While it may not get the same attention kitchens and bathrooms receive, your laundry room plays a significant role in helping your household function from day to day. However, considering how much time you spend washing and drying your clothes, you may overlook updating this space. By adding some of these functional and appealing upgrades, laundry day may become less of a chore.

Ironing center

Once your laundry is washed and dried, you’ll need to fold and iron your clothing. To help efficiently complete these tasks, consider installing a fold-out ironing board or table instead of a standing table that may take up valuable floor space. A fold-out ironing station will take up minimal wall space and create a convenient spot to handle many of your laundry needs. Some fold-out ironing boards come with storage space perfect for keeping your iron, starch, and lint rollers nearby.

Storage

If your laundry room lacks floor space, you can upgrade your storage capabilities by using wall space with shelving. Try adding open shelving above your washer and dryer for a helpful upgrade. You can organize your shelves by placing items you need for washing, such as detergents and stain removers, and drying, such as dryer sheets or dryer balls, above each appliance so they’re easily within reach. You can also utilize the back of your laundry room’s door with a hook or two for items you don’t want to get wrinkled. Another storage upgrade to consider is to add laundry bins into existing cabinets. This addition will help keep dirty and clean clothes separate without sacrificing a lot of space.

Hanging rod

A hanging rod can be a multifunctional addition to assist you on laundry day. These storage devices allow you to store clothes you’ve ironed and hang delicate items that need to be air-dried. Best of all, you can complete this project for less than $50. However, make sure you choose a rod designed to hold clothing and verify that it can hold the item you plan to hang on it.

Paint

Sometimes laundry rooms lack windows, which can cause them to be dark. However, you can help your space look more luminous with a new coat of paint. Choose a paint color like bright white, light gray, or light tan to make your laundry room appear brighter and more inviting. If you’re looking to liven up your laundry room, consider using decorative wallpaper.

Light fixtures

Another solution for a dark laundry room is upgrading the lights in the room. You may be able to switch the bulb out for a higher wattage, or you can switch out the entire fixture. Small tap lights under cabinets or shelves can help shine a light on your work area while doing your laundry.

Hardware

Even a minor upgrade can make a big difference. By changing out the handles, knobs, and hinges of your cabinets or drawers, you can give your laundry room an immediate refresh. All you need to do is choose the hardware you like best, remove the cabinet doors and existing hardware, and add your new hardware. It can be a significant change for a small price—less than $20 depending on the hardware you choose.

Once you’ve upgraded your laundry room, use these tips to help eliminate the toughest stains on your clothing.