IKEA laundry room ideas can help you organize a cramped laundry area without a full remodel. Wall shelves, storage cabinets, laundry baskets, and drying racks make it easier to use available space and keep everyday essentials within reach.
This guide covers 10 practical IKEA laundry room ideas, space-saving tips, a product comparison, and cost considerations to help you choose storage that fits your room, needs, and budget.
How to Plan an IKEA Laundry Room
Plan your IKEA laundry room before buying cabinets, shelves, or appliances. Accurate measurements help you choose a layout that fits your space and laundry routine.
- Measure the room: Record wall lengths, ceiling height, doorways, and available floor space.
- Check appliance dimensions: Note the washer and dryer width, depth, height, and door clearance.
- Map utility connections: Mark water lines, drains, electrical outlets, and dryer vent locations.
- Plan your workflow: Set aside areas for sorting, washing, folding, hanging, and storing clothes.
- Choose storage and set a budget: Compare IKEA cabinets, shelves, and organizers that fit your layout and price range.
10 IKEA Laundry Room Ideas for Better Storage
Make your laundry room more organized with smart storage, practical folding areas, and space-saving accessories. Choose the ideas that match your room size, laundry routine, and storage needs.
1. Install IKEA Wall Cabinets Above the Washer and Dryer
Use wall cabinets to store detergent, towels, and laundry essentials without taking up floor space. Measure the wall and appliance height before installation. Secure each cabinet to suitable wall supports and follow IKEA’s mounting instructions.
2. Use IKEA BOAXEL for Adjustable Laundry Storage
The IKEA BOAXEL storage system combines shelves, clothes rails, mesh baskets, and drying racks. Arrange the components to suit your laundry routine, with frequently used supplies on accessible shelves. Choose suitable wall fasteners and keep the system away from direct water exposure.
3. Organize Supplies with IKEA JONAXEL Shelves
The IKEA JONAXEL storage system offers open shelves and wire baskets for towels, detergent, and cleaning supplies. Assign each basket a purpose to make everyday items easier to find.
Select a configuration that fits your available wall and floor space instead of stacking units beyond their approved setup.
4. Create a Folding Counter Over Front-Load Machines
A counter above front-load washers and dryers provides a convenient surface for folding clothes and sorting clean laundry.
Choose a design that accommodates the appliance dimensions and installation clearances. Keep water connections and service points accessible, and support the countertop independently as needed.
5. Add a Tall IKEA Laundry Cabinet
A tall cabinet can hold spare linens, ironing supplies, and cleaning products in one compact area. The IKEA ENHET high cabinet offers vertical storage with a small footprint.
Measure its height and depth before buying, and confirm that the unit suits your laundry room conditions.
6. Sort Clothes with IKEA Laundry Baskets
Use separate laundry baskets for lights, darks, towels, or delicate items. Choose sizes that fit your available space and remain easy to carry when full. Store damp clothing separately until you can wash or dry it to help prevent musty odors.
7. Install Open Shelves for Everyday Essentials
Keep frequently used supplies within reach with open shelving. Small containers can organize stain removers, dryer sheets, and laundry accessories. Store detergents according to their labels and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
8. Create a Compact Drying Station
A folding drying rack works well in a small laundry room because you can put it away when it is not needed. The BOAXEL laundry combination also includes drying racks. Choose a position that leaves doors and walkways clear, and provide enough airflow for clothes to dry properly.
9. Conceal Laundry Appliances with IKEA Storage
A laundry closet can hide the washer and dryer for a cleaner appearance. Before adding doors or panels, follow the appliance manufacturer’s requirements for ventilation, spacing, and maintenance access.
Never block a dryer’s required airflow or exhaust route. Use nearby IKEA cabinets or shelves to organize detergents and folded linens. For additional guidance, read the CPSC clothes dryer safety sheet.
10. Combine IKEA Storage with a Mudroom Bench
If your laundry room connects to the entryway, add a bench with baskets or nearby wall storage. Use hooks for coats and bags, and assign separate spaces to shoes, outdoor gear, and clean laundry.
This arrangement helps keep everyday belongings organized without mixing them with freshly washed clothes.
IKEA Laundry Room Ideas for Small Spaces
Make the most of a compact laundry room with space-saving storage and a practical layout. Measure your appliances and available wall space before choosing a setup. Explore our 5×7 laundry room layout guide for more ideas.
- Stack compatible machines to free up floor space.
- Add wall shelves to organize detergent and laundry essentials.
- Choose slim cabinets to use narrow gaps efficiently.
- Keep the floor open for easier cleaning and appliance access.
- Use a foldable drying rack when you need extra drying space.
