27 Over Washer And Dryer Shelf Ideas For Stylish Laundry
The laundry room often gets overlooked when it comes to design, but let’s be real—it’s where a surprising amount of life happens.
Between muddy jeans, sweaty gym clothes, and the never-ending pile of socks that never seem to have a partner, this little room pulls more weight than we give it credit for.
And one of the smartest ways to make it more functional and stylish? Over washer and dryer shelves.
1. Floating Wooden Shelves For A Clean Look
Sometimes, simple wins. Floating wooden shelves add a minimalist, modern vibe that doesn’t clutter your space. If you stain them in walnut or oak, they’ll warm up the sterile laundry atmosphere. Floating shelves are great because you can customize the height to store detergents on one level and baskets on another.
I once helped a friend install these, and the difference was insane—it went from a “random utility closet” to “Pinterest-worthy nook.” The best part? Installation only requires a drill and sturdy brackets hidden inside the wood.
2. Industrial Pipe Shelves For Rugged Charm
If you’re into that industrial farmhouse look, pipe shelves are your secret weapon. All you need are black steel pipes, flanges, and some wooden planks. They add a rugged edge while staying highly functional.
Plus, the pipes themselves act as hanging rods for air-drying clothes. Two birds, one stylish shelf.
3. Cabinets With Open Shelving Combo
For those who want hidden storage, cabinets mixed with open shelves give you the best of both worlds. You can stash away the ugly cleaning supplies while still displaying pretty jars or neatly folded towels.
This is especially useful in small apartments, where visual clutter can make the whole room feel claustrophobic.
4. Metal Wire Shelves For Budget-Friendly Storage
If you’re working with a tight budget, wire shelving is unbeatable. It’s affordable, adjustable, and super easy to install. While it may not scream “luxury,” you can dress it up with fabric bins or baskets to hide the less attractive stuff.
Pro tip: spray-paint the wire shelves black or gold if you want them to feel more custom.
5. Built-In Nook Shelving
If your washer and dryer sit inside a small nook or closet, built-in shelves above can maximize vertical space. This setup often looks custom-made, which elevates the entire room without much extra work.
It’s like turning dead space into storage gold.
6. Floating Shelf With Hanging Rod
One clever design is combining a floating shelf with a rod underneath. The shelf holds your detergents, while the rod gives you space to hang delicates.
This works especially well if you have front-loading machines, since the top is often wasted space.
7. Rustic Reclaimed Wood Shelves
If you want warmth and character, reclaimed wood is a winner. Every piece of wood tells a story—maybe it used to be a barn, a table, or an old beam. Using it above your washer and dryer brings a cozy, farmhouse feel.
It’s the kind of shelf that makes laundry feel a little less like a chore and a little more like home.
8. Tiered Shelving For Maximum Storage
Stacking two or three shelves above your machines creates layers of storage. Top shelf for bulk items like paper towels, middle shelf for laundry supplies, and lower shelf for everyday items.
It’s like building a skyscraper of organization right above your washer.
9. Slim Shelf For Tight Spaces
Some laundry rooms barely give you space to breathe. That’s where a slim shelf comes in. Even a 6–8 inch deep shelf can hold detergent bottles, jars, or decorative baskets without eating into your precious room.
Never underestimate the power of a narrow shelf—it might be small, but it’s mighty.
10. Ladder-Style Shelf Setup
This is one of my personal favorites: a ladder shelf that leans against the wall, extending above the washer and dryer. It adds vertical charm, is portable, and doesn’t require drilling.
It feels casual but stylish, and it’s perfect for renters.
11. Shiplap Backing With Floating Shelves
Adding shiplap to the wall behind your shelves gives instant farmhouse character. Pair it with white or natural wood floating shelves, and suddenly your laundry room feels magazine-worthy.
The texture of shiplap creates contrast that makes shelves pop instead of blending into the wall.
12. Glass Shelves For A Sleek Look
If you’re going for modern chic, glass shelves above your washer and dryer can look incredible. They keep things feeling airy and open while still giving you a spot for detergents or décor.
