Laundry Room Design

Laundry Basket Storage Ideas: Conceal Clutter and Enhance Functionality

Decluttering with Pull-Out Hampers

If you’re designing a new laundry room or renovating an existing one, consider installing a pull-out laundry hamper. This clever feature effortlessly slides out when you open a cabinet door, providing easy access to a hidden laundry basket. Choose a hamper that complements your cabinet’s style and size to maximize space and keep your laundry area tidy.

Rolling Hampers: A Versatile Solution

Rolling hampers are a classic and practical option for storing laundry. Their sturdy frames and smooth-rolling casters allow for effortless movement around the room. Create a dedicated spot for rolling hampers in your laundry room by skipping lower cabinets on one side. Assign one hamper to each household member or categorize them by garment type (lights, darks, delicates) to streamline your laundry routine.

Elevate Appliances for Extra Storage

Elevating appliances off the ground not only makes loading and unloading easier but also creates valuable storage space underneath. Utilize this newfound room for a custom pull-out hamper, providing ample storage capacity while keeping your laundry area clutter-free.

Islands: Multifunctional Storage Hubs

If space allows, incorporate a freestanding island into your laundry room. Choose an island with a lower shelf that can accommodate one or more laundry baskets. This arrangement keeps baskets accessible yet neatly tucked away, preventing a cluttered appearance. The island top also serves as an additional work surface for folding clothes or treating stains, enhancing its functionality.

Stylish Lidded Baskets: Decorative and Concealing

For those who prefer to keep laundry baskets in bedrooms or closets, opt for stylish lidded options such as woven wicker. These baskets effectively conceal dirty clothes while adding a touch of texture and charm to the space. Choose a fabric-lined lid to protect your garments from snags and make carrying the basket easier.

Open Cubbies: Designated Laundry Zones

Add an open cubby to the lower cabinets in your laundry room to create a designated spot for a laundry basket. Ensure it’s wide and deep enough to accommodate a decent-sized basket, whether made from plastic, wicker, or wire. This dedicated storage area keeps baskets organized and out of sight.

Collapsible Hampers: Space-Saving Wonders

If space is limited, collapsible hampers offer a brilliant solution. When not in use, they fold down compactly, freeing up valuable floor space. These hampers typically feature sturdy canvas construction, a wire base for shape retention, and reinforced handles for easy carrying.

Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinetry: Maximizing Vertical Space

Extend cabinets in your laundry room from floor to ceiling to maximize storage capacity. Dedicate the bottom shelf to laundry baskets, keeping them out of view but within easy reach. This vertical storage solution helps maintain a clutter-free and organized laundry space.

Laundry Closets: Private and Convenient

Whether you live in a small apartment or want to provide private laundry facilities for guests, a laundry closet is a functional solution. Install a compact washer and dryer, and surround them with floating shelves to store laundry baskets. This space-saving design conceals the laundry area while providing convenient access.

Wicker Storage Baskets: Versatility and Style

Wicker baskets are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into laundry rooms in various ways. Line a wicker basket with a canvas laundry bag to protect your clothes and add a touch of natural charm to the space. Place the basket on a counter, inside a cabinet, or in a cubby hole for easy access and stylish storage.

Laundry Room Design Mistakes to Avoid

Laundry rooms are often overlooked when it comes to interior design, but they play a vital role in the functionality and overall aesthetic of your home. To create a laundry room that is both stylish and efficient, it’s important to avoid these common mistakes:

Not Investing in the Laundry Room

Just because the laundry room isn’t a space that’s on display for guests doesn’t mean you should neglect it. Investing in your laundry room can create cohesion in your home and transform it into a destination you don’t mind spending time in. Affordable fixes, such as adding a pop of color with paint or using baskets for visual cohesion, can make a big difference. For a bigger investment, consider updating the floor tiles with a fun pattern or adding a countertop for folding.

Not Storing Items Where They Belong

The laundry room should only store items related to laundry. Avoid using it as a catch-all for things that don’t have a home. Limit the contents to only the essentials, such as detergents, cleaning supplies, and laundry baskets. This will make the space tidier and easier to access, reducing stress and making laundry feel less like a chore.

Not Making Space-Saving Decisions

Laundry rooms are often small, so it’s important to incorporate space-saving techniques. Fold-down surfaces for drying, ironing, and folding are key in small spaces. Take inventory of your laundry process to determine the critical work surfaces and storage options. Consider building a countertop above front-loading machines or stacking machines and adding a compact countertop. Hanging rods can also maximize space above a side-by-side washer and dryer.

Not Having Effective Cabinetry

Assess your laundry room’s current cabinetry layout to determine if it meets your needs. Remove any unnecessary cabinets that take up valuable space. Consider swapping closed cabinetry for open cabinetry, which is perfect for storing bulky items like laundry baskets. Ensure to measure your laundry baskets before building open cabinetry.

Not Incorporating Color

Laundry rooms are often closed-off spaces, making them an ideal spot to experiment with bold prints or colors that may feel out of place elsewhere in your home. Consider wallpaper, colorful cabinets, or even a simple hutch painted in a vibrant hue to add energy to the space.

Laundry Room Design Tips

In addition to avoiding these mistakes, follow these tips to create a stylish and functional laundry room:

Maximize natural light: Large windows or skylights can bring in natural light, making the space feel more inviting and reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Add personal touches: Display artwork, plants, or other decorative items that reflect your personality and make the laundry room feel like an extension of your home.

Keep it clean and organized: A clean and organized laundry room is essential for maintaining a pleasant and efficient space. Regularly declutter, clean surfaces, and put items away in their designated places.

Consider a folding station: A dedicated folding station with a countertop or table provides a convenient space for folding and sorting clothes.

Add a drying rack: A drying rack provides an alternative to using the dryer, saving energy and reducing wear and tear on your clothes.

Install a washer and dryer that meet your needs: Choose a washer and dryer that fit the size of your laundry room and your laundry needs. Consider energy-efficient models to save money and reduce your environmental impact.

Ultimate Guide to Laundry Basket Storage: Concealing Clutter and Maximizing Space