10 Laundry Room Trends Pros Would Never Put in Their Own Homes
"Open shelving looks great in photos, but unless you’re very organized, it quickly turns into visual clutter," warns one designer.
The laundry room is one of the most overlooked spaces in the home when it comes to design. But the reality is that it's a room that gets a lot of use, especially if you're living in a household with children and pets. If you're looking to update your laundry area, these are the laundry room trends to avoid, according to pros. Designers warn that certain features like open shelving in the laundry room may look good on Instagram or Pinterest, but they can actually prove frustrating in real life.
"Laundry rooms are usually small and with all that goes on there, need to be as efficient as possible,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab. “The more feature you build in, the less cluttered they will look," Forté adds.
On the other end of the spectrum, designers also say it's a mistake to make your room all utility and no charm. A little personality — think an interesting wallpaper or set of curtains in the laundry room — can make a tedious task like folding clothes feel less dull.
Here are the top laundry room trends to avoid, according to design experts.
Treating the Laundry Room as an Afterthought
“Laundry rooms are often treated as an afterthought, but they deserve as much design attention as a kitchen or bath,” says Jen Baxter of Baxter Hill Interiors. The designer notes that powder rooms are often considered the “jewel boxes” of the home, yet laundry rooms can be just as stunning.
If folding laundry is not your favorite task, take Baxter’s advice and inject the laundry room with a big dose of style. “The power of a little personality can uplift tedious daily tasks,” Baxter says.
Overlooking How Room and Appliance Doors Open
“A common issue is not thinking through how the doors and appliances open—you can easily end up blocking storage or making the room feel cramped,” says Nicole Jensen, interior designer at Murphy Door.
Laundry rooms tend to be small and often serve as multi-functional spaces, whether they are located within the garage or double as a mudroom. Make sure you leave enough clearance for room, cabinet, and front-loading appliance doors to prevent damage, avoid a cluttered feel, and encourage a streamlined workflow.
Not Incorporating Counter Space for Folding
“Make sure to have counter space for folding,” advises Andrea Sinkin of Andrea Sinkin Design. “In my own laundry room, we do not have counter space for folding, which means we had to do a front-loading washer,” the designer shares. If you have two front-loading appliances in a small laundry room, Sinkin suggests purchasing a top, “so you have a cleaner finish on top and socks don’t fall between the machines.”
To create a folding surface in a small laundry room with stacking appliances, get creative. “If space is tight, consider a wall-mounted drop-down table or a pull-out shelf,” says Laura Hursthouse of Laura Hursthouse Design.
Relying on Open Shelving for Storage
“Open shelving looks great in photos, but unless you’re very organized, it quickly turns into visual clutter,” says Jensen. Her pro tip? “I like to mix closed cabinets with a few open spots for baskets or decor.” Use closed cabinetry to hide laundry products that aren’t visually appealing or don’t get used on a regular basis, and store frequently used items and laundry room decor on open shelves.
Settling for Insufficient Lighting
“Make sure to think of lighting in the laundry room,” says Sinkin. Laundry rooms often lack natural light due to their size or location within the house, which is why creating a thoughtful lighting design is essential. “I always like to install an automatic light switch that turns lights on when you walk in because your hands are typically full,” Sinkin says.
Additionally, Jensen says a single ceiling light isn’t enough. A harsh overhead light fixture will make the laundry room feel cold and sterile, while a dim sconce doesn’t provide enough illumination for doing laundry. “Layered lighting makes the space bright and welcoming,” Jensen says.
Not Creating a Space for Steaming, Ironing, or De-Wrinkling Clothes
“Skip the hassle of dragging out a bulky ironing board. Instead, install a pull-out board or a slim cabinet for your steamer, complete with an outlet inside for ease of use,” suggests Hursthouse. To ensure that freshly pressed garments stay nice and crisp until you are ready to put them away, Hursthouse recommends installing hanging hooks.
Forgetting to Add a Drying Zone
Forgetting to add a drying zone is a big mistake, since not everything can go in the dryer. “Create a space for air-drying with a wall-mounted rack, a ceiling-hung rod, or a retractable system,” says Hursthouse. If you’re working with a small footprint, Hursthouse says these options save floor space while giving you flexibility for drying delicate items.
Skipping Vertical and Under-Counter Storage
“Clutter is the enemy of a serene laundry room,” says Hursthouse. Considering the types of items the space needs to accommodate and utilizing the room from top to bottom is crucial. “Vertical storage is a smart solution for ironing boards, mops, and brooms,” Hursthouse says.
Instead of divided hampers taking up unnecessary floor space and blocking access to cabinets or appliances, create a designated space for them. Hursthouse’s expert advice? “Under-counter storage for baskets to keep laundry organized and clutter-free.”
Failing to Consider the Laundry Room's Overall Flow
“One of the biggest and most common mistakes I see is people not thinking about the overall flow of the space," says Angie Kreller, interior designer at Yabby. "For example, some people will place the washer and the dryer in random places in the room without really thinking about the functionality of the room, which can really impact the workflow," Kreller shares.
Consider all the tasks you do in the laundry room—sorting, folding, treating stains, and more—and create an overall room flow that prioritizes efficiency. It will save you time and frustration in the long run, and help keep the space clutter-free.
Not Incorporating a Plumbing Hook-Up for a Sink
If you are designing a laundry room from scratch, avoid the mistake of not incorporating a plumbing hook up for a sink. “You will always need a sink in the laundry room. Include the plumbing hook ups in your plan,” advises Sinkin. When considering the type of sink to install, Hursthouse says a deep utility sink is a luxury that pays off. “It’s perfect for hand-washing delicates or pre-treating stains,” the designer says.
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
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