4 Tips How To Design An Industrial Farmhouse-Inspired Laundry Room

Industrial Farmhouse Co.'s guide on designing an industrial farmhouse-inspired laundry room. This functional yet stylish design can transform a typically utilitarian space into a charming and efficient area that you'll enjoy using. In this article, we'll explore key elements, practical tips, and projects to help you create the perfect industrial farmhouse laundry room.

Table of Contents

• Key Elements of an Industrial Farmhouse Laundry Room
• Practical Design Tips
• DIY Projects for a Personal Touch

Industrial farmhouse style blends rustic charm with industrial elements, featuring materials like wood and metal, distressed finishes, and a mix of vintage and modern touches. This style is perfect for creating a laundry room that is both functional and visually appealing, making chores feel less like a task and more like an experience.

Key Elements of an Industrial Farmhouse Laundry Room

1. Materials:

   Utilize raw materials like wood and metal to achieve an industrial look.

   • Reclaimed Wood: Use reclaimed wood for shelving, countertops, or cabinetry to add a rustic, weathered feel to the space. A wooden folding counter with visible grain patterns can be a perfect addition, balancing the coldness of metal.
   • Exposed Metal: Incorporate raw, unpolished metal for an industrial edge. Metal shelving units, black iron pipe rods for hanging clothes, and galvanized steel bins all add to the industrial farmhouse vibe.
   • Concrete Flooring: Consider using polished concrete or concrete-look tiles for a durable, industrial foundation. This also ties into the raw, minimalist aesthetic and can withstand the wear and tear of a laundry room.

   Practical Tip: Combine wood and metal for custom-built open shelving. Use reclaimed wood planks for the shelves and support them with metal brackets, creating a blend of warmth and industrial sturdiness.

2. Colors

   Stick to a neutral color palette with shades of white, black, gray, and natural wood tones.

   • Whitewashed Walls: White walls create a clean backdrop that complements industrial elements. Consider shiplap walls for a farmhouse touch, painted white or left in natural wood tones.
   • Gray Tones: Incorporate different shades of gray in flooring or cabinetry. For example, gray tiles or painted cabinets can balance the starkness of black fixtures.
   • Black Accents: Use black hardware, such as matte black drawer pulls or faucets, for contrast. Black window frames, door handles, or light fixtures also enhance the industrial look.
   • Natural Wood Finishes: Wood elements in their natural tone, whether it's in shelving, countertops, or baskets, bring warmth to the otherwise neutral palette, balancing industrial and farmhouse styles.

   Practical Tip: Keep the color palette minimal, with pops of color coming from natural elements like wood or plants to keep the space visually interesting but still cohesive.

3. Fixtures

   Choose industrial fixtures such as metal shelving, barn doors, and vintage-inspired lighting.

   • Barn Doors: A sliding barn door made from distressed wood and industrial metal hardware can serve as both a statement piece and a space-saving solution for laundry closets or storage areas.
   • Open Metal Shelving: Instead of closed cabinetry, opt for metal shelving to display baskets, detergents, and laundry supplies. The open shelving gives the room an airy feel while keeping it functional.
   • Vintage-Inspired Lighting: Install pendant lights or wall sconces with metal finishes and Edison bulbs to bring in that industrial vibe. You could also consider gooseneck wall lights for task lighting.

   Practical Tip: Install a wall-mounted drying rack with metal piping for a compact, space-efficient solution. Combine it with wire baskets or crates for a cohesive industrial look.

4. Decor

   Incorporate functional decor items like wire baskets, metal signs, and rustic storage solutions.

   • Wire Baskets: Use wire baskets for storing laundry essentials like detergent, dryer sheets, or towels. These are both functional and visually fitting with the industrial style.
   • Metal Signs: Hang vintage-style metal signs with laundry-related sayings or industrial-themed decor to add character to the space. A simple “Wash & Dry” sign in black and white can complement the overall look.
   • Rustic Storage Solutions: Use weathered wooden crates or old metal bins to store laundry supplies or even extra linens. Repurpose vintage metal lockers as storage cabinets for a unique industrial touch.
   • Plants: Add a bit of greenery with potted plants in metal planters or rustic pots to break up the hard lines of the industrial elements and soften the space.

