed doors or rooflights, too.
• A practical layout: Think about the items you wish to store in the utility and ensure cupboards are large enough to accommodate. Try integrating appliances behind doors for a streamlined look.
• A robust worktop and floor: Invest in hardwearing utility room flooring to withstand wear and tear and heavy duty worktops, especially if the space is to be used for food preparation, as well as household tasks.

Whatever your intentions for the space, the laundry room will quickly become the overflow room, so allow for more storage at the planning stage than you think you’ll need.

Open laundry room shelving is the most efficient option, but tall, floor-to-ceiling cupboards with sliding doors are ideal for small spaces that you want to look neat, providing hanging space for coats, shelving for outdoor items or bins for recycling. 

What is the best laundry room layout? 

Laundry rooms tend to be on the smaller side, so a clever layout can really make a difference to the ease of use of your laundry room. Andra DelMonico, the Lead Interior Designer for Trendey, acknowledges that 'there is no one best layout that works for all laundry rooms. The best layout will depend on the size and shape of your laundry room space.' However, there is one layout that tends to 'work well for a wide variety of laundry rooms' – the galley setup. To achieve this layout, 'line the washer, dryer, drying racks, and cabinets along one wall. This makes it easy to move about from one area to the other while laundering clothes.'

How large does a laundry room need to be?

According to DelMonico, 'at a minimum, your laundry room should be as least five feet wide and long. The average washing machine is 2.5-3 feet deep. You’ll need about 6 inches of clearance on the backside. This gives you two feet of space on the front, which is just enough to open the door of a front loader.'

That's the bare minimum. For a more comfortable room, 'the average size tends to be a bit bigger at 6x9 feet. This leaves more room in front of the machines and gives you more length for shelving, cabinets, drying rack, or even a countertop.'

How do you style a laundry room so that it looks good?

Laundry rooms are often neglected when it comes to decorative design touches. While it's true that these are primarily functional rooms, there still are a few easy tricks for making them more pleasant to be in. The first thing you should consider, according to DelMonico, is natural light: 'If your laundry room has a window, take full advantage of it.' Don't block the window with the washers – let the light come in! The window is also the perfect feature to emphasize by dressing it with curtains or blinds. 

DelMonico also recommends adding 'a low pile or tight weave rug to the floor' and installing a floating shelf for decor or adding decor to an existing shelf – 'this could be an aromatherapy element, a picture of your family, or a laundry room-themed item. If your laundry supplies are visible on a shelf, decant them into decorative containers.'

There's a lot more to laundry room design than you'd think.

When figuring out how to design a laundry room, It's important to know both what to do, and what not to do, so your laundry room layout is top-notch.

Gwen Whiting, co-founder of The Laundress says, 'a laundry room is a work space - a space that serves as a function to do a task well. Just like other important rooms, like a kitchen or living room, you should be considering your lifestyle and how you can maximize the function to best support that through the design of these areas.'

'While the machines generally get the most focus and real estate, I think what is most overlooked is the work area for the supporting tasks that require the most consideration. Storage, sorting, hanging, ironing, folding, stain removing, and hand-washing,' explains Gwen Whiting, co-founder of The Laundress.

5 laundry room design mistakes to avoid

At the same time, says Whiting, there's always room to put some fun in your function, no matter what size space you're working with. 'Whether you're working with a small space, or you have the luxury of designing from a clean slate, with some thoughtful details everyone should be able to elevate their laundry experience,' she says.

To help you figure out the best design for your space, we've listed out some common laundry room mistakes to avoid, plus some helpful tips from a panel of experts.

1. Poor lighting in your laundry room

During the planning phase, one of the biggest things to consider is lighting in your laundry space. Dim lighting can mean you can't spot clothing stains that need treating, washing machine symbols and sorting your laundry loads. 

Helen White, Interior Designer and Co-Founder of Houseof.com explains more, 'Laundry rooms can often be cramped and tight on space but it is a space which needs a lot of light - especially when sorting your lights and darks. When it comes to lighting this space you need a smaller fitting which packs a punch.'

Here are her top expert tips for lighting a laundry room effectively:

• Under cabinet lighting: 'If you don’t have a high ceiling and have cupboards which restrict the use of ceiling lights use undercounter lights to support your lighting scheme. Recessed LED strips can be purchased and fit easily with no mess or fuss - they just stick on!'
• Overhead lighting: 'As this is a space where tasks are carried out and you need a lot of light you need good access to overhead lighting.  Avoid spotlights as these create shadows and dark spots and instead opt for a row of pendants which shine directly downwards and can be positioned above head height. Choose something which doesn’t have an enclosed bulb so that it lights the whole room. '
• Wall lights: 'If you don’t have access to ceiling lights or only have space for one fitting choose to use wall lights to support your lighting scheme and give an extra glow.  Wall lights can be installed over counter tops to give you more access to light when working or ironing.' 
• Low ceilings: 'Laundry rooms are often small and tight spaces and if your space has low ceilings then opt for a flush light instead of a pendant ceiling light.  Fitting a flush light doesn’t mean that it has to be boring, you can add drama to your ceiling using modern flush lights. Look for a light with multiple bulbs to ensure you are getting the most out of your lighting scheme.'
  

2. There's not enough storage

It's what every homeowner craves, more space... but there are tons of ways to make the most of laundry room's storage capacity. 

Whiting explains what to include in your laundry room to make use of your space effectively:

• Use wall storage: 'Have space to wall mount items like drying racks and ironing boards, of have a nook or closet to tuck them into
• Keep a surface clear: 'When absolutely possible have room for counterspace or at least a shelf, to use a stain, finishing and folding surface.'
• Add shelving: 'Shelves are key for products, but a cabinet can do too.'
• 'Plan for hanging/drying space to fit your lifestyle. For example, I airdry many items that can hang so I have a wall mounting hanging rack as a mainstay. I also have a hanging arm mounted to dry shirts, pants and dresses, which also is useful for ironing too.'
  

3. Not utilizing the space properly

Let's be frank many laundry rooms are often on the small side, but if you plan where the essentials will go, you'll be able to utilize the space to its fullest. This could be including enough electrical plugs or plenty of shelving to store your bits and pieces.

The Laundress's Gwen Whiting shares her laundry room design checklist:

• 'Choose a washing machine size that fits without overwhelming the space. Think about whether you want to fit your machines side by side or double stacked.'
• 'Make the space above a side by side machine useful , i.e. Shelves you can reach or hanging space.'
• 'If you can have a deep sink or can fit a sink space, that's optimal.'
• 'Plan a nook for wastepaper basket.'
• 'Plan where you can fit a hamper.'
• 'I also love a laundry area that can fit a workspace, whether it is another work zone, craft area, or desk nook and file storage.'
• 'Always make room for one junk drawer!'

4. The space isn't multifunctional

Laundry rooms needn't just be for laundry. The best laundry spaces have room to store cleaning supplies, a boot room and so much more.

Whiting explains, 'My laundry room is my household utility zone – my recycling sorters were designed to live in my laundry area. I also use this space for my packing/shipping supplies I also keep my household tools in this space And I have a utility closet to keep my vacuum, and other household cleaning tools along with my steamer and ironing board in it.'

Amy Hillary, Interiors Content Creator at Wallsauce.com adds, 'Often placed near a door, a laundry room is a great place for a mudroom as well. Include a fitted storage bench next to your washing machines so you have somewhere to put and take off your shoes. If you are struggling for space, stack your drier and washer.'

'And if you have a pooch, why not try and fit in a dog shower as well? This is a great place to wash soiled items before placing them into the laundry machine. It’s also handy for washing down muddy boots as well.'

5. There's no style incorporated

Style mightn't seem like an essential design must-have but making your laundry room an enjoyable space to be will actually encourage you to spend more time in it. That laundry mountain won't look so challenging if you've made your laundry room your own.

Co-Founder of Wicklewood, Rosie Axford says, 'Don’t make your laundry room an afterthought, instead have fun with this space, however small. These rooms are great rooms to experiment and play around with, as they’re small – so you don’t have to spend a small fortune on them, and you’re usually the only one in it, so it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t turn out quite as expected.' 

'Get creative with a fun wallpaper, which can transform a small room into a lively space. And remember to try to think style and substance – opt for colorful seagrass baskets to keep things tidy, neat and organized and to help keep work surface free for folding.'

How can I make my laundry room more functional?

For optimal laundry room functionality, choose bespoke cabinets to integrate appliances and keep your essentials neatly stored away.

Opt for a mix of storage units to form a dedicated area for each. Full-length cupboards are always a sophisticated option, whilst wall hooks and shelves are an effortless way to store coats and shoes.

'Look towards using full-height cabinets to create a place for a washing machine and tumble dryer to place on top of one another – This way you’re not taking up two spots of floor space. Or try a laundry basket cabinet which maximises your storage space – You’ll no longer need to cart an armful of laundry down the stairs,' explains Tom Howley, Design Director at Tom Howley.

'Let your walls share the workload. A mixture of concealed cabinets to hide laundry and floating shelves to store everyday items such as wash detergent or even a dog lead and treats.'

Howley says that a  'mix of concealed cabinets, drawers and pull-out shelves let you designate specific spaces to store laundry products, keep laundry baskets out of the way and properly fold clean clothes.'

Chris Spink, founder of Hush Kitchens advises: 'Choose materials which are hard-wearing and easy to clean. A large deep sink is a must and consider incorporating a tap with a hand spray as well, as it’s invaluable for rinsing muddy vegetables or even the dog’s paws!'

Do laundry rooms add value to a home?

As the engine room of any home, a laundry room is on most people’s wish-lists. Realtor and author Jason Gelios says laundry rooms are 'one of the best storage rooms that add value' with 'first-floor laundry rooms with additional storage cabinets or it’s own closet is a huge selling feature.'

Chris Dance, Director and Head Designer at InHouse Inspired Room Design tends to agree: 'functional spaces are certainly something that house hunters are after in 2022, but they're also looking for an extra dose of style.'

You may think that there’s nothing glam about a laundry room. I don’t blame you — it is the room where you chuck the laundry into the washing machine and make a run for it (just talking from experience TBH).

But chances are, you do more in there than that. You may be soaking fabric that’s got a gross stain on it, folding your laundry, or even doing some ironing. So you actually use it quite a lot. This is why it's a good idea to make sure your laundry room sink is working for you and your room as well as it can be.

Not only is it important for it to look cute, but it’s also important for creating a laundry room that's organized and laid out in a way that serves you best. Yes, this means being big, sturdy, and practical enough to soak all those grimy garments.

If you’re looking to upgrade your laundry room sink, here’s some inspo to get you started, plus all the info you need to choose yours wisely…

9 pretty and practical laundry room sink ideas 

Give your laundry room a glow up, using these sink ideas for inspo...

1. Utilitarian stainless steel sink

This Kingbo free-standing sink from Amazon is super easy to clean and is large enough to accommodate larger items when washing blankets or comforters. It also provides enough space to even wash/groom your dog or pet (muddy paws are cute but so messy!).

It is great for a laundry room with plenty of square footage — place it alongside shelving to keep essentials at the ready.

2. Undermount sink 

Undermount sinks look streamlined with the rest of your laundry space, and they're also useful due to all the workspace around them.

Blanco's liven dual mount laundry sink from Wayfair is deep enough to wash a weighted blanket by hand and other hefty linens. With Blanco's patented non-porous, stain-resistant Silgranit material, the sink has a low maintenance, anti-bacterial surface.

3. Cabinet-mounted sink 

Suitable for a variety of laundry rooms, cabinet laundry room sinks are particularly perfect for compact spaces. The closed cabinetry is a nifty storage nook for laundry essentials.

This Simpli Home laundry sink with faucet, which you can buy from Wayfair, has a deep stainless steel sink, a contemporary faucet, and ample space in the cabinets — a winning laundry room storage idea.

4. Stainless steel undermount sink

Stainless steel is by far the most durable material for laundry sinks, but its utilitarian look isn't everyone's favorite. Opting for stainless steel as an undermounted sink keeps the tidy aesthetic of your laundry room countertop while disguising the ever-practical but somewhat jarring stainless steel.

The Ruvati Roma brushed stainless steel undermount laundry room sink from Lowe's has the added bonus of accessories that can be placed over top the sink to convert and disguise it as a solid wood chopping board, a colander, or a steel/silicone rollup dish rack drainer with rinse grids.

5. Enamel cast iron sink

Enameled cast iron is scratch, stain, and burn-resistant, so it can be used for more grimy chores.

Kohler's Park Falls cast iron utility sink offers traditional styling with a deep basin that can be dual-mounted, top-mounted, or undermounted, giving you the freedom to show it off or keep it out of view. 

6. Top mount self-rimming sink

The major advantage of top mounted, self rimming, or drop-in laundry room sinks is that they are the easiest to install compared to the under-mounted variety.

Sterling's Latitude utility sink, which you can buy from Lowe's, is low-profile and has a unique quarter-deck design to provide shelf space to keep cleaning equipment out of view. The durable material is crack-resistant and a practical choice for heavy-duty laundry chores.

7. Vintage-style wall mounted sink

Fancy a welcome pop of color in your laundry room? The vintage inspired Randolph Morris Falco Cast Iron Sink from Vintage Tub & Bath is wall mounted and small enough for even the smallest laundry space. Made from cast iron and porcelain enamel, the antique style has rugged durability yet stays easy to clean.

8. Farmhouse-style utility sink

Made in extraordinarily durable fine fireclay which resists chips, stains, cracks, and scratches, this Ratel single gloss white sink from Amazon is a must-have in any modern laundry room space. The apron-style mount also makes a real statement and will look slick with a marble countertop. 

9. Deep freestanding utility sink 

A great budget alternative, the Swan premium floor mount laundry sink from Swanstone can fit larger, bulky items and is a great place to wash or groom your dog or any pet for that matter. Plus it's constructed from Veritek, with no surface coating to chip or crack. This ensures it has a long life in the hardworking space.

Is it worth having a sink in a laundry room? 

Okay, so you're thinking about switching up your sink. But why are laundry room sinks a good idea? "While a laundry sink is typically used for cleaning, soaking, or hand washing soiled clothing, it can have a number of additional convenient uses when you don’t want to make a mess in your kitchen or bathroom sink," Edyta Drutis, brand marketing vice president for North America at BLANCO, explains.

Utility sinks also may be used for bathing small pets, watering house plants, arts and crafts, or other general cleaning purposes like filling mop buckets. "If you have a laundry/mudroom combo, a utility sink is an ideal spot for rinsing dirt or sand from shoes, clothes, and hands before entering the home," she adds. Basically, a laundry sink is a fab way to keep your house squeaky clean.

What kind of sink do you put in a laundry room? 

When choosing a laundry room sink, one of the biggest considerations is where you're going to put it.

This depends on how much space you have to play with, if you have countertops, and any plumbing considerations. For example, if you have a small laundry room, you'll be looking for a compact option in a freestanding design.

