Discover how new IKEA laundry room cabinets, smart lighting, and innovative storage solutions completely revolutionized our laundry space, transforming it into a functional and beautiful hub!
After successfully tackling our kitchen remodel a few years ago, it was time to redirect our creative energy to another often-overlooked area of the home: the laundry room. Our existing laundry space was functional but utterly lacking in both style and efficient storage. It felt like a wasted opportunity, especially for a room used so frequently.
We envisioned a laundry room that wasn’t just a place to wash clothes, but a well-organized, aesthetically pleasing extension of our home. The solution? A comprehensive makeover leveraging the versatility and affordability of IKEA cabinets and storage systems. The transformation was truly remarkable, adding significant storage capacity and elevating the overall ambiance.
Today, I’m excited to walk you through every detail of this IKEA-powered laundry room renovation. From the specific IKEA components we chose to the clever DIY hacks and additional accessories that tie it all together, you’ll find inspiration and practical ideas to apply to your own laundry room refresh, whether you’re dealing with a compact space or simply aiming for better organization. Get ready to discover how smart design choices can make a monumental difference! (Note: This post includes commissionable links; for more information, please see my full disclosure statement {here})
Our Before and After: A Stunning Laundry Room Transformation
Our laundry room presented a common challenge: limited space, measuring a modest 7’5″ x 5’6″. When we first moved in, it was evident that a significant amount of prime real estate was being underutilized. The wall directly above the washer and dryer, for instance, was completely bare – a blank canvas awaiting cabinetry or shelving. This lack of vertical storage meant that laundry essentials often cluttered the floor or nearby surfaces, contributing to a sense of disarray.
Here’s a glimpse of the “before” state, illustrating the raw potential that awaited a thoughtful design intervention:
And now, prepare to be inspired by the same space, completely reimagined after our intensive makeover. The difference is night and day, not just in aesthetics but in practical functionality:
This transformation goes beyond mere visual appeal. The once-underutilized area is now a highly efficient and organized space. The addition of ample storage has eliminated clutter, making laundry tasks far more streamlined and enjoyable. Our primary goal for this mini-makeover was to keep costs manageable without compromising on style or quality. IKEA products emerged as the perfect solution, offering an unbeatable combination of affordability, modularity, and modern design, proving that a dream laundry room doesn’t have to break the bank.
The IKEA Laundry Room Cabinets We Used: A Blueprint for Organization
For the crucial wall space above our washer and dryer, we opted for IKEA’s highly versatile SEKTION wall cabinet frames paired with the elegant AXSTAD doors. This combination offers a clean, contemporary aesthetic that brightens the room while providing robust storage. The beauty of the IKEA SEKTION system lies in its modularity, allowing for custom configurations that fit almost any space and need. We carefully selected specific sizes to maximize every inch of our wall.
Our setup included {one 30″ SEKTION wall cabinet frame} positioned centrally, flanked by {two 15″ SEKTION frames} on each end. For the doors, we chose the sleek, matt white AXSTAD range: {two larger AXSTAD doors} for the 30-inch frame and {two smaller AXSTAD doors} for the 15-inch frames. This arrangement provided a balanced and integrated look.
A key aspect of purchasing from IKEA is understanding that components are sold separately. Beyond the frames and doors, you’ll also need to select interior shelving and hinges. For robust and reliable functionality, we opted for {Utrusta hinges with built-in dampers}, which ensure a soft and quiet close for each door. Inside, {Utrusta shelves} provided the necessary interior organization, allowing us to customize the shelf height to accommodate various laundry supplies, from detergent bottles to linen stacks. This attention to detail in selecting each component is what truly tailors the IKEA system to your specific needs.
Cabinet Installation: Tips for a Seamless IKEA Laundry Room Setup
One of the most appealing aspects of IKEA cabinetry is its DIY-friendly nature. While the cabinets arrive disassembled in flat packs, don’t let that deter you. Each cabinet frame is surprisingly quick and straightforward to assemble, typically taking under 30 minutes per unit. The instructions are clear, and with a few basic tools, you’ll have the frames ready in no time.
The genius of the IKEA SEKTION system truly shines during the installation phase, thanks to the {SEKTION metal suspension rail}. This innovative rail system makes hanging wall cabinets considerably simpler than traditional methods. The process begins by securely mounting the suspension rail to the wall, ensuring it is perfectly level across its entire length – this is a critical step for a professional finish. Once the rail is firmly in place, the assembled cabinet frames are simply hung onto the rail and then locked into position. This method not only simplifies the heavy lifting but also allows for minor adjustments, ensuring a perfectly aligned run of cabinets.
