Laundry room curtain ideas can transform a cramped, cluttered space into a refreshing and functional area.
Those days are gone! I’ve spent years transforming these practical spaces into rooms that actually make you want to do laundry.
Okay, maybe that’s stretching it a bit, but at least they can look good while you’re sorting socks!
Today I’m sharing some curtain ideas that can completely transform your laundry space.
We’ll look at options for every budget, style, and space limitation.
I’ve tried many of these in my own home and for clients, and trust me, they make a huge difference!
16 Laundry Room Curtain Ideas For Every Style
We spend about 8 hours a week doing laundry, according to a recent study. That’s nearly 17 days a year.
That much time spent in one room shouldn’t it reflect your style and bring you a little joy?
Curtains are one of the quickest, most affordable ways to transform a laundry space without major renovations.
From hiding appliances to adding color, these fabric solutions can solve almost any laundry room dilemma.
Use Linen for the Airy Feel
Linen curtains bring such a light, breezy feel to laundry spaces.
I installed some in my laundry room last summer, and the difference was immediate.
Linen naturally lets light filter through while still providing some privacy. It also has this wonderful casual texture that keeps the space from feeling too formal or stuffy.
I found some pre-washed linen at a local fabric store and simply hemmed the edges.
You could also grab ready-made linen curtains from plenty of home stores if sewing isn’t your thing.
What I love most about linen is how it moves when there’s a breeze.
Curtain to Hide the Under-Counter
That awkward space under your laundry counter doesn’t need to be a dust collector or a jumble of cleaning supplies.
I helped a friend tackle this problem last year.
We installed a simple tension rod and hung a pretty patterned curtain that matched her wall color.
Behind that curtain, she organized all her detergents, stain removers, and dryer sheets in clear bins. Now everything stays dust-free but is still easy to access.
The great thing about under-counter curtains is that you can change them seasonally or when you get bored.
Hang Sheer Curtains for the Natural Light
Laundry rooms often get stuck in dark corners or windowless spaces, which can make them feel like sad little caves.
If you’re lucky enough to have a window, sheer curtains are your best friend.
They let all that gorgeous natural light filter through while still providing a bit of privacy from neighbours.
I put white sheers in my laundry room window, and it completely changed how the space feels.
The light bounces around and makes the white appliances look crisp and clean instead of stark.
Try layering sheers with thicker side panels if you want options for privacy while still keeping that light-filled feeling.
Use the Curtains as the Divider
Not everyone has a dedicated laundry room.
Lots of us have laundry areas that share space with kitchens, bathrooms, or hallways.
My sister has her washer and dryer in a kitchen alcove.
We hung a ceiling track and attached a gorgeous navy blue curtain that she can pull closed when guests come over.
When it’s just family around, she leaves it open for easy access.
Just make sure you choose a heavier fabric that won’t billow every time someone walks by or the dryer vent kicks on.
Conceal Your Washer and Dryer
Not a fan of seeing those big metal machines all the time? Curtains to the rescue!
I’ve done this in several client homes, especially for those with older appliances that don’t match or have seen better days.
You’ll need a sturdy curtain rod installed above your washer and dryer.
Then hang curtains that are long enough to reach the floor. When closed, they completely hide the appliances, creating a cleaner look.
The trick is to make sure the curtains can be fully pushed to the sides when you need to access the machines.
I like to use tie-backs or hooks to hold them open during laundry days.
This works incredibly well in spaces where your laundry area is visible from living spaces. One minute it’s a laundry room, the next it’s just a stylish fabric feature!
Cover up your Open Shelving
Open shelving in laundry room looks amazing in design magazines, where everything is perfectly matched in pretty containers.
Curtains hung below open shelving can hide all those mismatched detergent bottles, stray socks, and cleaning supplies that don’t need to be on display.
I helped a client with this last month. She had beautiful wood shelving but hated seeing all her laundry supplies out in the open.
We used small tension rods between the shelf supports and hung simple white curtains with a subtle pattern.
This approach works best with lightweight fabrics that won’t sag over time.
Use it as a Window Treatment for Privacy
Laundry room windows often face driveways, neighbours’ houses, or busy sidewalks.
Nobody needs to watch you folding underwear!
I’m a big fan of Roman shades in laundry rooms.
They’re compact, won’t get in the way of your workspace, and look tailored even in small windows.
For a budget option, fabric roller shades do the job perfectly.
You can even DIY them with pretty fabric and an inexpensive roller shade kit from the hardware store.
Remember that laundry rooms tend to get humid, so choose fabrics that can handle moisture without warping or developing mildew.
Polyester blends usually work well.
Add the Boho Touch with Macrames
Macrame isn’t just for living rooms! These woven beauties like tapestries and macrame bring wonderful texture to laundry spaces.
Last year, I hung a macrame curtain panel in my small laundry window, and it filters the light in such a beautiful way.
The shadows it casts across the floor make even laundry folding feel a bit magical.
You can find ready-made macrame curtains online or at boho-style home stores.Â
If you’re crafty, there are tons of DIY tutorials out there, too.
The great thing about macrame is that it adds visual interest without blocking much light.