Here are the different types of laundry room sinks and what you need to consider when choosing the right one for your space.

• Wall-mounted laundry room sinks: Attached directly to the wall, these laundry sinks rely on wall studs located behind the drywall to support their weight.
• Freestanding laundry room sinks: If you are looking for an inexpensive laundry sink option, a freestanding or floor-mounted laundry sink is your pick. It usually comes in a deep single or double basin usually with its own legs (but these may come separately). 
• Cabinet-mounted sinks: Think of a bathroom vanity cabinet with a laundry sink
  attached. The cabinet on the bottom will have doors to handily stow away laundry clutter and store laundry detergent, so it's readily available when hand-washing items. It will also hide the lower plumbing. This type of sink typically has less capacity than other varieties. 
• Top-mounted and undermount laundry room sinks: If you already have existing counter space to use, drop-in or undermount laundry sinks are what you'll be after. The drop-in (or self-rimming) sinks are inserted from the top into an opening on the countertop. While undermount sinks attach to the bottom of the countertop, under an opening. These laundry sinks seamlessly blend in with your laundry room design and provides same-level workspace in the form of the surrounding countertop. The downside is that, like cabinet-mounted laundry room sinks, they can be shallow for washing grimy garments. 

What materials can laundry room sinks be made out of?

You'll also need to think about what its made from and how durable the material is for what you'll be using it for.

We've rounded up the most common materials most laundry room sinks are made from so you can make the right decision for your family's needs.

• Stainless steel: Highly durable, stainless steel sinks resists chemicals, are heat resistant, and are sand-able with steel wool (although deep scratches can't be fixed). The downsides are they can dent easily and they are pricey. We've got the lowdown on how to clean stainless steel, so you can keep yours sparkling.
• Acrylic: Lightweight and inexpensive, polypropylene is best for wall-mounted sinks and this material is usually the easiest to find. However, it can stain easily and may react with chemicals.
• Enamel cast iron: Durable and resistant to stains and heat, an enamel cast iron sink is a period living lover's dream, if you can get your hands on a vintage-inspired version. Watch out for chips on the enamel surface, though as you'll need to repair these before the cast iron starts to rust. 
• Ceramic: Fired at very high temperatures, ceramic laundry sinks have a non-porous surface, which is stain resistant, easy to clean, and sturdy. Avoid dropping anything heavy though as it's susceptible to chipping.

What size should a laundry sink be? 

Size really does matter, people. Drutis explains: "You should always prioritize depth when selecting a laundry sink, which is why recommend a deep 12” bowl depth that’s perfect for soaking." It's important to note, however, that width will depend largely on your space. 

More laundry room sink considerations

Design: Laundry room sinks can look fairly utilitarian as standard, but there are modern designs on the market that will seamlessly blend n iwith your laundry room decor. "Just because this space isn’t the centerpiece of your home, doesn’t mean it should be an afterthought," Drutis says. "By finding pieces that are both practical and elegant, you’ll set yourself up for more enjoyable laundry trips that leave you feeling as refreshed as the clothes you’re washing."

Keep it clean: Laundry room sinks can get grimy, stained, and scratched over time and with all that dirt comes a ton of clogging. It's best to always use a removable filter to catch any materials before they enter larger drainage lines. Here's our guide to how to unblock a sink if you're in a pickle.

What not to do: Laundry room sinks are often seen as safe to dump toxic chemicals like paint thinner,s but this couldn't be further from the truth. The drain from your laundry room sink goes into your home's regular sewage pipe and from there into sewers and septic tanks.

Laundry room shelving got you in a spin? Look no further as we've got some refreshing ideas to revive your space. The most important thing to think about when installing shelving in your laundry room is ensuring they are in ease of reach, but not too easy to keep little ones out of harm's way.

After all, laundry room shelving storage can house everything from washing powders, fabric conditioners, and far more. So you'll want these potentially toxic and chemically-abrasive products tucked away from tiny hands.

This guide isn't just about finding some scrap MDF and knocking up a few shelves. We take you through how to create a design-led area with modern modular storage, ladder shelving to make the most of vertical wall space, vintage pigeon-holes, and heaps more.

We've even reached out to some industry experts who come with bundles of tips to transform your utility or laundry area to somewhere you'll be excited to carry out your chores.

Laundry room shelving ideas for clean results

'Whilst floor space can be something of a premium, wall space is often a great choice for adding storage in smaller spaces,' says Claire Wilkes, Senior Buyer, Garden Trading

'With vertical storage and open shelving having something of a moment, thanks to the oft-trending #shelfie movement, means that storing baskets and other items can add to an overall sense of style.'

1. Build shelving into alcoves

If you're not blessed with a large laundry room – don't fret. Because small laundry rooms can still have lots of laundry room shelving... If you're smart about your layout.

In this inky blue modern traditional space, the alcove has been used to its full potential with a rustic wooden shelf to match the work surface, and house homely ornaments including a vase full of floral cuttings and that adorable framed chalkboard which adds tonnes of personality. Wooden crates and ceiling-suspended rails also help to store and dry dishtowels.

2. Add task lighting to find items easily

Whether you're a working parent or a stay-at-home mom or dad, there's no rest for the wicked when it comes to laundry day. Be it work and school uniforms, sports kits, or outfits for social events – keeping on top of that bottomless load can feel like a thankless task.

So make life easier from morning 'till eve with a pair of lights above your laundry room shelving. By adding additional lighting, you can see exactly where your products are, and won't be searching in frustration for fabric cleaner or stain remover.

Choose a style that suits your laundry room. We love the glamour that these brass fixtures bring to Karrie's (aka @ourlittlefoxhouse) home.

3. Hang shirts to dry with a Scandi open storage system

Swedish design has always been renowned for being clean and cool, so it makes sense to introduce a storage unit from Ikea into a room dedicated to washing your clothes. 

This JONAXEL open storage unit is not only affordable for everyone, but its modular qualities mean you can hang blouses and shirts in style without making other surfaces soggy. Don't you just love the contrast of white metal and colorful textiles and furniture?

4. Place shelving close to your machines

When looking at how to design a laundry room, your layout, including your laundry room shelving is everything. After all, you don't want your best cleaning detergents to be miles away from your washing machine.

'Install built-ins over your washer and dryer for storing necessary supplies such as detergent and dryer sheets,' advises Jill Larue-Rieser, chief merchandising officer, California Closets.

'If you have stacked machines, place shelving to the left or right of the unit. Having a mix of closed and open shelves allows you to hide cleaning bottles and boxes of laundry soap while displaying photos, collectibles, and other design elements to liven up the room.'

5. Add interest to wooden shelves with wallpaper 

One big laundry design room mistake is overlooking the style potential this space has. Just because it's used for chores, this doesn't mean that you can't make it feel chic. And one person who knows how to do that is author, presenter, and content creator Lisa Dawson.

She says: 'I really wanted to add interest to the room - it’s small so needed a bit of something unexpected - so found a wallpaper from Poodle & Blonde, Money Tree in Valentine that was perfect for the back wall.'

'I used ready-made wallpaper paste to paste the wall to put it up, super simple.  Don’t ever be scared by wallpapering, it’s so easy and also I find it hugely therapeutic.'

6. Don't neglect your wall space

Want to fully maximize your laundry room shelving? Hang storage onto rail and peg shelves for a dual-impact and uber functional design that offers at least double the space. This Gabrielle Organization System 6-Piece Laundry Set by Pottery Barn is the perfect example of how to do this.

Add shelves and wall organizers to keep detergent, dryer sheets, stain remover, and other supplies within reach and off the floor. Wall hooks can be used to hang clothes and accessories like hats, scarves, and gloves too. You could even create a 'lost and found' section for socks that've gone AWOL.

7. DIY or bespoke shelving to suit your space

If your laundry room is small or is a particularly awkward space, it might be a good idea to explore bespoke shelving. 

'Won't that be expensive?' We hear you cry. Hear us out. Getting shelving to fit your space, needn't be pricey. It's worth contacting a local carpenter to get a quote. 

Dependent on the space, you might just be surprised by the cost. A bespoke unit may well cost less than the average shelving unit you'd buy, er, off the shelf.

Another budget-friendly idea would be to buy planks of wood and put shelves up with brackets, painting them in whatever finish you so desire. 

Fancy trying your hand at a bit of DIY? Learn how to install a floating shelf yourself with our guide.

8. Fit open shelving on one whole wall

Adding open shelving to cover the whole wall space will not only look neat but will also be easy to get at when you're clambering for the stain remover to get a stubborn stain out of clothing. 

Of course, you could just store all your products up on the shelves, or if clutter is your enemy, you could consider keeping items in various baskets and bins so they're easily accessible but not on show...

You could go one step further and incorporate other containers like glass jars and bottles to store your laundry detergents, pegs, and various other small items to create a more uniform look and the ultimate laundry room #shelfie setup.

9. Set up ladder shelving 

If you're not too sure about mounting shelves along the walls, maybe for fear of bursting a pipe or damaging your walls, a shelf ladder is the perfect option. Ladder shelving doesn't take up lots of floor space or wall space for that matter. 

Make use of the room height by opting for a tall ladder shelf to maximize the storage space. 

Wilkes says: 'For renters or DIY avoiders, shelf ladders are the ultimate compromise. Compact and footprint friendly they simply lean against the wall – and fit in any room of the house.'

10. Mix cabinets and open shelving 

We all have certain items we don't necessarily want on show or we need hidden away from our curious little people. Mixing cabinets with open shelving is a great compromise. 

You could still have the #shelfie friendly bits and pieces on the open shelving but hide not so neat and tidy items in the cabinets. 

Having all the clutter stored away in a cabinet will also mean you'll always walk into a space that looks tidy, making laundry day a little bit less of a chore. 

IKEA's ENHET wall storage combination has a mix of open and closed storage with the added bonus of space for a washing machine and laundry baskets. 

11. Use a freestanding cabinet

Turn a corner of your kitchen, bathroom, or utility room into a shelving space for cleaning essentials with a free-standing unit, combining shelving cubbies and hooks. Arrange brushes and dusters into buckets and caddies, and hang peg bags and brooms from the hooks to maintain order.

12. Full height vertical units

If you have the luxury of a large laundry room a great option would be to add fitted units, full height to make use of the wall space. All shelving and bulky appliances could be hidden away behind sleek doors so all that clutter is hidden firmly out of view. Bliss. Or if you don't have a dedicated laundry room, but a room with wall space, you could fit a unit like the one above from Smeg to house a neat laundry area.

13. Choose wire shelving

If you don't want to build in wood shelving, wire shelving units are an inexpensive, easy-to-install option for storing laundry accessories.  For a more customized look, you could add a few of these wire shelving units side by side for extra storage capacity.

14. Adjustable modular shelving to adapt to needs

Got laundry mountains on the daily? Installing adjustable shelves that can be moved will futureproof your space and meet your family’s changing needs. 

String furniture's shelving systems option of both open and closed cabinets, hooks and shelving units of various heights tick all the storage for busy homes. 

'Utility/laundry rooms have become a desirable must-have at home but are often compact,' says Peter Erlandsson, co-owner of String furniture.

'The best thing about modular furniture is that it really can be installed anywhere. Make sure your shelving is deep and tall enough to store your belongings but narrow enough that it doesn’t compromise your precious square footage.'

15. Install multi-functional units

A busy laundry room needs multifunctional shelving and Ikea does multifunctional exceptionally well.

And where would we be without Ikea storage hacks? Ikea's BOAXAL range is adaptable or the open storage solution can be added to as needed. You can add everything from a drying rack and a clothes rail to baskets and shelving. The choice really is yours.

16. Use a pigeon hole wall unit

Have lots of finicky laundry items strewn around your laundry room? A pigeon-hole unit is perfect for tucking away odds and ends that don't have a home. 

This industrial-look wooden pigeon hole wall unit from Rockett St George will hide away lots of unsightly clutter and will look even better in a country-style laundry space.

17. Install a multipurpose peg board

Keep surfaces clear of clutter and the things you need within reach, rather than hidden at the back of a cupboard, with a pegboard of hooks, containers, and shelving. Giving everything its own place with Skadis pegboard combination from Ikea and the range of accessories should keep everything sorted.

18. Hide shelving behind a door

If you've always got a laundry avalanche on your hands and there's zero time for arranging a #shelfie, let alone said avalanche, it's time to show your laundry room who's boss. Hide the clutter and mess by using a shelf unit with a sliding door. Your guests will be none-the-wiser.

19. Add cube shelving in pockets of spaces

If you've not got a whole wall to play with, why not use cube shelving to maximize storage opportunities, using the top and inside of the cubes?

Choose deep cubes to get the most out of them or why not choose a style you can add a door to, like an Ikea KALLAX shelving unit, to tidy away items best kept unseen. You've got to love Ikea storage cubes.

20. Utilitarian shelving with brass brackets

If you're wanting to add a level of sophistication to your space, take a leaf out of this DeVol laundry room's simplicity and opt for clean lines with a single shelf running the length of the room.

Create the ultimate utilitarian #shelfie with traditional brass brackets and vintage-style receptacles, jars, baskets, and containers for all your laundry accessories.

Where to use laundry room shelves

'Laundry room organization seems daunting since you are working within a small space, but don't be intimidated. Take advantage of wall-mounted shelves in order to save as much floor space as possible' says Matt Cessna, appliances merchant at The Home Depot.

'If you have a top-load washer and dryer, remember to leave enough clearance for their doors to open.'

Expert laundry room shelving ideas from Home Depot

Sarah Fishburne, director of trend and design at the Home Depot shares her top tips for making the most of your shelving:

• Add open shelves above your washer and dryer. Open shelves keep detergents, stain removers, dryer sheets, and other laundry supplies conveniently within reach.  
• Install adjustable shelves that can be moved to meet your family’s changing needs. 
• Wire shelving is an inexpensive, easy-to-install option. For a more customized look,  install wall-mounted wood shelves. 
• Take advantage of all your available space with corner shelves. 
• Repurpose an unused bookshelf in a laundry room that’s low on built-in storage.'

It may only be the space where kids take off muddy boots, where you drop mail or your keys but, – depending on how your house is laid out – even the tiniest of mudroom space is deserving of proper decorative attention. When the best small mudroom ideas will have this spot looking totally gorgeous and organized, not just for your eyes but for any guests too, getting the look on point will become a top household priority.

For some, the mudroom may be the first thing you see when you open your door. It needs to be versatile and functional and be able to hold wet coats, dog leads, muddy footwear, hats, gloves and scarves. Not forgetting you'll need some kind of seating area too...

Small mudroom ideas 

Small rooms are harder to design but, it's so important to get it right, especially if yours opens out directly from your entryway. Even if it's a little hidden and no matter how awkward or narrow a mudroom you have, there are lots of design tricks using storage, paint colors and more to help enhance your space both literally and figuratively. Transform yours into a functional area and see how it will serve all of your outdoor wear needs that little bit better in all seasons. 

