How To Make DIY Floating Shelves Laundry Room
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure here.
Laundry room shelves are the key to keeping a laundry room organized. Today I am going to you show you how DIY floating shelves can transform a laundry room, kitchen or living room and how to make floating shelves in a couple hours. Our small laundry room remodel was one of the best investments for under $100 and our easy beginner tutorial will solve your organization problem fast!
When our washer and dryer stopped working within a week of each other, we decided it was the perfect time to remodel our laundry room closet and create an organized and functional space. Whether you buy or make laundry room shelves, you will not be sorry!
We now have an Amazon Storefront so if you would like any of these items or want to get this look, be sure to click here.
Easy DIY Floating Shelves
This laundry room was inside one of the bathrooms on the first floor of our home. Click through this post, painting stripes in our bathroom makeover, to see the full bathroom.
Here is the laundry room before we made floating laundry room shelves.
To give the illusion that the space was larger, we decided to create DIY floating shelves out of plywood and pine. A floating shelf or two can make all the difference in a laundry room when it comes to storage and organization.
If you do not want to learn how to make a diy floating shelf, keep reading because I am going to share my favorite laundry room shelving (this laundry shelving unit is great) that you can buy cheaply and get this laundry room look for yourself.
Feel free to use the table of contents feature below by clicking the arrow to the right to expand.
Laundry Room Shelving Ideas
I searched google and pinterest for updated laundry room shelves for days before I finally settled on making our own. They do make floating shelf brackets but to save money, we made our own out of wood.
Honestly, if you have a little DIY skills, you can make your own shelves.
DIY Long Floating Shelf
Lets learn how to make floating shelves that can hold a lot of weight and get you organized. Making a long floating shelf will require proper support so be sure to plan accordingly based on how much weight will be on the shelf.
First, gather your supplies:
- To make our shelves, we cut 2 inch wide stripes of pine for our cleats.
- We used 3/4 inch AC plywood for the folding table
- 2 pieces of 1″ x 20″ of pine for the diy floating laundry shelves.
- filler (to fill nail holes
- white paint
- sandpaper for rough edges
- drill bit to drill pilot holes if necessary
- 3 inch wood screws (or drywall screws)
- brad nailer and finish nails
- stud finder
- measuring tape
- pencil for marking measurements
AC plywood is basically plywood that is plugged and sanded. It’s “pretty” plywood. Be careful which plywood you buy as many are weaker and have knots.
When you are making long floating shelves (like we did), you will need to make sure you run a long cleat along the back wall to keep the shelf from sagging.
A large floating shelf needs the proper support!
I wish I had a picture of me standing on top of the washer and dryer nailing and screwing the cleats to the wall. Unfortunately, we had to do the shelves once the washer and dryer were in the closet. It would have been much easier with the closet empty.
The floating laundry room shelves above the washer and dryer created so much storage space.
I measured the distance of how high I wanted the floating laundry shelves to be and tacked my cleats ( I used a small level on each cleat to make sure they were level) to the wall stud with finish nails using the nail gun.
Once the cleats were tacked in place, I used 3 inch drywall screws to screwed the cleats to the wall studs to secure properly.
To make the diy folding table, we purchased a 4′ x 8′ sheet of plywood for around $45. This is an inexpensive way to make a wide laundry room shelf and create a folding table.
Laundry Room Shelving Quick tips:
Make sure your floating shelves are the correct height.
Use your tallest object (like a detergent bottle) that you want on the shelf as a guide to make sure you have the right height for your floating shelves.
I used the height of the baskets that I knew would hold my cleaning supplies and the tallest detergent bottle.
Use a level to make sure your shelves are straight and not crooked! Don’t skip this step.
Next, I wanted a backsplash at the back of the folding table. Losing objects behind the washer and dryer would be painful to retrieve so a backsplash was necessary.
We simply tacked a piece of 4″ wide plywood to the top of the AC plywood and added a 2″ inch strip to the back to create a lip.
There are many more ways to add a backsplash but this was the quickest and easiest.
I also decided that I wanted the DIY floating laundry shelves to appear to be thick and wide, more of a chunky look so we used finish nails to tack a piece of pine to the edge of the shelf. I used my Ryobi brad nailer which you can find here.
For this space, I thought a 2 3/4″ inch depth looked good.
Isn’t it amazing what under $100 worth of wood can do for a space?
The DIY floating shelves were so easy to make and after they were painted white, they looked like custom built floating shelves.
Laundry Room Shelving Ideas
If you have a door in your bathroom, this over the door ironing board works great and this retractable valet rod .
These valet rods are also a nice feature for a laundry room (we have them in our walk in closet).
Looking for more DIY floating shelves or laundry room shelving ideas? Click through this post, amazing small laundry room ideas or see our basement laundry room makeover where we purchased ready made wire shelving.I am in love with our new laundry room even though I hate laundry.
