DIY Laundry Room Makeover Tips to Try This Weekend for a Stylish, Functional Space

Introduction

The laundry room is often one of the most overlooked areas in the home, yet it’s a space you likely use multiple times a week. So why not give it the love it deserves? A recent survey by Houzz found that 72% of homeowners said improving their laundry space made doing chores more enjoyable. That’s right—updating your laundry room can actually boost your mood and productivity.

The good news? You don’t need a full renovation or a big budget to make a noticeable difference. With a little creativity and a free weekend, you can complete a DIY laundry room makeover that adds both style and function. Whether you have a spacious utility room or a small laundry closet, these ideas will help you declutter, brighten, and beautify the space.

In this post, we’ll cover a variety of makeover ideas, including storage solutions, lighting upgrades, paint and wallpaper tricks, and budget-friendly décor enhancements. Every tip is designed to be achievable in just a couple of days—perfect for your next weekend project. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and turn your laundry area into a room you’ll actually enjoy spending time in.

Give the Walls a Fresh Look with Paint or Wallpaper

One of the simplest yet most transformative DIY laundry room makeover tips is updating the walls. A fresh coat of paint or a stylish peel-and-stick wallpaper can instantly elevate your space, making it feel brighter, cleaner, and more personalized.

Opt for colors that match the mood you want to create. Soft neutrals like greige, blush, or creamy white offer a clean and calming atmosphere, while bolder tones like navy, forest green, or charcoal add a sense of modern sophistication. For something playful, try a patterned wallpaper—think geometric prints, florals, or classic stripes.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great choice for weekend warriors. It’s easy to apply, removable, and perfect for adding character to small areas. If you’re short on time or working in a rental, consider doing just an accent wall behind the washer and dryer.

Paint & Wallpaper Ideas Table:

Type	Ideal For	Pro Tip
Soft Neutrals	Small or low-light rooms	Reflects light and makes room feel bigger
Bold Paint Colors	Modern or moody aesthetics	Pair with light cabinets for balance
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper	Quick and renter-friendly	Great for accent walls or backsplash look
Patterned Wallpaper	Adds personality and depth	Match with simple décor to avoid clutter

Install Open Shelving to Maximize Vertical Space

Storage is one of the biggest challenges in laundry rooms—especially small ones. Installing open shelves is an easy weekend project that adds both style and function. They provide a place to store laundry essentials like detergent and dryer sheets while also giving you a spot to display pretty bins, plants, or décor.

Floating shelves work particularly well because they don’t take up floor space. For a modern farmhouse look, use stained wood planks with black brackets. For a minimalist or Scandinavian aesthetic, choose white shelves with clean lines. Measure carefully and ensure you mount them into wall studs for stability.

Organize your shelves with labeled containers, woven baskets, and glass jars. This not only keeps everything accessible but also gives your room a polished, put-together look.

Open Shelving Tips Table:

Shelf Material	Aesthetic Style	Best For
Reclaimed Wood	Rustic or farmhouse	Warm and textured backdrop
Painted MDF	Modern or minimalist	Sleek and budget-friendly
Floating Acrylic	Small or narrow rooms	Invisible look, great for light flow
Metal Wire Shelves	Industrial style	Strong and functional

Upgrade Cabinet Hardware for Instant Style

Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest impact. Swapping out your cabinet hardware is a quick and affordable DIY that instantly elevates the look of your laundry room. Whether you have built-in cabinetry or a few repurposed storage units, new knobs and pulls can modernize your space in minutes.

Think of hardware as the jewelry of your room. Choose finishes that complement your overall style—brushed brass for warmth, matte black for contrast, or chrome for a polished, clean look. Round knobs give a soft, timeless feel, while bar pulls feel more contemporary.

For a cohesive look, coordinate your cabinet hardware with other elements in the room, like the faucet, light fixture, or shelf brackets.

