Putting off the laundry room is a missed opportunity that can make the space feel cramped and uninviting.
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According to The Spruce, smart design choices can completely transform the laundry room, making it larger, more comfortable, and more functional.
Underutilizing vertical wall space
Interior designer Laura Brophy, cited by The Spruce, warns that underutilizing vertical space visually shrinks the laundry room.
“When storage, lighting, and design details are all concentrated at counter height, the eye settles there,” Brophy explains. “The room immediately feels smaller and tighter.”
Redirecting focus upward can completely change the perception of the space. Brophy shows that maximizing vertical space with storage, wall décor, and lighting makes the laundry room feel more practical and functional.
“When your eye is drawn to just one plane, you lose the sense of height and spaciousness. By ignoring the vertical dimension, you leave valuable space unused—not only for storage, but for creating visual balance and a sense of openness,” says the designer, according to The Spruce.
How to maximize vertical space
Brophy suggests thinking of the laundry room as a three-dimensional space, not just a floor plan. According to her, if the budget allows, extending cabinets to the ceiling ensures maximum storage and a more integrated feel. Combining cabinetry with strategic lighting—under-cabinet lighting, ceiling fixtures, or wall sconces—keeps the space open and bright.
For those with tighter budgets, the designer recommends tall freestanding shelves, wall-mounted rods, or vertical pegboards. “If the layout allows, stacking the washer and dryer can instantly free up valuable space,” says Brophy, as reported by The Spruce.
Exceptions to the rule
Maximizing vertical space works for many layouts, but there are exceptions.
“In rare cases, such as historic homes with low ceilings or unique architectural details, it may be necessary to keep upper walls open to preserve the character of the space. Even then, well-planned vertical elements, like open shelving or artwork, can add height without causing clutter,” notes Brophy to The Spruce.
Additional tips to expand your laundry room
- Beyond optimizing vertical space, Brophy offers other tips:
- Maintain a light and cohesive color palette—light tones reflect more light and expand the space.
- Use semi-gloss finishes to increase brightness.
- Install layered lighting—a combination of ceiling, task, and accent lighting creates depth and dimension.
Keep the space organized and clutter-free.
“When everything has a designated place, the environment feels calmer, more open, and much more pleasant to use,” says Brophy, according to The Spruce.
Source: The Spruce. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
