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Short on Space? Turn a Closet Into a Laundry Room

August 25, 2015

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Transform a cluttered closet into a functional and efficient laundry space full of color and most importantly -- storage!

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Laundry Room With Patterned Bifold Doors

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A Stylish and Functional Laundry Closet

Thanks to a cost-effective use of paint, wallpaper and fabric, an uninspired laundry space now puts the "fun" in functional. Get ideas on how to bring the look to your home.

Clothes on Hanging Rod Over Washer and Dryer in Small Laundry Room

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Add Lots of Layers

When designing small task spaces, create visual interest through the art of layering. Here, the interior is given depth with a linear-patterned wallpaper that looks like rustic barn siding. For contrast, the closet doors are covered in a fabric with a more fluid pattern that pulls in the same blues and whites.

Colorful Patterned Fabric Covers Laundry Room Bifold Doors

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Create a Functional Focal Point

To add charm to basic bifold doors, cover in batting then upholster with a colorful yet traditional fabric. Finish with a classic, bronze nail-head trim.

Close-Up of Nail-Head Trim on Fabric-Covered Bifold Laundry Room Doors

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Add a Trendy Touch

If you want to add nail-head detail to your own doors, it's important to keep cost in mind. Although the hardware is small, it can quickly add up. Cut down costs dramatically by leaving as little as one-eighth of an inch of space between each nailhead instead of stacking directly on top of one another.

Close-Up of Bronze Nail-Head Trim and Matching Bifold Door Pull

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Coordinate Door Knobs

While stainless steel and nickel are the most popular choices for interior door hardware, dark bronze is just as readily available and it's more unique. Here, dark black-brown bronze knobs are added to coordinate with the nail-head trim.

Washing Machine Control Panel in Made-Over Laundry Room

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Invest in Updated Appliances

The best use of money when updating a laundry room is to purchase new appliances. Updated appliances can actually save you money by cutting down on energy costs.

Blue-and-White Bag Hanging on Hook in Laundry Room

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Take Advantage of Wall Space

Space is often at a premium in laundry rooms, so it's important to put every inch to good use. Take advantage of vertical wall space by installing simple yet stylish hooks. These are perfect for hanging a variety of items, including a "lost sock" basket. (We've all got 'em.)

White Drying Rack Holding Clothes in Laundry Room

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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DIY a Drying Rack

We said to make use of every inch and that includes the ceiling. Here, the closet features a repurposed drying rack made from an old wooden ladder. Get the step-by-step instructions for this drying rack project >>

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Large-Capacity Appliances

This laundry closet may be tiny, but you can still squeeze in the machines you need to get the job done. At 8.8-cubic-feet capacity, this dryer can keep up with a large-capicity washer and lets you dry multiple loads of laundry at the same time.

Blue Storage Bins on Wire Shelving in Laundry Room

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Install Smart Storage

Adjustable, built-in storage shelves are a must have for a tiny laundry room. This keeps detergents and other supplies within reach but stored in a clean and organized way.