Pssst…. did you know we have an Amazon Storefront now (read that post here)? You can shop all of our home decor & so much more! It doesn’t cost you any more or less money to shop from our Amazon Store 🙂 Any commissions we make, are paid by the brand and they help pay for monthly fees to keep the blog up and running 😀.
Be sure to click through to our Amazon Storefront page to see our curated list of laundry room products to get this look!
These DIY floating shelves took my dad and I about 3 hours to construct. The part that takes the longest is cutting the wood. We removed the laundry closet doors and track so now the space is part of the bathroom.
I wanted to achieve an open shelving space that was stylish, functional and organized. These inexpensive DIY laundry room shelves did the trick. You can shop this laundry room remodel on my Amazon Storefront here.
Want to see the full before and after and ALL the images of this space? Be sure to click through this post, laundry room reveal where you will find many more pictures as well as the resource list for this space. With a little DIY know how and a few pieces of wood, you can get this look as well.
About The Author
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
Floating shelves aren’t always very sturdy, so I am loving this idea for our future laundry room reno. Also your new washer and dryer look dreamy! I hope you enjoying them!
Thank you Brandi! So far I am liking laundry 🙂 hehe
Great tutorial and I love the look!!!
Thanks Brittany!
Am in the middle of this project and had installed the cleats ( the 1X2s) on two sides. I discovered that there is a heating duct behind the third side. I was using plastic, self-screwing anchors because there was no stud behind the wall. Fortunately, I did not drill into the duct.The stud finder did not of course pick up the duct, which is almost touching the drywall. My question, can you think of any way to attach the cleat? I am stumped right. now. Thanks.
Great tutorial! What is the color/brand of paint did you use on the walls?
Yes! I’d, also, love to know the brand and name of the paint color! Love it!
The green color is by Sherwin Williams, called Dewy 🙂
Do you know the source of those metal baskets? I love them!
The Container Store 🙂
I love these! I am fairly new and inexperienced with DIY projects, and I still don’t have a lot of tools. Did you cut the wood yourself, or could I get Home Depot to do it for me?
We cut the wood ourselves but they will cut the wood (if you bring the measurements) to Home Depot or lowes. Most local lumber yards will also cut the wood for you 🙂
Just wanted to post a note, for the cleats… If you reduced the length by the width of the front piece, it would sit flush with the corner instead of protruding because of the front piece. That way it would look like its custom (since it is) and the whole thing would look much cleaner.
Not to be critical, just my OCD kicking in.
Thanks for the tip!
Why only post the positive comments? My previous comment was only to try and make your diy even better.
Patience my friend! All comments are published once or twice throughout the day 🙂
George, Jessica took your comment as being positive. Therefore she thanked you for your tip.
Stop being so OCD and chillax.
Very lovely!! I really like the color of the walls. Can you share what color/brand that is?
Thank you! The color is Dewy by Sherwin Williams.
Thanks for the paint info. Loving your blog!!
EXACTLY what I am looking for. Yours looks fab! And the how-to instructions are so clear, I may not even have to wait for my husband! I only have one side wall to attach to, so think I will place pillar like legs on the front end of the “folding table” to add stability. I do love the “backsplash” addition as well to keep things from falling behind the washer.
I just found your blog, but I can’t wait to check out all the other goodies here. Beautifully done, thank you!!!
Thank you 🙂 I love that laundry room now…..even though I despise laundry! ha
Where are those wicker baskets from?
The Container Store
I LOVE this! This may be a stupid question, but do you have any issues with the plywood and splinters? Did you sand it? Or did painting it eliminate that? I wanted to get a countertop above my washer/dryer, but this looks so simple that I think I could do it!
Never mind. I see now that you purchased “sanded” plywood. 🙂
🙂 I was just getting ready to respond to your other comment 😉
Love the laundry room. Can you tell me how much weight you think the shelves may hold. My shelves would be about 6 feet long, and I am wondering if I could put something in the middle to hold it.
You could always buy those shelf braces at Lowes or Home Depot and add it to the middle of each shelf
Makes sense. Love this idea. Dragging the husband out now for supplies. Wish me luck!!!!!!!!
What did you use to finish the shelves? They are so shiny and smooth they don’t even look painted. Curious what paint and if they are rolled or brushed. Thanks! Dreaming of implementing this in our cluttered, wire shelf space!
Hi, I used the color extra white by sherwin williams (semi gloss) / Emerald Interior. Glad you like it 🙂
Lovely laundry! How did you hang the metal basket?
Getting ready to implement this! Was thinking I’d paint first. You didn’t though. So you didn’t scrape the new paint?? Also wondering if you rolled, brushed, or sponged the shelves. Thanks!
Hi! I know you posted this awhile back but I am curious as to how your folding table is holding up. Do you notice it sagging at all in the middle? I love the way you did yours, not having a center “brace” but just wondering after months of use if you have noticed any change.
The folding table is perfect! We ran a center brace along the back wall so that prevents the sagging. Also, by adding trim on the front of the table, that helps as well 🙂
I love this! So simple and clean and beautiful.
