How to Make Laundry Room Shelves

The laundry room is an often over looked space, making it a perfect location for adding functionality and shelves! Whether you’re adding a single shelf above the washer and dryer or reconfiguring the room to add more storage and options, we’ve got lots of ideas and suggestions for you! 

 

Also, we have a general shelving guide for creating shelves, but here we outline important things to consider for laundry room shelving! 

     (image credit: Franklin & Main)

FUNCTIONALITY:

First, consider how the shelves will function. We recommend thinking about what the space needs before choosing a shelf bracket style. 

For example, will they be holding heavy items? Are there space limitations due to water hookups or the lid from the washer? Would towel bars or hooks under the shelves make the space even more functional? 

(image credit Erin West Design)

SHELF SIZE:

Next, choose the size of the shelf.

Laundry room shelves are typically 10-12” deep. Larger shelves may sound like a good idea to add in a lot of space but shelves larger than 15” deep typically require additional support (like a gusset bracket with a diagonal bar). 

When considering the length of any shelf, we recommend the following guidelines based on a shelf board’s length:

 

0”-36” = 2 Brackets

37”-68” = 3 Brackets

69”-100”= 4 Brackets

101”-132”=5 Brackets

133”-164”=6 Brackets

 

*If using common lumber (like from Home Depot), please check out our Dimensional Lumber Guide first! 

 

TYPE OF BRACKET NEEDED:

After shelf size is concerned, choose the bracket style.

We offer several versatile bracket styles and it's important to choose the style for the project. 

Lipped Brackets

These have a front lip and do not attach to the shelf board. These should be the exact depth of the shelf. Shelves with evenly distributed weight work best with this style. 

 L Brackets

These do not have a front lip and do not need to be the exact size. They also attach to the board so are ideal for lower shelves or those that will have one side heavier than the other. To add bars or hooks beneath the shelf, this style is optimal.

Back Leg Above the Shelf

This type installation is seen with our J brackets or inverting by an L bracket. Instead of the standard application with the wall mount below a shelf, it goes above. To create space below the shelf (such as for a washer & dryer), this option is ideal.

Heavy Duty Brackets

 All of our shelf brackets are available in a heavy duty option meaning they are made with 2” wide steel instead of the standard 1” wide. This is a great choice for shelves made with heavier wood or that will hold a good deal of items. Some people also prefer the look of heavy duty aesthetically. 

 

 

INSTALLATION:

Once the shelves and brackets are chosen, it's time to install! 

We have a complete step by step Installation Guide which is great for planning your project.

In addition to following this, we recommend determining in advance whether the bracket placement will hit a wall stud or if it’s being installed onto a different surface such as concrete or shiplap. We have additional hardware for that. 

 

PRO TIP:

Use painter’s tape to plan out the shelves and bracket placement. This helps decide how many brackets and what type of hardware are needed. 

 (image credit: Franklin & Main)

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS: 

While planning and creating shelves, it's also a good time to consider adding even more functionality. Installing one of our versatile metal bars under a shelf instantly creates a a drying rack while wall hooks offer solutions for hanging baskets, brooms, and other laundry room essentials.