To elevate the look of our IKEA cabinets from standard off-the-shelf units to a sophisticated, custom-built appearance, we incorporated a few finishing touches. Small filler pieces were added to each end of the cabinet run. These were custom-cut from an {IKEA FORBATTRA cover panel}, chosen to perfectly match the AXSTAD doors. These fillers bridge any gaps between the cabinets and adjacent walls, creating a seamless, integrated feel. Finally, a strip of crown molding was installed along the top of the cabinets, adding a refined architectural detail that visually connects the cabinets to the ceiling, truly giving them that coveted built-in look.
Adding Open Shelving to IKEA Laundry Room Cabinets: Functional Flair
While closed cabinetry is essential for tucking away clutter, I firmly believe in incorporating elements of open shelving to add visual interest and provide easy access to frequently used items. For our laundry room, I envisioned a charming open shelf nestled between the two end cabinets, breaking up the continuous line of closed doors and offering a perfect spot for decorative and practical items.
Although IKEA offers several excellent wood shelf options, I was fortunate to have a leftover piece of beautiful white oak board from a previous project where I created these floating corner shelves in our kitchen. This unexpected bonus allowed me to maintain a cohesive aesthetic throughout our home while saving on material costs.
This sturdy oak board was meticulously cut to size, ensuring a snug fit between the two flanking cabinets. Installation was straightforward: we secured it firmly in place with screws driven from the inside of the cabinets into the ends of the shelf board. This method creates a clean, floating appearance without visible brackets. The finished shelf now serves as a delightful display area, holding a charming woven basket – perfect for those elusive single socks – and a pair of elegant {glass jars} filled with powder detergent and my trusty wool dryer balls. This blend of open and closed storage maximizes both utility and visual appeal, making the laundry room feel more inviting and organized.
Cabinet Hardware: The Jewelry of Your Laundry Room
No cabinet installation is truly complete without the perfect hardware. Cabinet pulls and knobs are often referred to as the “jewelry” of a room, and for good reason—they have the power to dramatically influence the overall style and feel of your cabinetry. For our new IKEA laundry room cabinets, I was keen to select hardware that would add a touch of modern elegance and a subtle hint of luxury, elevating the simple matt white doors.
After much deliberation, I settled on {these stunning acrylic pulls}, finished in a sophisticated Golden Champagne. The choice of acrylic adds a contemporary edge and a lightness that prevents the cabinets from feeling too heavy. The Golden Champagne finish introduces a warm metallic accent that beautifully contrasts with the cool white of the AXSTAD doors, creating a refined and polished look. These pulls aren’t just functional; they are a key design element that contributes significantly to the elevated aesthetic of the entire laundry room, proving that even small details can make a huge impact on your home decor.
Butcher Block Countertop: The Ultimate Laundry Room Workstation
Beyond the vertical storage, creating an efficient and comfortable workspace was a top priority for our laundry room. The last major addition to this side of the room, and arguably one of the most impactful, was the installation of a generous piece of butcher block directly above the washer and dryer. This horizontal surface instantly transformed a previously dead space into a highly functional workstation, making laundry tasks infinitely more manageable.
The butcher block is supported by simple yet robust wood cleats, which are essentially horizontally mounted wood strips securely installed on the back and side walls. This clever installation method creates a sturdy, level surface that can withstand the demands of a busy laundry room. Having this dedicated flat surface for sorting, pre-treating, and folding laundry has been an absolute game-changer. No more bending over or searching for a clean spot; everything happens right where it needs to.
While I initially sourced our beautiful butcher block from IKEA, they unfortunately no longer carry the exact model. However, for those looking to replicate this fantastic feature, {this countertop option} offers a very similar aesthetic and functionality. Butcher block countertops not only provide a practical work surface but also introduce a warmth and natural texture to the laundry room, contributing to a more inviting and less sterile environment. It’s a simple addition that delivers immense value in terms of both utility and style.
Other Additions to Our Laundry Room: Smart, Space-Saving Solutions
Beyond the major cabinet and countertop installations, several smaller, yet equally impactful additions contributed significantly to the overall functionality and organization of our newly revamped laundry room. These clever tools and accessories demonstrate that maximizing a small space often comes down to innovative, space-saving choices.