Which IKEA Storage Options Work Best in a Laundry Room?
The right IKEA storage depends on your available space and laundry needs. Compare these options to find a practical fit.
| Storage Option | Best Use |
| Wall cabinets | Keeping detergents and supplies out of sight |
| BOAXEL | Customizable wall-mounted shelves and drying racks |
| JONAXEL | Open shelving and laundry baskets |
| Tall cabinets | Storing bulky supplies and extra towels |
| Laundry baskets | Separating clothes by color or wash cycle |
| Drying racks | Air-drying delicate garments |
Choose a setup that fits your room dimensions, appliance placement, and budget. IKEA states that JONAXEL works in humid bathrooms and laundry rooms, while BOAXEL should not come into direct contact with water.
How to Organize and Style an IKEA Laundry Room
Keep your laundry area functional with a few simple organizing choices.
- Sort supplies: Group detergents, stain removers, and cleaning products by use.
- Label containers: Make everyday items easier to find.
- Create a folding area: Reserve a counter or clear surface for clean clothes.
- Balance open and closed storage: Display frequently used items and conceal visual clutter.
- Coordinate finishes: Pair white, gray, and natural wood for a cohesive look.
How Much Does an IKEA Laundry Room Cost?
The cost of an IKEA laundry room depends on your storage choices, countertop, accessories, and installation needs. IKEA’s JONAXEL system provides a useful starting point for a budget-friendly laundry space.
For example, IKEA US currently lists a JONAXEL storage combination at $49.99, a frame at $17.99, and a top shelf at $10. These prices cover individual products, not a complete laundry room.
| Cost category | What to include |
| Basic storage | Shelves, baskets, and organizers |
| Cabinet storage | Tall cabinets and wall units |
| Work surface | Countertops and supports |
| Laundry accessories | Hampers, drying racks, and hooks |
| Installation | Tools, hardware, and labor |
| Additional expenses | Delivery, taxes, and wall repairs |
A small storage update generally costs less than a full laundry room renovation. Calculate your budget from the products you select and any installation work you need. IKEA prices and availability can change, so verify them before purchasing.
IKEA Laundry Room Upgrades on a Budget
Improve your laundry room gradually without replacing everything at once.
- Start small: Add baskets, hooks, or shelves before investing in new cabinets.
- Reuse existing features: Keep a usable countertop or storage unit to reduce costs.
- Upgrade in stages: Prioritize the changes that solve your biggest storage problems.
- Compare IKEA systems: Choose storage that fits your room dimensions and laundry routine.
- Calculate the full cost: Include delivery, mounting hardware, and assembly fees.
- Plan specialist work: Hire qualified professionals for plumbing or electrical changes.
Common IKEA Laundry Room Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping measurements: Measure the room, appliances, and available wall space before ordering.
- Restricting appliance access: Leave enough clearance to open doors, reach connections, and service machines.
- Exceeding shelf limits: Follow the product’s weight rating and distribute items evenly.
- Choosing the wrong location: Keep storage systems away from direct water exposure unless the product is designed for it.
- Relying only on open shelves: Combine baskets, closed cabinets, and open storage to keep supplies organized.
- Underestimating installation costs: Budget for suitable wall fasteners, assembly, and professional mounting when needed.
Final Thoughts
Start with your measurements, laundry habits, and budget. Then add practical storage, a sorting area, and a dedicated folding space. These features make an IKEA laundry room more organized and convenient for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I organize a small IKEA laundry room?
Use vertical shelves, compact baskets, and wall-mounted storage to free up floor space and keep laundry essentials organized.
Which IKEA products work well for laundry storage?
Consider BOAXEL and JONAXEL storage systems, wall cabinets, laundry baskets, and drying racks. Choose options that suit your room dimensions and storage needs.
Can IKEA cabinets go above a washer and dryer?
Yes. Secure suitable cabinets to a wall that can support their weight, and leave enough room for appliance access and maintenance.
How much does an IKEA laundry room cost?
Your total depends on the cabinets, storage systems, countertop, accessories, delivery, and installation. Calculate the cost of each item before setting your budget.
Can I use IKEA storage in a laundry closet?
Yes. Choose storage units that fit the closet without blocking appliance doors, ventilation, or service connections.
How can I create a laundry folding station?
Install a countertop over compatible front-load machines or use a separate folding table that fits your available space.
Can an IKEA laundry room include a mudroom?
Yes. Combine laundry storage with hooks for coats, shoe racks, and baskets for everyday items. Separate entryway essentials from laundry supplies.
How do I make an IKEA laundry room look modern?
Choose coordinated cabinet finishes, simple hardware, matching baskets, and uncluttered countertops for a clean, contemporary look.
