A well-organized laundry room can make one of the most mundane household chores much more manageable. Adding shelves is one of the simplest ways to increase storage and keep your space functional and tidy. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly DIY solutions or considering professional home storage options, creating the right shelving for a laundry room can transform your space.
Why Add Shelves in the Laundry Room?
Laundry rooms often double as utility spaces, storage areas, or mudrooms. Without proper organization, they can quickly become cluttered and chaotic. Shelves help maximize vertical space, creating dedicated areas for detergent, fabric softener, baskets, and other essentials. Whether you have a small or large laundry area, well-planned shelving can make a big difference.
Types of Laundry Room Shelving Ideas
Before you start building, it’s helpful to explore some popular shelving styles that suit different needs:
Open Wall Shelves
Open shelves are simple and versatile. They allow you to quickly access items while keeping the room visually airy. Laundry room wall shelves made from wood or metal are popular for their durability and style.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves provide a sleek, modern look by hiding the brackets or supports. These are ideal for smaller items or light storage and work well in compact spaces.
Cabinet-Style Shelves
If you prefer to keep items hidden, cabinet-style shelves are a great option. While they require more effort to install, they add a polished appearance and keep your space looking tidy.
Adjustable Shelves
Adjustable shelving systems give you the flexibility to modify shelf height as your needs change. These are particularly useful in spaces where storage requirements vary.
For bigger projects or if you want a custom touch, Renuity Home offers tailored home storage solutions to help create the perfect shelving system for your laundry room.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
To build shelves in your laundry room, you’ll need some basic tools and materials. Here’s a checklist:
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Drill and screwdriver
- Wall anchors
- Shelf brackets
- Wood planks or pre-cut shelves
- Sandpaper
- Paint or wood stain (optional)
- Stud finder
- Screws
How to Build Shelves in Laundry Room
Follow these steps to create sturdy and attractive shelving for your laundry room:
Step 1: Measure and Plan
Start by measuring the wall space where you plan to install your shelves. Determine how many shelves you need and decide on the spacing between them. Consider the height of your washer and dryer, leaving enough clearance above for easy access.
Step 2: Choose Materials
Select sturdy materials like wood planks or metal shelving. Pre-cut wood shelves are often the easiest to work with. If you prefer a specific look, you can sand and paint the wood to match your laundry room’s décor.
Step 3: Find the Studs
Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your walls. Shelves anchored to studs will be much more stable and can hold heavier items.
Step 4: Mark the Placement
Mark the spots where your shelf brackets will be attached. Use a level to ensure the marks are straight and evenly spaced.
Step 5: Install the Brackets
Drill holes at the marked spots and secure the brackets to the wall. If you can’t hit a stud, use wall anchors to ensure the brackets stay firmly in place.
Step 6: Attach the Shelves
Once the brackets are secured, place your wood planks or shelves on top and attach them using screws. Double-check that everything is level before tightening the screws fully.
Step 7: Style and Organize
Add finishing touches like paint or stain to your shelves. Organize your laundry supplies in bins, baskets, or jars to keep the space neat and visually appealing.
Tips for Maximizing Space With Laundry Room Wall Shelves
Even in smaller laundry rooms, wall-mounted shelves can create significant storage opportunities. Here are a few tips to make the most of your space:
- Use Vertical Space: Install shelves all the way to the ceiling and use a step stool to access less frequently used items.
- Add Hooks Below Shelves: Hooks can hold drying racks, ironing boards, or cleaning tools, making the most of the space beneath your shelves.
- Incorporate Baskets: Baskets or bins are perfect for grouping small items like clothespins, dryer sheets, or stain removers.
- Think Multifunctional: Combine shelving with cabinets or drawers for a mix of open and closed storage.
For more inspiration on how to make the most of small laundry rooms, read our post on small laundry room storage ideas.
When to Call a Professional
While building shelves can be a rewarding DIY project, some situations call for professional assistance. Custom home storage solutions, like those offered by Renuity Home, are ideal for larger projects or when you need a polished, cohesive look.
Benefits of Professional Installation
- Tailored Design: Professionals can create a system that perfectly fits your space and needs.
- Durable Materials: High-quality materials ensure your shelves last for years without sagging or warping.
- Time Savings: Avoid the hassle of measuring, cutting, and installing by letting an expert handle it.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Professional solutions often include options like built-in cabinets or lighting, elevating the overall design of your laundry room.
Conclusion
Adding shelves to your laundry room is an excellent way to improve organization and functionality. Whether you’re opting for DIY laundry room shelving ideas or considering professional help, the key is to plan carefully and make the most of your available space.
For homeowners looking for an elevated solution, Renuity Home’s custom storage systems are a perfect choice. We provide expertise and high-quality options for any home storage project, ensuring your laundry room becomes both stylish and practical.
As a content manager at Renuity, Francheska spent nearly two years helping homeowners discover the possibilities of transforming their spaces. Renuity is a leader in home remodeling, specializing in everything from windows and doors to bathrooms and home storage solutions, and she’s proud to be part of a team that prioritizes quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. She graduated from Florida International University with a double major in International Business and Marketing, ranked among the top programs in the nation. Her passion for home improvement runs deep—since childhood, she’s been inspired by watching HGTV and seeing the magic of remodels come to life. Now, she channels that passion into connecting readers with ideas, tips, and solutions to create homes they love.