1. Use space-enhancing wallpaper 

There's absolutely no reason why you can't have wallpaper in your small mudroom, in fact, it will give it a colorful lift if it's in a dark space. Use a design that has vertical stripes to give the illusion of height and you can accessorize it with colors from the scheme. 

A hallway wallpaper design with only one or two colors will be more effective in a small space that one that's 'busy', so keep it simple. 

2. Consider your pets' needs too

A great small mudroom idea is to keep your dog’s bed in the space, it keeps it out of the way of other rooms and all other pet accessories can be stored with it – dog leads, food containers and any coats they have too. 

Put up a peg rail as subtle mudroom storage that can hold the dog leads and your hats and scarves. 

3. Create a link to the laundry room

Mudroom laundry rooms make the perfect workaround a smaller space, catering better to household needs while a connected space will make both individual areas feel large. Try creating a link by running the same flooring or wall color throughout.

'When I’m designing a 'dumping zone' for a family and the clients have limited space I try to focus on the necessities of keeping a family organized…. Those are shoes, backpacks and miscellaneous clutter that you don’t want to be seen,' explains Kim Armstrong, owner and principal designer at Kim Armstrong Interior Design.

'So, when I have limited space like in this particular mudroom I designed, I have shoe space below the bench, hooks for the backpacks, and closed storage above. It’s pretty simple, but It’s a design I re-use often, because it works.' 

4. Shiplap a corner for interest

How charming is this small mudroom? It has everything you need – shelving, hooks for coats, leads and bags, a stool and space for shoes and boots. And, if you DIY shiplap in your tiny space all the way up to the ceiling it will add much-needed height.

Painting the top half in a lighter shade creates the illusion of space whilst the duck egg blue links to the painted floor. The rug adds a decorative element and makes the corner feel cozy.

5. Fit purpose built cubes for your wellies

‘Bespoke storage solutions allow for endless design possibilities,’ explains Alex Main, director at The Main Company.

‘An ideal choice for compact spaces or those with a more unusual layout, bespoke boot room cabinets can be designed to suit the home. Low-level bench seating and floor-to-ceiling cupboards maximise the vertical space available and create ample storage space for shoes, coats and other essentials.’

6. Make the most of a spare wall if space is tight

A small mudroom area can be created anywhere really, all you need is somewhere to fix a peg rail and a seating area that has compartments like shoe storage and the like. You can use baskets for extra storage that can hold gloves, hats and blankets.

This neat idea takes up a very small amount of space, yet is cute, compact and does the job perfectly.

7. Make a small design stand out using reclaimed wood

‘For a touch of luxury, opt for reclaimed cladding or high-quality hardware, this will make the space feel more personal whilst adding effortless style appeal,’ advises Alex Main, director at The Main Company.

It also adds texture and a visual warmth to this corner which makes it feel cozy too. The entryway bench style seating adds to this relaxed yet functional mudroom.

8. Choose made to measure storage for the best fit

‘To maximise space in areas often overlooked such as small mudrooms, consider made-to-measure units. Asides from creating a place to hang coats and shoes, it provides ample amounts of storage to house those everyday items like umbrellas, hats and other accessories,’ says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr.

The addition of a bench breaks up the cupboard space and creates an area to perch while removing shoes and wellies. A wooden bench is easy to keep clean from mucky paws but for added comfort consider adding a padded cushion.  A well organized area can be a real game changer when rushing to get out of the door. Make sure everything is in order with handy wicker baskets and easy to access hooks. Not only will everything have its place, but it will also always look tidy and presentable for guests’ arrival.’

9. Keep it fresh with an all white scheme

Painting any room white will help to create the illusion of space, and if your mudroom is small you'll need plenty of storage options too, as Kirsten Krason, co-owner and principal designer of House of Jade Interiors explains:

'If you have the space for a bench it's a great opportunity to add in some designer pillows which will make your mudroom look thoughtful and colorful. Drawers in a mudroom are a great way to hide away odds and ends so that no one can see them but everything is still accessible. If you don't have a designated mudroom consider any space in your garage as mudroom storage. You can add a little bench with cubbies for baskets to use as you come and go from your home.'

10. Go for all out patterned floors

The white paint in this space really does lift this corner that doesn’t get as much natural light as you'd hope for.

However, the blue tiled floor offers a stylish statement and you can see how easy it is to accessorize further with blue and white pillows on the bench seating. The advantage of tiles is that you can give them a quick mop and all the muddy footprints will disappear in no time. 

11. Invest in modular units that you can add to

When space is tight you need to be clever with how you design your small mudroom. 

If you don’t have the budget to go down the bespoke route then invest in storage units that can work together and be stacked so you can go up as well as widthwise. The same goes with peg rails, use as much wall space as you can so that all hanging pieces are up and out of the way.

12. Create depth with dark on light

A dark floor will add depth to any scheme – and let’s face it, is a great color choice for a small mudroom!

To carry on the dark theme use a dark grey or black countertop and door handles. You can vary this throughout, the mid-grey backdrop here that holds the bags and tops adds a softness to the scheme – preventing it from becoming too stark. 

What do you put in a small mudroom?

When your mudroom is small, you need to only use it for those essentials that you use/wear often. Try not to let it get cluttered with lots of coats and shoes that you don’t often use on a daily basis. A seating option is always a good idea – even if there is only enough room for one person to sit on it at a time. We'd also definitely look into pieces with built-in storage to conceal those coats and shoes that you don't always need readily to hand. Not forgetting the simple addition of hooks and rails – simple and essential – so do try to get at least one row up.

How can I make a small mudroom functional?

You can keep it functional by being careful with how you use the space. If you can’t go wide, then go high. Install storage cubes that go from floor to ceiling and use baskets as extra storage. Again, keep it clutter free and tidy so it visually takes up less space. 

Another great tip is to Invest in floor mats or rugs to protect the floor and choose designs that are washable for ease.

A mudroom laundry room combo is a great feature to have at home. Used to take off your footwear and any outerwear that may have become soaked or soiled from rain or mud – it's a great space to keep Mother nature out of your nice and clean spaces – while you stay organized and on top of that never-ending laundry pile too.

Though mudrooms provide a space for families (and pets) to unload dirty outwear, keys and more belongings, you wouldn't want paw prints or small footprints on freshly-laundered clothes... So you need to be clever with the layout of your mudroom laundry space to ensure that it works hard at being practical and good looking too. These designs include both contemporary and traditional schemes so you can look after your linens in a stylish and organized setting.

Mudroom laundry rooms for a clean and organized home

'Mudrooms have evolved beyond pure functionality. A mudroom is a place where you can stop before you start each day and literally, as well as figuratively, gather yourself and your belongings. Regardless of where you put your mudroom, as there are several routes you can take depending on the layout of your house,' says Sal Graci, digital marketing manager, at Philadelphia based, The Closet Works, Inc.

'Having a particular place for each and everything offers peace of mind for those derailed by the slightest sight of clutter. Located in an entryway, garage, laundry-room or even a spare room, your mudroom will contribute to the removal of all things muddling your life.'

1. Add a small shower or basin

How epic is this mudroom laundry area by Dina Bandman, founder of Dina Bandman interiors? The combination of navy blue subway tile and patterned wallpaper is giving us all the elegant and aqueous Grecian vibes.

We think you'll agree that the pup looks pretty comfortable in this dog shower too? So there's space to wash off muddy paws and garments in this multi-functional setup and lots of shelving space for laundry detergents and pup shampoo.

2. Save space by moving appliances off the floor

If you've got a large family, or one that likes to get involved in muddy outdoor sports, it can be hard to keep the laundry schedule under control. Sportswear like team jerseys, long soccer socks and sneakers with studs or designed for artificial turf surfaces can take a battering. And before you know it, you're dealing with heaps and heaps of washing. If you've got multiple washers and dryers on the go, this can make your mudroom laundry area just look darn-right messy.

Keep your appliances, washing loads and detergents off the floor and out of reach of young children by installing built-in mudroom storage and spaces to plug in your white goods. 

3. Smarten up your space with navy surfaces

We don't often associate mudroom laundry areas as elegant or neat spaces, but the combination of navy painted cabinetry and ornately-detailed floor tiles give this space a chic update. Having an eye for detail and knowing how to pick floor tiles definitely gives this home launderette a luxury look.

The owner has even invested in dark blue appliances to match the rest of her decor. Thinking outside the box (or rather, outside this interior scheme), Houston-based interior designer Nicole Domercq Zarr, founder of Nicole Zarr Associates has chosen a gorgeous hallway wallpaper idea to create a sense of coordination between the two separate rooms.

4. Add a runner rug for style and practicality

Your mudroom laundry area is the cleaning HQ of your home, so it’s no surprise that it would get filthy and disorganized over time. Though tiled flooring is quick to mop up, a runner rug can also stop you bringing dirt and debris being dragged into family spaces like the living room, bedroom and kitchen.

Or, if you don't like cold, hard surfaces, use this runner to kneel on while you sort your whites, lights, darks and brights to pop in your washing machine.

5. Cram storage opportunities into a small room

Mudroom laundry areas don't have to be massive, despite being a traditional space in larger, rural homes. This stunning execution of the utility style room by @themisfithouse balances style and substance.

As well as a mudroom basin, there's natural wood shelves, basket weave marble floor tiles, and woven baskets to store dirty or clean garments ready to go into the wash or be ironed. There's even a bench and colorful cushion to sit and enjoy some sparkling water while you wait for the timer to go off, and check out that wall light that sits just above your head – perfect for reading washing symbols and instructions, or a magazine. Is there anything that hasn't been thought out?

6. Hang pet-inspired patterned wallpaper

Whether you're feeding your pup in a separate room away from the family, keeping an excitable dog away from fearful guests, or hosing them down after a muddy forest walk, let's face it, your furry friend is going to spend a lot of time in your mudroom laundry area. So when looking to design this room, pay homage to man or woman's best friend with a dog motif wall covering.

Bathroom wallpaper ideas are best for this space, not only because they have washable benefits to wipe off mud, but also because it's the perfect material if you've installed a dog shower (hidden in the background in this picture).

7. Freshen up floors with mosaic tiles

This mudroom laundry room by Jenna Sue, founder of Jenna Sue Design is so fresh and so clean – it simply needs to be spelled out. Using small tiles from Bedrosians Tile & Stone, she created an intricate mosaic design for her entryway.

The sage green wall paneling on the ceiling and wooden shelves also reinforce this fresh forest feel. One of the benefits of houseplants is that they can oxygenate this space and purify the air, which is especially important if you're handling detergents which can sometimes have a strong and synthetic smell. 

8. Add seasonal touches to your mudroom laundry area

Once you've invested in furniture for your mudroom laundry area, the styling can often be neglected. After all, it's a functional space where you just want to get your chores done, right? However – errands or no errands – you can still inject seasonal style into your scheme with a few fall decorating ideas or spring flowers when brighter days come around.

'Waste of space is what I thought when we moved into this house! I thought this could have been an extra bedroom. But... This serves as a mudroom, laundry room, office, craft room, and pantry! So really it’s a great use of space because we got 5 rooms in one!' says interior designer, Nicole aka @fancyfixdecor.

'The peel-and-stick wallpaper terracotta blooms are from Wall Blush, wash and dry decals on the washing machines from Etsy, my husband made the laundry pedestal from some wood sourced at Home Depot and my my tile wood floors and cabinets are from there too. And that Bonjour mat is from BSEID Blue Sky Environments.'

9. Add a bench to make entry and exit easier

In order to successfully remove dirty shoes before continuing onto the other areas of the home, good seating like an entryway bench or chair is a must. 

Choose a standalone piece or look to DIY a built-in bench. We like the look of this grey seat design by Humphrey Munson. But if you're based in the USA, you could take a look in Lowe's.

10. Use dark wood cabinetry for low-maintenance

Mudroom laundry areas are naturally mucky. Soggy coats, wet wellington boots and the dog shaking off residual mud after jumping into puddles are common scenes we're all used to. So it pays to carefully think about the color of your storage surfaces and the different types of flooring available, before you invest in this space.

Dark brown, built-in storage can help to disguise fingerprints and flecks of debris pets and children bring in. And when it comes to the floor, you'll want something wipeable, resilient and good looking like LVT. That way you won't be scrubbing real wood or stone and certainly won't be harboring germs like carpet can do. 

11. Go light and bright for an airy atmosphere

Light-colors work in these spaces too, especially if your mudroom laundry is on the small side – often the case. Decorating with white or cream can help a mudroom laundry room combo appear bigger than it actually is, adding lightness to the space.

In this scheme by Alexis Andra Austin, a Missouri-based lifestyle blogger and founder of Curio Press, cabinets have been painted in Hot Spring Stones by Benjamin Moore, giving this space a clean, calm and relaxing vibe to tackle your domestic duties. 

A jute indoor door mat catches and collects any water or debris that might fall from the sink too.

What is a mudroom laundry?

'A mudroom laundry combo is a double duty, transitional space that serves as a buffer between the outside environment and the comforting interior of your home,' says Caroline Harmon, trend strategy manager, Lowe’s.

'It’s a place where you can shed layers and keep outside germs from the rest of your living space by immediately tossing them into the wash.  This is an area in which you can store a laundry basket or bin for wet clothes and dirty shoes in addition to easily cleaning them within the same space. A sink can do double duty for washing hands or soaking tough stains.'

'A mudroom laundry combo is perfect for keeping messes out of the rest of the home. Storage is key to hide the clutter, and keep the space tidy. It is also great for storing seasonal items, as an extra closet for coats, scarves and gloves in the winter or pool towels and flip flops during the summer.'

'This is also a great space to infuse personality and style- some wallpaper, cool lighting or patterned tile floor can be the perfect welcome home. A light paint color will keep the space feeling larger. Lighting can also help brighten the space.

'Hang a flushmount or chandelier in the center of the room, and use a sconce or a pendant over the sink area to maximize light. Don’t forget a few plants (faux, for easy maintenance or if the space doesn’t get a lot of light) to add some warmth to the room. A performance rug is soft underfoot and not scared of messes.'

What is the purpose of a mudroom laundry combo?

'The importance of a mudroom in the countryside should not be underestimated,' says interior designer Emma Sims Hilditch, founder of Sims Hilditch.

'It acts as an important gateway between the outdoors and your home, and is usually designed to withstand dirt, avoiding it being transferred into the main body of the house.' 

'However, this isn’t to say that a mudroom should be ignored in terms of the design aesthetic. We treat this space as part of the house, so its design will be in keeping with the rest of the interior.'

And Harmon adds: 'For busy families, the mudroom is a great drop zone for school bags and sports equipment. Create a space for each child to place their things before running inside to play. A bench seat is a great addition and works for putting on shoes, or a full laundry basket. Pillows on the bench add pattern and texture to the space.'

'Pet showers/baths are also trending in these spaces to make sure muddy paws are clean before jumping up on the couch.'

How do you make a mudrooom laundry look bigger?