Just keep in mind they’re more decorative than heavy-duty.
13. Shelf With Integrated Lighting
Why not double up on function? Adding LED strip lights under your shelves creates extra brightness in a usually dim room. No more squinting at tiny labels trying to figure out which bottle is fabric softener.
Plus, it makes the room feel more luxurious with minimal effort.
14. Adjustable Track Shelving
Track shelving systems allow you to adjust the height of shelves anytime you want. If you swap detergents, buy bulk items, or change your setup, you won’t be locked into one shelf height.
This is a practical choice for growing families or people who like to rearrange.
15. Hidden Pull-Down Shelf
For the clever DIYers, a pull-down shelf that tucks against the wall when not in use is a game-changer. Think of it like a Murphy bed but for your laundry.
It gives you extra folding space without permanently taking up the area above your machines.
16. Shelf With Peg Rail
Adding a peg rail beneath your shelf lets you hang brushes, cloth bags, or lightweight tools. It’s simple, practical, and gives off a vintage utilitarian vibe.
I once used this in a rental where storage was basically nonexistent—life saver.
17. Black Shelves For Bold Contrast
If your machines and walls are white, black shelves above create bold, modern contrast. It makes the space feel intentional and stylish, not just “a corner where appliances live.”
Accent with black baskets or black-framed art for a cohesive look.
18. Shelf With Clear Jars For Supplies
Instead of hiding your detergents, make them pretty. Transfer powders and pods into clear glass jars on your shelves. It feels organized and adds a decorative element at the same time.
It’s like turning laundry into a café-style setup.
19. Corner Shelving For Awkward Spaces
Laundry rooms often have awkward corners. Installing corner shelves above your machines makes use of every inch. Perfect for small homes where storage is at a premium.
You’ll be amazed at how much space a simple corner shelf can unlock.
20. Farmhouse Shelf With Metal Brackets
Pairing rustic wood shelves with decorative metal brackets adds that charming farmhouse vibe. It’s sturdy, affordable, and very DIY-friendly.
The brackets themselves act like jewelry for your shelves—small detail, big impact.
21. White Shelves For Airy Simplicity
White-on-white shelving is clean, timeless, and makes the space look bigger. If you don’t want your laundry room to feel heavy, go for white shelves that blend with the wall.
It creates a light, airy vibe that feels uncluttered.
22. Shelf With Fabric Skirt
Here’s an old-school trick that still works: attach a fabric skirt under your shelf to hide messy supplies or ugly hoses. It softens the space and adds a cozy feel.
It’s a small touch, but it can completely change the look of your laundry area.
23. Marble or Stone Shelf
If you want luxe, nothing beats marble or quartz shelves. They add elegance while being super durable.
It’s not the cheapest option, but if you already have stone in your kitchen, this ties your home design together beautifully.
24. Overhead Cabinet Shelf Hybrid
Install a cabinet above the machines but leave a shelf underneath. This layered look gives you hidden storage plus an easy-access shelf for everyday items.
It’s like a double win—organization and design.
25. Rolling Shelf Cart Above Machines
This one is less common but genius. A rolling shelf unit mounted above the machines can slide side-to-side, letting you access items easily.
Think of it like a library ladder but for laundry supplies.
26. Decorative Shelf With Plants
Laundry rooms don’t have to be sterile. Adding a shelf dedicated to plants, small décor, or framed art makes it feel more inviting.
Trust me—folding clothes next to a pothos or snake plant is way less painful.
27. Multi-Purpose Shelf And Folding Station
Finally, the ultimate hack: a deep shelf that doubles as a folding station. Instead of dragging clothes to another room, you can fold right there.
It’s like giving your laundry room its own built-in workspace.
Conclusion
Your laundry room doesn’t have to feel like a dungeon of chores. By adding shelves over your washer and dryer, you unlock vertical storage, boost style, and make the whole process smoother. From rustic reclaimed wood to sleek glass shelves, there’s an option for every taste and budget.
The key is to think beyond just storage—consider how shelves can also add lighting, character, and even folding space. Small changes like these transform a purely functional space into one you actually enjoy stepping into.
