Let’s be honest – nobody really loves doing laundry. But what if I told you that your laundry room could actually become one of your favorite spaces in the house? Sounds crazy, right? Well, after spending way too much time (and money) at IKEA transforming my cramped laundry closet into something actually functional, I’ve discovered that Swedish design magic can work wonders even in the most boring room of your home.
You know that feeling when you walk into someone’s laundry room and it’s actually… nice? That’s what we’re going for here. I’ve compiled 15 game-changing IKEA laundry room ideas that won’t break the bank and will make you slightly less miserable about washing your millionth load of towels this week.
Small IKEA Laundry Room Organization Ideas
Making Every Inch Count
Ever tried fitting a square peg in a round hole? That’s basically what organizing a small laundry room feels like. But here’s where IKEA’s SKÅDIS pegboard system becomes your new best friend. I mounted one behind my washer and suddenly had space for detergent, fabric softener, and all those random cleaning supplies that used to live under the sink.
The RÅSKOG utility cart is another lifesaver – and yes, everyone and their mother has one, but there’s a reason for that. Mine rolls perfectly between my washer and dryer, holding everything from stain removers to that pile of single socks waiting for their partners to show up. The best part? You can wheel it out when you need the space for folding.
Want to know my secret weapon? FINTORP rails with hooks. I installed these bad boys on the wall next to my machines and hang everything from lint rollers to mesh laundry bags. No more digging through drawers trying to find that one specific thing while balancing a basket of wet clothes.
Vertical Storage Solutions
Think up, not out – that’s my motto for small spaces. The IVAR shelving system transforms dead wall space into prime real estate. I customized mine with different shelf heights to accommodate everything from bulky detergent bottles to tiny dryer sheets boxes. Plus, adding some cute baskets makes it look intentional rather than “I ran out of space everywhere else.”
Modern IKEA Laundry Room Makeover
Sleek Scandinavian Vibes
Who says laundry rooms can’t be Instagram-worthy? The GODMORGON series isn’t just for bathrooms, FYI. These sleek cabinets give you that modern, handle-free look that screams “I have my life together” even when you’re wearing the same sweatpants for the third day straight.
I paired mine with EKBACKEN countertops in that trendy concrete-effect finish. Not only does it look amazing, but it’s also super affordable compared to actual stone. The matte surface hides water spots better than glossy alternatives – trust me on this one.
Lighting That Changes Everything
Remember when I said lighting matters? The SILVERGLANS LED strip under my cabinets completely changed the game. No more squinting at stain treatment instructions or wondering if that shirt is navy or black. Plus, it makes the whole space feel bigger and more expensive than it actually is 🙂
IKEA Laundry Room Storage Hacks
The Container Store Has Nothing on This
Let me share my favorite hack that’ll make you feel like a organizational genius. Those SAMLA boxes with lids? They’re not just for storing Christmas decorations. I use the clear ones to sort laundry supplies by category – one for stain treatments, one for delicates care, and one for my “why do I own this many dryer sheets” collection.
The KUGGIS boxes deserve their own fan club. They fit perfectly in the KALLAX units (more on that later), and the built-in handles make them easy to grab when you’re in a hurry. I label mine with my label maker because apparently I’m that person now.
Double-Duty Solutions
Here’s where things get interesting. The STUK hanging organizer isn’t just for closets. I hung one on the back of my laundry room door, and suddenly I had six extra compartments for everything from lint brushes to spare change I find in pockets.
Don’t sleep on the SKUBB series either. These fabric boxes collapse when you don’t need them, which is perfect for seasonal items like wool dryer balls in summer or beach towel washing supplies in winter.
Budget-Friendly IKEA Laundry Room Designs
Maximum Impact, Minimum Cost
You don’t need to sell a kidney to get a Pinterest-worthy laundry room. Start with LACK floating shelves – at their price point, you can install multiple levels without guilt. I created an entire wall storage system for less than what one “designer” shelf would cost elsewhere.
The BOAXEL system is basically the IKEA version of those fancy modular closet systems, but at a fraction of the price. Mix and match components to create exactly what you need. Mine cost me under $150 for a complete storage solution that would’ve been $500+ anywhere else.
Smart Splurges That Pay Off
Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves you money later. The GRUNDTAL drying rack that mounts to the wall? Worth every penny. It folds flat when not in use and has saved me countless dollars in energy costs from not running the dryer for delicates.
Minimalist IKEA Laundry Room Inspiration
Less Is Actually More
Can we talk about how liberating it is to have a clutter-free laundry room? The EKET cube storage system creates clean lines while hiding all your messy reality. I went with white boxes with a few colored inserts for visual interest without the chaos.
