DIY Laundry Room Makeover on a Budget -Under $200

Our builder-grade laundry room didn’t exactly inspire organization. Ours came with a single 11-inch MDF board they called a “shelf”—and that was it. At first, we tried to manage with baskets, but it didn’t take long before the space turned into a pile of cleaning tools, supplies, and chaos.

I wanted a clean, organized look with cabinets and hidden storage—but without spending a fortune. So I challenged myself to complete a full laundry room makeover for under $200… even during peak material prices.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

Before
After

Project Snapshot / Quick Facts

Skill Level: Intermediate
Time Required: 2-3 Weekends
Cost: ~$200–300

Materials & Tools You Absolutely Need for a Laundry Room Makeover

Materials

Used wall cabinets (Facebook Marketplace)
2×3 studs (for framing closet)
OSB boards/ Drywall (for closet walls)
Pine boards (for shelf)
Wood stain + polyurethane
Peel & stick wallpaper (I used this from Amazon)
Closet doors (louvered style)
Cabinet hardware
Crown molding

Tools

Drill
Circular saw or miter saw
Sander
Paint sprayer (or roller)
Level
Measuring tape
Safety Gear (My pink PPE from Amazon)

Laundry Room Makeover (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Plan and Design Laundry Room Layout

Before diving in I assessed what wasn’t working: No storage, cleaning tools piled in corners, only one flimsy shelf. The goal was to add cabinets for hidden storage, create space for cleaning tools and improve overall look without overspending.

Step 2: Install Affordable Cabinets

Cabinets can easily blow your budget—but this is where patience pays off. I checked Facebook Marketplace daily for several weeks and finally found used stock cabinets at a fraction of retail cost.

To refresh them: I lightly sanded them and applied a fresh coat of paint (spray gun for smooth finish) and added new hardware. Once installed above the washer and dryer, it instantly upgraded the space and provided much-needed storage.

Step 3: Build a Cleaning Tools Closet

To hide bulky items like vacuum, broom and mop, I built a small closet. For the Framing I used 2×3 studs to frame a narrow enclosure. For the wall I used leftover OSB boards and smoothed the surface using joint compound. This was very labor intensive, it probably would have been easier and still cost efficient to simply buy a sheet of drywall instead.

Picture shows wall cabinets in the laundry room and a closet under construction

Step 4: Install Closet Doors for a Clean Look

To finish the closet I found plantation-style louvered doors on Facebook Marketplace. These are perfect for a small space like this, as they allow light and airflow (perfect for damp items). This step really transformed the space from DIY to polished.

Step 5: Build a Simple Laundry Room Shelf

I originally wanted a countertop—but due to the dryer setup, it wasn’t practical. So instead, I built a simple wood shelf above the washer and dryer using leftover 2×12 pine boards from out patio. I stained it with Ebony wood stain and applied oil-based polyurethane as a sealant. I made the shelf freestanding to allow for easy removal when accessing appliances.

Step 6: Add Backsplash & Functional Details

To improve the wall behind the machines I covered the textured drywall with peel-and-stick wallpaper. This was much cheaper than tile, aasy to install and adds visual interest. Then I added a wooden rod between closet and shelf → drying rack and a simple wall hook → ironing board storage.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

To complete the makeover I installed crown molding for a built-in look. We also updated the light fixture and added minor decor and organization hacks for a clean, cohesive feel. These small upgrades made a big difference in the final result.

Now we have hidden storage for cleaning tools, Organized cabinets and a clean, intentional design. And best of all—it stayed well under budget.

DIY Laundry Room Makeover Q&A, Pro Tips

Q: Why use Billy bookcases instead of custom cabinetry?
A: Cost and flexibility. They’re affordable, adjustable, and easy to modify.

Q: Do mason jars really hold up long term?
A: Yes. They’re durable, dishwasher-safe, don’t fade, and resist cracking far better than many plastic containers.

Q: How do you keep it organized long term?
A: Category-based shelving and refill bins make maintenance simple. Once jars run low, refill from backup storage.

Looking for more organization and storage upgrades? Check out my related projects:

Shop the Look

Check out all of my home organization finds on Amazon

DIY Laundry Room Makeover on a Budget: From Cluttered to Clean for Under $200

Project Snapshot / Quick Facts