A well-designed laundry room countertop can do more than just provide a place to fold clothes. With the right setup, your countertop can double as a command center, storage hub, or multi-functional workspace that simplifies the daily laundry process. Whether you’re working with a small utility closet or a full-size room, a thoughtful countertop can help you stay organized and make the most of every square inch.
In this article, we’ll explore 26 practical, beginner-friendly countertop ideas that prioritize function, storage, and ease of use.
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1. Add Hidden Storage Drawers Beneath the Countertop
We recommend installing shallow drawers just beneath your laundry room countertop to store detergent pods, dryer sheets, and lint rollers. Drawers help keep the surface clear and prevent clutter. This setup makes daily supplies accessible without needing to open a separate cabinet, which is especially useful when your hands are wet or full.
2. Build a Pull-Out Laundry Sorter Under the Laundry Room Countertop
Instead of using open hampers, consider pull-out bins installed under the counter. This method keeps dirty laundry tucked away behind drawer fronts, which helps control odors and improves the overall appearance of the room. We suggest labeling each bin for whites, colors, or towels to speed up the sorting process.
3. Create a Folding Station with a Built-In Ruler Edge
For those who like precise folding, especially of kids’ clothes or linens, a countertop with an embedded measurement guide or ruler edge helps standardize sizes. This setup works particularly well in shared households or for storing folded items neatly in drawers. We recommend applying a vinyl ruler strip to the edge of your counter for a quick DIY version.
4. Add a Wall-Mounted Detergent Dispenser Above the Countertop
To reduce plastic bottle clutter, we suggest mounting refillable detergent dispensers directly above your laundry room countertop. These can be filled with liquid detergent, fabric softener, or bleach. With push-button access, you can measure out fluids cleanly while keeping your counter dry and usable.
5. Install a Built-In Trash Bin for Lint and Dryer Sheets
We recommend adding a pull-out trash bin underneath the counter to dispose of lint, used dryer sheets, and packaging. This eliminates the need to carry trash across the room and encourages tidiness. If you fold laundry at the counter, having a bin within reach makes it easy to toss out clothing tags or plastic wrap from new items.
6. Include an Outlet Strip On Countertop for Appliances
Installing a power strip with multiple outlets under the lip of your countertop gives you a hidden way to plug in irons, handheld steamers, or folding machines. We suggest using one with surge protection and a switch, so it can stay off when not in use. This helps avoid messy cords on the main surface.
7. Add a Pop-Up Ironing Board Inside the Countertop
A space-saving solution we recommend is a pop-up ironing board that folds flat into the countertop when not in use. This eliminates the need for a separate ironing station, which is ideal in smaller laundry rooms or combo laundry-mudrooms. With a simple pull mechanism, it becomes instantly available and just as easy to stow away.
8. Create a Cleaning Caddy Drawer for Frequently Used Products
Designate one drawer beneath your countertop for a portable cleaning caddy that holds sprays, microfiber cloths, and sponges. This keeps your laundry area ready for quick cleanups and makes it easier to carry supplies to other rooms. We recommend using a plastic or metal tray that fits snugly inside the drawer for easy removal.
9. Mount a Pegboard Above the Countertop for Flexible Storage
To make full use of vertical space, install a pegboard on the wall just above the countertop. We suggest hanging small baskets or hooks for holding clothespins, brushes, scissors, or delicates bags. This setup keeps items off the countertop but within reach, improving efficiency and reducing clutter.
10. Integrate a Rolling Cart Slot Under the Counter
We suggest leaving an open bay under one side of the laundry room countertop for a rolling cart. The cart can hold folded clothes, supplies, or tools and be rolled out only when needed. This makes it easier to work in tight spaces, especially if your laundry room also serves other functions like storage or mudroom use.
11. Use a Countertop With a Built-In Lip to Prevent Spills
Adding a raised lip around the edge of your countertop helps contain spilled detergent, water splashes, or loose items. We recommend this for families with kids or pets who may bump things. It also keeps your folding space cleaner and prevents small items like buttons or coins from rolling off the edge.
12. Design a Built-In Lost and Found Bin Into the Countertop
One creative idea we recommend is adding a recessed bin or small basket built into the corner of the countertop. This “lost and found” area can collect spare socks, buttons, or coins found in pockets. It helps keep random items off the main folding area while offering a designated drop zone.
13. Add a Slide-Out Folding Board Beneath the Laundry Room Countertop
For families who want to speed up folding, a slide-out board that extends from under the counter can act as a secondary folding station. We suggest using this for larger items like towels or tablecloths that need more surface area. It tucks away neatly when not in use and offers extra workspace on busy laundry days.
14. Install a Tablet or Recipe Holder for DIY Cleaning Mixes
Mount a device holder at eye level above your countertop so you can follow online instructions for stain treatments or homemade detergent recipes hands-free. This setup lets you stay organized and efficient when multitasking. It also protects your phone or tablet from water or bleach splashes.
15. Use a Built-In Hanging Rod Just Above the Laundry Room Countertop
A small hanging rod placed directly above the counter allows you to hang clothes straight from the dryer. We suggest installing one high enough that it doesn’t obstruct folding tasks but still within reach. This makes it easier to steam, air-dry, or prevent wrinkles immediately after washing.
16. Add a Recessed Charging Station for Phones or Devices
A countertop with a hidden charging drawer or cubby allows you to power devices while doing laundry. We recommend including this if your laundry room doubles as a workspace or mudroom. It’s a small convenience that can help streamline your daily routine.
17. Store Pods and Sheets in Airtight Canisters on the Laundry Room Countertop
Rather than storing detergent pods in unsightly plastic bags, transfer them to clear, airtight containers with scoops. This setup keeps supplies dry and visible while making the countertop look neater. We recommend using labeled containers with tight seals to keep humidity out and improve safety.
18. Add a Flip-Top Sorting Table in the Laundry Room Countertop
We suggest creating a hinged section of the countertop that opens to reveal color-coded sorting bins underneath. This setup allows you to lift the surface and drop in laundry without needing extra floor space. It’s particularly useful in small apartments or shared laundry areas.
19. Include Built-In Label Holders on Drawers and Bins for Laundry Room Countertop
When designing drawer fronts beneath your laundry room countertop, we recommend incorporating label holders. Labels help everyone in the household know where items go, whether it’s stain sticks, towels, or socks. This encourages consistent use and keeps the room organized.
20. Use Magnetic Strips on the Side of the Countertop
Attach magnetic strips to the side panel of your counter base to hold metal tools like scissors, lint rollers, or pin cushions. This small trick creates storage in overlooked spaces and keeps tools handy without taking up drawer space.
21. Create a Sorting Countertop With Color Zones
If you frequently sort by category, consider using colored vinyl or paint to divide the surface into zones. We recommend this for larger countertops where whites, darks, and delicates can be folded in separate areas. It’s an easy visual guide that makes laundry go faster and more systematically.
22. Install a Flip-Up Shelf on the Counter Edge
We recommend adding a fold-up or flip-out shelf at the end of your countertop for bonus space when folding large loads. This shelf can be braced with a drop-leaf bracket and folds flat when not in use. It’s ideal for tight spaces where expanding temporarily is helpful.
23. Designate a Small Pet Cleaning Zone at One End
If you bathe or brush pets in the laundry room, dedicate one side of your laundry room countertop for pet care tools and cleaning products. Use a waterproof mat to protect the surface and store items in a basket below. This makes post-walk cleanup quick and contained.
24. Add LED Lighting Beneath Wall Cabinets Over the Laundry Room Countertop
Poor lighting makes folding or treating stains more difficult. We suggest installing motion-sensor LED strips underneath wall cabinets to brighten the countertop area. This improves visibility and creates a more pleasant environment, especially in windowless laundry rooms.
25. Use a Collapsible Sorting Table That Stores in the Counter Gap
If you have a small laundry area, a collapsible sorting table that folds and slides into the gap between machines and cabinets can be a game-changer. We recommend using a lightweight plastic or metal model with foldable legs. You can pull it out only when needed and store it flat to save room.
26. Build a Floating Countertop Over a Laundry Basket Station
If you use baskets to sort laundry, we suggest building a floating countertop just above them. This allows you to keep hampers underneath while maintaining a designated workspace above. Floating designs attach directly to the wall with heavy-duty brackets, reducing visual clutter and making floor cleaning easier. It’s a space-saving solution that suits both narrow and open laundry rooms.