Light, airy colors often trick the eye but otherwise, making the best use of space in a small laundry mudroom will naturally enhance the look and size of the room itself. 

‘Maximizing space is key,’ say Sims-Hilditch. 

‘Bespoke joinery is a great way to make the most of these awkward spaces, allowing us to create storage solutions with in-built pigeon holes which hold wicker baskets, as well as drawers and pegs for coats. You might even consider including in-built bench seating with hidden storage within. 

‘It should still remain in keeping with the aesthetic of the rest of the home, in terms of the color scheme, flooring and styling.’

Our family of four struggled to cram all the necessities into the tiny drop zone, sandwiched between the garage entry and kitchen. Old house living is a charming existence in many ways, but often storage may not be included in the captivating package. Despite our best efforts, our mini mudroom always ended up with a pile of things on the floor and heaping bins...

We live in Des Moines, Iowa, where we can experience all four seasons within a week. Boots and flip flops and parkas and windbreakers often coexist, so when it comes to keeping organized, only the best mudroom ideas make the cut.

Although we only had a small space to work with, we still desired to have room for a mail drop, sunglasses and even a spot for the occasional return.

The mini mudroom before

Local, The Kitchen & Bath Company offered to partner to find a solution to our entry closet chaos, in conjunction with Organized Living closet systems. We started with drawings from The Kitchen & Bath Company. We went a few rounds with their designer, keeping in mind the heights of backpacks and kiddo coat lengths, as well as space for adult shoes and jackets. I was excited to use all their clever ideas to take advantage of every inch. This system was selected because it is modular and can be adapted as our needs change and the kids grow. Once we settled on the perfect design, I set out to pretty up the space before the Organized Living system would be installed.

Patch, Prime & Paint

After priming, I covered the walls in Benjamin Moore Gardenia, matching the trim in our adjacent kitchen. Next I patched the back wall, primed and then painted it and the closet trim in two coats of Benjamin Moore, Nicolson Green.

• DIY: How to paint trim.

Lattice

I’ve always admired walls clad in lattice and was itching to give it a DIY go. I had some leftover vinyl lattice from an outdoor project and this little space seemed like a manageable spot to try out the look. First, we trimmed the leftover lattice to fit. I installed it using finishing nails and sealed the seams with caulk.

Ceiling wallpaper

The first place I always check for wallpaper for small projects is eBay. It is such a great place to find leftover, designer wallpaper for a fraction of retail. I found the perfect roll of Thibaut paper to pair with the lattice accent wall. 

Thibaut paper retails for $200-$300 a double roll and I snagged this one for $25. Small spaces are also the perfect place to cheat a bit on install. I used Duck Brand, double sided tape to attach the paper to the ceiling. I created a tape grid to attach the paper and trimmed it to fit.

Closet system installation

Local, The Kitchen & Bath Company handled all the installation of the Organized Living system. All the pieces were custom cut on site to utilize every inch of our wonky, old house closet. The side wall was outfitted with baskets with just 6 inches in depth. Even the door to the garage entrance was outfitted with shoe storage. We opted to keep the bench, built a year prior, and slid baskets below for additional storage.

Real Costs:

• Lattice: leftover from previous project
• Caulk: on hand
• Paint: Quart of Benjamin Moore Nicolson Green for trim and back wall $17
• Wallpaper: Thibaut found on Ebay $25
• Curtains: $50
• Tension Rod: $6
• Double sided duck tape: $8
• Closet System: *Partnership with The Kitchen and Bath Company and Organized Living* Product and labor retail value $782

Total: *$888

Mini mudroom makeover results

Our maxed out mudroom has been in use for three months. I’m happy to report that although it doesn’t look like styled to perfection on the daily, since the mudroom makeover, it is no longer a chaotic catchall. The kids are even hitting at about 80 percent accuracy in hanging up their backpacks and putting away shoes. It’s a delight to enter our home without the hazard of tripping on a floor pile or being assaulted visually by chaos.

If your home has space, you might be looking for boot room ideas. And why not? Boot rooms, however small, are ideal for keeping muddy shoes (and children, and dogs) and their mess confined to one, easy-to-clean space, away from the kitchen, hallway and the rest of the house. 

So rather than clogging up your hallway with dirty footwear and rain-soaked coats for all and sundry to see, if space permits, why wouldn't you create a designated space for soggy outerwear? Asides from keeping wet items out of sight, your boot room design can stop the entryway of your home from smelling damp too.

Boot room ideas to conceal coats and wellies

‘Large country houses have always had boot rooms, but these days they’re seen as an important ‘valve’ to the outside world, or the main gateway into the house,’ explains Andrew Petherick from Artichoke.

1. Don your boot room in a pretty pink shade

'While we are inspired by the Great British Countryside when designing our interiors, this doesn’t mean that we don’t like to be creative with color,' says Louise Wicksteed, Design Director for Sims Hilditch interior design.

'We opted for a shade with pinkish undertones for this boot room set in a 16th Century Manor. While not perhaps part of the traditional palette of navys, greens and creams that springs to mind when considering historic homes, it certainly breathes life and fun into the space, without losing any of its character.'

2. Add a runner to keep your floors (sort of) clean 

While rubber boot trays, racks and wire scrapers should be staples in every boot room to keep dirt out, you can't beat an entryway runner for style and functionality.

Pairing this with luxury vinyl tile flooring will ensure that you aren't too precious about dog mess, mud or mildew which can all be cleaned off this durable surface in a flash. It's also worth looking at patterned tile designs which'll hide dirt more effectively.

'For a subtle scheme, light hues with a pink undertone makes for a perfect alternative neutral. It can be used from ceiling to floor or combined with crisp whites and soft greys to create a smart Scandi style interior scheme.', says Helen Shaw, UK marketing director for Benjamin Moore.

'Natural plaster tones or light terracotta shades create a wonderful earthy natural feel in a room. They look particularly eye-catching in well-lit spaces and when paired with natural materials or painted wood.'

3. Be connected to nature with an outdoor boot room

'The outdoor boot room of this Georgian Rectory is the epitome of country living. The Cotswold green cabinetry and the wicker storage baskets perfectly reflect the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside where this home is located, bringing the outside in, ' says Wicksteed.

'When designing our interiors we always consider a home’s natural surroundings and use this to determine the color palette, texture and materials selected for the scheme. As the gateway to the outdoors, this is particularly important when designing a boot room.'

4. Introduce wood wall paneling for a Nordic feel

Scandinavian design is a trend that isn't going anyway soon... And a boot room idea is no exception. Using a light wall paneling idea and matching wooden floor, this boot room design is 'snygg' — that's stylish in Swedish to you and I.

To add the hygge factor to your home, add a rattan umbrella stand and felt bags to store wood briquettes for aesthetics, or actual burning abilities.

A wall mounted shelf-cum-coat-hooks will also allow you to hand rain macs, scarfs and handbags. Note how the boot room unit is styled with a cozy blanket and a bowl of pot pourri to keep unsavory smells at bay.

5. Create a boot room that transitions into the kitchen

'A boot room is often the gateway to the great outdoors, creating a hard wearing and easily cleanable barrier between the main house and the garden. Moving further into the home, we often connect our boot rooms with a kitchen or utility room, as can be seen in our Malvern family home project, ' says Wicksteen.

'This lends itself nicely to the continuity and flow of the interior as we often use the same flooring or paint color on the cabinetry and joinery throughout these rooms. A boot room can also be a great place to store overflow items from a kitchen.'

'This might include cleaning materials, tea towels or even canned goods! We often install bespoke joinery in our boot rooms with plenty of smart space saving storage solutions including baskets underneath the bench seating.'

6. Create a 'bootility' room

'Why not give your utility room a double function? Bespoke cabinetry will help to build a room that is both a utility room and a boot room, creating a seamless transition in a shared space.', says Tom Howley.

'We know that people are trying to make the most of their homes and multi-functional living has become a necessity as we have spent so much more time in our homes.'

If you've got a dog, don't forget to work in space for  leads, bags, balls and treats if they're not already crammed into a hallway storage idea.

7. Go dark and dramatic with a dark green scheme

Going bespoke with your boot room ideas means that you can make the most of your available space, providing purpose-designed places for coats, boots and pet beds.

This hand-painted, classic cabinetry design by Martin Moore is given a indulgent lick of rich emerald green paint to stand out as the jewel in the crown of your home.

8. Mix and match paint and wallpaper for a classic look

Wallpaper ideas work surprisingly well in a boot room. Adding pattern, color and texture to this scheme, a striped motif is a familiar design that adds country charm to a space designed for rural living.

Placement is key however, so try and avoid places where the kids are likely to touch after hours of collecting conkers and pine cones, or the dog's favorite spot to shake mud of its coat.

Check, plaid and tartan accessories can also be added to complement this theme. Maybe you could reupholster your bench, or perhaps invest in a chic dog bed. The choice is completely yours.

9. Introduce plants to bring the outside in

We all know about the benefits of houseplants in the home, but how about incorporating them in your boot room idea? To us — it's a no-brainer.

Whether you've come in from a walk in the park, or bringing new plant babies home from the garden center, you may want to bring the outdoors in or use it as a pop-up gardening station too.

Interior enthusiast, Mo Hussen has created an 'indoor jungle' by incorporating lots of greenery in this area of his house. The navy doors and oak shelves smarten up the scheme somewhat and the variety of plants naturally cascade across the work surface.

10. Use multi-functional furniture in small boot rooms

If your boot room is smaller than most, the space might not seem large enough for a bench and a radiator... Until now.

So rather than hopping on the spot to put on your wellies, or shivering in your boot room despite wearing numerous layers in the winter — this multi-functional radiator bench kills two birds with one stone. Rather than opting for a traditional radiator design, this one allows you some time-out after a stressful shopping trip or long woodland walk.

A boot room is a luxury for most country homes, so don't sacrifice comfort or coziness because you think the snug floor plan won't accommodate for these features. There's always a workaround that won't necessary look shoehorned, if you'll pardon the pun.

11. Consider your furry friends with pet-friendly design

'With approximately 45% of UK households now owning a pet, it makes sense to accommodate this furry friend from the outset.', says Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval Furniture.

'With this in mind, consider incorporating custom designed options like integrated dog beds, showers, and dedicated storage space at the early stages of design.'

12. Build a bespoke solution with lots of open shelving

'Here, the boot room provides a valve between the outside and inside for the efficient management of mud, to protect the house from the elements and to store all the equipment typically associated with a family living in the English countryside.', says Marina Jonas, director of marketing at Artichoke Ltd.

We love these square wood and brass drawers which can house welly socks or fresh dog refuse sacks ready for your country stroll. The central console provides amble space for umbrellas and hiking poles. And open shelving allows easy access to hats and other accessories.

13. Squeeze in secret storage wherever possible

If ever there was a boot room that epitomized the definition of storage goals, this would be it. Packed with pigeon holes, an overhead shelf, hooks and a cupboard, you can cram walking accessories, pet food and more, until your heart's content.

But the real winner here is the hidden bench storage. Here, boot socks and blankets still securely in a cozy compartment so you won't be confined to odd socks and shivering to stay warm.

14. Include built-in seating to change shoes in comfort

A storage bench with a comfy cushion and wicker pull-out baskets tucked beneath give this boot room a relaxed, rustic country feel. The built-in bench and wooden peg coat rack are painted in Lamp Room Gray by Farrow & Ball.

'A bench to perch to remove your shoes or wellies is a must, but you can use this space for storage too. In a boot room, pull out drawers have been incorporated to make the most of the space. A row of hooks above the bench provide somewhere to hang coats and hats.', explains Chris Spinks, kitchen designer at Hush Kitchens.

15. Choose freestanding furniture for a budget solution

Select boot room furniture that suits your space for all the benefits of a bespoke room at a fraction of the price. Clear clutter into the Pax wardrobe, add hanging space with the Kubbis rack, and store shoes in the Brusali shoe storage all of which are from Ikea.

16. Create a smart, symmetrical arrangement 

Pull out all the stops with generously-sized boot room storage that caters for every requirement. The practical bench is backed by tough tongue and groove paneling and is flanked by full-height cupboards, all painted to match. 

If you're struggling to select the right hue, we've written a guide on our pick of the best washable paints for the most practical choice.

17. Include a boot room sink to make life easier

If space allows, a sink is a big plus, turning a boot room into a multi-purpose utility area. Opt for a tall tap with pull-out spray to make it super-practical. If a sink isn't an option in your boot room, have an outdoor tap install by the back door to hose down muddy boots, or dogs, or children.

If you're still stuck, we've made it simple with our utility room planning and design guide to ensure your laundry room is more luxury and less lackluster.

18. Find ways to open up the space in your boot room

This tall elegant cabinet has been divided to give each family member a dedicated space for outdoor gear and shoes for the ultimate organized scheme. Look out for a shelf with pegs provides extra storage for bags and scarves.

19. Include boot room storage that kids can reach

When planning the position of coat racks, set them at a suitable height to encourage children to hang up coats and put away shoes. Here all options are covered, with a handmade shoe store at two heights, a double row of coat racks and overhead storage.

20. Save money with an all-in-one solution

If you don’t have the space or funds for a complete boot room, a hall stand includes all the elements needed in a one-off piece of furniture. This industrial design in mango wood with an iron frame includes a bench, shelf and hanging space.

21. Make boot room storage extra practical

Tailor-made boot room furniture or mudroom entryway ideas can be meticulously planned to fulfill every storage need and customized to suit the space, fitting neatly around any windows or doors. This boot room idea has full-height cloak cupboards, bench storage and slatted shelves to air and dry muddy boots. 

22. Select statement boot room flooring

A stone floor might be the default option for a country-style room but luxury vinyl tiles in an on-trend pattern are ideal for giving a hall or kitchen with an adjacent boot room a contemporary feel.

23. Choose flexible boot room furniture

Modular storage can be arranged to suit the space then added to if your needs change; this furniture can be customized with a choice of colors and knobs.

We love this arrangement from The Dormy House, you can choose from eight different gorgeous colors and there are so many different fabric options for the seat covers. 

24. Disguise mud and debris with a dark boot room

'Muddy boots, wet coats and bent-out-of-shape umbrellas are inevitable in the colder months, so what can you do to protect your home?,' says Simon Bodsworth, managing director, Daval.

'One idea is a combination of custom-made shelving and interior storage including hooks to hang your coats, bags and hats, different sized cubbyholes for storage and even a pair of bottom drawers that double as a practical bench seat.' 

'Recognizing that your waterproofs and wellie boots are essential in this weather, a well-organised hallway, boot room or back-door utility will help you save time and keep your home clean and tidy.  Once viewed as a simple walk-through, welcome areas have completely changed their role in the home, and have fast become a visitor’s first impression of your home.'

'In fact, market trends have completely transformed how we use these spaces and make the transition between indoors and out. I believe this is one of the many reasons a boot room is so fashionable and become the go-to furniture solution in the home which answers design, function and lifestyle.'

