Narrow laundry rooms can feel like a design puzzle. You’ve got this long, tight space and you’re wondering how to make it work without feeling cramped or chaotic.
But here’s the thing, narrow doesn’t mean boring. Some of the most stylish laundry rooms I’ve seen are the skinny ones. They force you to get creative with storage, play with colors, and really think about what you need versus what just takes up space.
The trick with a narrow space is working with what you’ve got instead of fighting it. Think vertical storage, smart lighting, fun wallpaper, or even just a fresh coat of paint. Sometimes all it takes is a cute basket or two and suddenly your laundry room feels intentional instead of forgotten.
Whether you’re working with a hallway-turned-laundry-room or a galley-style setup, these narrow laundry room ideas will help you make the most of every inch. From clever cabinetry to patterned floors that distract from the small footprint, there’s a lot you can do to turn a tight space into something that actually makes laundry day a little less painful.
Soft Blue Cabinets With Patterned Tile
Sage blue cabinets run the full length of this narrow laundry room, giving you tons of storage without eating up floor space.
The patterned tile floor is the real star here. It adds personality and makes the room feel intentional, not like an afterthought.
A farmhouse sink and a hanging rod complete the setup, keeping things practical but pretty.
Blue Floral Wallpaper With Striped Floor
This laundry room went bold with blue floral wallpaper that wraps the whole space.
The striped floor adds another layer of pattern, but somehow it all works together. It feels cottage-like and cheerful, not overwhelming.
White cabinets keep it from getting too busy. And those potted plants on the counter? They make doing laundry feel a little less like a chore.
Open Shelving With Gray Bins
Open shelving is such a smart move in a narrow laundry room. You can see everything, grab what you need, and it doesn’t feel as heavy as a wall of cabinets.
This one uses gray bins to keep detergent and supplies organized. There’s even a drying rack that folds down when you need it.
The pale green wall gives the space a soft, calming vibe. Perfect for a room you probably spend more time in than you’d like.
Charcoal Cabinets With Stacked Washer and Dryer
Dark charcoal cabinets make this narrow laundry room feel sophisticated and moody in the best way.
Stacking the washer and dryer vertically is a game changer for tight spaces. It frees up room for that little built-in dog nook, which is honestly the cutest detail.
Gold hardware and a patterned rug add warmth and keep the dark cabinetry from feeling too serious.
Light Gray Cabinets With Dutch Door
A Dutch door at the end of this laundry room brings in natural light and makes the narrow space feel less tunnel-like.
Light gray cabinets and white countertops keep everything bright and airy. The hanging rod and floating shelf are simple but so useful.
That little folding stool tucked in the corner? Smart. You’ll need somewhere to sit when you’re folding endless loads of towels.
Blush Cabinets With Stacked Machines
Blush pink cabinets with gold hardware give this laundry room a soft, elegant feel.
The machines are tucked behind cabinet doors, which keeps the space looking clean and streamlined. Open shelving above holds neatly folded towels and baskets.
Marble-look flooring adds a touch of luxury. Who says laundry rooms can’t feel fancy?
White Cabinets With Lantern Light
A lantern-style pendant light adds charm to this narrow laundry room without taking up precious space.
White cabinets and herringbone backsplash tile create a classic, timeless look. The farmhouse sink and open shelving add function without clutter.
Fresh flowers in a vase make the room feel welcoming. It’s those little touches that turn a utility space into something you don’t mind spending time in.
Toile Wallpaper With Simple Cabinets
Toile wallpaper in soft blue gives this laundry room a vintage, countryside feel.
White cabinets and a single open shelf keep things simple and functional. The tile floor is classic and easy to clean—important in a room that sees a lot of action.
A wicker basket on the counter adds texture. The whole vibe is cozy and lived-in, like a room that’s been there forever.
Herringbone Floor With Neutral Tones
Herringbone tile in a neutral tone gives this narrow laundry room a lot of character without feeling busy.
The two-tone cabinetry—light on one side, darker wood on the other—adds visual interest. A round mirror and abstract art keep it feeling modern.
That little X-base stool is perfect for setting down a laundry basket or just taking a breather between loads.
Vintage Wallpaper With Checkered Floor
This laundry room leans into vintage charm with patterned wallpaper and a classic checkered floor.
White machines sit under a black countertop, with wicker baskets and framed art adding warmth. The lattice-front cabinets are a nice detail that feels a little old-school.
It’s cozy and homey, like a laundry room in a cottage you’d rent for a weekend getaway.
Sage Green Cabinets With Farmhouse Sink
Sage green cabinets bring a soft, earthy tone to this narrow laundry room.
The farmhouse sink is practical and pretty, and the hex tile floor adds texture. Open shelving with wicker baskets gives you storage that doesn’t feel closed off.
Natural light from the window makes the whole space feel fresh. You almost forget you’re folding laundry.
Leopard Print Wallpaper With Gold Chandelier
This laundry room doesn’t hold back. Leopard print wallpaper covers the walls, and a gold artichoke chandelier hangs overhead.
White cabinets and countertops balance out the bold pattern. The checkerboard floor adds another playful layer.
If you like your spaces full of personality, this is how you do it. Laundry day just got a lot more fun.
Outdoor Laundry Nook With Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
This narrow outdoor laundry setup proves you don’t need a full room to make it work.
A single washer sits under floating shelves stocked with plants and storage boxes. The accordion drying rack mounted on the wall is genius—pull it out when you need it, fold it away when you don’t.
