Are you looking for DIY unfinished basement laundry room ideas to give your space a much-needed makeover?
Laundry rooms can often get overlooked when it comes to interior design. Thankfully, with a few simple updates and a little bit of creativity, you can make a huge difference and transform an unfinished basement into a stylish and functional laundry room.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or have a bit more to spend, these DIY laundry room makeover ideas are sure to provide plenty of inspiration for your next project.
DIY Unfinished Basement Laundry Room Ideas
There are a lot of different upgrades you can make to that unfinished basement feel to create a comfortable and motivating space for your laundry room.
Make it an easy DIY project with a couple of ideas from this list for an easy way to freshen up the space on a small budget. You could also do a complete basement laundry room makeover with all these ideas. Either way, you can make it a functional space that you actually like to be in.
Install Drop Ceiling or Ceiling Tiles
If you have an unfinished basement, it’s likely that your laundry room doesn’t have a ceiling or any type of insulation. This can make the room look and feel uninviting and unfinished. Installing a drop ceiling or ceiling tiles is a great way to improve the aesthetics of your laundry room.
Drop ceilings are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making them a great option for DIYers.
When installing a drop ceiling, make sure to measure your space first and choose the right sized ceiling panels for your room.
You can find a variety of options at your local home improvement store, from plain white tiles to more decorative tiles with unique designs.
Ceiling tiles are also an option for creating a cozy atmosphere in your laundry room. Like drop ceilings, they come in a variety of styles and colors, so you can easily find the perfect tile to match your décor.
They are also lightweight and easy to install but do require some more advanced DIY skills than drop ceilings.
If you are unsure about the installation process, you can always hire a professional to help you out.
No matter which option you choose, installing a drop ceiling or ceiling tiles is a great way to instantly improve the look of your laundry room and make it feel more finished.
New flooring or Paint floor
When it comes to finishing an unfinished basement, the flooring is one of the most important elements.
If you want to give your laundry room a polished, finished look, then investing in new flooring to cover that poured concrete floor is a must.
Laminate flooring or vinyl planks are great options because they are water-resistant and can withstand moisture, making them ideal for a laundry room.
Ceramic tiles are great for laundry rooms as well since they won’t be damaged by water.
If you’re on a budget, painting your concrete basement floor is a great way to update the space.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the floor and patching any cracks or holes with concrete filler. Then, apply a primer before adding two coats of high-quality floor paint in the color of your choice. For extra protection, consider applying a clear coat of sealant over the paint once it’s dry.
New flooring or painting the floor will instantly make your unfinished basement laundry room feel more finished and inviting.
Paint walls or install wallpaper
When it comes to decorating the new walls in your unfinished basement laundry room, you have several options.
You can either paint the walls or install wallpaper. You could also paint three walls and make an accent wall with wallpaper.
Painting the walls is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to add color to your space. Lucky for you, there are tons of color options.
If you are looking for something a bit more special, consider installing wallpaper.
Wallpaper is an ideal choice for adding character and texture to your room. If you’re not confident in your painting abilities, you may want to hire a professional to complete the job.
When you choose paint, think about picking a color that will help make your laundry room look larger and brighter.
Light colors like white, cream, beige, and light gray are great choices. If you are feeling adventurous, consider adding a bold accent wall with a color that stands out from the other walls.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with color! If you like the clean look of white walls, just add an accent wallpaper wall.
A bright color wallpaper is another great option for adding texture and character to your room.
Whether you choose a subtle texture or a bold pattern, wallpaper is a great way to make your space look really cool or just beautiful.
When you pick a wallpaper, pick one that is moisture-resistant and washable. That way it will withstand the humid environment of the basement laundry room.
Again, if you don’t feel comfortable installing the wallpaper yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
Install beadboard wainscoting or accent wall
If you’re looking to add texture, depth, and visual interest to your unfinished basement laundry room, installing beadboard wainscoting is a great way to do so.
Wainscoting consists of wooden panels that are typically applied to the lower third of the wall. It can be installed in many different patterns to create a unique look.
Installing beadboard wainscoting requires a few supplies like wood boards, construction adhesives, and finishing nails.
To begin, you’ll want to measure the width and height of the area where you want to install the wainscoting. Then cut the wood boards to size. Next, apply construction adhesive to the back of each board, and then attach the boards to the wall using finishing nails. Finally, sand and paint or stain the wood to give it a finished look.
Once you’ve installed your beadboard wainscoting, you can further customize the look of your laundry room by adding trim or molding around the top and bottom of the wainscoting.
You can also hang shelves or display artwork on top of the wainscoting.
By installing beadboard wainscoting in your unfinished basement laundry room, you’ll be able to transform the space into one that looks cozy and inviting. And it really involves only a little effort!
You’ll be able to create a beautiful laundry room that will serve as a functional and stylish part of your home for years to come.
Install a sliding barn door
Adding a sliding barn door to your unfinished basement laundry room is a great way to create a unique look and save on space.
Barn doors come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, so you’re sure to find one that will fit the aesthetic of your room. They also provide the added benefit of privacy which can be especially useful in an unfinished basement.