First, an over-the-door ironing board holder, similar to {this convenient model}, provided a discreet and accessible spot for our ironing board, keeping it neatly out of the way when not in use. Complementing this, we installed {this retractable clothes rack} on the wall. This ingenious device is a lifesaver for air-drying delicate items or Jeff’s shirts. It simply pulls up from the bottom, extending to offer a generous 10 inches of hanging space, and then neatly folds away when no longer needed. A note for those considering it: when I purchased mine, it was only available in silver, but it’s now offered in a sleek white finish, which I would certainly choose if buying today for an even more seamless look!
Another fantastic space-saving find was {this skinny rolling cart}. It fits absolutely perfectly in the narrow gap between our washer and dryer, transforming an otherwise unusable sliver of space into invaluable storage for our most-used laundry essentials. Its mobility means I can easily pull it out to access items and then tuck it away, maintaining the room’s clean lines.
This rolling cart keeps everything within arm’s reach: detergent, bleach, stain spray, and even {delicates bags}. On the bottom shelf, I’ve placed one of {these small bins}, which serves as a dedicated spot for dryer lint, keeping everything tidy and minimizing mess. These thoughtful additions truly underscore the philosophy that every inch of a small laundry room can be optimized for both convenience and cleanliness. For more in-depth organizational strategies, be sure to check out my comprehensive post on laundry room storage ideas, where I delve further into how I maximized every corner of this transformed space.
Beyond the practicalities, infusing personality into a functional space like a laundry room can make a significant difference in how you feel about spending time there. You’ve likely noticed the cheerful tangerines adorning our walls – these are not painted, but rather simple peel-and-stick decals that I discovered {here}! They are incredibly easy to apply, instantly adding a pop of color and whimsy. The best part? They can be removed effortlessly without damaging your walls, offering a commitment-free way to update your decor whenever inspiration strikes. I’ve shared the step-by-step details of installing them in my dedicated post on vinyl wall decals.
Good lighting is paramount in any functional space, and the laundry room is no exception. It affects both task visibility and the overall mood of the room. To enhance both form and function, I swapped out our old, uninspiring ceiling light for {this simple yet stylish flush mount fixture}. Its clean lines and modern design seamlessly integrate with the room’s new aesthetic, providing ample, even illumination without being obtrusive. This seemingly small change dramatically improved the brightness and updated the contemporary feel of the space, proving that thoughtful lighting choices are crucial in any renovation.
The transformation wasn’t limited to just the washer and dryer area; the opposite side of our laundry room also underwent significant changes. Previously, this wall featured open shelving, haphazardly storing various items from kitchenware to shoes – a testament to its underutilized potential. This setup was neither organized nor aesthetically pleasing, failing to serve any specific purpose effectively.
Recognizing our home’s critical need for a dedicated coat closet – a feature entirely absent from our house – we decided to repurpose this space. We completely removed the existing shelving and strategically installed IKEA PAX wardrobes. This robust and customizable system allowed us to create a bespoke storage solution featuring individual cubbies for hanging coats and convenient drawers for organizing shoes and accessories. This ingenious conversion addressed a long-standing organizational challenge, transforming a cluttered corner into a highly efficient and stylish mudroom-style storage area. Here’s what that side of the laundry room looks like today, a testament to thoughtful planning and IKEA’s adaptable systems:
I’ve shared all the intricate details of how we utilized the versatile PAX wardrobes to construct this essential coat and shoe storage space in my dedicated post on creating an IKEA mudroom. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to maximize storage in an entryway or multi-functional space.
Finally, you might be curious about the significant change in flooring, transitioning from traditional Saltillo tile to beautiful wood. This transformation wasn’t solely for the laundry room; it was part of a larger, cohesive decision made during our kitchen renovation. Since our kitchen and laundry room floors seamlessly connect, upgrading one necessitated upgrading the other to maintain flow and aesthetic consistency throughout our home. For an in-depth review of our engineered hardwoods, including their durability and how they’ve performed since installation, be sure to check out my post on our Hallmark wood floors. It provides a comprehensive look at why we chose them and our long-term satisfaction with the product.
Thank you for joining me on this detailed tour of our completely transformed laundry room! We hope this extensive overview has provided you with ample inspiration and practical ideas for enhancing your own home. It truly underscores the potential of smart design and well-chosen products, particularly from IKEA, to create spaces that are both beautiful and incredibly functional.
If you’re eager to explore another significant makeover project where we leveraged the power of IKEA systems, I encourage you to delve into our master closet transformation. There, you’ll find a thorough review of the IKEA PAX closet system, including the good, the bad, and the ugly, offering a candid perspective on its strengths and considerations for installation.
XO,
