Utility room ideas

Here's how to carve out a useful space for washing, ironing and muddy-boot-dumping, in even the smallest of corners.

Laundry is taking over

Especially in winter it can feel like every room with a radiator is a slave to the laundry cycle. With some simple storage you can create an efficient, even enviable, laundry station, ready to tackle any crumple, stain and tissue explosion life throws at you.

• Shop laundry room essentials

Rubbish and recycling is piling up

While it's totally worth it, splitting out your waste into different recycling types soon takes up space. But while it's tricky to make bins especially stylish, you can make your waste disposal beautifully efficient with some nifty and compact designs.

• Shop recycling storage

You're always hunting down lost shoes...

Families (or one shoe lover) can accumulate piles and piles of pairs, which often end up collecting at doorways. Keeping your footwear organised (and easily findable) will neaten up your entrances and speed up exits out the door.

• Shop shoe storage

Clothes airers

Laundry baskets

Ironing boards

Laundry accessories

Shop All Products

Slim storage

Folding clothes airer

Overdoor storage

Include open shelving

It works really well in practical spaces as you can see where everything is without having to open and close doors - you can always add storage baskets to keep smaller items together.

• Shop open shelves

Replace product packaging

Keep washing powder, pegs or pocket-clutter (loose change, hair grips and LEGO bricks are the usual culprits) in storage jars or baskets. They'll keep surfaces tidy for a more polished look.

• Shop laundry jars

Create a lost sock station

We love this. Attach a couple of pegs to a flat surface so you can store missing socks until they're reunited with their partner. A pin board or small storage basket would work just as well.

• Shop pegs

Even the most practical of spaces can be inspired by your favourite looks. If your kitchen has a rustic country-style, choose wicker baskets and wooden storage. More modern? Go for cool greys and metallic finishes. Here are some of our favourite themes:

Country

Contemporary

Scandi

Get your storage sorted

There’s never enough storage. Get creative with these storage solutions for every room.

• Check out our storage ideas

Household cleaning 101

Want to deep clean but don't know where to start? Begin here.

• Let's get cleaning