   Practical Tip: Mount a pegboard or rail system on the wall for hanging tools or laundry bags. Add hooks to store brooms or ironing boards, keeping the space clutter-free and maximizing functionality.

4 Functional & Stylish Design Tips

By carefully selecting appliances, incorporating shelving solutions, and adding practical yet decorative elements, you can create a space that is both efficient and visually appealing. Here are some expanded tips to help you achieve that balance:

1. Choosing the Right Appliances

Opt for sleek, modern appliances in neutral colors like stainless steel, black, or white to complement the industrial farmhouse aesthetic.

• Front-loading vs. Top-loading: Front-loading washers and dryers are ideal for maximizing space. You can stack them to free up floor space or place them side by side to create a counter for folding laundry. In contrast, top-loading appliances offer a more traditional feel and might suit your layout better if space isn't an issue.
• Appliance Colors: Stainless steel appliances add a modern, industrial touch that pairs well with raw materials like wood and metal. For a cohesive look, black or white appliances can also blend seamlessly into the room, especially if you’re aiming for a cleaner, minimalist design.

Practical Tip: To enhance the industrial look, consider adding a metal or wood frame around your appliances, creating a built-in feel that incorporates them more naturally into the room’s overall design.

2. Incorporating Open Shelving

Open shelving is a hallmark of industrial farmhouse style.

• Reclaimed Wood Shelves: Use reclaimed wood for your open shelves to add a touch of rustic charm. The natural imperfections and grain of the wood give the space character and warmth, especially when paired with dark metal brackets.
• Height Considerations: Install shelves at varying heights to store different items—higher shelves can hold baskets with extra linens, while lower shelves can store laundry essentials like detergent and softeners within easy reach.

Practical Tip: Add a bar under one of the shelves to hang freshly ironed clothes or garments that need to air dry. This maximizes functionality without taking up extra floor space.

3. Using Industrial Brackets

Industrial brackets are essential for supporting open shelves and adding a rugged, industrial touch.

• Metal Finishes: Choose dark metal finishes like black iron or weathered steel to complement the wood’s natural warmth. The contrast between metal and wood creates the signature industrial farmhouse aesthetic.
• Bracket Designs: You can opt for simple, angular brackets like our Lucas L Bracket for a clean look or choose more ornate brackets for a decorative twist that still feels rugged and industrial.

Practical Tip: Use heavier-duty brackets if you plan to store heavier items like detergent bottles or large baskets. This ensures your shelving remains both functional and safe while maintaining its stylish appeal.

4. Adding Functional Decor

Incorporate decor items that are both stylish and practical.

• Wire Baskets: Perfect for sorting laundry or storing supplies, wire baskets fit right into the industrial theme. You can also hang them from hooks or tuck them into open shelving for easy access to everyday essentials.
• Metal Signs: Label sections of your laundry room with vintage-inspired metal signs. Signs that say “Wash,” “Dry,” or “Fold” add both charm and clear functional zones within the room.
• Rustic Hooks: Use metal hooks along walls for hanging drying racks, laundry bags, or even wet clothes. They can also hold extra storage items like bags or brooms without cluttering your floor space.
• Vintage Lighting: Opt for industrial lighting fixtures such as gooseneck sconces, metal pendant lights, or Edison bulb chandeliers. These fixtures not only light up the room but also enhance the overall industrial farmhouse vibe.

Practical Tip: If space allows, install a retractable drying rack or a fold-down ironing board against one of the walls to keep everything neat and organized, but accessible when needed.

Practical Design for Different Laundry Room Layouts

Whether your laundry room is small or spacious, here are some specific layout ideas to maximize both style and function:

• Small Laundry Closet: In a smaller space, stack your washer and dryer to free up floor space. Add a single row of open shelving above the appliances for storage. Use wall hooks for hanging laundry bags or wet clothes and install a retractable drying line that can be pulled out when needed.

