Shelving over a washer and dryer runs from floating boards with baskets to a full counter bridging the machines, and the right pick depends on whether you own the place and how much clearance you have behind the units.
Renters and anyone who needs to pull the machines out for service should stick with floating shelves or a counter that lifts off, while owners can commit to built-ins.
1. Counter-Over-the-Machines Setup
A single wood slab spanning the washer and dryer gives you a folding surface where there was only dead space.
I like this setup because the machines stay accessible and the counter doubles as a landing spot for the laundry basket.
Keep the top level and deep enough to fold a bath towel flat. Leave the shelves above it open, as in this room, so baskets can hold the small stuff while the counter stays clear.
One limit: you need to slide the machines out for service, so choose a top that lifts off or sits on removable supports.
2. Floating Shelves Over the Washer & Dryer
2 floating shelves in light wood are the easiest way to add storage above a washer and dryer, and they cost far less than cabinets.
Baskets do the heavy lifting here, hiding detergent, dryer sheets and stain sprays behind a tidy front.
Anchor the brackets into studs, since a full basket of bottles gets heavy fast. Leave enough gap between the lower shelf and the countertop to reach controls and load without knocking your knuckles.
I would keep decor to one small piece per shelf so the storage stays the point.
3. Built-In Shelving
Built-in shelving wrapped around a stacked washer and dryer makes the machines look like part of the furniture.
This is the priciest route and the least renter-friendly. If you build it yourself, plan the shelf heights around your tallest bottle and your folded towel stack before cutting anything.
A painted finish, like this olive green, hides plenty of wear.
4. Drying Racks Over Washer and Dryer
A drying rack that pulls out beside the machines solves the hang-dry pile without leaving a rack open on the floor. Slide it out for sweaters and delicates, then push it back flush when the room needs to look finished.
Wood slats hold up well to damp clothes. Mount it on full-extension slides rated for wet laundry, and check that nothing blocks the rack when it opens.
I prefer this to a freestanding rack in any room too small to leave one up.
5. Crisp, Metal Shelving
Black metal frames with wood planks give you the strength of a shelf unit with a lighter, cleaner look. 3 tiers fit the wall space above the machines without crowding it.
Because the planks sit on a metal frame, the setup suits heavier loads like detergent jugs. Use wall anchors rated for the weight, and put the heaviest items on the lowest tier so they’re easy to lift down.
Black against white appliances gives sharp contrast, and it’s an easy look to match.
6. Glass Jars on Shelving Over Washer and Dryer
Glass jars turn pods, clothespins and dryer balls into a display that doubles as storage. Wide-mouth jars are my pick, since you can scoop or reach in without tipping the whole thing.
Keep them on a lower shelf at arm height, with baskets above for items that look messy. Label the lids if you decanter more than one product.
Glass is heavy and breakable, so use sturdy shelves and avoid putting jars at the edge, especially near the machine’s vibrating top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not store in a laundry room?
Skip food, important documents, and anything that reacts badly to humidity, since laundry rooms run damp.
Glass jars can be risky near the machines if they sit on surfaces that vibrate, so keep them on wall-mounted shelves that are anchored to studs.
What are some creative shelving ideas for a small laundry room?
Floating shelves with baskets are the simplest, and a pull-out drying rack beside the machines adds hang-dry space that tucks away flush when you’re done.
Can you put a dryer on top of a washing machine?
Yes, if the 2 machines are made to stack and the dryer is secured to the washer.
