14 Utility Room Ideas

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If you are fortunate enough to have the space in your house for a utility room, then count yourself as one of the lucky ones, as these small spaces are becoming a premium for the real estate market in 2023.

The one issue you may have is the way you would like it to look and finding great utility room ideas is entirely dependant on the size of your utility room and what you want to include into it.

Before we go any further, I must address the elephant in the room, and that is what is the real name for this space that houses your washing machine, tumble dryer and assorted cleaning products, as some refer to it as a utility room and others the plain and straightforward, laundry room. Utility room vs laundry room: which is right for you? | Ideal Home

Call it whichever one you like; it should be a room that serves a purpose for the entire household, and therefore we urge you not to make it look like it was an afterthought.

Utility Room Ideas That Work

For the best use of space in your utility room, you need it to function whilst retaining some form of stylish practicality. Figure out what you want it to have and then work your design around that.

Any current interior design website or magazine will have fantastic ideas and creative ways to use the space without it looking cluttered and unorganized.

The colour of the walls will set the tone as much as the storage solutions you put into any utility room, so think about how any colour combination will work before employing your inner interior design skills.

Washing machine with folded towel inside
Good quality appliances can look good and save you money

1: Invest In Good Quality Appliances

Your utility room’s main aim is the laundry, so why not invest in some up-to-date appliances? Go for a washing machine that will cope with your and your family’s needs, and if you are using a tumble dryer, then matching the brands will make your utility room as you have thought about the complete design.

Washing machine and cupboards in utility room
Storage is the key to a tidy utility room

2: Sleek Storage

You will need at least one cupboard to store every household’s cleaning products, so why not put in stylish and yet practical units? Think about what you are using the utility room for and fill it with as much storage as possible, and then it goes from the laundry room to the utility room.

Pastel pink and blue utility room
Bright colours on walls to match your laundry

3: Colour Scheme

Be brave with any colours you choose. Make the walls stand out against the appliances and contrast any storage you have against the walls. A fantastic colour combination can turn even the most utilitarian rooms into a joyous place.

A ceiling mounted wooden drying rack
Ceiling mounted rack will save space and look cool

4: Drying Facilities

So, if you are not keen on tumble dryers or need more space, think about how to dry your clothes when the weather is not on your side.

A ceiling-mounted drying rack is a fantastic way to dry clothes and is easy to store away when not in use.

Ironing board in utility room
Use the space in your laundry room for an ironing board

5: Ironing Duties

One of the chores that most people dislike is ironing, but it has to be done, so incorporating an ironing board into your utility room will keep the mess well away from the rest of your house.

Maybe some of your storage choices will incorporate a facility for hangers.

Reclaimed furniture in utility room
Using reclaimed furniture will add style and save money

6: Use Reclaimed Furniture

Adding a small folding table is a great way to repurpose old furniture or stash additional furnishings when the company isn’t around—think of it as a portable kitchen island.

Plant next to a washing machine
Plants will add colour and absorb moisture in your utility room

7: Plants And Flowers

Add a splash of colour to the utility room with some plants and hardy flowers. Not only will they add fragrance, but with the right plants, they can also soak up excess moisture that will inevitably be part of any space with laundry.

Utility room with storage for boots and coats
Make the laundry room a real utility room by adding a boot room

8: Make It A Bootroom

Built-in benches and a sink that can be used to clean muddy boots are a great way to utilize the laundry room and give a double function.

Butler sink with old style copper taps
A butler sink will give you more washing facilities

9: The Bigger The Sink, The Better

Again if you have the space, it is an advantage to have a sink in your utility room, as you will most definitely need one if it is going to be more than just a laundry room.

A butler sink or one of similar size will act as a place to wash and a handy receptacle for cleaning your dog after those long muddy walks.

Utility room floor being mopped
Easy to clean surfaces are a must

10: Make Sure It Is Easy To Clean

Tiled floors and glossy surfaces will save time and money as this room will undoubtedly take most of the family’s dirtiest chores.

Washing appliances in a garage
Turn outdoor areas into a laundry room

11: It Does Not Have To Be Inside

Who says that the utility room must be inside your house’s four walls? A garage or even a shed can easily be renovated or transformed to house your appliances. The small cost of hiring a plumber will pay dividends for you if you are short on space.

Tall cupboards in utility room
The bigger the cupboard the more you can store

12: Tall Storage

If you have the room to add a tall storage cupboard, then take advantage, as this will be a fantastic place to hide away the less glamorous of the utility room’s necessities.

Lady dancing around utility room
Make the chores enjoyable

13: Music Be The Food Of Love

As you will no doubt be spending time in your new and beautiful utility room doing endless laundry, ironing, and cleaning, why not introduce some entertainment into the mundane chores? A DAB radio, a Sonos sound system or Bose sound bar so that you can while away those endless hours listening to your favourite music or podcasts.

 

14: Make It Feel Like A Nice Place To Be

If you are spending time in the utility room, then at the very least, it should be a pleasant space for the eye. Vibrant colours, easy storage and somewhere to hide all of the detritus of everyday living can transform a workspace into an oasis of productivity.