9 Apartment Laundry Room Ideas for Even the Smallest Spaces

Let’s be honest: the laundromat will not be missed

father washing clothes with daughter
Photo: SolStock / Getty Images
father washing clothes with daughter
Photo: SolStock / Getty Images
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Laundry day can feel like the bane of apartment living. Nobody actually enjoys lugging their hamper down the stairs of a fourth-floor walk-up only to sit in a dingy basement. Sometimes the best option is splurging for a laundromat wash-and-fold—even if that means you have to drag 20 pounds of dirty clothing across town in the sweltering humidity of a city summer. There is a better way.

As long as your building allows washing machines, you can create a laundry room in a shockingly small space; it’s all about organization. These apartment laundry room ideas will help spark a little inspiration, whether you plan to hire a local interior designer or do the job yourself.

1. Get a Washer Dryer Combo

Don’t have the space for a washer and a dryer? Get a two-in-one unit. These function almost like a dishwasher for clothes: You can put them under a cabinet in your kitchen (or in a small bathroom closet, if you want to tuck your laundry space out of sight). 

Just don’t expect the same drying power as a stand-alone tumble dryer. Though two-in-one units have come a long way in recent years, it’s still a good idea to cut your laundry load in half for efficient drying.

2. Stack Your Units in a Closet

washing/ dryer machine in utility closet
Photo: John Keeble/ Moment / Getty Images

In a small apartment, a stackable washer and dryer is a major space-saver. Most stackable units will easily fit into an entryway closet. If you already have a dedicated space for a laundry room, these types of units can free up a corner to install a sink (which is essential for stain removal) or extra counter space (which you can use for ironing and folding).

3. Ditch the Dryer Altogether 

Dryers can add a lot of complications to a laundry room. You need to have proper venting or it’s a fire hazard. Not to mention, they’re not convenient when you’re short on space. 

Some of the best apartment laundry room ideas nix the idea of a dryer altogether and opt for a fold-away drying rack. To save space and help clothes dry more quickly, use a hanging rack that hooks right over your radiator.

4. Utilize a Corner of Your Kitchen

man washing clothes in kitchen
Photo: SolStock/ Getty Images

Most of us think of laundry rooms as their own dedicated spaces, but if you have a small apartment, this isn’t always the best way to utilize space. Instead, work a laundry area into your kitchen. 

As long as you have the right plumbing hookups, you’ll probably be able to fit a slimline washer into your existing cabinetry. If you have some particularly tall cabinets, you may even be able to hide stackable units.

5. Add Shelving for Storage

The key to making small spaces work is organization—and that requires storage. Even the smallest laundry room still needs somewhere to store laundry supplies like detergent and stain remover. 

A professional organizer near you can help you maximize space, but adjustable wire shelving is usually the most convenient option. You may also want to add a pull-out shelf, which creates an area where you can fold or iron laundry without sacrificing space.

6. Don’t Forget a Hanging Rod

laundry room with clothes racks
Photo: PC Photography/ iStock/ Getty Images

Sometimes folding doesn’t cut it, and you need to hang your clothes to prevent wrinkles and creases. For this reason, you’ll probably want to add a clothes hanging rod to your laundry room. 

You can purchase an adjustable tension rod online that will fit into most spaces, no matter the size. If you’re creating a small laundry room in a closet, hang it under a shelf and above your washing machine.

7. If You Have the Space, Utilize a Laundry Cart

Laundry carts are akin to a moveable kitchen island—but for laundry rooms. This apartment laundry room idea kills two birds with one stone. It gives you space to store laundry supplies and an area to fold or iron. Opt for a laundry cart on wheels so you can roll it out of the way and save space when it’s not in use.

8. Removable Hooks Lead to Renter-Friendly Storage

The best apartment laundry room ideas expertly utilize space. Even the back of a door is an opportunity to hang storage organizers. Place a couple removable hooks around your laundry area where shelves won’t work—like on the back of the door or tucked away in an unutilized corner of a closet.

9. No Windows? Add a Pop of Color

Laundry rooms are notoriously tucked away in basements and windowless corners—places that don’t exactly have a lot of natural light. A light color palette like white or cream can help make your small space feel a little bigger. 

Nonetheless, you may want to compensate for the lack of light by giving your laundry room a pop of color. It’s as simple as painting your shelving, adding a few well-placed accessories, or choosing a bold printed wallpaper.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to kitchen and bathroom remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Bathroom interior with wooden cabinets
May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025
Bathroom cabinet costs can easily skyrocket. Take a look at these important cost factors and considerations to help you stay within your budget.
Modern renovated kitchen and dining area
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
A bump-out addition is right for you if you want to add extra space to your home without adding a new room. Learn about the different bump-out addition costs.
Sleek neutral design bathroom
May 23, 2025
May 23, 2025
The cost to add a bathroom takes into account whether it’s a half or full bath, square footage, plumbing, electrical, and more. Read on for a cost breakdown.
Woman sprinkling bath salts into a bathtub
May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025
When comparing acrylic versus porcelain tubs, both are solid options—but they’re not the same. Here are the pros, cons, and what to consider.
contractor going over house renovations
May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025
Our home remodel costs estimator will help you stay on budget with your next project. Get started making your home as perfect as possible today.
A white minimalistic bathroom with a glass shower cabin
May 13, 2025
May 13, 2025
When your shower value has stopped working, sprung a leak, or the temperature seems to have gone rogue, a shower valve replacement may be the answer.