The FÖRHÖJA kitchen cart brings that minimalist bamboo vibe while being ridiculously practical. Mine serves as both a folding station and storage unit, proving that minimalism doesn’t mean sacrificing function.
Hidden Storage Champions
Want to know the ultimate minimalist trick? NORDLI modular chests. They look like sleek modern furniture but hide tons of storage. I use mine to store bulk supplies, keeping only current essentials visible. Out of sight, out of mind – except when you actually need them.
Space-Saving IKEA Laundry Room Solutions
Stackable Everything
Why do washers and dryers take up so much floor space? If you’re stuck with side-by-side machines, consider building up with ALGOT brackets and shelves above them. This system is completely adjustable, so you can work around weird pipes or vents.
The VESKEN shelf unit is another space-saving hero. At only 9 inches deep, it fits in that awkward gap between your washer and the wall. Mine holds all my frequently used items within arm’s reach.
Folding Furniture Magic
The NORBERG wall-mounted drop-leaf table is genius for small laundry rooms. Fold it down for a instant folding station, then flip it back up when you need the floor space. I added a small stool that tucks underneath, and boom – functional workspace that disappears.
Also Read: 15 Stunning Green Laundry Room Ideas for Fresh Stylish Spaces
IKEA Laundry Room Cabinet Styling Ideas
Making Basic Cabinets Look Custom
Here’s a secret: those basic METOD kitchen cabinets can look incredibly high-end with the right styling. I added UTRUSTA push-openers so I could go handle-free, then topped them with the aforementioned EKBACKEN counters. Total cost? Way less than actual custom cabinets.
Crown molding from the hardware store (not IKEA, I know, but hear me out) on top of METOD cabinets makes them look built-in. Add some under-cabinet lighting and suddenly your laundry room looks like it belongs in a magazine.
Color and Texture Play
Don’t be afraid to mix cabinet fronts! I combined VOXTORP matte white doors with ASKERSUND ash effect ones for a two-tone look that’s super trendy right now. The contrast makes the space feel designed rather than just thrown together.
Functional IKEA Laundry Room Layouts
The Work Triangle Concept
Ever heard of the kitchen work triangle? Same principle applies to laundry rooms. Position your sorting area, washer/dryer, and folding station in a triangle for maximum efficiency. The JONAXEL system helps create designated zones without permanent installation – perfect for renters.
I arranged my space with the RÅSKOG cart as my mobile sorting station, machines in the middle, and that NORBERG folding table on the opposite wall. The flow just makes sense, and I’m not constantly bumping into things while carrying armfuls of clothes.
Smart Traffic Flow
Nobody talks about this enough, but door swing direction matters! If your laundry room door opens inward, consider a DIGNITET curtain wire system with a curtain instead. It saves space and prevents the door-hitting-the-laundry-basket dance we all know too well.
IKEA Laundry Room Decor Tips
Beyond Basic White Walls
Who decided laundry rooms have to be boring? I added KINNARED decorative stickers (yes, they make them for adults too) to create an accent wall without committing to paint. They peel off clean when you move – renters, you’re welcome.
The RIBBA picture ledges aren’t just for photos. Mine display small plants, a cute “Drop Your Pants Here” sign I found on Etsy, and a rotation of seasonal decor. It makes doing laundry feel less like a chore and more like visiting a space I actually enjoy.
Textile Touches That Matter
Swap out that gross rubber mat for an TOFTBO bath mat. They’re super absorbent, machine washable (meta, right?), and come in colors that don’t scream “utility room.” Mine is a soft sage green that makes me slightly happier every time I see it.
Also Read: 15 Brilliant Basement Laundry Room Ideas for Stylish Makeovers
DIY IKEA Laundry Room Projects
Hack Your Way to Custom
Ready for my favorite DIY project? I took two IVAR cabinets, added legs from the hardware store, and created a custom laundry sorting station with three bins underneath. Total time: one Saturday afternoon. Total saved: hundreds of dollars compared to buying a premade sorting station.
Another winner: turning TROFAST storage (yes, from the kids’ section) into a wall-mounted drying station. The bins hold delicates while they air dry, and the frame keeps everything organized. Plus, it looks intentional rather than “I hung my underwear everywhere.”
Customization Station
Here’s where you can get creative. I used MÄRSTA cabinet fronts and added cane webbing (bought online) to create a trendy boho vibe. A little wood glue, some finishing nails, and suddenly my basic IKEA cabinets look like expensive custom pieces.
