10 Small Laundry Renovation Ideas That Actually Work

Planning a small laundry renovation can be surprisingly challenging. When space is limited, every centimetre matters — from where you position the washing machine and sink to how much storage and bench space you can fit without making the room feel cramped.

The best small laundry renovations aren't necessarily about creating a bigger room. They're about making better use of the space you already have. With the right layout, storage, appliance placement and selections, even a compact laundry can be practical, stylish and highly functional.

Whether you're renovating a tiny European-style laundry, a narrow utility room or a compact family laundry, these 10 small laundry renovation ideas will help you maximise space and make smarter decisions before renovation begins.

Start With Function Before Style

When planning a small laundry renovation, the goal is to make every centimetre of available space work harder. A compact laundry can still include excellent storage, useful bench space and practical drying solutions without feeling overcrowded.

Your flooring choice can also influence how spacious and practical the room feels. See our guide to laundry flooring options for Australian homes before making your selection.

Some of the most effective small laundry renovation ideas include:

• Stacking the washer and dryer to free up floor space
• Installing cabinetry all the way to the ceiling
• Adding a benchtop over front-loading appliances
• Incorporating a tall cupboard for brooms, mops and cleaning products
• Using pull-out hampers inside cabinetry
• Adding wall-mounted or retractable drying solutions
• Keeping plumbing locations where practical to avoid unnecessary renovation costs

Before deciding on cabinetry and finishes, consider how you actually use the laundry each day. A well-planned small laundry should make washing, drying, folding and storage easier — not simply look good.

Before selecting cabinetry or tiles, think about:

• How often you use the laundry

• What items need to be stored

• Whether you fold clothes in the laundry

• How much bench space you need

• Future storage requirements

The most successful small laundries are designed around functionality first and aesthetics second.

If you're still at the beginning of your project, our Laundry Renovation Checklist: Where to Start walks through the decisions worth making before work begins.

Make Use of Vertical Space

When floor space is limited, walls become your best friend.

Many small laundries fail to utilise the available vertical space effectively.

Consider incorporating:

• Overhead cabinets

• Open shelving

• Tall storage cupboards

• Hanging rails

• Wall-mounted drying racks

Using the full height of the room can dramatically increase storage capacity without taking up additional floor space.

Stack Your Washer and Dryer

One of the most effective ways to save space in a compact laundry is by stacking front-loading appliances.

Benefits include:

• Increased floor space

• Additional room for storage

• More bench space opportunities

• Improved overall layout flexibility

If you plan to stack appliances, ensure the cabinetry and surrounding design allow for adequate ventilation and easy access.  Not sure whether stacking your appliances is right for your space? Compare the pros and cons in our guide to stacked vs side-by-side washers and dryers.

Include a Benchtop Wherever Possible

Even in small laundries, a benchtop can make a significant difference.

A benchtop provides a convenient area for:

• Folding clothes

• Sorting laundry

• Treating stains

• Storing baskets temporarily

Many homeowners underestimate how useful even a small amount of bench space can be.

If possible, consider installing a benchtop over front-loading appliances to maximise functionality.

Choose Cabinetry That Works Hard

Storage is often the difference between a laundry that feels organised and one that constantly feels cluttered.

Smart cabinetry solutions may include:

• Pull-out hampers

• Tall broom cupboards

• Internal shelving

• Adjustable storage systems

• Hidden appliance cabinets

Every cabinet should serve a purpose.

In smaller spaces, multifunctional storage solutions can provide enormous value.

Not sure how much cabinetry you actually need? Our guide to how much storage a laundry really needs explains what to consider before finalising your laundry layout.

Consider a European Laundry

A European laundry is a compact laundry concealed behind cabinet doors, often located within a hallway, kitchen or living area.

This style of laundry is becoming increasingly popular in apartments and smaller homes.

Benefits include:

• Minimal space requirements

• Clean visual appearance

• Ability to hide appliances when not in use

When designed properly, a European laundry can be surprisingly functional despite its compact footprint.

If you're deciding between the two, read Open Laundry vs Hidden European Laundry: Which Is Better? for the advantages and compromises of each layout.

Use Light Colours to Create a Sense of Space

Colour selection can influence how spacious a room feels.

Light colours generally help small laundries appear:

• Brighter

• Larger

• More open

• More welcoming

Popular choices include:

• White cabinetry

• Soft greys

• Warm neutral tones

• Light timber finishes

Dark colours can work well in some situations but may make very small spaces feel more enclosed.

Don't Forget Good Lighting

Lighting is often overlooked in laundry design.

A well-lit laundry feels more spacious and functional.

Consider incorporating:

• LED downlights

• Under-cabinet lighting

• Natural light where possible

• Task lighting above work areas

Good lighting can significantly improve both the usability and appearance of the room.

Incorporate Clever Drying Solutions

Many homeowners struggle to find space for drying clothes.

Practical solutions include:

• Wall-mounted drying racks

• Fold-down drying systems

• Retractable clotheslines

• Ceiling-mounted drying racks

• Hanging rails integrated into cabinetry

Planning drying solutions early can prevent the laundry from feeling overcrowded.

Think about where wet clothing will hang without blocking walkways, cabinetry or access to your appliances.

Keep the Layout Simple

Small laundries benefit from simple, efficient layouts.

Trying to squeeze too many features into a limited space often reduces functionality.

A straightforward layout typically delivers the best results.

Focus on:

• Appliance placement

• Storage

• Bench space

• Workflow

The goal is to create a space that feels easy to use every day.

Layout decisions can also affect your renovation budget, particularly if plumbing or electrical services need to be relocated. If you're working out what to spend, see our guide to how much a laundry renovation costs in Australia for a breakdown of the costs to consider.

Avoid Overfilling a Small Laundry

One of the easiest mistakes to make in a small laundry renovation is trying to include everything.

More cabinetry, a larger sink, additional appliances and oversized storage can sound appealing individually, but together they can make a compact laundry difficult to use.

Prioritise the features you use most and protect enough clear space to comfortably open appliance doors, access cupboards and move through the room.

Sometimes the best small laundry design decision is knowing what not to include.

For more planning traps to watch for, see our guide to 10 Laundry Renovation Mistakes Homeowners Make.

Final Thoughts

A small laundry renovation doesn't need to feel like a compromise. With thoughtful planning, smart storage solutions and a focus on functionality, even the most compact laundry can become a highly practical and attractive part of the home.

The key is making every element work harder. By utilising vertical space, incorporating clever storage and keeping the layout simple, you can create a laundry that feels larger, more organised and far more enjoyable to use.

Good design isn't about having more space—it's about making better use of the space you already have.

About the Author

Laura Faulkner is the founder of Own Your Reno and AJM Bathroom Renovations. Drawing on experience from more than 500 completed renovations, Laura created the Own Your Reno series to help Australian homeowners plan smarter, avoid costly mistakes and renovate with confidence.