Thank you Kirsten 🙂
Hi! Love your blog! We’re purchasing a new home and I’m seriously considering this project for our new laundry closet which will be in a bathroom – very similar to your set-up. Just wondering if you’ve encountered any issues with having to get to the back of the units for any reason? Are the shelves just resting on the cleats?
Hi, yes they are resting on cleats and so far so good! 🙂
Hi,
I was wondering if you could provide the link for the folding table tutorial? I am having trouble finding it. Thanks so much!
thank you very much!
Is it possible to use it for wall draw too?
Thanks again!
Enjoy yr weekend
becky
The Netherlands
I hate he washers. Do you like the way they wash. Btw love the tutorial on floating shelves. Thanks
Love this, I have 4 separate rooms that need shelving, and it doesn’t have to be heavy duty… This is perfect and look great..
thank you for a wonderful tutorial as that’s exactly what I’m planning to do. I have a few questions. How did you handle the pipes and other hook ups? i saw them on the in-progress photos but not on the final ones. My electrical plugs and pipes are above the floating shelf level as well. Thank you for your kind response. Leanna
All of the pipes and electrical outlets are still there, they are behind the washer/dryer. The folding table also is a couple inches above the units so it hides most of them. You can still see abut an inch of the water pipe in the far corner but it’s mostly hidden 😉
Love! I was wondering.. What’s the wall color?
Dewy by Sherwin Williams 😉
My laundry room is also in the bathroom closet. Problem is that the dryer is gas, so the whole thing had to be stacked. Now I have no idea where to find space with just 15 inches on each side. Any advice??? Thanks!
Hmmm that’s a tough one. Doesn’t sound like you have much room. Can you move the unit to one side and make a pullout storage solution? There is a blogger who created a pullout for canned goods but what about for the side of your laundry units? http://www.classyclutter.net/2012/05/build-your-own-extra-storage-diy-canned-food-organizer.html
That backsplash is a great idea! Can’t count how many times I’ve had to retrieve a sock from behind my washer!
What an amazing way to add storage. My kitchen has little storage space but enough room to add a whole new cabinet. I Love , love this thanks for sharing.
Thanks Noreen!
Hi there,
We love your shelves! How did you attach the piece of 2″ pine to the front of the floating shelves?
Thanks for your response. We hope to do this DIY this weekend!
Gorilla glue and finish nails (just gently tacked). Fill nail holes with putty and paint 🙂
Can’t wait to try these floating shelves , thanks. One ? Though what does the term. Cleat mean?
I know this was a while ago, but I just found your beautiful shelves and would love to know approximately how deep they are? I’m getting ready to add a similar setup in my laundry closet.
Thank you!
Hi, the shelves are 20″ deep 🙂
What is a cleat? I’m in the UK and new to all this DIY stuff but I would love to be able to do this project!
How did you installed yuor backsplash ? You have the faucets and one pipe of plumbery sitting agains the wall?
Nice project
What color is the paint on the walls and who makes it? Your room is lovely.
thank you ! Seasalt by Sherwin-Williams
Sorry if I missed this in an earlier comment, but I am curious as to the kind of weight that this style of floating shelf can hold (we would likely put plates and what not on it). Do you have any sense of this, particular since you didn’t provide any sort of perpendicular support to the wall so as to offset the weight? Thanks.
Hi, we did cleats along the back and the side but you are right , we didn’t do a middle support. Our weight was probably around 10 lbs with everything on it so you may want to do a center support or connect the clean from each end across the front and run a support clean down the middle. L brackets are useful too but will not give you that clean/floating look.
What do you think of your front loading washer? I want one so I can build a folding table above, but I hear they can have a mildew smell.
I actually like mine but yes, if water sits too long on the water drain it can cause a smell but it’s not really an issue with the washer , it’s an issue with the drain setup . We found that our pipe was raised above the drain (we moved it below the drain/faucet) so it was below. That way the water doesn’t have a pocket to sit in!
This is great. Can I ask what you used for the shelves, the pine? How deep are they? Sorry, new to DIY and wanna give this a try!!
Hey! Do you happen to know how much weight the floating shelves can support? Our walls are about 6 feet apart, and I’m wondering if I need to put some sort of support rod under the center of each shelf. Thanks!
I would add support to yours . We did a cleat along the back wall so it was floating (I didn’t want to visually see a support center piece) 🙂
Hi, thank you so very much for this. I almost gave up with my Laundry room remodel due to the expense. This gave me the motivation to continue with my laundry room remodel.
I noticed that you completed the room a couple years ago. I am a little nervous about how the Plywood held up on top of the washer dryer especially with the sagging problem. Have you had any issues?
Hi, we actually ran cleats along the back wall which prevented sagging. Yes, it was at our old house. If you are worried about sagging you could always run another piece of wood underneath (more towards the back so you can’t see if from the front) to give it more support.
Great idea but was wondering if the folding shelf is removable? what happens if you need to service the machines?
Hi yes you could make it so if you needed to unscrew it you could or simply lay the shelves on the cleats and lift off.