Small Space Laundry Room Shelving: What Works and What to Avoid

You have a small laundry room and want to add shelving. Maybe your laundry room is a closet, a corner, or a narrow space with just enough room for the washer and dryer. Small space laundry room shelving can help you maximize storage and keep supplies organized. Here’s what works and what to avoid for small space laundry room shelving.

Small space laundry room shelving is shelving designed to fit in tight laundry rooms where floor space is limited. The key to good small space shelving is choosing the right type (wall-mounted, over-the-washer, or tension rod), using vertical space, keeping shelves shallow (10 to 12 inches deep), and not blocking ventilation or access to the machines.

To set up small space laundry room shelving, choose wall-mounted or over-the-washer shelves, measure the space, install securely into wall studs, use shallow shelves (10 to 12 inches), organize products by frequency of use, and keep the area around the machines clear. Don’t use deep shelves, don’t block ventilation, and don’t overload shelves.

What Works

Wall-Mounted Shelves

Wall-mounted shelves are the best option for small laundry rooms. They use vertical space without taking up floor space. Look for shelves that are 10 to 12 inches deep.

Over-the-Washer Shelves

Over-the-washer shelves are designed to fit above standard washers and dryers. They span the width of both appliances and provide 2 to 3 shelves of storage without taking up floor space.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a budget-friendly option. They’re easy to install and provide open storage. Look for shelves that are at least 10 inches deep.

Tension Rod Shelving

Tension rod shelving uses a tension rod between two walls to hold a shelf. This is a good option for very narrow spaces where you can’t install traditional shelves.

Over-Door Organizers

Over-door organizers hang on the back of the laundry room door and are good for small items like stain removers, dryer sheets, and measuring cups.

Magnetic Strips

Magnetic strips on the wall can hold small metal items like scissors, measuring cups, and hooks.

Stackable Bins

Stackable bins on shelves keep products organized and maximize vertical space. Use clear bins to see what’s inside.

What to Avoid

Deep Shelves

Don’t use shelves deeper than 12 inches in a small laundry room. Deep shelves take up too much space and can make the room feel cramped.

Freestanding Shelves

Don’t use freestanding shelves in a small laundry room. They take up valuable floor space. Use wall-mounted shelves instead.

Blocking Ventilation

Don’t install shelves so close to the machines that they block ventilation. Leave at least 2 inches of clearance above the machines.

Blocking Access

Don’t install shelves that block access to the washer controls, dryer lint filter, or detergent dispenser.

Overloading Shelves

Don’t overload shelves with heavy items. Follow the weight limit for your shelves. Heavy items can cause shelves to sag or fall.

Cluttered Shelves

Don’t clutter shelves with items you don’t use. Keep only laundry supplies on the shelves.

How to Set Up Small Space Laundry Room Shelving

Step 1: Measure the Space

Measure the width, height, and depth of the available space. Leave at least 2 inches of clearance above the machines for ventilation.

Step 2: Choose the Shelving Type

Choose wall-mounted shelves, over-the-washer shelves, or floating shelves based on your space and budget.

Step 3: Install Securely

Install shelves into wall studs using a level. Don’t install shelves on drywall without anchors.

Step 4: Use Shallow Shelves

Use shelves that are 10 to 12 inches deep. This is deep enough for standard laundry product bottles but doesn’t take up too much space.

Step 5: Organize by Frequency of Use

Keep everyday items (detergent, stain removers) at eye level and less frequent items (machine cleaner, extra supplies) on higher shelves.

Step 6: Use Bins and Organizers

Use clear bins to group similar items and keep shelves organized. Use over-door organizers for small items.

Step 7: Label Everything

Label shelves and bins for easy identification.

What to Store on Small Space Laundry Room Shelves

Product	Shelf Location	Notes
Detergent	Eye level	Keep sealed
Stain removers	Eye level	Keep upright
Baking soda	Any shelf	Store in sealed container
White vinegar	Lower shelf	Heavy, store low
Machine cleaner	Higher shelf	Used monthly
Dryer sheets	Any shelf	Lightweight
Measuring cups	Over-door organizer	Small items
Spare rags	Any shelf	Fold neatly

Recommended Products

Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle

Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam

Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover

Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

Baking soda: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda

How to Maintain Small Space Laundry Room Shelving

Monthly: Reorganize and Clean

Step 1: Remove all products from shelves.

Step 2: Wipe shelves with a damp cloth and Dawn Ultra Dish Soap.

Step 3: Check product expiration dates and discard expired items.

Step 4: Wipe product bottles and containers.

Step 5: Reorganize products by frequency of use.

Weekly: Quick Tidy

Step 1: Return products to their designated spots.

Step 2: Wipe any spills or drips.

Step 3: Check stock of essential products.

FAQ

What is the best shelving for a small laundry room? Wall-mounted shelves are the best option for small laundry rooms. They use vertical space without taking up floor space. Look for shelves that are 10 to 12 inches deep.

How do you install shelves in a small laundry room? Measure the space, choose wall-mounted or over-the-washer shelves, install securely into wall studs with a level, use shallow shelves (10 to 12 inches), and organize by frequency of use. Leave 2 inches of clearance for ventilation.

How deep should laundry room shelves be? Laundry room shelves should be 10 to 12 inches deep. This is deep enough for standard laundry product bottles but doesn’t take up too much space in a small room.

What should you avoid with small space laundry room shelving? Avoid deep shelves, freestanding shelves, blocking ventilation, blocking access to machine controls, overloading shelves, and cluttering shelves with non-laundry items.

How do you organize a small laundry room? Use wall-mounted shelves, over-door organizers, stackable bins, and magnetic strips. Keep only laundry supplies on the shelves and organize by frequency of use.

References

1. The Spruce. “Small Laundry Room Shelving Guide.” thespruce.com.
2. Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Room Organization Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
3. Better Homes and Gardens. “Small Laundry Room Ideas.” bhg.com.
4. HGTV. “Laundry Room Shelving Guide.” hgtv.com.