25 Under Stairs Laundry Ideas That Will Change How You See That Awkward Space

Ever stare at that weird space under your stairs and think, “What am I even supposed to do with this?” I asked myself that once, and trust me, I used that spot to shove every random thing I didn’t want to look at.

Then one day, while dragging my laundry basket through the house like some medieval punishment, I realized something: that little triangular nook could actually solve my laundry chaos.

If you’ve also wondered whether your staircase can finally pay rent, you’re in the right place.

I’ve tested, stalked, and bookmarked every under stairs laundry idea I could find, and I’m sharing the best ones with you.

So grab your coffee and let’s talk laundry—because apparently, we’re that kind of people now. 🙂


1. The Compact Washer-Dryer Combo Setup

If you’ve got a tiny nook, this setup works like pure magic. I love all-in-one washer-dryer units because they tuck in perfectly without demanding a whole room. Ever wondered why they don’t catch on everywhere? IMO, people underestimate how much space they actually save.


2. Side-by-Side Machines in a Custom Cabinet

If your stairs offer enough height, side-by-side units feel downright luxurious. I once helped a friend build one, and it looked so fancy that guests assumed she had a secret second laundry room.


3. Stackable Units That Fit Like a Glove

Stackables are the OG space-savers. You slot them in, shut the cabinet doors, and forget they even exist until laundry day sneaks up like a villain.


4. A Slide-Out Laundry Tower

Imagine tall pull-out cabinets hiding everything. I love slide-out organizers because they make the space feel polished and intentional, not like a last-minute idea you glued together at 2 a.m.


5. Laundry + Mudroom Combo

Ever dump clothes at the door because you’re too tired to walk farther? Yeah, me too. Putting the laundry right under the stairs near the entry makes life so much easier.


6. Built-In Shelves Over the Machines

Shelving transforms a tiny spot into a mini command center. I usually tell people to add baskets because they hide the chaos you don’t want your guests to see.

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7. A Pull-Out Ironing Station

Why fight with a foldable ironing board that attacks you every time you open the closet? You can tuck a pull-out board neatly under the stairs, and it behaves 100% better.


8. Coat Closet + Laundry Hybrid

If your under stairs area is already a closet, you can split it: half coats, half laundry. It sounds chaotic, but with a few organizers, it actually works beautifully.


9. A Folding Counter Over the Washer and Dryer

I always recommend adding a counter. The moment you get a folding surface, your under stairs space suddenly feels “official,” like you planned this whole thing from the start.


10. The Hidden Behind-Barn-Doors Look

Barn doors make everything look cooler. I don’t make the rules. And they slide, which saves space—win-win.


11. Under Stairs Laundry With a Sink

If plumbing allows, add a utility sink. Pre-treating stains becomes way easier when you’re not sprinting to the kitchen like you’re in some laundry-themed obstacle course.


12. Pull-Out Hampers

Yes, hampers can look nice. Pull-out ones feel like you’re living in a house designed by someone who actually thought about real humans and not just surface-level aesthetics.


13. Tilt-Out Hampers for Ultra-Small Spaces

Tilt-outs look like drawers but hide your dirty laundry. I love them because they help control the mess while still looking stylish.


14. Laundry Drawers for Supplies

You can fill drawers with your detergents, pods, dryer sheets, stain sticks, dryer balls—it’s basically a treasure chest of laundry survival tools.


15. A Hanging Rod for Air-Drying Clothes

If you don’t have one of these, you’re missing out. Under the stairs is the perfect place to hang clothes—close enough to use, hidden enough that no one has to see your damp T-shirts.


16. A Pet Washing + Laundry Combo

Sounds weird, but I swear people love this one. If you have pets, a small washing station under the stairs pairs perfectly with laundry.


17. Minimalist White Cabinetry

Sometimes a clean monochrome look makes the whole space feel bigger. I’ve tried this vibe, and it always pulls off a chic “I’ve got my life together” illusion.

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18. Rustic Wooden Built-Ins

If your home leans rustic, build cabinetry with natural wood finishes. It warms up the laundry nook and avoids that sterile “hotel housekeeping closet” feeling.


19. Add LED Strip Lighting

Why struggle in dim lighting while folding socks? LED strips brighten everything—even that weird dark corner that eats your missing laundry socks like some Bermuda Triangle situation.


20. Custom Drawers for Sorting Laundry

Create drawers labeled whites, colors, delicates, etc. Yes, it sounds extra… but wow, does it save arguments and accidental pink T-shirts.


21. Install a Retractable Drying Rack

Retractable racks feel like magic. You pull them down, hang clothes, push them back up, and boom—laundry disappears.


22. Under Stairs Laundry with a Sliding Pocket Door

Pocket doors hide everything without taking up any floor space. I once saw someone install one, and it instantly turned their cluttered nook into an Instagram-ready setup.


23. Add Wallpaper for a Pop of Personality

Laundry is boring enough, so why not add wallpaper that actually makes you smile? I used a geometric print once, and it transformed a tiny laundry spot into the most “intentionally designed” corner of the house.


24. Use Clear Containers for Laundry Supplies

Clear containers make everything look more organized. Plus, you actually see when you’re out of detergent instead of discovering it at 11 p.m. when you need a clean shirt for morning. :/


25. Build a Full Custom Laundry Station

If you want the ultimate upgrade, plan a fully custom under stairs laundry station. Think floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, tiling, counters, hampers, pull-outs, lighting—the whole deal. Your staircase may actually become your favorite design feature.


Tips for Designing Your Under Stairs Laundry Space

Before you start ripping out drywall like a DIY superhero, keep these things in mind:

Check Your Plumbing & Electrical

You’ll need:

  • Water connections
  • Drainage
  • Ventilation (or a ventless combo machine)
  • A dedicated electrical line

Measure the Height Carefully

Stairs angle downward, so machines may not fit unless the ceiling height allows it. Measure more than once so you don’t end up crying in a hardware store aisle. (Been there.)

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Opt for Ventless Appliances If Needed

Ventless dryers save you if venting isn’t possible. They cost a bit more, but they open a lot of layout options.

Use Moisture-Resistant Materials

Steamy laundry + drywall = disaster. Choose tile, waterproof paint, PVC shelving, or similar materials.


Why Under Stairs Laundry Ideas Work So Well

Ever wonder why this trend exploded? Because these benefits are too hard to ignore:

  • You reclaim wasted space. Who doesn’t love that?
  • You shorten laundry routes—no more trekking across the house.
  • You keep laundry out of sight without sacrificing convenience.
  • You add value to your home—smart storage always wins.
  • You create a custom feature without needing to build an entire room.

I tried it once and instantly felt like some home organization guru. All from a spot I previously used for dusty boxes and that one vacuum I never liked.


Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished for more space (who hasn’t?), under stairs laundry ideas basically feel like unlocking a cheat code. You take a spot no one knows what to do with and turn it into a fully functioning space that works hard for you every single day.

Whether you go all-in with a custom build or start with a basic stackable unit and some shelves, your staircase might become your new favorite part of your house. Funny how that works, right?

So if you’re ready to tackle that awkward space, pick one of these ideas, grab your tools, and start turning that underused nook into a laundry powerhouse. And FYI—once you do it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

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