Hardware Style Breakdown:

Finish	Best Style Match	Why It Works
Brushed Brass	Warm, vintage, or glam	Adds sophistication and warmth
Matte Black	Modern or industrial	Creates contrast and bold definition
Chrome or Nickel	Classic or transitional	Sleek and timeless
Ceramic or Glass	Cottage or farmhouse	Adds charm and texture

Create a DIY Folding Station That Doubles as Counter Space

One of the best ways to add functionality to your laundry room is by installing a folding station. A countertop above front-loading machines creates an instant workspace that’s perfect for folding clothes, organizing laundry baskets, or even prepping delicate wash items.

Start with a butcher block, laminate slab, or painted plywood board cut to size. Measure your washer and dryer to ensure a snug fit, leaving a bit of clearance for vibration. If your machines aren’t side by side, you can create a freestanding folding table using repurposed furniture like an old desk or kitchen island.

For added function, consider painting or staining the surface to match your shelves or cabinetry. You can even add a washable runner or non-slip mat to protect the surface and enhance the aesthetic.

Folding Station Materials Guide:

Material	Pros	Style Fit
Butcher Block	Durable, warm, and natural	Farmhouse or Scandinavian
Painted Plywood	Budget-friendly and customizable	Great for quick DIYs
Laminate Top	Easy to clean and affordable	Modern and low-maintenance
Repurposed Furniture	Eco-friendly and unique look	Vintage or eclectic spaces

Add Hooks, Peg Rails, or a Hanging Rod for Air Drying

Air drying delicate garments or freshly ironed clothes is a practical need in any laundry room. Installing hooks, a peg rail, or a simple hanging rod is a quick DIY that makes your room more efficient and less cluttered.

A basic wooden dowel suspended with brackets or chain can serve as a stylish hanging rod. Wall-mounted hooks or peg rails work well for smaller items like bags, hangers, or folded linens. Choose materials that match your overall design—raw wood, metal, or painted finishes all bring their own charm.

Place the drying area near a window or under a shelf to save space. Bonus: when not in use, these elements add visual interest and texture to the room.

Air Drying Add-On Comparison:

Solution Type	Best For	Installation Level
Wall Hooks	Small spaces, quick installs	Easy—just a drill and anchors needed
Peg Rails	Traditional or cottage style	Medium—requires leveling and alignment
Hanging Rod	Full-length items, high function	Medium—needs wall studs or ceiling mount

Incorporate Decorative Touches to Personalize the Space

A laundry room makeover isn’t complete without a few aesthetic additions to tie it all together. Small decorative accents can transform the room from a purely functional zone into a cheerful, inviting space. Think of these as the finishing touches that make the room feel more like a part of your home.

Start with artwork or framed prints—laundry-themed quotes, botanical sketches, or abstract designs all work beautifully. Add a plant or two for a fresh, organic feel. Faux greenery is great for low-light areas, but real plants like pothos or snake plants thrive in humidity.

Use decorative jars, woven baskets, and ceramic trays to style your open shelves or countertops. These not only organize your supplies but also add texture and warmth. If space allows, a small lamp or scented candle can make your laundry routine feel more like a self-care moment.

Decor Checklist:

Decorative Element	Adds Style Through	Placement Ideas
Framed Art	Color, humor, or mood	Above shelf, next to hooks, on counters
Plants	Life and natural texture	On shelves, windowsill, or hanging pots
Jars & Containers	Texture and visibility	Hold detergent, dryer sheets, clothespins
Accent Lighting	Warmth and ambiance	Small lamp on shelf or wall sconce

Conclusion

Transforming your laundry room doesn’t have to involve a full renovation or professional help. With a weekend and some creativity, you can bring new life into your space using paint, open shelving, upgraded hardware, and decorative details. These DIY laundry room makeover tips not only improve the functionality of your space but also turn it into a place that feels thoughtfully designed and uniquely yours. Whether you’re working with a small nook or a full-sized room, these easy and budget-friendly ideas prove that even the most practical rooms can become stylish retreats.