'Elegant and practical furniture which works to support busy lifestyles is a real game changer at home, ensuring that you instantly enjoy a calm and well-ordered environment as soon as you step through your door.'

25. Repurpose an old, antique (or upcycled) wardrobe

If you're looking for boot room ideas to suit a more traditional scheme, we love the idea of repurposing an old, antique (or even secondhand) wardrobe or armoire to create an enclosed space.

This French mahogany armoire came from Ebay; its lack of doors makes it perfect for keeping boot room essentials within arm's reach, without feeling as though coats, shoes and other winter woolies are taking over the space. 

26. Choose a storage solution that matches your style 

If you want your boot room to have a smart, cohesive feel, it may be worth opting for a storage solution that ties the rest of your scheme together. Painting an existing storage unit to fit with the rest of your scheme is one way to go – our guide to painting furniture provides plenty of tips. 

We love the way this gorgeous freestanding boot room from Washington Collection at LochAnna Kitchens complements the tones of this statement wallpaper. 

'Creating a narrow floor-to-ceiling cupboard and then adding generously spaced vertical shelves, you can maximize the storage space you have, storing your taller and more bulky items to create less clutter in the rest of your cabinets,' says Al Bruce, Olive & Barr.

'Footwear, hats, gloves, cleaning products  — whatever it is, you’ll have plenty of space to play with, and without taking too much of your entry space either.'

Where should a boot room be?

‘People are investing a lot more in their interiors, so they want a nice space where they can strip off their wet or muddy outdoor garments before heading into their home.', says Petherick.

'Most big country homes have two entrances — typically the boot room is closer to the back of the home and therefore closer to the car, making it ideal for bringing in the shopping or coming in after the school run.’

How do you style a boot room?

'There are two important things to bear in mind when planning a boot room.  Firstly, the aim is to keep unnecessary clutter and mess out of the main kitchen/living zones and the other is that the space must be highly functional. Designing for purpose is the key to both considerations.', says Richard Moore, design director at Martin Moore. 

'Work out exactly how you will use the room and what you will be storing in it and plan it all out from there, with a generous sink, room for must-have appliances, and plenty of dedicated storage.

A combination of cupboards, deep and shallow drawers, and open shelving is usually the best way to use every inch of available space. Choosing furniture from the same collection for both the boot room and the main kitchen can help create an elegant, unified scheme whilst hand-painted cabinetry can help add vibrancy, definition, and character to the space.'

While Bruce reckons the key to styling a boot room is to go bespoke. He says:

'To maximize space consider made-to-measure units. Asides from creating a place to hang coats and shoes, it provides ample amounts of storage to house those everyday items like umbrellas, hats, and other accessories.

The addition of a bench breaks up the cupboard space and creates an area to perch while removing shoes and wellies. When measuring up, make sure to check the height of your wellies for the perfect measurements. A wooden bench is easy to keep clean from mucky paws but for added comfort consider adding in a padded cushion.'

What should be in a boot room?

'When choosing furniture for a boot room, it’s important to consider what you're using the space for. If you live alone, or tend to store shoes elsewhere, including multiple pieces of storage furniture in the space may be unnecessary.', says Paul Deckland, buying director for Cotswold Co.

'However, a console table to store the things you need before leaving the house is a versatile piece of furniture, no matter how small the household. For families, boot rooms can keep manic mornings to a minimum.'

'A well-curated boot room allows a stylish yet multi-functional space, providing a place for pets to eat and sleep, while also storing bulky coats that can make a neat hallway appear messy.'

How do I keep my boot room clean?

'Depending on how much space you have, you need to decide what the main use of your boot room will be for, this will determine what type of storage you need,' says Matthew Currington, technical director, The Lighting Superstore.

If the boot room will be used to house most of your coats, consider getting a coat rack stand or if space is limited, consider installing hooks where necessary. Coat rack stands are multi-functional and can also store footwear as well as other outdoor items such as umbrellas, hats and scarves.

Storage shelves are a great way to save floor space, these can contain baskets and cubby holes to store items you do not regularly use, high-up and out of the way. For extra boot room storage and if you have the space, consider getting a bench with cubby holes or a lift-up seat.

How to add light to a boot room

'Arranging different styles of lighting can create a cohesive and functional lightscape for your boot room. Task lighting is a practical option, such as spotlights under shelves, to illuminate focal points in your storage unit, and above fixtures such as sinks,' says Currington.

'A pendant light in the center of the room, is a practical option to illuminate the entire space and can create a focal point and statement to your boot room.'

How to pick flooring for a boot room

'The flooring of your boot room needs to be hard-wearing and easy to clean since you will be potentially walking in dirt and mud from outdoors,' advises Currington.

'Opt for stone or ceramic tile flooring, not only are they practical but, can make a statement.  Big, patterned tiles will add a splash of color and a focal point to the room as and as a bonus, the pattern will also disguise dirt that will be walked in.'

'If you’re on a budget, rubber flooring is also still a great option and can be adapted to fit any type of space.'

When I moved into my 1930s semi 18 months ago I knew immediately that I wanted to move the kitchen. The kitchen, like many 1930s buildings, was a small galley that doesn’t suit today's open plan living ideal. The house came with two connected reception rooms so I decided to change one of them to the new kitchen but then left me with what to do with the old galley kitchen. I decided to use the space as a utility room and a downstairs toilet.

The utility room design was an easy change as the plumbing for the sink and washing machine was already in place. Most of the work involved in this was to remove the old kitchen and install new cabinets and worktop. As a keen DIY household I knew this would be a job to do with my partner.

Removing the old kitchen

The old galley kitchen from Ikea was looking tired but many of the units were in a perfectly usable condition. I upcycled three of the wall cabinets to make a sideboard in a recent project and, the other cabinets, worktop and appliances we put on Facebook Marketplace to either sell or give away for free to prevent them ending up in landfill.

Everything was stripped back to its bare bones which revealed a lovely red brick wall which we decided to keep exposed on one wall. Again, to keep costs down we reused the hardwood floor from the main bedroom. This also means that the downstairs floors now all match! We had some small structural works to do to split the room into a WC and utility room. We built a stud wall and then plastered the new wall and ceiling. We also added a radiator to the room which previously didn’t have one.

Finalising the design

I am a big advocate of the high-street kitchen and there are lots of little things that can be done to made it feel a bit more custom. The best utility room ideas do not need to be massive to be functional. I decided to put cabinets on one side only and had enough space for three Ikea 60cm x 60cm base cabinets and a washing machine. At the side of the washing machine is 30cm gap which is too small for a cabinet and instead it is used as a hamper space. I also added a tall wall cupboard to hide the boiler.

We used Saloon doors for the base cabinets as they are great in a tight space for access. Saloon doors tended to be slightly more expensive than a single door and you will need two handles instead of one but it was worth it for the space. I found some inexpensive but simple designed brass handles in B&Q at the cost of 2 for £5. On top I used a white high gloss worktop from Ikea and there were two reasons for this. The first is that the window in this room is on side of the house so I wanted to reflect as much light into the room as possible; secondly, it was a very inexpensive option.

The results

A big standout feature in the utility room is the brass rail that is used for drying clothes. As well as looking nice this is so functional and I find clothes dry within 6 hours in this room. The brass rail was purchased from Ironmongery.com and was cut down to the correct size. I could not find matching fixings for either end of the rail rail so I spray painted the fixings in a metallic brass colour.

The sink was purchased on Facebook Marketplace for £60 which matches the one we have in the kitchen but was a saving of £70 from the cost of a new one. Another cost saving was with the tap. The existing kitchen tap was in perfect condition but in matt black which did not go with the white and brass features of the new utility room. So I also spray painted the tap in a metallic brass colour which after eight months of using has no durability issues. 

To complete the room we tiled the wall and added new doors. I am a massive fan of grid tiling as I love the simplicity and believe it is a design classic. It was a no brainer for me to add grid tiling to the utility room and this matches the kitchen also. White square tiles are very inexpensive at £6 per m2 and finished it with Unibond Beige grout. I found some beautiful reeded glass doors on Facebook Marketplace at the price of £10 for 3 doors (absolute bargain!). To finish off the space and for some extra utility room storage I added an Ikea IVAR unit from Facebook Marketplace to put all our best linens on display.

Real Costs: A breakdown of materials

The labour was free as we DIYed everything. Luckily the plumbing was already in place so there was no extra costs associated with that.

• Ikea Cabinets x3 – £78
• Ikea Doors & Hinges – £147
• Ikea Ekbacken Worktop –£120
• Sink – £60
• Tap Spray Paint – £5
• Boiler Cupboard & Door – £70
• Brass Dry Pole – £40
• Tiles (4m2) & Adhesive – £44
• Shelving (Ikea IVAR) – £30
• Reeded Glass Doors – £10

Total cost = £620

There were some additional costs due to some of the structural work we had to do to create the downstairs WC and utility room which are unique to our position. The stud wall materials cost £200 for us to do DIY and plastering costs us £300.

Laundry rooms are often neglected corners of our homes, lacking in natural light. But a functional room dedicated to clothes washing that we don't hate being in is a huge advantage - both in terms of property desirability and our own happiness.

Planning and designing a utility room of your own? Take inspiration from this DIY lover's creation.

before

Mariah from @rustichomestead tells us that when she and her family first moved in, the laundry room was the one room she absolutely hated. 'It was so ugly, plain, and boring. It had no personality at all,' says Mariah. Hardly conducive to getting lots of laundry done.

Understandably, the utility room wasn't the number one priority in their new home, and they tackled their children's bathroom and gave their porch a makeover first.

When the time came to give the laundry room a makeover, Mariah had a rough idea of what she wanted. 'I knew I wanted beadboard all the way around, I knew I wanted floating shelves, and I knew I wanted it full of wood tones, green, gold, and blacks,' she says. 

She was planning to use peel and stick tiles on the wall behind the shelving, but halfway through had a change of heart and opted for a white faux brick wall instead.

You can never have too much storage in your home, and this is 100% the case for a laundry room. Mariah found a bookshelf with glass doors which she refinished with hessian fabric. She now uses it to keep her best cleaning products, rags, and other household items neatly stored out of sight.

'I totally transformed this room on a budget, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome,' she tells us. Her DIY laundry cart, which you'll be able to spot between her washer and dryer, is made of off-cuts of wood, and keeps plastic bottles of detergent tidy.

We love the Persian-style rug and open shelving, and the beadboard makes the space feel taller. Eyeing up that lovely green paint? It's Rosemary by @sherwinwilliams.

If you're tight on space, there are loads of small laundry room ideas to consider, including tucking your washer and dryer under your stairs or behind some wardrobe doors.

Mariah has brought her vision to life, creating a calming space that would definitely motivate us to reach the bottom of our overflowing laundry baskets.

We asked Cleanfluencer Lynsey Crombie, a.k.a Lynsey Queen of Clean, to tell us exactly what every good laundry room should have, to save us the guessing game. 

Designing a utility room can be a bit of a minefield, what with all the amazing utility room ideas and utility room storage inspiration on, ahem, RealHomes.com.

Lynsey says, 'Utility rooms should be practical spaces with plenty of storage and essentials. Laundry products are a given but if you’re wondering how best to utilise the space, you'll need some other basics that are sure to make washing and drying clothes convenient, easy, and maybe even enjoyable.'

Below, we pick the brains of the one and only Lynsey Queen of Clean to find out exactly what we need on hand in our utility rooms.

• Need small utility room ideas? We've got some stylish and practical inspiration for teeny laundry rooms.

Lynsey Crombie's essential laundry products

First and foremost, your utility room is for your never-ending washing mountain and with that comes many laundry products. Lynsey recommends the following utility room must-haves:

• Laundry care products: 'Liquid detergent, fabric conditioner, stain remover and white vinegar.'
• 'Tumble dryer balls to speed up drying time.' Or why not consult our best tumble dryers and get a brand new machine.
• 'Tumble dryer sheets to keep your laundry smelling fresh.'
• 'Starch spray for those awkward items that need that extra care – starch spray is great for pure cotton items and linen that crease easily, starch sprays are also great to remove static.'
• 'Crease spray to remove those awkward creases when you don’t have the time to iron.'

Lynsey Crombie's utility storage essentials

Utility storage is paramount for a multi-tasking utility space. Aside from storage baskets for all the miscellaneous clutter and nifty shelving, Lynsey recommends the following:

'Laundry baskets are a must and if you are limited on space look at a fold flat basket that can often slide onto the top of your washer or dryer.'

• Laundry baskets: 'Laundry baskets are a must and if you are limited on space look at the fold flat basket that can often slide onto the top of your washer or dryer.'
• Clothes hangers: 'Not all items of clothing needs ironing, some you can up straight away and if you keep hangers close by it will stop any creased forming.'
• A folding area: 'As clothes come out of the dryer fold and organise into iron and non-iron pile. A folding space keeps you from travelling laundry into other rooms in your home.'
• A drying rack: 'If you have space, there are plenty of drying racks that you can install up high and attached to walls too – perfect for those rainy days and winter months.'
• An ironing board and iron: 'It is important to keep all items laundry related together, so you know where everything is and everything has a home.'
• A bin: 'Perfect for tumble dryer fluff, which needs removing after every use and when emptying pockets before they go in the washing machine.'

• These best ironing boards can help tackle creases no matter how small or large your space.

Lynsey Crombie's clothing care essentials

When you learn how to do laundry, caring for your clothes is without a doubt a fundamental principle. Aside from laundry products, Lynsey also recommends the following:

• A sewing kit: 'So if you spot missing buttons or dropped hems you can action quickly and know where your kit is.'
• Mesh bags for when washing delicates: 'These are great for bras, silk undies and lace items that can sometimes get tangled up.'

• Ready to learn how to use a washing machine properly? We've got all the info you need to extend the life of your washing machine and clothes.

Lynsey Crombie's utility room product hacks

Laundry hacks don't come any better than those from a cleaning expert. Lynsey shares a few of her other utility room must-haves. 

• Store old towels: 'Old towels to collect up any possible leakages that can happen in your laundry room – washing machine can leak if overloaded or if an item gets trapped in the door.'
• Hand wash: 'Most laundry rooms have an entrance from the outdoors, so keeping a hand wash to hand will keep your hands clean and stop the spread of germs.'
• Paper towels: 'Great for blotting stains! Getting to stains as quick as possible is key, paper towels are great for fresh stains and will soak up any excess with ease. If you spot grease stains from cooking, you can cover the stain with a paper towel and then gently iron over this will remove the stain, use this same process for wax crayon stains too.'

Designing a utility room (whatever the size) when you're planning your kitchen or adding a kitchen extension makes sense. Take a look at our utility room ideas to get a feel for what's doable in your home.

It's quickly becoming a standard requirement in a modern home, so will not only make your life a whole lot easier but will add value to your house too.

Experts at Estate Agents, Petty Son and Prestwich, explain, 'Utility rooms pay back their cost pretty quickly in terms of their practicality and usefulness.' 

