Chores are more fun when you love the space you’re doing them in
Laundry rooms are a highly functional part of your home, so of course, you want it to look—and feel—good. When renovating a laundry room, thoughtful planning can make a world of difference.
Here are some essential laundry room renovation tips to help you turn your laundry room into an efficient and stylish haven with as little stress as possible during the renovation process.
Before you start dreaming up the perfect laundry room, it’s important to set expectations for this project with a budget. Laundry room renovations can range from simple DIY projects to complete overhauls with the help of a home remodeling expert near you, so knowing what you want to achieve and how much you can afford is crucial.
Laundry room remodeling costs can mount quickly. When creating your budget, focus on essential upgrades like appliances and storage, then allocate funds to cosmetic upgrades like décor and lighting as your budget allows. If you’re looking to save money, consider tackling some parts of the renovation yourself, such as painting, installing shelving, or laying tile.
"Do your research before diving into a remodling project. Reach out to as many different types of people as you can, from contractors to remodeling companies, to be as informed as possible on all the modern remodeling options available to you. "
— Traci Snyder, Vice President of Marketing, People and Technology, Improveit Home Remodeling
No matter how big or small your laundry room is, there are ways to keep this essential room in your house organized and operating well. If practicality is top of mind, consider adding these storage solutions to your laundry room during a renovation.
Overhead cabinets: Install cabinets above your washer and dryer to store laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other cleaning supplies. If you have the room, you can add deeper cabinets to make storing larger items like bulk detergent containers easier.
Shelving units: Open shelving is a great option for organizing frequently used items and adding a spot for decorative touches like storage baskets or plants.
Rolling carts or portable laundry baskets: Leave room for rolling carts with multiple tiers or baskets to store laundry essentials. You can tuck these storage devices away in small spaces and roll them out when needed.
Foldable drying racks: Mount a foldable drying rack on the wall to hang clothes that can’t go in the dryer. When not in use, it folds flat against the wall, saving space.
Many laundry rooms lack natural light, which is why adding good lighting is essential in a laundry room renovation. Laundry tasks like sorting clothes or reading care labels are easier when the space is well-lit.
Ensure that your laundry room has bright overhead lighting. LED lights are a great option as they’re energy-efficient and provide excellent illumination. You can also install task lighting under cabinets or above workspaces. Task lighting helps reduce shadows and makes it easier to complete laundry-related tasks.
If possible, incorporate natural light by adding a window or skylight. Doing so will not only make the space feel bigger but can also help boost your mood during long laundry sessions.
Speaking of windows—there are other steps you can take to ensure your laundry room has proper ventilation. Good ventilation helps prevent moisture build-up and keeps your laundry room smelling fresh. Poor ventilation can lead to mildew and damage to both your appliances and the room itself. If your laundry room doesn’t have a window, install an exhaust fan to help remove excess moisture and prevent odors.
You should also make sure your dryer is vented properly to expel moist air outside. This prevents excessive humidity from damaging walls and appliances. In particularly humid environments, a small dehumidifier can help control moisture levels and keep your laundry room dry.
Laundry rooms are prone to moisture and spills, so selecting the right flooring is important if you want to avoid repairs or replacements down the road. Durability and water resistance are key considerations. So—what are your best flooring options for a laundry room? Porcelain or ceramic tiles are an excellent option because they’re water-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. Plus, they come in a variety of styles, so you can find something that suits your aesthetic.
Vinyl is another water-resistant, low-maintenance option that’s budget-friendly. Vinyl planks that mimic wood or tile can add style without the high cost. Rubber flooring is slip-resistant and durable. It’s also softer underfoot, making it more comfortable to stand on for extended periods.
A laundry room renovation is the perfect time to upgrade your washer and dryer. Newer models not only save energy and water but also offer larger capacities, making laundry day more efficient. Look for Energy Star-rated appliances to reduce your utility bills. If you’re working with limited space, stackable washers and dryers can free up floor space. Some models come with pedestals that double as storage drawers. Your renovation pro can relocate your washer and dryer hookups if you want to move them, as well.
You may also want to consider adding a sink to your laundry room if the layout permits it. A deep utility sink is invaluable for hand-washing delicate items or pre-treating stains. Make sure to select a sink material that’s durable and resistant to stains, such as stainless steel or ceramic.
The layout of your laundry room will impact its overall functionality. When designing a new layout, consider the workflow, especially when sorting clothes, loading/unloading the washer and dryer, and folding items.
To start, you will want to design your laundry room with an efficient flow between the washer, dryer, and folding area. Keep everything within easy reach to avoid unnecessary steps. If you have a spacious laundry room, you can incorporate a counter or tabletop for folding clothes. If you don’t have much floor space, a fold-down table mounted on the wall can serve the same purpose.