Hang it as a Backdrop for the Laundry Nook
If your washer and dryer are in a hallway nook or other exposed area, a backdrop curtain can create the feeling of a dedicated space.
Hanging a curtain behind the machines created a visual separation that made a huge difference.
Choose a fabric that complements both rooms it touches.
The curtain also helps hide outlet cords and the water hookups, which are never particularly attractive features.
This is such an easy weekend project, but it makes your home feel more intentionally designed rather than just making do with the layout you have.
Create an Ironing Station with Curtains
This might be my favorite laundry room hack ever! An ironing station hidden behind curtains.
My neighbour’s laundry room had a narrow wall that wasn’t being used effectively. We mounted a fold-down ironing board to the wall, then installed a curtain rod above it.
When the ironing board is folded up, the curtains can be closed, and nobody sees it. When needed to iron, just pull back the curtains and fold down the board.
Behind the board, I added a small shelf for the iron and spray bottles.
This setup saves so much space compared to storing a full ironing board somewhere.
Use Cafe Curtains to Add Vintage Charm
Cafe curtains hit the sweet spot between privacy and light. They cover just the bottom half of windows, letting plenty of sunlight stream in from the top.
I put cafe curtains in my mom’s laundry room renovation last year. She has a window that faces her garden but is at eye level with the path to the backyard.
The cafe curtains give her privacy while she works, but still connect the space to her beautiful yard.
We chose a vintage-inspired floral pattern that makes the whole room feel cheerful.
For extra charm, try adding a valance across the top or choosing curtains with pom-pom or rickrack trim.
Create a Temporary Laundry Space
Not everyone has a permanent laundry room.
I worked with a client who had her washer in her bathroom.
We installed a ceiling-mounted hospital track (they’re surprisingly affordable online) and hung curtains that could completely surround the machine when needed.
When she’s not doing laundry, she pushes the curtains back, and the bathroom feels normal sized again.
When laundry day comes, she pulls them closed to keep the moisture and lint contained.
This approach works in hallways, kitchens, or any shared space where you’d like to visually separate your laundry area from the rest of your home.
Use Curtains to Hide Drying Racks
Air-drying clothes saves energy and keeps delicates looking better longer, but drying racks aren’t exactly decorative items.
In my laundry room, I installed a ceiling-mounted drying rack that can be pulled up when not in use.
Then I added a curtain that can be drawn around it when clothes are hanging.
This setup lets air circulate around the clothes while keeping them out of sight.
It’s especially nice when guests come over unexpectedly and I’ve got underwear hanging everywhere!
If you don’t have ceiling height for this, a corner drying area with a curved shower rod and curtain works just as well.
Hang Curtains Under the Sink
The curtain lets air flow through while keeping everything dust-free, unlike cabinet doors, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
For my sister’s laundry room, I went with a washable cotton duck fabric that can stand up to occasional splashes.
If your sink ever leaks, you’ll want something that dries quickly and won’t be ruined by water spots.
This is such an inexpensive fix, but it makes the whole room look more finished and thoughtfully designed.
Add Colour or Pattern to Neutral Rooms
Laundry rooms are often the most boring, neutral spaces in our homes.
White appliances, white walls, maybe some Brown or beige thrown in for “excitement.”
Curtains are the perfect low-commitment way to experiment with color and pattern!
My laundry room started as a beige box. I added curtains in a bright teal turquoise geometric pattern, and suddenly the space had personality.
If you’re color-shy, start with a pattern that incorporates your existing neutral with just a pop of color. You can always go bolder with your next curtain update.
Bamboo Blinds for Eco-Friendly Vibe
For a natural, eco-friendly look in your laundry space, bamboo blinds or curtains are perfect.
I installed these in my laundry room last spring, and they bring such wonderful texture and warmth to what was previously a cold-feeling space.
Bamboo naturally filters light beautifully, creating a soft glow rather than harsh sunshine or complete darkness.
These work especially well if your decor style leans toward natural, bohemian, or coastal themes. They pair beautifully with plants, which can thrive in laundry rooms with all that ambient humidity.
The best part? Bamboo is sustainable and durable, standing up well to the moisture in laundry areas without warping or developing mildew like some wood products might.
Try pairing bamboo blinds with simple fabric side panels if you want the option for complete privacy sometimes.
Conclusion
Laundry rooms don’t have to be the forgotten, purely functional spaces in our homes! With some thoughtfully chosen curtains, you can transform yours into a space that reflects your style while solving practical problems.
I’ve tried most of these ideas in either my own home or client projects, and the difference is always amazing. The best part? Unlike major renovations, curtains are relatively inexpensive and easy to change when you want a fresh look.
Start with one area that bothers you most about your laundry space. Maybe it’s hiding those appliances or adding privacy to a window. Once you see how much difference that first curtain makes, you might find yourself inspired to tackle the rest of the room!
What’s your biggest laundry room challenge? I bet there’s a curtain solution for it! Let me know if you try any of these ideas or if you have questions about making them work in your space.
Now if only curtains could actually fold the laundry for us… a girl can dream!