'There’s also the fact that prospective buyers will find them useful, too, so adding a utility room will come with the added bonus of increasing your property’s overall value.'

'Many buyers see their inclusion in a property’s description as beneficial, so even if you break even on cost you’ll likely attract more potential buyers to your home when you want to sell.'

So if you need some guidance on where to start when adding a utility room just keep reading because we've covered it all here, from the early planning stages to how to work in plenty of storage...

• Haven't much square footage to play with? Take a look through our small utility room ideas for more inspo.

Why make space for a utility room?

As long as designing a utility room for your home doesn't compromise your kitchen or bathroom too much, doing so should add value – and if not, desirability – to your home.

‘I’m increasingly asked to create designs for open-plan kitchen-diners, including a separate area as a utility, so much so that it is now unusual if one is not part of a kitchen redesign,’ says Melanie Clear, founder and director of Clear Architects. 

If you too are looking for more tips on designing an open plan kitchen, have a read of our guide. 

With an ever-increasing number of appliances and gadgets in our kitchens, having a separate space to store them, as well as somewhere to carry out tasks such as the laundry, makes sense,' says Matthew Franklin, senior chartered architect at etc Design Ltd. 

‘Utility rooms are now often seen as an essential element for a modern family home.'

• Need more advice on designing your kitchen too? Check out our kitchen ideas gallery for plenty of lovely ideas. 

How much does it cost to add a utility room?

In terms of cost, adding a new utility room, either as part of a kitchen extension or redesign, is very much like adding a small kitchen. 

You will need to consider the same things, such as redirecting and moving services like water, gas and electric, while also thinking about utility room storage worktops and lighting. 

If you are fitting out a utility room to match the kitchen, expect to pay from £2,000, including plumbing and wiring. 

Alternatively, a local joiner could fit out the space on a budget and incorporate appliances and white goods that you already own.

A cheaper and more flexible solution would be to buy freestanding or flat-pack furniture and fit the units yourself (find out how in our guide to fitting a kitchen) for just a few hundred pounds. 

That way the space can be reorganised and adapted to suit changes in your lifestyle.

Consider how you'll use the utility room 

When planning and designing a utility room, first, consider what you need from your space.

Natasha Brinsmead from Homebuilding and Renovating explains more:

'To begin, you will need to make sure you have a hot and cold water supply and waste for the sink and washing machine.'

'You also need to bear in mind that if you have a vented tumble dryer you will need somewhere for it to vent to.' 

'If you do not have windows to the exterior, plan in an extractor to reduce moisture when air-drying clothes, too.'

This will allow you to plan both its size, if you're extending or moving internal walls, and to determine which fittings you'll need within it.

Here are a few things to consider for your utility room design:

• Is it a place for a washing machine and tumble dryer?
• Do you need an ironing space and a laundry chute from the first floor.
• Do you need laundry storage ideas included in your design?
• Do you intend to free up space in your kitchen by having a fridge, prep sink, worktops and storage?
• Will you be creating larder storage within your utility room?
• Do you need a large utility room sink for washing a muddy dog, boots or sports gear?
• Does it need to incorporate room for bike storage?

Where to put your utility room

Where will your utility room be best placed? 

‘The location will be driven by your requirements,’ says architect Matthew Franklin. 

‘You won’t want a utility space spoiling a view to the garden, for instance, but you might like it to have an entrance to your garden, which means your utility will need to be on an external wall.’

‘It makes sense to have your utility as close to the kitchen as possible, as it is more convenient and less expensive for the utilities to be connected, but there is no hard and fast rule.’ adds Jamie Telford, director at Roundhouse.

Another option is to have a utility room near or within a large bathroom if laundry space is to be its main role.

If you are extending a house, always think about your utility room as subordinate to the kitchen. 

Designing a well thought-out kitchen will always add more value to your home than a utility room.

Alternatively, think outside the box:

• Could you incorporate the appliances from your utility room into your new kitchen design (see below)?
• Could you wall off a portion of the garage to fit your washer, dryer and a fridge?
• Do you have space in the garden for a shed or garden room that could be used as an external utility room? We have plenty of garden room ideas that could get you inspired. 

Creating space for a utility room

The prime space for a utility room is one that is under-used, has become overflow storage or is full of clutter. 

Be creative, even the smallest nooks could be used to free up useful space in your kitchen.

• If the under stair cupboard is used as a dumping ground, measure it up and consider stacking your washing machine and dryer to create a small utility room (find tons of under stair storage ideas in our feature).
• Consider installing a worktop in a storage cupboard. If there is potential to add plug sockets, you could free up kitchen worktop space by moving appliances.

What to include in a utility room

What you choose to include in your utility room design is essentially down to how you want to use the space, we've covered plenty of options below:

1. Creating a food-prep area in a utility room

• Worktops
• A sink
• Dishwasher
• Fridge-freezer
• Pantry and larder storage

You could also relocate your small appliances, like the toaster, microwave and anything else that eats up worktop space.

Creating a laundry or utility room

• Save room with a washer/dryer or stack your tumble dryer over your washing machine.
• Swap out a tumble dryer for a smaller and cheaper-to-run dehumidifier.
• A deep sink will be useful for soaking clothes and washing muddy boots (or pets).
• Lots of versatile laundry storage ideas.
• Cupboards invaluable for hiding away cleaning products.
• Tall cupboards can hide mops, brushes, an ironing board and the vacuum cleaner.
• If there’s no wall space for drying racks, consider a pulley-style ceiling-hung design.
• An extractor fan will lessen the effects of condensation.
• Underfloor heating will help dry your washing without taking up wall space.

• Shop for the best washer dryer to save space and allow for easy and efficient laundry in our expert guide.

Utility spaces should be uncluttered, functional rooms, with easy-to-clean worktops and as much storage space as is possible. 

If there is enough space, a spot for ironing, an open cupboard with hanging space, and shelves for freshly laundered clothes, are all very useful.

• From practical laminate to stylish solid wood, marble and more options, we can help you consider all the best worktops available.

Combine a utility room and a boot room

You needn't make lots of space for a boot room to combine it with a utility room. 

Use our guide to designing a boot room to find out all the essentials and see our boot room design ideas for inspiration, but look to include:

• Storage options for shoes and boots and outdoor clothing.
• Hooks and drying space for damp coats.
• Benches to sit on while taking off muddy walking boots.
• If you have dogs, a small shower for hosing down is a popular addition.

Choosing the best utility room cupboards 

‘If the utility room is connected to the kitchen, it makes sense to continue to use the same style of cabinetry as it will enhance the feeling of space and visual continuity,’ says Jamie Telford, director at Roundhouse. 

‘Consider the practicality of the worktops and the internal layout of the cupboards – you may need shelf space for upright vacuum cleaners, mops and brushes, for example, as these need to be housed in tall cupboards.'

'Focus on practical, wipe-clean units, with a mix of open and closed full-height storage that is, ideally, tiered for easy reach for all the family.’ 

Utility rooms may not have natural light, so combining a well-lit room with a neutral or light reflecting unit will help give a spacious feel. 

‘You may also wish to consider choosing handle-less styles with integrated appliances for smaller utility spaces to give a seamless look.'

• Take a look at these best integrated washing machines which could save you space, and money.

Extra things to consider when designing a utility room

Whether you’re adding a utility as part of an extension or you’re converting an existing area of your property, it’s easier and more cost effective to build it near to already existed drainage and ventilation.

You’ll also need to think about redirecting heating, water supply, electrics and don’t forget ample power points for all your appliances.

• Good drainage: Ensure there are sufficient links to the mains and speak to a plumber to assess the cost of relocating pipes.
• Natural light: Locate the room where there’s access to the outside and a window for ventilation. Consider glazed doors or rooflights, too.
• A practical layout: Think about the items you wish to store in the utility and ensure cupboards are large enough to accommodate. Try integrating appliances behind doors for a streamlined look.
• A robust worktop and floor: Invest in hardwearing utility room flooring to withstand wear and tear and heavy duty worktops, especially if the space is to be used for food preparation, as well as household tasks.

Whatever your intentions for the space, the utility will quickly become the overflow room, so allow for more storage at planning stage than you think you’ll need. 

Open shelves are the most efficient option, but tall, floor-to-ceiling cupboards with sliding doors are ideal for small spaces that you want to look neat, providing hanging space for coats, shelving for outdoor items or bins for recycling. 

Find tons of storage ideas and buys on our dedicated hub page.

If you think these utility room ideas require a huge kitchen, doing an expensive remodel or having a handy utility already built into your home, then we have some good news! A utility can actually be squeezed into the smallest of spaces, and it can make a huge, positive difference to your home. 

Ideal for keeping laundry tasks, washing machines and the like a little separate, a utility space is now becoming a standard requirement in modern homes. 

So if you are getting any work done to your kitchen, designing a utility room makes sense, if you have got the space. 

Experts at Argos explain more, 'There're lots of ways you can use a utility space; laundry room, a place to hide away cleaning equipment, somewhere for the bins to go, kitchen storage spill-over... think about what will make the biggest difference to you in your home.'

And if you aren't planning on changing your kitchen too much, let these ideas show you creative ways you can add and best use a utility room in your current space.

22 utility room ideas

1. Zone your utility room

If your utility room is narrower than you'd like, if it's clearly visible from the kitchen or hallway, or if you have to pass through it to get to the garden, order is key. A great utility room idea is to divide your space into zones, helping it to look neater and feel more organised. 

A row of tall units or large cupboards are a good option for narrow spaces providing storage for all your washing needs, plus you can hide everything away behind closed doors. 

This design from Burlanes (above) includes a handy pull-out shelf for a clothes airer, a washer and dryer stacked one on top of the other to save space – and a wet area. Clever.

2. Fit out every inch of a narrow utility room 

While we'd advise against this when designing a galley kitchen, in a narrow utility room function trumps form, so built-in floor-to-ceiling storage on both sides that helps you maximise the space you have is a worthwhile investment. 

A combination of open shelving and cupboards with door fronts will allow you to keep what you use all the time to hand, and clutter you're hoarding, hidden away. 

3. Make wall space to dry clothes

Short on floor space? One of our favourite and very simple utility room ideas is a wall mounted-airer that folds away when not in use – a practical option for drying clothes. Hang above a radiator to speed up the drying process, or above a sink or draining board so your clothes can drip dry.

4. Build in a washing basket on wheels

Even if you’ve got a laundry basket elsewhere in the house, it’s a good idea to have another one in the utility room. A basket on wheels, which can be tucked under the work surface when not in use, will help keep floor space clear and the room neat-looking. 

5. Make space for a wine cellar (you know it makes sense)

If you like to have a glass of wine when you’re doing your ironing (just the one, health and safety and all that), then you’re going to love this utility room idea. A spiral wine cellar, complete with one of the best wine fridges, is an entirely natural cellar that can be installed under any ground floor room, and doesn’t require an existing cellar or basement. 

Built from engineered concrete, a Spiral Cellar can either be fitted cleanly into a finished room, or form part of a new house build, kitchen extension or refurbishment project.

6. Make yours part of your kitchen design

Utility rooms can often be dark and windowless, which is why we love this glass walled design by Masterclass Kitchens. The decorative glass makes it a seamless part of the kitchen design as it isn’t completely closed off from the cooking and dining area. Plus, it allows natural light to flood the room which is uplifting to say the least. 

If you're already having nightmares about eating to the hum of a washing machine, don't panic as we know some of the best quiet washing machines out there to help.

7. Think ergonomics: design a washing machine cupboard

Schüller's clever utility room ideas allow you to save yourself from backache by raising the washing machine and tumble dryer to mid height, as well as fitting a sliding shelf underneath (for your laundry basket), eliminating the need to bend over to load and unload. Genius.

8. Plan utility room storage carefully

Mix and match your utility room storage options to create a space that works for you. For practical utility room ideas, anything you regularly need should be within easy reach and incidentals placed on a high shelf or out-of-the-way spot. 

If you’re planning to have a sink in your utility room, it’s a good idea to place it near the washing machine so that you can transfer anything left to soak without water dripping over the floor. 

9. Combine your utility room with a boot room

Utility rooms aren't just for washing and ironing clothes. If you don’t have space in your hallway, or simply don’t want the entrance to your home filled with coats, fit some hooks in your utility room to keep them out of the way in a combined utility/boot room space.

Got a dog? If there's room, a gigantic sink to shower them off in saves hosing down the pooch in the garden on a wet winter's day... or in your sparkling clean bathroom.

If you are seriously thinking about designing a boot room we've put together a detailed guide of how to do it. 

10. Invest in a laundry sorting unit

Another clever utility room idea from Schüller is this laundry sorting unit. Through the open slots in the door, dirty washing can be passed through and sorted (whether by washing temperature or colour) into laundry baskets that can be taken out.

11. Copy ideas that suit the style of your home

If your home is traditional in style, then include a utility room, pantry or larder that suits this. We love the idea of creating open shelf pantry storage from reclaimed wood – try Beechfield Reclamation – to store kitchen equipment, and using wicker baskets to organise laundry. You get the best of both worlds.

12. Create smart storage space with pegs and shelves

We love how this utility room idea has been given a smart look with a grey colour scheme, a mix of baskets and kitchen cabinets, and a neat peg shelf. The storage shelf provides display and hanging space that's ideal for making a utility room practical and good looking.

Experts at Argos explain, 'This works really well in practical spaces as you can see where everything is without having to open and close doors - you can always add storage baskets to keep smaller items together.'

13. Hide utility room clutter with a curtain 

If you are looking for small utility room ideas for a space that you had to shoehorn into a nook, hanging a curtain beneath your worktop is a handy space-saving trick – and looks pretty, too. 

You can use it to hide clutter (well not clutter as such, but stuff like detergent and cleaning bits). Or you could use a curtain to hide a washing machine if you keep it just off your kitchen or hallway.

14. Build in space for your pets

If your new utility room is going to function as a boot room too, it might be worth considering building in a place for your pets. Maybe you need to keep them separate from the house at night?  Or they may need somewhere quiet to sleep during the day in their favourite pet bed? If you've got the space and can give up a couple of cupboards, then we love the idea of this cosy under-the-counter space for furry friends!

15. Choose cute but practical flooring for your utility room 

Utility rooms are practical spaces above all else, but that's not to say you can't make them pretty spaces too. 

Your utility room flooring is the perfect place to add a bit of style – and tiles are the best choice, but be sure to go with interesting tile patterns to add a little character.

16. Create hanging space for lost socks

Losing socks all the time? Us too. This genius utility room idea consists of creating a lost sock area for single socks to hang out until they get reunited with their long-lost partner. Genius.

Argos explain more: 'Attach a couple of pegs to a flat surface so you can store missing socks until they're reunited with their partner. A pin board or small storage basket would work just as well.'

