Basement Laundry Room Makeover Ideas

A basement laundry room doesn't have to be a dark and dreary place. With a few simple changes, you can make it a bright and functional space that you might even enjoy spending time in.

Start by choosing a colour palette that will brighten up the room. Light and neutral colours such as white, beige, or pastel shades can help to reflect light and make the space appear larger and more inviting. If you want to add some contrast, consider painting doors or cabinets a dark colour like navy blue or black.

Maximise storage with a combination of closed cabinets, open shelving, and floating shelves to provide both decorative and hidden storage space. Install task lighting in specific areas, such as above the folding table or ironing station, and consider adding a statement light fixture for some extra drama.

Don't forget to add some decorative touches, such as wall art, rugs, or plants, to make the space feel more welcoming. With these tips, you can transform your basement laundry room into a stylish and efficient space.

Use a light, neutral colour palette to make the space feel bigger and brighter

Using a light, neutral colour palette is a great way to make your basement laundry room feel bigger and brighter. Light colours reflect light, making the space feel larger and airier. Neutral colours such as white, beige, grey, and soft blue are excellent choices for a laundry room as they create a crisp, clean, and soothing atmosphere.

When selecting a white paint, opt for a warm shade with subtle yellow undertones to achieve a cheerful vibe that isn't too sterile. Benjamin Moore's Simply White or Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster are great options. Alternatively, for a crisp, modern look, pair bright white walls with pale blue shiplap panelling and window trim. Warm up the space with natural wood cabinetry.

If you want to create a spa-like, serene atmosphere, consider a light mint or aqua green shade for your walls or cabinetry. This colour evokes a sense of calm and relaxation, perfect for a utilitarian space. Pair it with white cabinetry and woven baskets to add texture and warmth.

Beige is another excellent neutral option for your laundry room. It reflects light while still providing a soft, warm atmosphere. Sherwin-Williams' Accessible Beige pairs beautifully with shades of white, pale grey, and soft blues, greens, or pinks. Add gold-toned brass accents for a touch of elegance and warmth.

Pale grey is a versatile choice, creating a soothing and airy atmosphere in your laundry room. It pairs well with black accents and white walls for a modern look or with wood elements for a natural, organic feel. Benjamin Moore's Coventry Grey is an excellent option for a modern industrial vibe.

Remember, light colours will make your basement laundry room feel more spacious and inviting, so choose shades that reflect your personal style and create the ambiance you desire.

Install statement hardware, like brass knobs and pulls, to elevate the room

Installing statement hardware, such as brass knobs and pulls, is a simple yet effective way to elevate the look of your basement laundry room. Brass is an excellent choice for adding warmth and creating a colour contrast, especially when paired with dark-coloured cabinets. For instance, brass knobs and pulls would stand out beautifully against navy blue cabinets.

When selecting brass knobs and pulls, you can opt for a variety of designs, such as vintage or modern styles, to suit your taste and the overall style of your home. You can also experiment with different shapes, such as round or square designs, to add visual interest.

In addition to brass, other popular metal choices for knobs and pulls include matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and polished nickel. Don't be afraid to mix and match different metals in your laundry room, as combining up to three varying metals can create a stylish, layered effect.

When shopping for brass knobs and pulls, you can explore a range of options at home decor stores or online platforms like Etsy, Wayfair, and Amazon. These sources offer an array of designs, from glossy black and white laundry-themed knobs to vintage coin laundry decorative pulls.

Remember, by incorporating statement hardware like brass knobs and pulls, you can easily transform your basement laundry room into a stylish and welcoming space.

Hang a statement light fixture to add drama and improve lighting

A statement light fixture can elevate the design of your basement laundry room, adding drama and improving the lighting conditions.

First, consider the size of your laundry room. If the space is small, opt for a flush mount light fixture. These lights sit close to the ceiling, making them ideal for rooms with low clearance. You can find flush mounts in a variety of styles, from simple designs in black and gold to more ornate options like the Rocland Tiffany Ceiling Light, which features vintage blue stained glass.

If you have higher ceilings, you have more options to choose from. Pendant lights, for example, can introduce sculptural shapes and glowing colours that add style and drama to your laundry room. Adjustable pendant lights with a counterweight-and-pulley system allow you to change the height of the fixture, so you can raise or lower it as needed. For a more traditional look, chandeliers are a great choice. A blown-glass chandelier, for instance, can serve as a striking focal point that draws attention upward and makes the space feel larger.

When selecting a light fixture, it's also important to consider the light bulb colour temperature. For a laundry room, choose a crisp white light that isn't too warm or cool, as this will help you spot stains while keeping your eyes comfortable.

Use accents and accessories, like rugs, wall art and plants, to add personality

Accessories and accents are a great way to add personality to your basement laundry room. Here are some ideas to make the space more inviting:

Rugs

Add a vintage-style area rug or runner to bring warmth and character to the room. A rug can help to hide any outdated or unattractive flooring while adding a pop of colour and pattern. Opt for a machine-washable rug for added convenience.

Wall Art

Hang artwork, prints, or photographs on the walls that complement the colour scheme and theme of your laundry room. You can also create an accent wall with a bold colour or patterned wallpaper to add a touch of personality.

Plants

Add some greenery to your laundry room with indoor plants. Not only do they improve air quality, but they also provide a refreshing and natural touch to the space. Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive in low-light conditions, such as hanging plants or faux plants if natural light is limited.

Other Accents and Accessories

• Use decorative storage containers or baskets to keep laundry supplies organised and blend well with the overall decor.
• Install a vintage-style light fixture to add a touch of drama and provide extra lighting.
• Add mirrors to create the illusion of more space and provide a convenient spot to check your appearance.
• Incorporate a sturdy tray to corral laundry supplies in a beautiful way by arranging them in decorative canisters and bottles.
• Install wall hooks to hang laundry bags, cleaning brushes, or reusable shopping bags, keeping them off the floor and easily accessible.

Implement a combination of open and closed storage solutions

Implementing a combination of open and closed storage solutions is a great way to make your basement laundry room both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Cabinets and Shelves: Install wall-mounted cabinets with finished sides and matching toe kicks, along with open shelving to maximize vertical space. This provides storage for laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and household cleaning products. You can opt for open shelving for easy access or closed cabinets to hide clutter.
• Laundry Sorter: Use a laundry sorter with multiple compartments to sort clothes by color, fabric type, or family member, streamlining the laundry process and keeping things organized.
• Baskets and Bins: Place labeled baskets or bins on open shelves for storing items like clean towels, socks, or small clothing accessories. This helps keep everything organized and easily accessible.
• Pegboards and Hooks: Install a pegboard on the wall to hang laundry-related items such as cleaning brushes, lint rollers, and clothespins. Hooks can be used to hang ironing boards, brooms, or mops, keeping them off the floor and neatly stored.
• Folding Table with Storage: Incorporate a folding table with built-in storage underneath, providing a dedicated space for folding clothes while keeping laundry essentials within arm's reach.
• Custom Enclosures: Consider building custom enclosures or cabinets around utility fixtures like water heaters or electrical panels to hide them from view. These enclosures can have doors or access panels for maintenance and ventilation.
• Decorative Storage: Opt for decorative storage containers or baskets to keep laundry supplies organized and blend well with the overall decor.
• Wall-mounted Organizer: Install a pegboard or wall-mounted organizer to hold frequently used items like laundry supplies, lint rollers, and hangers, freeing up valuable countertop or shelf space.
• Labels: Use labels on storage containers, shelves, and drawers to ensure everything has a designated place and is easily identifiable.

Frequently asked questions