Small Laundry Room Ideas: A Mini Renovation Guide

Renovating a laundry might not sound as exciting as a new kitchen or living room makeover, but when it comes to DIY upgrades that genuinely make life easier, it’s one of the most underrated interior design moves you can make. A well-planned compact laundry doesn’t just save space, it transforms everyday chores into something smoother and more efficient.

Whether you're starting fresh or just reshuffling a few essentials, smart laundry room storage and layout tweaks can completely change how your space works. This guide is packed with practical laundry ideas to help you rethink your setup, from streamlining your laundry essentials to choosing fittings that work with your space. Let’s get into the details that make a small laundry work harder, and look better while it’s at it.

Step 1: Set a Realistic Budget

Your budget will shape most of your renovation choices, from benchtops and cabinets to splashbacks and appliances. For small laundry rooms, even $5,000 can go far if you're smart about it. If you're doing most of the work yourself, consider saving on labour and investing in quality laundry tapware, tiles, and a reliable laundry sink.

If you're working with a builder or cabinetmaker, make sure your plans are clear and fixed – changes mid-reno are where budgets can blow out. A good rule of thumb? Allow a 10-15% buffer for unexpected costs (plumbing surprises, wall repairs, delays).

Step 2: Think About the Function (What Does Your Laundry Actually Need?)

Before you start buying tiles or choosing a new benchtop, think about how you actually use your laundry space. Do you wash big loads daily or mostly small top-ups? Is soaking a weekly must, or do you barely touch the sink?

Knowing what your laundry needs to do will shape everything from your layout to your sink selection.

• Need deep soaking? Go for a square laundry sink.
• Very tight on space? A round laundry sink with a compact footprint might be better.
• Rethinking fixtures? Try a pull-out laundry tap that gives you flexibility without sacrificing space.

This step ensures your renovation solves real problems, not just looks good on Pinterest.

A round sink is ideal for extra small laundry spaces

Step 3: Consider Your Layout/Floor Space

Your laundry room design starts with your layout. You don’t need a huge area, but you do need a plan that keeps things flowing.

Popular Small Laundry Design Layouts

• Single Wall: Everything along one wall, perfect for narrow spaces.
• L-Shaped: Makes the most of corner spaces and gives you more bench space.
• European Laundry: Hides your laundry behind bi-fold doors – ideal for apartments or open-plan homes.

No matter your setup, consider how much bench space and storage you actually need. If you have the option to go vertical, add wall-mounted open shelves or slimline wall cabinets for extra storage space without using valuable floor area.

Step 4: Choose Smart Storage That Works Harder

Storage is the key to any functional laundry. Without it, your cleaning supplies, laundry baskets, hampers and detergents end up piled wherever they’ll fit.

Space-Saving Storage Ideas

• Overhead cabinetry
• Floating open shelves
• Pull-out hampers or broom cupboards
• A slimline vertical drying rack

Don’t forget hooks, rails and laundry accessories – they keep essentials within reach and your laundry room looking sharp.

Overhead cupboards and extra storage are a great solution for small laundry spaces 

Step 5: Pick Durable, Stylish Sink & Tapware Combos 

In small laundries, your laundry sink and laundry tapware need to be more than just functional: they need to earn their place.

Design Tips for Small Laundry Sinks

• Use square sinks for wider loads and soaking
• Pick compact tapware like pull-out mixers for added reach
• Choose durable finishes like chrome tapware or brushed nickel tapware that match the rest of your home

Square laundry sinks are a go-to for small laundry spaces 

Step 6: Add Visual Interest With Tiles 

Tiles aren’t just for splashbacks. In a small laundry room, they can stretch the space visually and make it feel more put together.

Laundry Tile Tips

• For tight floors, go for a penny round floor tile or small format tile (like 200 x 200 tiles) for grip and durability
• Create height with vertical tile placement on the walls
• Stick to grey tiles or white tiles to reflect light and keep things feeling open

Explore Buildmat’s laundry tiles collection for practical and stylish options, including Mediterranean tones, mosaic styles and textural finishes that lift the whole room.

Step 7: Add Extra Details That Make Laundry Day Easier

Now that the big decisions are sorted, think about the little things that will make your laundry routine easier.

• A wall-mounted ironing board for quick press jobs
• Floating shelves, hooks and rails for hanging clothes and garments
• A pull-out shelf or mini bench for folding or sorting
• Good task lighting so you’re not squinting to spot stains

Even a narrow laundry room floor can handle these extras if you plan ahead.

Floating shelves and rails are a great storage option for small laundries 

Ready to Start Your Renovation?

Buildmat has everything you need to create a smarter, more stylish laundry space, from stainless steel sinks and practical tapware to tiles that make the most of every square metre. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just upgrading the essentials, our curated range helps you get more out of your space, without compromising on quality or style.

FAQs: Your Small Laundry Reno Questions, Answered

How do I plan a functional small laundry renovation?

Start with what you use most: your washer, sink and storage. Then build the design around that. Use wall-mounted storage, compact tiles and practical fittings.

What’s the best tile for a small laundry room?

Penny rounds, light grey floor tiles, or soft neutral subway tiles are all smart options. They’re easy to clean and help open up the space visually.

Do I really need a laundry sink?

It depends on your needs but most households benefit from a laundry sink. In a small laundry room, go compact. Even a small round sink is useful for soaking or rinsing. Pair it with smart tapware that gives you flexibility.

Should I match my laundry to my bathroom?

You can if you want! You could carry finishes like matte black tapware or brushed brass tapware across both rooms to keep things cohesive.