A well-designed mudroom and laundry space can make even the smallest, narrowest areas feel super functional, stylish, and efficient. Whether you're working with a tiny layout or a long, narrow space, you should always think through storage and smart design choices to maximize every inch.

I’m writing about this today because I’m in the planning phase of my own very tiny mudroom/laundry. (It’s really just my back door mudroom that happens to have my washer and dryer in it.) I have no hanging space for things like jackets and coats – which is not ideal since where I live is cold A LOT of the year. I don’t have storage for boots or shoes either and I’m WAY over tripping over all my homeless footwear in the dark.

So, as I dreamed up what could be possible for my own mudroom/laundry space, I thought I’d share my AI inspiration that I’ve been exploring for ideas. Who knows, maybe you’ll find some inspiration here for your own long, narrow, mudroom & laundry area. I hope you do!

Inspiration for Combining a Small Narrow Mudroom and Laundry that’s Practical and Beautiful.

Classic Side-by-Side Layout

One classic layout idea is a washer and dryer, side by side with a built-in sink for rinsing and spot cleaning.

A sleek countertop ties everything together, giving you a small but adequate work surface.

Above, a line of closed cabinets keeps the essentials within reach without feeling cluttered.

A white subway tile backsplash adds that timeless, clean look that I love.

Across from the utility area, a narrow bench with coat hooks above gives you a quick, accessible spot to hang a jacket.

The neutral and calming color palette makes the space feel serene and organized.

Angled Stackable Washer and Dryer

For a different take, a stackable washer and dryer are angled, giving them a more prominent presence. I like that angled position because it makes the space feel built-in and purposeful.

Floor-to-ceiling cabinets make excellent use of the vertical space, and a compact rinsing sink keeps things practical. Very efficient!

The other half of the room functions almost like an open closet, with dedicated spots for hanging coats, a bench with shoe storage underneath, and additional open shelves above for seasonal items like hats and gloves. (Having storage for off-season things like these is ideal because you can seasonally rotate things to keep the space tidy and organized.)

Making the Most of a Long and Narrow Space

A long and narrow layout can still be super functional with a well-planned design.

In this space, the washer and dryer are placed close together under a countertop, maximizing your work surface.

Above, long cabinets provide oodles of storage, while those pantry-style cabinets, off to the side, provide even more hidden storage. (I’ll bet they might conceal plumbing and a dryer vent, so they’re hidden away keeping the space visually clean…)

The perpendicular cabinet base sink creates a separate and efficient rinsing space, and a small built-in bench near the door, complete with shoe storage and coat hooks, makes for a well-planned and inviting entrance.

And that window above the sink brings in natural light, making the space feel open and airy.

Side-by-Side with Wallpaper and Penny Tile

Here, the washer and dryer sit side by side, with a small filler section on one side, (possibly hiding plumbing or simply filling an awkward gap. That is something I’d like to add to my laundry mudroom. I currently have hoses and drains that could use some hiding.)

Above, two large cabinets provide lots of storage, and the patterned wallpaper adds some visual interest and depth.

The floor transitions to durable tile, which is a good choice for a mudroom’s high-traffic, water-prone flooring.

A long bench gives you seating, though its proximity to the right-side machine may feel a bit tight, tough IRL.

Above, that well-placed hanging storage area adds more functionality.

Combination of Washer-Dryer with Vertical Storage

This combo washer-dryer machine could be an efficient choice. (I’ve seen them used often in tiny homes or small apartments. I have heard that they’re kind of noisy though and the full cycle is long.)

Here, a small sink sits beside it adding a quick spot for soaking, while tall vertical cabinets provide good storage.

The contrasting cabinet colors coordinate beautifully with the flooring, creating a cohesive look.

The long wall is well equipped with a combination of shoe storage, bench seating, and hanging storage—perfect for keeping everyday items at hand.

The bench also doubles as a spot for laundry baskets, making folding clothes easier.

Stacked Laundry with Built-In Bench

Another space cleverly uses a stackable washer and dryer tucked into a bumped-out section of the wall.

A built-in bench with storage underneath sits adjacent, making use of what might otherwise be dead space.

A small sink with a long cabinet above provides functionality. (I love that many of these images show a combination of different kinds of open and closed storage.)

One change that could improve the design? Extending the cabinets to the ceiling to eliminate unused space. I hate open space above cabinets because it’s a missed opportunity to add better and more efficient storage.

The wallpaper adds charm, but a tile backsplash behind the sink would make cleaning easier.

Perpendicular Dryer for Space Efficiency

For a truly unique layout, this design rethinks traditional stacking by placing the washer beside a small farmhouse sink and positioning the dryer perpendicular above, partially built into the wall.

This opens space above the sink, allowing for little clothes folding countertop.

Next to the washer and dryer, a fully built-in storage unit makes perfect use of the room’s narrow footprint, providing both closed and open storage solutions.

This one really re-thinks possibility, right? I love that there’s room for a small countertop because that adds a much-needed surface. Imagine how tight that back wall would be without that simple shift of the dryer above.

Maximizing a Long Wall for Storage

This one prioritizes maximizing the long wall with loads of storage and practical ideas.

A stackable washer and dryer sit at one end, paired with a floor-to-ceiling cabinet for concealed storage.

In the foreground, open shelving adds additional functionality for the “grab and go” things.

Across from this setup, a simple bench with a built-in sink creates a functional workspace, with what appears to be either drying racks or open storage above.

Again, extending the cabinetry to the ceiling would enhance the design, eliminating wasted space.

Muted Color Palette for Cohesion

A well-balanced color palette can help unify a small mudroom-laundry space without making it feel crowded.

This one uses a mix of muted tones—mossy green cabinetry, rust-colored ceilings, and soft wood accents—to create a cohesive and visually cohesive look.

The washer and dryer are placed with a base cabinet for extra storage, while a natural-toned tile floor adds an organic, grounding feel.

To enhance cohesion, I’d rather see all the cabinets in the same green color. That one set of white upper cabinets feels out of place. (So, keep a more consistent color story – especially in tiny spaces.)

Hidden Laundry with Bold Stripes

Finally, a space that incorporates bold design choices can still feel harmonious when done thoughtfully.

Here, striped walls elongate the room visually, while a washer and dryer are hidden behind doors for a cleaner look.

On the opposite side, an open storage section functions like a long, open closet, with shoe cubbies, baskets, and tons of hanging space for coats and bags.

Above, more closed storage provides a home for things you need but don’t want to see: tools, or anything else that doesn’t need to be accessed daily.

There you have it, my thoughts on efficient, well planned small mudroom/laundry spaces.

Each of these images shows a creative and practical way to merge laundry and mudroom functions within a small or narrow space. The key is to find the balance between storage, efficiency, and aesthetics—so that that everything serves a purpose and maintains a cohesive look.

Whether you like a classic, neutral style or a bold, colorful color story, there are endless ways to make a small laundry-mudroom combination work beautifully for your home.

As for me, I’m exploring my options now. I have slightly less space than what is shown here and I need to be very mindful of the choices I’ll make.

That said, I’m intrigued by the colorful options. I like multi-functionality, so something like better use of vertical space is ALWAYS on my list.

What about you? Did you find any of these pictures or layouts inspiring? Have you gone through a mudroom/laundry space makeover? Do you love it, or would you change some things if you could do it over again? Leave me a comment below!

Blog

Inspiration for Combining a Small Narrow Mudroom and Laundry that’s Practical and Beautiful.

Read Next: