Laundry rooms are one of those spaces that work hardest in the house but often get the least love. If you’ve ever struggled with detergent bottles tipping over or towels piling up with nowhere to go, you’re definitely not alone.
DIY laundry room storage shelves are a game changer, and the best part is you don’t need a massive budget or professional skills to pull them off. Let’s talk through some practical, creative, and totally doable shelf ideas like we’re planning a weekend project together.
1. Classic Open Wood Shelves
Open wood shelves are a timeless DIY option that works in almost any laundry room. They’re easy to build, affordable, and instantly add warmth to the space. You can stain them for a rustic look or paint them white for a clean, modern feel. These shelves are perfect for storing baskets, detergent, and folded towels while keeping everything visible and accessible.
2. Floating Shelves for a Clean Look
Floating shelves are great if you want your laundry room to feel less cluttered and more streamlined. Because the brackets are hidden, the shelves appear to “float” on the wall, making the room look more open. They’re ideal for small laundry rooms where visual space really matters.
3. Wire Shelving for Budget-Friendly Storage
Wire shelves are one of the most affordable DIY options and surprisingly versatile. They’re lightweight, easy to install, and allow air circulation, which is helpful in laundry areas. You can dress them up with fabric bins or baskets to make them feel more intentional and less utilitarian.
4. Shelves Above the Washer and Dryer
The wall space above your washer and dryer is prime real estate. Installing shelves here keeps detergents, stain removers, and laundry supplies right where you need them. Just make sure the shelves are securely mounted and positioned high enough to avoid vibration issues.
5. Corner Shelves to Maximize Space
Corners often go unused, but they’re perfect for DIY shelving. Corner shelves make use of awkward spaces and provide extra storage without crowding the room. They work especially well for smaller items like jars, cleaning supplies, or decorative touches.
6. Built-In Shelves for a Custom Look
If you’re ready for a more involved DIY project, built-in shelves can make your laundry room look custom and high-end. Built-ins are great for maximizing wall space from floor to ceiling and can be tailored exactly to your storage needs.
7. Reclaimed Wood Shelves for Rustic Charm
Using reclaimed wood adds character and charm to your laundry room. Each piece has its own history, knots, and texture, which makes the shelves feel unique. This is a great option if you love farmhouse or rustic style and want something with personality.
8. Industrial Pipe Shelving
Industrial pipe shelving combines wood planks with metal pipes for a bold, sturdy look. This DIY style is both functional and decorative, making it perfect for laundry rooms that double as mudrooms or utility spaces. Plus, it can handle heavier items with ease.
9. Adjustable Shelf Systems
Adjustable shelves are perfect if your storage needs change over time. Using track systems or adjustable brackets allows you to move shelves up or down as needed. This flexibility makes them ideal for growing families or evolving laundry routines.
10. Narrow Shelves for Tight Spaces
If your laundry room is narrow, slim shelves can fit into spaces where standard shelving won’t. These shelves are great for storing detergent bottles, spray cleaners, or small baskets without interfering with walkways or appliance doors.
11. Shelf and Rod Combos
Combining shelves with hanging rods gives you the best of both worlds. You can store supplies on the shelf while using the rod below for hang-drying clothes. This setup is especially useful in laundry rooms that don’t have space for a separate drying rack.
12. Over-the-Door Shelving
The back of the laundry room door is often overlooked. Installing shallow shelves or racks here provides extra storage for lightweight items like cleaning supplies or lint rollers. It’s a simple DIY upgrade that makes a big difference.
13. Cube Shelves for Organized Storage
Cube shelves are great for keeping everything neatly contained. Each cube can hold a basket, bin, or folded items, making it easy to stay organized. They’re especially helpful if multiple people use the laundry room.
14. Ladder Shelves for Style and Function
Ladder shelves lean against the wall and offer tiered storage without permanent installation. They’re perfect for renters or anyone who wants a flexible solution. Use them to store towels, baskets, or decorative accents.
15. Floating Corner Shelves
Floating corner shelves combine the benefits of floating design and corner placement. They’re sleek, space-saving, and perfect for adding storage without bulky supports. These shelves work well for smaller laundry rooms that need every inch to count.
16. Under-Cabinet Shelving
If your laundry room has cabinets, adding shelves underneath them can increase storage without taking up more wall space. These shelves are ideal for items you use frequently and want within easy reach.
17. Rolling Shelf Units
Rolling shelves provide mobile storage that can be moved as needed. They’re perfect for tight spaces where fixed shelving isn’t practical. You can roll them out when doing laundry and tuck them away when not in use.
18. Pegboard Shelves for Flexible Storage
Pegboard shelves combine shelving with hooks for a customizable storage solution. You can hang tools, brushes, or bags while using the shelf for supplies. This setup is great for laundry rooms that double as utility or craft spaces.
19. Minimalist Single-Plank Shelves
Sometimes one simple shelf is all you need. A single plank shelf installed above appliances or along a wall can hold the essentials without overwhelming the room. This minimalist approach keeps the space feeling calm and uncluttered.
20. Color-Coded Shelves for Easy Organization
Painting shelves in different colors or labeling them helps keep everything organized. Color-coding can be especially helpful in busy households where everyone pitches in with laundry.
21. Shelves with Built-In Baskets
Building shelves designed to hold specific baskets keeps everything neat and uniform. Baskets hide clutter while still being easy to access. This idea works beautifully in laundry rooms that need to look tidy at all times.
22. Ceiling-High Shelves for Extra Storage
If your laundry room has high ceilings, take advantage of that vertical space. Ceiling-high shelves are perfect for storing items you don’t use daily, like bulk supplies or seasonal linens.
23. Fold-Down Shelves for Small Rooms
Fold-down shelves can be tucked away when not in use, making them perfect for tiny laundry rooms. Use them as temporary folding stations or extra storage during laundry days.
24. Mix and Match Shelf Styles
Don’t feel limited to just one type of shelf. Mixing open shelves, baskets, and hanging storage creates a layered, functional look. This approach allows you to customize your laundry room storage exactly to your needs.
Conclusion
DIY laundry room storage shelves are one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make. They improve organization, save space, and turn a purely functional room into one that actually feels enjoyable to use. Whether you prefer simple open shelves or more creative custom builds, the right shelving solution can transform your laundry routine and make the space work harder for you every single day.
About James
James founded HomeUpgradeLab & was sharing his experiences to fix issues related to bathroom and toilet fixtures & fittings. Read to know more about James Hill & how he started this blog.