While it may not get the same attention your kitchens and bathrooms receive, your laundry room plays a significant role in helping your household function from day to day. However, considering how much time you spend washing and drying your clothes, you may overlook updating this space. By adding some of these functional and appealing upgrades, laundry day can be less of a chore.

Drip dry

It’s helpful to have an area in your laundry room where you can hang delicate items to dry that can’t go in the dryer. You could install a wall-mounted laundry rack that folds down when you need it and can be folded back up against the wall once your items have dried. Another option is to add a retractable laundry line, which can be purchased for less than $20. With this type of clothesline, you mount the hardware that contains the line on one wall and the piece that receives and holds up the laundry line on another wall. When you have clothing to dry, simply pull out the line, hook it into the receptacle, and use clothespins to hang your items.

Ironing center

Once your laundry is washed and dried, you’ll need to fold and iron it. To help you efficiently complete these tasks, consider installing a fold-out ironing board or table instead of a standing table that may take up valuable floor space. A fold-out ironing station will take up minimal wall space and create a convenient spot to handle many of your laundry needs. Some fold-out ironing boards come with storage space perfect for keeping your iron, starch, and lint rollers handy. Other options include magnetic, heat-resistant ironing mats and tabletop ironing boards that can be placed on top of your washer or dryer when you need to iron.

Storage

If your laundry room lacks floor space, you can upgrade your storage capabilities by using wall space with shelving. Try adding open shelving above your washer and dryer for a helpful upgrade. You can organize your shelves by placing items for washing and drying, such as detergents, stain removers, dryer sheets, and dryer balls, above your appliances so they’re easy to reach. You can also utilize the back of your laundry room door by using an over-the-door shoe organizer to contain things like clothespins and stain removal pens, or hooks to hold clothing that need to be ironed or mended. In addition, you can place laundry bins in existing cabinets to keep dirty and clean clothes separate without sacrificing a lot of space.

Hanging rod

A hanging rod can be a multifunctional addition to assist you on laundry day. This device will allow you to store clothes you’ve ironed and hang delicate items that need to be air-dried. Best of all, you can complete this project for less than $50. However, make sure you choose a rod designed to hang clothing and verify that it can hold the item you plan to hang on it.

Hardware

Even a minor upgrade can make a big difference. By changing out the handles, knobs, and hinges of your cabinets or drawers, you can give your laundry room an immediate refresh. All you need to do is choose the hardware you like best, remove the cabinet doors and existing hardware, and add your new hardware. It can be a significant change for a small price—less than $20 depending on the hardware you choose.

Flooring

If your laundry room has dated or worn flooring, you can easily give it a new look with inexpensive peel and stick tiles. You’ll find durable vinyl peel and stick tiles in a variety of colors and patterns, and the tile should last anywhere from five to twenty-five years, depending on the product you choose. Installing these tiles is an easy project, as they can be cut to size with a utility knife.

Paint

If your laundry room lacks windows, it may feel dark and dreary. However, you can help your space look more luminous with a new coat of paint. Choose a paint color like bright white, light gray, or light tan to make your laundry room appear brighter and more inviting. If you’re looking to liven up your laundry room even more, consider using decorative wallpaper.

Light fixtures

Another solution for a dark laundry room is upgrading the light fixtures. You may be able to switch the bulb out for a higher wattage, or you can switch out the entire fixture. You can opt for stick-on lighting that is battery-operated or rechargeable. These lights come in many styles and can be installed easily. For example, small tap lights under cabinets or shelves can help shine a light on your work area while you are doing your laundry.