17. Use jars and containers to store products

Argos recommends to 'keep washing powder, pegs or pocket-clutter (loose change, hair grips and LEGO bricks are the usual culprits) in storage jars or baskets in your utility room. They'll keep surfaces tidy for a more polished look.'

One of the easiest of our utility room ideas has got to be using glass jars with a scoop to store your detergent. They will instantly make your laundry room look more together. Always keep jars safely closed and out of reach of your little ones on a top shelf or locked cupboard.

18. Bring in a bookcase for extra storage

In need of extra storage? Simply bringing in a bookcase, cabinet or console is one of the simplest of all the utility room ideas.

Or if floor space is at a premium, you could add built-in open shelving or cupboards to store clutter.

19. Create a dedicated utility area in your kitchen

No room for an actual utility room? Create a utility space instead for your laundry baskets and accessories, either by clearing out a cupboard, or adding a kitchen trolley cart. 

A cart with wheels can be moved over to your washing machine when needed and stored away the rest of the time. Genius.

20. Hang a drying rack on the wall or ceiling

If you have limited floor space and have had enough of cumbersome clothes horses, why not hang a clothes dryer on your wall or ceiling?

You'll find clever designs like the one above from Garden Trading that will keep both utility room accessories tidy and your laundry neatly hung up. Plus, when it's not in use you can neatly tuck the extendable dryer away.

20. Use a sliding wardrobe as a utility space 

If you don't have a utility room, you could use a fitted sliding wardrobe to house all that utility clutter. It's an instant solution for stress mess – all you need to do is slide the door closed to and peace is restored. Ah, bliss.

21. Stick to a utility room colour scheme

Your utility room will look and feel much tidier by sticking to a particular decor theme. In turn, you might even want to visit it a little more often and keep on top of the ever growing laundry heap.

22. Use wall hooks to hang laundry baskets 

Nowhere to hang up your laundry hampers and accessories? Follow IKEA's lead as above and add wall hooks that fit in even the smallest areas of wall-space.

Keep it simple with simple wooden hooks, or look for a quirkier series of hooks to create a more eclectic feel. 

On the lookout for some great laundry tips now you've sorted your utility room? Scroll this way for our best laundry hacks of all time.

The best drying rack for clothes is more versatile than you'd think. It can help you trim down your electric bill, protect delicate items from tearing or pilling, and conserve floor space. Drying racks are purposefully made with compact folding designs, and they cost a fraction of a dryer unit. Our best overall by Amazon Basics checks all the boxes; it's lightweight and storage-friendly, offers plenty of space to drape clothing, and takes up barely any space in your laundry room or elsewhere. The majority of our choices below fold, but they differ in capacity and purpose. Check out our picks and see which drying rack is suitable for your home.

Rather than use wood that's prone to splintering and may not support heavier apparel, Amazon Basics nails it with their lightweight steel clothes drying rack. It has three tiers and unfolds accordion-style to accommodate up to 32 pounds of clothing. This rack's footprint is especially surprising; it only takes up a 15-by-30-inch space, and its capacity comes from vertical expansion. This clothes drying rack is available in chrome or white — we gravitated to the white one for its waterproof and stain-resistant coating.

When you're putting items on a drying rack, there's a simple problem that plenty of people run into; not having enough space for everything to hang up. The Whitmor Oversized Drying Rack delivers an ideal solution with a rack that delivers 34.5 ft of drying space! This option weighs only 11 lbs and easily folds up for storage between uses. It has easy assembly, and the double-epoxy metal construction makes this rack suitable for use inside or outdoors. 

If you tend to struggle with finding space for flat-dry items of clothing, then take a look at Honey-Can-Do's gullwing drying rack. When stored, it folds down to just three inches flat, allowing it to slip into a wider variety of storage spaces. Steel construction helps this rack stand sturdy, no matter how many shirts and jeans you load onto it. The addition of a nylon mesh sling for delicates and four hooks for shoes adds versatility. Deploying this rack, however, does require more space than its competitors. While that's a bit of a downside, its flat-drying area is broad enough to dry heavy outerwear, rugs, towels, and so much more. 

Whitmor's clothes drying rack is petite enough to fit nearly anywhere for those with limited space or who live alone. It folds for easy storage and opens into a propped-up position on walls to take advantage of vertical space. For extra-wet clothing like bathing suits, simply straddle this rack over or in your bathtub to catch every drip. Portability is a crucial feature of Whitmor's rack. It's easy to lift and carry, making it a vital addition to camping gear or summer trips.

The majority of clothes drying racks are sturdy enough to support multiple pairs of wet jeans and sweaters. Still, those two items are only a fraction of your wardrobe. Delicate items like lingerie or baby clothes should have their own drying area, and HOMZ did an excellent job designing this three-tier mesh drying rack. It's suspended by a pair of hangers that fit all tension rods. You can safely hang this rack in your shower stall, between curtains, or in a closet with other clothing without worrying about it falling. It's expandable as well—just daisy-chain another rack via S-hooks on the bottom tier for more drying area.

Bottom line

Laundry is the least favorite chore of plenty of people, but if you want clean clothes its gotta be done. If you don't want your delicates to get damaged, or you prefer to line dry clothing, then a proper drying rack is a great addition to your home. While there are plenty of great picks out there, we suggest Amazon Basics.

Our best overall by Amazon Basics is an accordion-fold design, providing maximum vertical space. Constructed of steel, it has a generous weight capacity. It also features a stable stance, and is easy to fold up and store between uses!

Why trust us? 

 At RealHomes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible. 

Our top picks for utility carts are great for small appliances, spices, craft supplies, toiletries, and even garden tasks. Unlike other organization methods, which require adding shelves to walls or squeezing more into your current cabinets, these carts provide mobile storage that can be repurposed time and again. Which one is right for you? Read on to find out. 

Need to store heavier materials or appliances? This utility cart from Amazon Basics can support up to 73 pounds per shelf, and each one can be adjusted to your liking. It has a shiny chrome finish and is made of durable steel. 

Small kitchens and bathrooms have something in common: a lack of storage. This slim storage cart will squeeze into the small voids between appliances or bathroom fixtures so you can keep rooms tidy. It comes in white and black and makes an ideal spice rack or toiletry organizer. 

Creating personalized items or art projects means having a collection of art supplies at your disposal. This utility cart has a spot for everything in your collection, including papers, pens, brushes, small tools, and even paints. It comes in three colors and has three hanging cups you can move to your desired tray on the cart. 

Add bar storage to your dining or living room with this rustic style cart from Mind Reader. The faux wood finish will make the cart look less out of place compared to metal or plastic finishes. You can store bottles, glasses, and extra serving wares on all three shelves. 

Gardening tasks often require hand tools, large bags of soil or mulch, and planters. Relieve stress on your back by loading everything on this utility cart, which can hold up to 500 pounds, and wheel items to where you need them. Both shelves have borders to keep items from falling off, and there are small cutouts for tools and a drink holder near the handles. 

Versatile storage

The Amazon Basics 3-shelf storage unit is our favorite utility cart. Each shelf is extra sturdy, supporting 73 pounds, and can easily support a microwave or toaster oven. It's also useful in the garage, where you may need a mobile storage option for larger tools. The frame is made of steel, so it’s built to last a long time.

If you’re keeping track of lots of little items, like pens, brushes, or cosmetics, consider the Alvorog 3-tier rolling utility cart. The lack of large holes in the shelves will keep small items in their place, so you won’t have to worry if you move the cart around often. This cart also offers modular cups that you can move from shelf to shelf, letting you customize the way things are organized even more.

If you're looking for a new iron then you'll want the best steam iron (your) money can buy. It's one which will need to be comfortable to hold, have a good soleplate and a high tank capacity.

To help you determine which iron is best for you, we’ve reviewed some of the latest, most tech-worthy models available to buy right now. And with talk of sales starting to surface more and more, now has never been a better time to invest - if you're iron is more than 10 years old then it is definitely time to to call in a replacement.

Once you've picked your model, read our best kettles guide so you can let off some steam with a nice mug full of your favourite tea, coffee or hot chocolate. 

• Best ironing boards: to go with that new iron of yours

Best steam iron buys

Our best-rated steam iron is this latest TexStyle 7 Pro model from Braun, which will leave clothes totally crease-free thanks to its superior soleplate that removes stubborn wrinkles in no time.

EloxalPlus soleplate

Said to be Braun’s best gliding soleplate, even when ironing backwards, which is usually a complete pain especially when it comes to pockets and buttons. The unique coating makes the whole process quicker and simpler and is twice as hard as stainless steel.

Advanced steam

The 50 grams per minute steam output boosts 60 per cent more steam than most models and works easily on really tough creases while the large water tank means no more constantly refilling. There’s a turbo steam option as well as a steam shot for stubborn wrinkles or vertical steaming.

Use the variable steam setting to control how much steam you want depending on the fabric at the time.

Digital anti-drip

This brilliant feature puts an end to frustrating water drips as you iron. It works by digital technology that controls the heat really effectively so less water comes out of the soleplate as you iron.

Part of Tefal's Ultimate Pure range, this iron gets our vote for quick results because it comes with a patented Micro-Scale filter, which captures even the tiniest of particles, to deliver pure, filtered steam every time.

Auto-off mode

A great feature for families or those who tend to wander off and forget they’ve left the iron on, the built-in safety auto-off feature works from 30 seconds after the iron is left on its side or soleplate – or eight minutes when left on its heels.

Autoclean coating

A nifty idea, this iron has a special coating that prevents stains without any maintenance on your part - ideal when you’ve not ironed for a while and are worried about staining.

The autoclean soleplate is also perfect for use on delicates and will glide across linen, which is a notoriously tricky fabric to iron. 

Easy to use

Some irons can be awkward to use, which is annoying when you know you have an hour or more of ironing ahead of you. This one’s different as it has a soft handle, large water tank to avoid constant refilling and a long 3m cord.

This Philips iron is packed with smart tech to ensure you have the correct dosage of steam to iron out any creases, and whizz through the ironing pile.

OptimalTEMP technology

Approved by experts, this iron will never burn any ironable fabric, including linen, cashmere and silk. No need to adjust the temperature or sort clothes into different piles. 

Steam modes

Take your pick from DynamiQ, MAX, IONIC and OFF to suit your needs. DynamiQ delivers the right amount steam automatically by the speed of your movements, MAX blasts stubborn creases while IONIC breaks steam into smaller particles for thicker fabrics.

There’s even a Turbo Steam pump for continuous steam on tough creases. It heats up quickly and also includes a Smart Calc reminder and Quick Calc release for long-lasting performance.

Advanced soleplate

Making your job even easier, the SteamGlide Advanced soleplate has maximum scratch resistance and an easy glide.

What we like about this steam iron from Morphy Richards is that it offers that little bit more than a typical steam iron, which is why it gets our vote for the best steam iron for families.

IntelliTemp technology

There’s one single optimum temperature, which is ideal for different types of fabric so no more fussing about with different settings or waiting for it to heat up or cool down.

Built-in pump

With this, it means that it works just like a steam generator – which is a bulkier version of an iron that sits on a large water tank – but is lighter and easier to handle. The pump will give a constant steam injection, just when you need it.

Aeroglide soleplate

Designed for quick and easy ironing, the soleplate has 485 holes, which delivers steam all over rather than just in a small area. This means it covers a wider surface making your job easier.

Vertical steam

When you don’t have time or room to get the ironing board out, use the vertical steam function to blast suits, skirts or even the curtains without having to get them down. The 2.5m power lead should give you plenty of room to move about.

The Russell Hobbs 25090 is specially designed to take the fuss out of changing settings and temperature choice, and it gets our vote for the best value-for-money too!

One temperature

This iron simply has one heat setting, which can be used on everything from shirts and skirts to PE kits and school uniforms. This takes the guesswork out of having to decide which setting to use, so makes it ideal for those in a hurry.

There's a three-way safety auto shut off too, which is ideal for families and those who tend to forget they’ve left the iron on.

Smoother glide

The ceramic soleplate is said to deliver a 60% smoother glide, which will make ironing effortless and swiftly deals with creases in one fell swoop.

210g steam shot

Another bonus is the 210g steam shot, which again takes the effort out of ironing. Great when you’re faced with a large pile on a Sunday night.

Often find yourself working away? While we're aware that packing an iron in a suitcase can be a tricky task if you're an over packer *guilty*, this one is sufficiently small so should squeeze in fine. If not, it can be useful for staycations, too. 

Travel pouch

We love the fact that this compact steam iron comes with its own travel pouch to ensure it stays in tip-top condition while being transported. It also comes with its own little measuring beaker, too.

Stainless steel soleplate

Thanks to the iron's stainless steel soleplate, it makes an easy job of gliding over any fabric, around buttons and over kinks. 

Temperature control

Seeing as this iron is very compact, you can't expect it to have any game-changing features. However, we are impressed that it has temperature control for when you're de-creasing something delicate or are dealing with tough lines you can't seem to banish. 

How to choose the best steam iron

If you're starting out on your search for the best steam iron then there are a few factors you may want to consider when looking into the best ways to do washing and care for your laundry.

Steam irons or generators?

Steam irons are a great all-round option for everyday ironing. You can buy steam generators but these are big and bulky, as the iron sits on a water tank base, which makes them difficult to store after use. So we've stuck with steam irons as the technology is so advanced these days, they have everything you could need. You generally get what you pay for, so avoid ultra cheap designs, as they won’t offer the features you need to tackle stubborn creases and are probably too lightweight to give much oomph.

Steam functions

Look at the different steam options available, as this is what gets rid of wrinkles and creases. Check the steam output as well as added features such as steam boost or constant steam. 

Auto shut off

Families with young children will benefit from the peace of mind that a safety auto shut off feature can give. This means that the iron turns itself off when it hasn’t been used for a certain length of time. It’s also a great feature for those who tend to wander off to answer the phone or door and forget they’ve left the iron on.

Advanced soleplate

For a stain-free iron, check the soleplate and look for something that won’t mark your clothes. You want one that’s easy to glide across fabrics, as well as one that delivers steam through all the holes for an even distribution and better finish. Ceramic is best, followed by stainless steel.

• Best hob: 11 top gas, ceramic and induction hobs

What is the best steam iron?

To recap... if you want the best steam iron (in our opinion) we wouldn't hesitate to buy the Braun TexStyle7 Pro SI7042. It offers 60 per cent more steam for stubborn wrinkles and a high-tech soleplate for easy gliding, even when ironing backwards.

We can also highly recommend buying the Tefal Ultimate Pure FV9845. It has an autoclean soleplate so you can use it on dedicates, and we love the black and rose gold finish too!

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These small utility room ideas are here for those of us who have dreamed of a space  to call a 'utility', whatever form it might come in. 

If you're figuring out how to design a utility room, even if it's just somewhere to hide the ugly washing machine and keep a clothes dryer, you've come to the right place.

Experts at Argos say, 'There're lots of ways you can use a utility space; laundry room, a place to hide away cleaning equipment, somewhere for the bins to go, kitchen storage spill-over... think about what will make the biggest difference to you in your home.'