• Galley Laundry Room: For a narrow, galley-style room, place the washer and dryer side by side with open shelving above. Utilize the opposite wall for additional storage—install a countertop for folding laundry and add extra shelving or cabinets above.

• Laundry Room/Mudroom Combo: If your laundry room also functions as a mudroom, combine open shelving for laundry storage with closed cabinets for storing shoes, coats, and outdoor gear. Use a bench with built-in storage below, and add hooks for hanging coats or bags above the bench.

Practical Tip: No matter the layout, adding a durable area rug made of natural materials like jute or sisal can help soften the industrial feel of the room and protect the floor from heavy foot traffic.

DIY Projects for a Personal Touch

Add a personal touch to your laundry room with these DIY projects:

1. Custom Drying Rack: Create a wall-mounted drying rack using reclaimed wood and metal brackets for a functional and stylish solution.

2. Laundry Sorter: Build a laundry sorter using metal crates and industrial casters for easy mobility and rustic charm.

3. Ironing Station: Design an ironing station with a foldable ironing board attached to the wall using industrial hinges and supports.

4. Pegboard Organizer: Install a pegboard on one wall to organize and display laundry tools and supplies with metal hooks and baskets.

Designing an industrial farmhouse-inspired laundry room combines functionality with style, making everyday chores more enjoyable. By incorporating key elements like open shelving, industrial brackets, and practical decor, you can create a space that is both efficient and visually appealing. At Industrial Farmhouse Co., we're here to help you bring your design ideas to life with practical tips and inspiration. Happy designing!

Frequently Asked Questions on Designing an Industrial Farmhouse Laundry Room

How do I achieve an industrial look in my laundry room?

To achieve an industrial look, use raw materials such as wood and metal. Incorporate elements like reclaimed wood shelving, exposed metal brackets, and industrial fixtures like metal shelving and vintage-inspired lighting.

What color palette works best for an industrial farmhouse laundry room?

Stick to neutral tones such as white, black, gray, and natural wood finishes. Add warmth with wooden elements like countertops or shelving, and use black accents for contrast, such as black hardware, light fixtures, or window frames.

What type of fixtures should I choose?

Industrial fixtures such as metal shelving, barn doors, and vintage-style lighting enhance the aesthetic. Use barn doors to save space and metal shelving to keep things open and functional. Choose lighting with metal finishes and Edison bulbs to complement the industrial theme.

How can I add functional decor to my laundry room?

Incorporate wire baskets for storage, metal signs for labeling, and rustic hooks for hanging items like clothes or laundry bags. Vintage-style metal signs and wire baskets fit perfectly with the industrial look while also serving practical purposes.

What type of appliances should I use for an industrial farmhouse look?

Opt for sleek, modern appliances in neutral colors like stainless steel, black, or white. Front-loading washers and dryers are ideal for maximizing space and can be stacked or placed side by side, depending on your room layout.

What are the benefits of open shelving in a laundry room?

Open shelving creates a spacious and accessible environment. It’s perfect for displaying baskets, laundry supplies, and decorative items while maintaining functionality. Use reclaimed wood shelves and industrial metal brackets for both style and support.

How do I choose the right industrial brackets for my shelving?

Industrial brackets are essential for supporting open shelves. Choose dark metal finishes like black iron or weathered steel to match the industrial aesthetic. Heavier-duty brackets are ideal for heavier items like laundry detergent or large baskets.

What layout options work for small laundry rooms?

For small spaces, stack your washer and dryer to free up floor space. Install open shelving above for storage and consider wall-mounted hooks or a retractable drying line to maximize functionality.

How can I personalize my industrial farmhouse laundry room?

DIY projects like custom drying racks made from reclaimed wood, mobile laundry sorters with metal crates, or wall-mounted pegboards for organizing tools and supplies add a personal touch while enhancing the functionality of the room.

What lighting works best for an industrial farmhouse laundry room?

Vintage-inspired lighting like metal pendant lights, gooseneck sconces, or Edison bulb chandeliers work best. These fixtures not only provide ample light but also contribute to the overall industrial farmhouse aesthetic.