Laundry Space Hacks: 16 Tips from Home Show Experts

When designing the perfect laundry space, Jonathan Scott says thinking vertically is key. He recommends getting everything up off the floor, like hanging the ironing board and using baskets to sort your laundry piles. One of his secret weapons is an over-the-door ironing board holder that keeps that essential tool off the ground for less than $10. He also suggests repurposing a blanket ladder as a multi-level drying rack or DIYing your own hanging laundry setup.

The goal is to maximize every inch of space and keep the floor clear, which makes the whole room feel more organized and functional.

Having an ironing board is a must, but you don’t need a huge one that takes up a ton of space. Martha Stewart recommends a compact, rubber-footed ironing board that can fit right on top of a cabinet, maximizing your table space. Or you can DIY your own ironing platform using basic craft supplies.

Another smart option is to get an ironing board that attaches directly to your laundry setup, like the Polder Retractable Ironing Board. It mounts right to the side of your washer or dryer for a built-in ironing station.

Backsplashes aren’t just for kitchens – Hilary Farr used a gorgeous blue subway tile to turn her laundry room into an elegant, eye-catching space. “They are truly works of art!” she raved. Her goal was to give small, often overlooked spaces like the laundry room a big design impact.

Hilary’s fellow HGTV star Christina Haack also used bold black tile in a Tennessee kitchen, explaining how the moody hue made the space feel warm and inviting despite the natural light. When choosing tile, Haack recommends requesting samples to see how they look with your decor.

Laundry rooms don’t have to feel cold and boring. Tamara Day used a gorgeous, textured wood-look wallpaper to elevate the space and tie the whole house together. “This wallpaper is one of my favorites we’ve ever used,” she said. “It really dressed up the room.“

If you’re looking for the perfect wallpaper, designer Annie Blair suggests gathering paint chips in colors that match your room and using those as a guide to find a coordinating wallpaper.

Nate Berkus is all about keeping his laundry room perfectly organized. He uses labeled bins, drawers, and shelves to make sure everything has a designated spot. “If you need a Shade Store charger, for instance, for your motorized blinds, well, look, I don’t even really have to look that far…It is a feat of organization,” he demonstrated.

Nate swears by labeling everything, whether it’s cabinets, shelves, or a rolling cart. This way, you’ll always know exactly where to find what you need and won’t end up double-buying supplies.

A well-designed laundry room can make chores much less of a hassle. Drew Scott says the best laundry spaces are like a “laundry suite,” with features like a folding area, sink, and storage. Some even have special appliances like a steam closet that dries clothes for you. His brother Jonathan is a big fan of the LG Styler, which lets you do your own dry cleaning at home.

Of course, high-end features can get pricey. But there are more budget-friendly ways to make laundry day a little easier, like using a simple hanging steamer.

Jonathan Scott keeps his laundry essentials neatly organized in labeled bins and baskets, so he always knows where everything is and when he’s running low on supplies. “Just like a pantry in a kitchen, I love to make sure everything has its place, everything’s labeled,” he said.

For easy, customizable storage, Jonathan loves baskets with built-in label plates. But if you’re tight on space, an over-the-door organizer is a great way to keep things within reach without taking up floor space.

Emily Henderson says air drying your clothes will make them last longer. Depending on your space, you can choose from wall-mounted racks, collapsible floor racks, or even a simple bar system.

If you’re short on square footage, there are compact options like the Polder Magnetic Drying Rack that attaches right to the side of your washer or dryer. That way, you get the benefits of air drying without taking up floor space.

Joanna Gaines transformed her laundry room into one of her favorite spots by decorating it with personal touches. Her most cherished piece is a custom sign she created featuring the logo from Chip’s old wash-and-fold business. “As a surprise to him, I had a local artist paint a wash ‘n fold logo over the washer/dryer. He loved it, and it’s my favorite part of that space.“

You can recreate a similar vibe by adding a custom sign or artwork that has special meaning to you and your family. It’s a simple way to make the laundry room feel warm and inviting.

Joanna Gaines considers her laundry room to be one of her favorite spots in the house. She spruced it up by adding a cozy table and chairs, creating a space where she can enjoy folding clothes and tackling other laundry tasks.