Open vs. Closed Storage: What’s Best for Your Laundry Room?

When planning a laundry renovation, you may have to choose between open and closed storage. The right storage solution can make a significant difference in how functional, organised, and visually appealing your laundry room is. But which option is best for your space?

Let’s explore the pros and cons of open and closed storage to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Open and Closed Storage?

Before we dive into the benefits and drawbacks of each, what is the difference between these two storage styles:

• Open Storage: Open shelves, racks, or cubbies that provide easy access to laundry essentials. These can be floating shelves, wall-mounted racks, or open cubbies.
• Closed Storage: Cabinets, drawers, or enclosed cupboards that keep items hidden behind doors, offering a sleek and tidy look.

Each storage type has its own advantages and is better suited to different needs and preferences. Let’s break it down.

Open Storage

PROS OF OPEN STORAGE 

Easy Access & Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of open storage is its accessibility. Everything you need, whether it is detergent, fabric softener, or baskets can be grabbed quickly without opening and closing doors. This is especially useful in high-traffic homes where efficiency is key.

Creates a Spacious & Airy Feel
Open shelving can make a small laundry room feel larger by reducing the visual bulk of cabinets. If you’re working with limited space, open storage can prevent the room from feeling cramped.

Aesthetic Appeal
Open shelving allows you to display stylish storage baskets, jars for laundry powders, and decorative touches like plants or framed prints. If done correctly, it can turn a functional space into a design feature.

Cost-Effective
Compared to closed cabinetry, open shelves are generally more budget-friendly. If you’re looking to save money on your laundry renovation, opting for open storage can help reduce costs.

Encourages Organisation
Since everything is visible, it forces you to keep items neatly arranged. This can be beneficial for maintaining an organised and clutter-free laundry space.

CONS OF OPEN STORAGE

Prone to Dust & Lint Build-Up
One downside of open shelving is that it tends to collect dust and lint more easily, especially in a laundry room where fabric particles circulate in the air. Regular cleaning is necessary to keep the shelves looking clean.

Can Look Cluttered
If not styled properly, open storage can quickly appear messy. Unlike cabinets, which can hide miscellaneous items, open shelves put everything on display, so they require consistent upkeep.

Limited Concealment for Less Aesthetic Items

Let’s be honest, some laundry supplies aren’t exactly Instagram-worthy. Bulky detergent bottles, cleaning sprays, or miscellaneous household items may not fit into your aesthetic vision when displayed openly.

Closed Storage

Pros of Closed Storage

Clutter-Free & Organised Appearance
With everything tucked away behind doors, closed storage creates a seamless and tidy look. If you prefer a minimalist aesthetic, cabinets and drawers will help you achieve a sleek and polished laundry space.

Protects Items from Dust & Lint
Enclosed cabinets keep your laundry supplies clean and dust-free, reducing the need for frequent dusting and maintenance.

Better for Hiding Everyday Essentials
Not everything needs to be on display. Closed storage is ideal for keeping bulky detergent bottles, cleaning supplies, and extra towels out of sight while maintaining a sleek appearance.

Increases Home Value
Built-in cabinets provide a high-end, custom feel that can add value to your home. If you’re planning to sell in the future, a well-organised laundry room with closed storage can be a great selling point.

Child & Pet Safety
If you have young children or pets, closed storage is the safer option for storing potentially harmful cleaning products and chemicals. Lockable cabinets add an extra layer of security.

Cons of Closed Storage

Higher Cost
Custom cabinetry and enclosed storage solutions are typically more expensive than open shelving. If you’re on a tight budget, this might not be the most cost-effective option.

Less Accessible
Having to open and close cabinet doors can be less convenient when you’re in a hurry. It also means that frequently used items aren’t always within easy reach.

Can Feel Heavy in Small Spaces
Closed storage can make a compact laundry room feel more enclosed, especially if the cabinets are dark-colored or bulky. To avoid this, opt for light-colored finishes or glass-front doors to maintain an open feel.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between open and closed storage depends on your personal preferences, space, and lifestyle. Here’s how to decide:

Choose Open Storage If You:

• Want a budget-friendly solution
• Prefer a more open and airy feel
• Like to display decorative baskets and jars
• Need quick access to laundry essentials

Choose Closed Storage If You:

• Prefer a clutter-free and seamless look
• Want to protect items from dust and lint
• Need to store bulkier items or cleaning supplies
• Have young children or pets and need to store away cleaning supplies

The Best of Both Worlds: A Combination of Open and Closed Storage

If you’re struggling to choose between open and closed storage, why not combine both? Many homeowners find that a mix of the two offers the best balance of function and style.

• Use open shelves for frequently used items like detergent and fabric softener.
• Install closed cabinets for less attractive items, bulk storage, or hazardous chemicals.
• Incorporate baskets and bins on open shelves to maintain a tidy look while still keeping things accessible.
• Consider glass-front cabinets as a hybrid solution that provides some concealment while maintaining an airy feel.

Conclusion

Both open and closed storage have their own unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs. If you prioritise accessibility and budget-friendliness, open shelving might be the way to go. If you prefer a clean, polished look with better concealment, closed cabinets will be the best solution. Or, for the perfect blend of function and style, a combination of both might be the ideal solution.

No matter what you choose, thoughtful storage planning will ensure your laundry room is both practical and visually appealing.