Settling into a new home often means discovering spaces that could use a bit of attention, and the laundry corner is no exception. With a little creativity and some basic supplies, you can easily give this area a fresh, modern look in just a single weekend. There’s no need for expensive equipment or advanced know-how—just a willingness to follow a few clear directions and use budget-friendly materials. These nine straightforward DIY projects will brighten your laundry space, make it easier to keep things tidy, and bring your own style into the mix. Give your laundry corner an upgrade that feels both practical and inviting.
Understanding Your Laundry Space Layout
Before grabbing a drill, measure and plan. Write down the width between walls, height to the ceiling, and depth of appliances. This snapshot helps you pick shelves, rods, and containers that fit perfectly.
- Standard washer/dryer depth: about 27 inches
- Average ceiling height: 8 feet
- Common shelf clearance: 12–16 inches apart
Note where vents, electrical outlets, and water hookups are. Sketch a simple floor plan and mark spots you want to upgrade. With a blueprint, surprises fade away.
Project 1: Install Floating Shelves
Open wall space wastes potential. Floating shelves provide storage without bulky brackets. You can pick ready-made boards from Home Depot or cut plywood yourself for a custom look.
Measure, mark studs, and mount shelf brackets. Choose paint or stain to match your cabinets. Once shelves sit level, arrange detergent, baskets, and decor in a neat display.
Project 2: Upcycle Cabinets and Drawers
Existing cabinets look brand new after a little paint and hardware swap. You’ll need sandpaper, primer, paint, new knobs, and maybe some decorative molding.
- Remove doors and hardware. Label each piece.
- Sand lightly, then apply a coat of primer.
- Paint two thin coats, letting each dry fully.
- Attach new knobs or pulls in styles you love.
- Rehang doors and check alignment.
Choose bold colors for a pop or soft neutrals for a calm vibe. Upcycling saves money compared to full replacements.
Project 3: Build a Folding Station
A dedicated folding surface makes laundry easier. Use a sturdy door or plywood panel attached to wall hinges so it folds down when needed.
Secure heavy-duty piano hinges to studs, then paint or seal the surface. When you finish folding, simply lift and lock it back up. It grants extra workspace without eating square footage.
Project 4: Add a Pop-Up Hanging Rod
Drying shirts and delicates takes space. A rod that folds out from a side wall solves that. Grab a retractable closet rod kit or build one using curtain rod brackets.
Mount the brackets about 5 inches below your upper cabinets. Slide in a rod and you gain instant hanging space. Push it back when not in use, and it disappears into the wall.
Project 5: Update Flooring or Accent Wall
A fresh vinyl plank floor or peel-and-stick backsplash dramatically shifts the look. Both installations cost around $2–$4 per square foot and you can finish in a day.
For floors, remove baseboards, lay planks by clicking edges together, then trim and reinstall molding. For an accent wall, choose a moisture-resistant vinyl tile. Peel, stick, and smooth out bubbles. That pop of pattern or color feels super modern.
Project 6: Install a Pegboard Organizer
Tools, brushes, and stain cans need a home. A pegboard mounted on the wall provides instant organization. Purchase a metal or wooden board, locate studs, and screw it in place.
Hang hooks, baskets, and shelves in shapes that suit your supplies. You can rearrange as your needs change. It also adds a workshop vibe to the laundry room.
Project 7: Build Pull-Out Hampers
Sort clothes without creating a pile on the floor. Build a sliding crate system under a countertop or shelf. Use drawer slides rated for 50 pounds and wooden crates sized to your space.
Attach slides to a frame and crate sides. Slide the crate in place and add labels to each for lights, darks, or delicates. Pull them out easily and push them back when done.
Project 8: Use Magnetic Spice Jars for Supplies
Small containers hold cotton balls, dryer sheets, and stain pens. Grab spice jars with magnetic lids and stick them to your metal washer or a magnetic board. You save counter space and see everything at a glance.
Label each jar with chalkboard stickers. Refill them from bulk supplies stored in clear jars on your floating shelves. It’s a fun twist on kitchen storage you’ll appreciate while you work.
Project 9: Slide Storage Crates Under Washer
The gap under your machines often hides stuff. Measure the space, then build a low-profile platform that houses shallow crates. Paint it to match the base and slide out bins when you need extras like rags or pet towels.
This solution turns dead space into reach-in storage. Use plastic or wood crates—whichever slides easiest on your floor surface. Now every inch counts toward a cleaner laundry zone.
By completing one or more of these weekend projects, you turn that plain corner into an efficient, stylish space. You’ll do laundry faster and feel proud of an area that works as hard as you do. Pick one idea, gather your tools, and start this weekend!