There are in fact tons of ways to banish your laundry and all its paraphernalia to even the tightest of cupboards. Don't believe us? Just keep reading...

• Read our planning and designing a utility room feature too, for practical advice

1. Transform even the tiniest of spaces into a small utility room

The alcove/niche/cupboard you can fit a utility room into can be super narrow if you only want to house a washing machine. 

A great small utility room idea is to pack all your storage on the wall above you washing machine so you don't take up any of the limited floor space. Add a curtain to hide all that clutter. 

2. Put a small utility room under the stairs

The space below the stairs in the hallway is usually a decent enough size to house at least a washing machine and perhaps even a condensing dryer, too. 

Maximise the space with a small utility room sink, a ventilated hanging area for drying or airing clothes and plenty of stack space for folded clothes. 

Doors can be left open while you're out or you can invest in a small dehumidifier to keep the area dry. Shop our pick of the best dehumidifiers in our buying guide. 

If you would rather keep your space for storage, go and check out our under stair storage ideas for loads more inspiration.

3. Create a utility cupboard in the kitchen

Not just a great way to get the washing machine out of sight, a floor-to-ceiling cupboard in a corner of your kitchen, is a practical small utility room idea too, allowing you to stash everything from appliances to hanging space to the ironing board in one compact space.

Neptune says, 'Washing machine below and tumble dryer on its shoulders, this cabinet keeps appliances behind cupboard doors.' 

Exactly where we want them, we say.

• Or why not opt for a washing machine and a dryer all in one? Take a look at the best integrated washing machines for a sleek, seamless look

4. Or create a larger utility space behind double doors 

If you have got the room you could create a whole (but still tiny) utility space behind some double cupboards in your kitchen, worktop and all. 

We love this idea of hiding an entire laundry room, not just for your appliances, but an area to fold and store your washing too. 

Once you are done you just close the doors and no one need know it's there, just fits seamlessly into your kitchen.

5. Add a small utility room in a hallway cupboard

Got some space to spare in your hallway upstairs? It's the perfect place for a small utility room because all the laundry stays upstairs, all the time (except when you're wearing it), plus you can have it built with some stud partitions at a very affordable price. 

Ensure you choose a super-quiet washing machine if you're putting a machine upstairs, have children and tend to wash at night. Otherwise, wash while you're out.

Looking to invest in a new quiet washing machine? We have picked the best out in our round up of the best quiet washing machines.

6. Move a small utility room to the bathroom

Why not make like the Europeans and put your utility area in a larger bathroom or shower room? 

It makes perfect sense: great ventilation, it's often where the laundry basket's kept; plumbing and drainage in place. What's not to like?

7. Hide a small utility room in your bedroom wardrobe

You get dressed and undressed in your bedroom, so why not? 

Got a dressing room? Even better. Just ensure ventilation is really good so that drying clothes doesn't cause a damp atmosphere that the rest of your wardrobe won't thank you for.

• If you don't have a dressing room or your current one needs a spruce up head over to our dressing room ideas for more inspiration. 

8. Make space on an upstairs landing for a small utility room

Designing a new loft conversion? Why not copy this small utility room idea and design a space on the landing under the new stairs to the loft at the same time? 

The associated costs will be minimal and even the smallest of spaces, like this one, can make for a good utility. Our preference would be for some doors to hide it away, though...

• For all our loft conversion ideas head to our inspiring gallery. 

9. Hide a small utility behind sliding doors

Got a niche for a small utility room but no space for doors to open out or fold back against the wall. 

Take inspiration from this small utility room idea and instead of resigning yourself to an on-show utility, put sliding doors right across the front, just like Instagrammer The House in the Hollow.

10. Think about ergonomics when designing a small utility room

Wherever you're putting your utility space, whether into a run of kitchen units or in a run of fitted wardrobes, placing the washing machine off the floor in a sturdily built frame will mean you don't have to bend every time you load and unload it. 

Pull-out shelf for the basket beneath? Don't mind if we do.

11. Try a DIY small utility room idea

If you are just after a space in your home to store your laundry, do the ironing and fold your clothes, maybe you don't need built in cupboards or secret sliding doors. 

Create a work station from furniture you already have, stash some laundry baskets underneath, add some pretty wall-shelves for your detergent and what not, and there you go: a makeshift mini 'utility room'.

12. Make space for a small utility room in your pantry 

Lucky enough to have a pantry in your kitchen? Why not see if you can squeeze a small utility room in there? One side for dry food and one side for your washing machine and dryer? 

If you need help making room check out our handy pantry storage ideas to get you started. 

13. Make a small utility room with shelving

Maybe your floor space is at a premium and you just don't think you have the space to build cabinetry or you're not lucky enough to have a pantry to house a DIY utility station. 

Why not use wall space to store all your laundry clutter and accessories, ideally close to your washing machine.

String Furniture's Co-Owner Peter Erlandsson says, 'A simple wall mounted storage unit can solve all your problems. Placed above the sink or by the washing machine, the string shelving collection maximises your space throughout the home.' 

14. Get a utility cart 

Another space-saving utility room idea if you live in a close quarters is to buy a slim trolley cart for all your laundry accessories and neatly tuck it away by your washing machine when not in use. This IKEA trolley is as compact as they come.

Experts at IKEA says, 'Make smart storage out of a small space with the help of JONAXEL frame and mesh baskets. It’s narrow and can fit in many places, and the castors make it easy to pull out when you need a clear overview.'

15. Use baskets and boxes to hide utility room clutter

Clutter builds up and in a small space, it can get you down and make the utility downright unusable. A failsafe option to make order out of the mayhem is by adding neat baskets and boxes to house all the accessories. 

Experts at Garden Trading say, 'Even though it’s the hardest working room of the house, your utility space need not look like this is the case.'

'Create rules for where things live with smaller storage boxes which can be stacked one on top of each other to make the most of shelf space.'

Find more small space storage ideas to make tiny room feel bigger.

'Design a boot room? Ha! We don't have the space for that!', we hear you shout. Well, actually, even if you are squeezed for space, adding a boot room or just finding the space to dedicate to storing coats, shoes, umbrellas, dog leads, fishing rods, partners who insist on keeping fishing rods, could be invaluable.  

At its simplest, it needn't be a whole room. A boot room simply has to function as a practical storage solution that can be created by reorganising hallway storage or borrowing a portion of an existing kitchen. Use it for some handy extra coat and shoe storage or, if you are working with a larger space, a boot room could double as a utility area, too. 

A fully fitted, well-designed boot room will be planned and executed in the same way as a small kitchen – take a look at our guide to designing a small kitchen for advice – with a price tag to match. Ready to go? Don't miss our boot room ideas feature too.

How you will use a boot room?

When designing a boot room be clear from the outset what you want to use the space for. Is it a boot room solely for storing shoes and coats? Would you like it to have a sink? Maybe it needs to double up as a utility room? 

Think about those things around your house that don't have a home but could definitely do with one (this is where a boot room comes into it's own). Bikes are the perfect example of this, consider adding some wall mounted racks or out of the way on a pulley system to your boot room design – take a look at our bike storage ideas for inspiration. 

You could also use the space for indoor gardening, a bit like a potting shed, just add a work bench and repurpose some shed storage. 

What is on your boot room essentials list?

Obviously this will be based on the size of you boot room and what you need to get out of the space, but here's a list of all the essentials you could include in your boot room design:

• Shoe storage
• Shoe racks
• Hooks
• Coat racks
• A sink (and therefore taps)
• An area for removing shoes
• Storage bench 
• Pet beds if you have furry friends
• Welly rack 
• Umbrella stand
• Boot brush 
• Door mat 
• Bike storage
• Laundry room storage
• Cloak room 
• Practical flooring 
• Built in storage
• An airer 

Where is the best space for a boot room?

In a typical farmhouse, a boot room is positioned by the back door, so that you can stomp in with muddy boots and change out of wet weather gear without traipsing mud through the house. If you’re embarking on a renovation project, planning an extension or fitting a new kitchen, now’s the time to see whether the ground floor could be reconfigured to include a boot room.

For most homes the front door is the main port of call, and adding a porch might be the answer to avoid dirty trainers and school bags being trailed through the house. Without resorting to building work, an existing utility room can double up as a boot room. 

Achieve a great boot room layout

The flow of the space through a boot room is the first consideration. The ideal space needs to be one you can pass through quickly with little furniture obstructing the route between the doors. You also need to consider having a door separating your boot room from the main house to keep cold air out. 

Depending the boot room size, the furniture can be arranged in a row or in an L- or U- shape, in the same way that you might have a small kitchen. Would it help to move a door, window or radiator to achieve your aims? Could the amount of daylight be improved, if you include a skylight or glazed doors? Could a downstairs loo be incorporated?

See our design ideas for U-shaped kitchens and L-shaped kitchens to get some inspiration for your boot room layout.

Choose practical boot room storage  

Essentially, three levels of storage are required; shoe storage goes at the base – a bench with cubby holes beneath is ideal – then hanging racks for coats and jackets. Above head height, shelves can take hats or lesser-used items, such as sports gear.

For extra boot room storage, consider a bench with lift-up seat, or baskets. Wellies are best stored on taller shelving or on a rack. Fit peg rails to the wall for coats; a rail at a lower level allows for children’s jackets. Make sure the pegs or hooks protrude far enough to take more than one item. As an alternative, go for an all-in-one hall stand, a multi-functional freestanding piece of furniture with storage and hanging space. Don't forget, too, that it's a room that will see plenty of messy clothes, so it's worth considering laundry room storage ideas, too.

Go for a built-in boot room storage solution

Fitted boot room furniture naturally costs more but does make use of every inch, and it can be configured precisely for the items you want to store, incorporating built-in benches with lift up storage, a mix of open and closed shelving and cupboards and peg rails. 

If the boot room is to double as a utility room with a ‘wet’ area for a sink and washing machine, you’ll want a practical, hardwearing worktop, cupboards or open shelving above and below, and adequate sockets. Select finishes that can be wiped clean – if painted they will be easy to touch-up when knocked or damaged.

Make a boot room work harder

Adding a sink to a boot room keeps all the messy jobs out of the kitchen. A tall tap with a swivel spout makes cleaning off boots and garden tools easier. When there’s no space for a sink, an outdoor tap by the entrance is a practical choice.

In a larger boot room, a drain could be incorporated in the centre so that dirt can be swished away. Got a dog? It's the perfect place for a dog shower, too.

At the planning stage, consider whether plumbing should be added for a washing machine. Plan the position of electrical sockets so they’ll be useful for recharging DIY tools or for carrying out tasks such as ironing. Consider lighting options too. 

How will your boot room be heated?

In the early stages of designing a boot room, you need to think about how the space will be heated. This is important so your space can double up as a drying room too and all your wet coats and shoes will, well... dry. Underfloor heating the best option if you are completely starting from scratch but if you are looking for a quicker solution just make sure you add enough radiators.  

Think about how your stuff will dry quickest too, you might want to add a pulley style clothes airer so everything will dry a bit quicker. Garden Trading make a very stylish extendable clothes dryer that barely takes up any space when not in use. 

Select hardwearing boot room flooring

Laying flagstones or reclaimed bricks will give your boot room the country vibe. Not only will they give a timeless impression, but they’re immensely durable and look even better with a few knocks and scrapes. Stone tiles, however, do need to be sealed occasionally. have a read through our guide to choosing stone flooring for more advice.

Among the alternatives, porcelain tiles can imitate stone accurately, yet are thin and lighter in weight than the real thing, and are easy to care for. Luxury vinyl tiles are ideal for a hall or kitchen with an adjacent boot room, providing an opportunity to give a contemporary feel with on-trend pattern.

Decorate your boot room in style

For a traditional and hardwearing finish, fit the lower part of the walls with tongue and groove panelling, painted to match the storage. Not only will this give the sports pavilion vibe but once the wood is protected by a tough eggshell finish, the surface can simply be wiped down if it gets scuffed.

If painted walls are your choice, select a durable version such as the Hall & Stairs Durable Matt range of super-scrubbable paints from Crown. Check out our pick of the best washable paints that would be perfect for a boot room. 

Add that final flourish to your boot room

Finishing touches for a boot room can be practical as well as attractive. Place a boot scraper by the door, a rack for keeping wellies upside down to drip dry and an umbrella stand.

To get the country look, revamp old furniture with a fresh coat of paint (check out our guide to painting furniture to DIY)  and add wicker baskets or crates for storage. 

Looking for more boot room or storage inspiration?

• 10 fabulous ideas for boot rooms 
• Hallway shoe storage ideas - could be applied to boot rooms, too
• 10 storage ideas for shoes: cabinets, racks, benches, boxes and more 

Do you hate doing the laundry? Or are you looking for easy ways to refresh shirts, coats and other hard-to-wash items, limiting the hassle of having to go to the dry cleaners too regularly? Well, you're in luck. The Samsung Airdresser is revolutionising the way we do laundry and its sleek, slimline design would slot perfectly into a kitchen, utility or dressing room, depending on where you do you laundry, or where you store your clothes. But what is it, exactly?

Unveiled at IFA 2019 (Europe's biggest technology show), the Samsung Airdresser aims to meet a need for more efficient methods of refreshing and revitalising clothes on a daily basis. This is particularly relevant as we become increasingly aware of the impact of washing our clothes too regularly – we're certainly guilty of this – polluting our waterways with microfibres in the process.

• Looking for information on the latest home tech launches? Check out The Hub.

In addition to reducing the necessity to wash clothes quite so regularly, the Samsung Airdresser also makes it easier to care for delicate fabrics – think wool, silk and the like – and is perfect for those with on-the-go lifestyles. Need to refresh an outfit for a flight, or in time for an important meeting tomorrow? The Samsung Airdresser has you covered.

• We reckon Stella McCartney would like the Samsung Airdresser. You'll understand why once you've read about her controversial perspectives on bra washing...

How does the Samsung Airdresser work?

Now that we've established what the Samsung Airdresser does, you may be wondering how it works. Here's everything we know:

• A combination of a built-in Jet Air System and carefully designed Air Hangers blast fabrics with powerful jets of air to effectively remove engrained dust from deep within the fabric.
• Jet Steam then sanitises garments in order to gently remove bacteria. This is particularly relevant as it's the growth of this bacteria that causes clothing (or even people) to smell.
• Heatpump Drying provides delicate care for clothing by ensuring the temperature is low enough to prevent shrinkage or heat damage.
• A deodorising filter further captures and removes odours, preventing a build up within the Airdresser.

While photos of the Samsung Airdresser are currently a bit thin on the ground, what we can tell you is that it's available in a stylish Crystal Mirror finish, designed to fit seamlessly into a contemporary home – as seen below.

Inside it looks much like your average wardrobe, with space to hang a small selection of clothing in need of a refresh. 

Looking for more laundry advice?

• How to do laundry
• Best laundry hacks ever: 17 ways to get washing and ironing done faster and better