Brick pavers on the floor give it an outdoor patio feel. It’s simple, functional, and kinda charming.
Marble Countertop With Stacked Machines
White cabinets and a marble countertop give this narrow laundry room a clean, high-end look.
The washer and dryer are stacked in an alcove, leaving plenty of counter space for folding. Gold drying racks mounted on the wall are both pretty and practical.
A wreath and a few framed pieces of art add warmth. It’s proof that even a tiny laundry room can feel special.
Sage Green With Open Upper Cabinets
Sage green lower cabinets paired with open upper shelving give this laundry room a balanced, airy feel.
White subway tile backsplash keeps it classic. The open shelving is perfect for displaying folded towels and keeping detergent within reach.
Brass pendant lights and a woven basket add warmth. The whole room feels calm and organized, which is exactly what you want in a laundry space.
Soft Wallpaper With Gingham Floor
Soft, delicate wallpaper and a gingham floor make this laundry room feel almost too pretty to do laundry in.
Beige cabinets with a built-in folding counter keep things functional. The machines are tucked under the counter, with drawers below for extra storage.
It’s sweet, charming, and proof that even a narrow laundry room can feel like a real design moment.
Navy Cabinets With Art Deco Tile
Navy blue cabinets give this laundry room a bold, modern edge.
The patterned floor tile adds an Art Deco vibe that feels fresh and unexpected. A black-framed window lets in natural light without sacrificing wall space.
Simple white countertops and a few pieces of art keep the look clean. It’s stylish without trying too hard.
Greige Cabinets With Gold Hanging Rod
Greige cabinets with gold hardware create a soft, elegant look in this narrow laundry room.
A gold hanging rod suspended from the ceiling is both functional and beautiful. White countertops and a gray-and-white patterned rug complete the look.
Woven baskets add texture. The whole space feels warm and put-together, like someone actually thought about how it should look.
Farmhouse Laundry With Corbel Shelves
White cabinets, decorative corbel shelves, and a farmhouse chandelier give this narrow laundry room serious cottage vibes.
The open shelving is perfect for displaying folded towels and baskets. A farmhouse sink and plenty of counter space make it as functional as it is pretty.
The whole room feels cozy and inviting. You might actually enjoy doing laundry here. Maybe.
Vertical Paneling With Sage Cabinets
Vertical paneling on the walls gives this narrow laundry room height and character.
Sage green cabinets with brass hardware feel fresh and modern. The arched detail on the lower cabinet is a sweet touch that adds charm without going overboard.
A small plant and dried flowers bring life to the space. It’s simple, stylish, and totally doable even in the tightest of rooms.
White Cabinets With Cork Backsplash
White cabinets line both walls of this narrow laundry room, giving you tons of storage without making the space feel heavy.
The cork backsplash is unexpected and adds warmth and texture. It’s also practical—cork is naturally water-resistant and easy to clean.
Wood floors and a modern pendant light keep the whole room feeling light and airy. The window above the sink brings in natural light, which always helps in a narrow space.
Two-Tone Cabinets With Stacked Washer and Dryer
This laundry room mixes white upper cabinets with light wood lower cabinets for a modern, two-tone look.
The washer and dryer are stacked to save floor space, and a glass door at the end opens to the outdoors. That natural light makes a huge difference.
A marble-look backsplash and brass faucet add a touch of elegance. Simple, clean, and functional.
All-White Storage With Open Shelving
This narrow laundry room went all-in on storage with open shelving stacked high with white bins.
Everything has a place, from cleaning supplies to laundry baskets. The red bag hanging on hooks adds a pop of color and keeps things from feeling too sterile.
Built-in drawers next to the washer make use of every inch. It’s organized, bright, and actually kind of inspiring if you’re into that ultra-tidy vibe.
FAQs About Narrow Laundry Room Ideas
How do you maximize space in a narrow laundry room?
The best way to maximize a narrow laundry room is to think vertical. Stack your washer and dryer if you can, then use the wall space above for shelving or cabinets. Floating shelves are your best friend here. Also, don’t forget about the back of the door—over-the-door organizers can hold so much stuff. And honestly, get rid of anything you don’t actually use. A narrow space has no room for clutter.
How can I make my narrow laundry room look bigger?
Light colors are going to be your secret weapon. White or light-colored walls reflect light and make the space feel more open. Good lighting is huge too—swap out that old bulb for something brighter. Mirrors can also trick the eye into thinking the room is bigger than it is. And keep things organized, because clutter makes any small space feel even smaller.
What color is best for a small laundry room?
I’d stick with whites, light grays, or soft pastels. They brighten up the space and make it feel less cramped. That said, if you want to have some fun with it, a bold accent wall or fun wallpaper can actually make a narrow room feel more intentional and stylish. Just balance it out with lighter tones everywhere else.
Should I use open shelving or cabinets in a narrow laundry room?
It depends on how organized you are, honestly. Open shelving looks great and keeps things accessible, but you have to keep it tidy or it’ll look messy fast. Cabinets hide everything and give you a cleaner look, but they can make a narrow space feel a bit more closed in. A mix of both is probably the sweet spot—cabinets for the messy stuff, open shelves for pretty baskets and decor.
How do I add storage to a narrow laundry room?
Get creative with every inch. Add shelves above the washer and dryer. Use the space between the machines if they’re side by side—slim rolling carts work great there. Install hooks on the walls for hanging brooms or drying racks. And like I said earlier, use the back of the door. There’s always more storage potential than you think.