8 Small Laundry Room Ideas With a Top-Loading Washer

Updated Oct. 23, 2023

Make the most of your limited laundry room space with these creative storage and decor ideas.

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Small Laundry Room Ideasirina88w/Getty Images

Front-Loading vs. Top-Loading Washers

Even though front-loading washing machines seem to have taken over the market, many people still prefer top-loaders. They often require less maintenance, and you don’t have to crouch down to load them.

But a top-loader can present challenges as well. You can’t place laundry baskets, supplies, etc. on top of the washer, and you can’t stack your machines to save floor space.

If you own a top-loader, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve found some truly beautiful laundry spaces with top-loading washers to help you choose the best layout and design for your own laundry room.

ART: MAYBE THIS IMAGE OR SOMETHING SIMILAR:

https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/laundry-room-royalty-free-image/1289760216

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Creative Storage in Laundry Room
@simply2moms/Instagram

Creative Storage

Because a top-loading washer can’t be stacked, you sacrifice storage space. This clever idea from @simply2moms solves the problem and gives her laundry room a cool look.

Storage lockers hold laundry and cleaning supplies, and the closed doors conceal clutter. If your laundry room doubles as a mud room, the lockers are even more practical for storing shoes and winter wear.

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Renter Friendly Decor Laundry
@tagandtibby/Instagram

Renter-Friendly Decor

Even small laundry closets with a top-loading washer can be stylish and functional!

This laundry space from @tagandtibby features renter-friendly peel-and-stick wallpaper as well as storage shelves and baskets to hide clutter. It’s a great example of how a few inexpensive items can transform your laundry closet into an appealing and organized space.

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Tongue And Groove Accent Wall
@scolahouse/Instagram

Tongue-and-Groove Accent Wall

Here’s a laundry closet by @scolahouse that proves you don’t need front-loading machines to create a chic laundry space. The dark tongue-and-groove accent wall presents a beautiful surprise when you open the closet doors. The wood shelf along the back of the machines provides storage and prevents items from dropping down the back.

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Drying Rod in Laundry Room
@briebuilds/Instagram

Drying Rod

I often drape clothes across the top of my machines to let them dry. That’s not an option with a top-loading washer, which is why I love this laundry room from @briebuilds that includes a hanging rod.

She added a wall cabinet, then connected a gold rod for hanging clothes. Along with the wallpaper, wainscoting and moody green color palette, this laundry room is stunning!

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Pegboard above Washing Machines
@cloe.thomson/Instagram

Pegboard

A pegboard wall provides options for storage and won’t obstruct the washer lid when open.lid when open.

This pegboard from @cloe.thomson actually doubles as a fake wall to hide the utility space located behind the washer and dryer. A shelf at the bottom of the pegboard holds decor and laundry supplies, while the pegboard itself works for small items like stain spray and scrub brushes.

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Folding Table

With front-loading machines, you can install a countertop over the top as a folding space. Obviously that’s not an option for top-loaders. Install a folding table in your laundry room instead.

Watch as @lifeonwillowcreek builds hers with one board, scrap wood and two table legs. She mounted one side of the table to the wall to save space.

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@farmhouseish Have a washer outlet box you want hidden? Check this out! I measured how high I wanted my shelf above the washer and dryer then added 1x10s on each side and topped it with another 1×10. I wood glued and nailed them together, and I also nailed them to the cabinet and wall, but you could leave it floating if you want (I would use pocket hole screws if you go this route). I added 1x3s along the edges so it looked more cabinet-like, then I got real crazy and added half rounds for a fluted look. I painted it Gatherings by Magnolia for subtle pop (and to extend the wall), and I LOVE it! Will you try this one?? #laundryroom #laundryroommakeover #laundryroomgoals #laundryroomdesign #diyhack #diyhacks #diyhomeprojects #diyblogger #hgtv #hgtvmagazine #magnolianetwork #laundryroomideas #laundryroominspo #homehacks #reeltutorial ♬ original sound – Lauren

Fluted Shelf

The connection box behind your top-loading washer can be an eyesore. Cover it with this cute shelf idea from @farmhouseish.

Hers sits just above the back of washer and dryer. Then she added a fluted detail and painted it. It covers the laundry connections and provides a spot for laundry supplies and decor.

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DIY Laundry Cart

When you have a small laundry room, every inch counts! Follow along as @the.buildher fashions a laundry cart to fit between her washer and dryer.

The narrow cart tucks away perfectly between the two machines without taking up extra floor space. Use it for holding laundry detergent and other supplies. The wheels make it easy to roll out when needed.