Before installing your barn door, you should make sure you have all the necessary materials. This includes the barn door track, hardware, screws, and a drill. You’ll also need a level and measuring tape to ensure everything is installed properly.
To begin, measure and mark the area where you will install the barn door track. You should also double-check that it is level before drilling any holes or screwing anything in place. Once you’ve secured the track, you can attach the barn door hardware and hang the door.
Be sure to check if the door is balanced and level before installing the handles.
Sliding barn doors are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also provide an extra layer of privacy for your unfinished basement laundry room. They are relatively easy to install and can be customized to fit the specific style of your home.
Install a laundry sink
When it comes to making the most of your unfinished basement laundry room, installing a laundry sink can be a great way to add both form and function.
Not only does a laundry sink provide a space to do your pre-wash scrubbing and post-wash rinsing, but it also adds a decorative touch to your room.
When choosing a laundry sink, you have a variety of options.
If you’re looking for a low-cost option, consider a freestanding utility sink. These sinks come in a variety of styles and sizes and are easy to install. All you’ll need is an available water source, and then you’re good to go.
Alternatively, if you want something more stylish and permanent, you could opt for a wall-mounted sink. This option is usually more expensive, but it does have its benefits.
A wall-mounted sink gives you an extra storage shelf beneath the sink and is much more aesthetically pleasing than a freestanding sink.
Regardless of which type of sink you choose, make sure you select one that’s durable enough to handle the wear and tear of everyday laundry use. Also, pay attention to the dimensions so that it fits comfortably in your space.
Once you have the perfect laundry sink installed in your basement, you can complete the look with other décor items like wall art or baskets for storing detergents and fabric softeners.
Add a folding station
Folding laundry can be a challenge in any space, but especially in unfinished basements.
Installing a folding station can make it easier to keep the space organized and neat. A folding station is an ideal way to maximize your laundry room’s available space, allowing you to keep your laundry items off the ground and out of the way.
When selecting a folding station for your unfinished basement, consider the size of the room and how much counter space you need for folding.
You also want to choose one that is durable and made of quality materials. The station should be easy to clean and should have plenty of storage space for cleaning supplies and other items.
When installing the folding station, be sure to secure it properly to the wall or floor. You don’t want it to tip over when in use.
If you have the ability, install a shelf or cabinet above the folding station to store laundry items, detergent, and other supplies.
Creating a folding station in an unfinished basement will not only help you keep the space organized, but will also make doing laundry less of a chore.
With the right setup and some creativity, you can turn your unfinished basement into an efficient and functional laundry room.
Create storage solutions
When it comes to storage solutions in an unfinished basement laundry room, the possibilities are virtually endless.
It all depends on how much space you have available and what you need to store. You can start by investing in some good shelving and cabinets that can be used to store cleaning supplies, detergents, and other laundry room necessities.
If you want to go one step further, you can create a wall of built-in shelves and cabinets.
If you’re looking for something more creative, consider using vintage pieces or DIY projects to create custom storage options.
Old dressers, armoires, bookcases, or boxes are creative ideas for storage that can be transformed into stylish and functional pieces with a little bit of work.
You can also add creative touches like unique hooks or wall hangings to make your space truly unique.
The DIY unfinished basement laundry room ideas are endless!
A handy option is building new cabinets or a shelf over your washing machine and dryer, so you have easy access to all your laundry detergents and supplies.
It’s important to think ahead when it comes to storage solutions in your unfinished basement laundry room.
Make sure to measure the space before buying any shelving or furniture. This way, you know exactly how much space you have to work with. Then, you can be sure that everything fits perfectly and looks great when the project is complete.
Add lighting
The last step in creating a cozy and stylish laundry room in your unfinished basement is to add light fixtures.
Good lighting is essential for any area in your home, and this is especially true for the laundry room in the basement.
You don’t want it to feel like a dark corner of your house, and lighting can drastically change the entire space.
With the right lighting, it will be easier to keep the space clean and well-used.
There are many types of lighting you can choose from, like track lighting, LED strip lights, or recessed lights.
For a more modern look, consider installing a few light pendants above your washer and dryer. This will create a more ambient atmosphere, perfect for folding clothes and doing chores.
If you want to go for a more traditional look, then consider installing some sconces on the walls for added warmth.
If you have any windows in the basement, consider taking advantage of natural light by adding sheer window treatments. Sheer window treatments let in natural light while still providing privacy, so you don’t have to worry about nosy neighbors peeking in!
No matter what type of lighting you choose, make sure that it provides enough brightness so that you can see clearly while doing chores.
When shopping for lights, look for options that are energy efficient so that you can save money on electricity bills in the long run.
Tips for creating a laundry space in an unfinished basement
Let’s recap all of the tips shown above. These easy steps will help you create a functioning, organized, and cute space that you’ll enjoy being in.
- Install drop ceiling for ceiling tiles.
- New flooring or paint floor
- Paint walls or install wallpaper
- Install beadboard or create an accent wall
- Add a sliding barn door
- Install a laundry sink
- Add a folding station
- Create storage solutions
- Add lighting
We hope you’ve enjoyed these DIY unfinished basement laundry room ideas.
Before you go, here are more posts you’ll enjoy:
Basement Makeovers on a Budget