Colorful IKEA Laundry Room Ideas
Breaking the White Box Syndrome
Enough with the all-white everything! The EKET system comes in multiple colors – I went with a combination of pale pink and light gray for a soft, unexpected palette. It makes me smile every time I walk in, which, let’s be honest, helps when you’re facing Mount Washmore.
Want an even bolder move? The LIXHULT cabinets come in that gorgeous dark yellow that’s having a moment. One or two of these bad boys completely change the room’s energy without requiring a full paint job.
Accent Colors That Pop
Sometimes all you need is a pop of color to make things interesting. The NISSEDAL mirrors come with colored frames that add personality without overwhelming the space. I chose the bright yellow one, and IMO it’s the perfect amount of cheerful for a Monday morning laundry session :/
Compact IKEA Laundry Room Organization
Micro-Space Champions
Living in a tiny apartment? The SUNNERSTA series is your answer. These mini organizers barely stick out from the wall but hold surprisingly much. I use the containers for pods and dryer sheets, and the hooks for hanging delicates that can’t go in the dryer.
The GRUNDTAL magnetic knife rack (stay with me here) holds all my metal items like scissors, safety pins, and that tin of stain stick. It takes up zero counter or drawer space and keeps sharps safely out of reach if you have kids.
Narrow Space Solutions
Got a hallway laundry situation? The HEMNES shoe cabinet is only 8 inches deep but provides tons of hidden storage. I removed one shelf to store tall detergent bottles and use the other compartments for everything else. Nobody even knows it’s not just for shoes.
Also Read: 15 Brilliant Top Loader Laundry Room Small Spaces Ideas That Work
Stylish IKEA Laundry Room Shelving Ideas
Open Shelving Done Right
Open shelving can look messy or magnificent – it’s all about the styling. The BERGSHULT/GRANHULT combo gives you that modern bracket look that’s everywhere on Pinterest. I keep pretty containers on display and hide the ugly stuff in matching baskets.
Pro tip: group items by height and color for a cohesive look. My shelves have white and natural wood containers only, creating a spa-like vibe that makes me forget I’m surrounded by dirty socks.
Mixed Materials Magic
Combining different shelf materials adds visual interest. I paired LACK floating shelves with SVENSHULT wall shelves (the ones with the metal grid) for a modern industrial look. The mix of smooth and textured surfaces makes the room feel more designed and less default.
IKEA Laundry Room Efficiency Upgrades
Time-Saving Systems
Let’s talk about the ALGOT system with mesh baskets. I labeled each basket for different family members, so everyone sorts their own laundry. No more playing “whose sock is this?” – everyone gets their own basket, and clean clothes go right back in for easy transport to bedrooms.
The TURBO clothes rack might seem basic, but positioned strategically next to your dryer, it becomes a staging area that prevents wrinkles. Hang clothes immediately, and you’ll cut your ironing time by 80%. That’s math I can get behind.
Smart Workflow Solutions
Installing KUNGSFORS magnetic racks on the side of my washer was a game-changer. They hold small metal containers with safety pins, buttons I’ve found, and that pile of change that appears from nowhere. Everything has a place, and nothing gets lost in the wash anymore.
Creative IKEA Laundry Room Storage Combos
Unexpected Combinations
Here’s where thinking outside the box pays off. I combined KALLAX units with DRÖNA boxes and created a massive storage wall that doubles as a room divider. Each cube serves a different purpose – cleaning supplies, out-of-season items, and that growing collection of orphaned socks.
The real genius move? Adding KALLAX inserts with doors to some cubes while leaving others open. It creates visual interest while hiding the messier items. Plus, the top serves as an extra folding surface.
Multi-Functional Mashups
My favorite combo involves the FÖRHÖJA cart topped with a MÖLLEKULLA countertop (cut to size at IKEA). It creates a mobile island that serves as storage, folding station, and sorting area. When not in use, it rolls into a corner and looks like intentional furniture rather than laundry equipment.
Wrapping Up Your IKEA Laundry Room Journey
So there you have it – 15 IKEA laundry room ideas that’ll transform your most utilitarian space into something you actually don’t mind spending time in. The best part about all these solutions? You can mix and match them based on your space, budget, and how much you actually care about having an Instagram-worthy laundry room.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s function with a side of style. Start with one or two ideas that solve your biggest pain points, then build from there. Before you know it, you’ll have friends asking if they can do their laundry at your place. (Say no. That’s weird.)
Whether you go full minimalist with hidden storage or embrace colorful chaos with open shelving, these IKEA solutions prove you don’t need a massive budget to create a laundry room that works.
Now if only IKEA could invent something that actually folds the laundry for us… a person can dream, right?
