Small Laundry Room Makeover Reveal: How We Hid a Furnace & Transformed Our Space

We transformed our small laundry room into a glamorous and functional space—hiding an unsightly furnace, breaker box, and hot water tank while upgrading appliances, maximizing storage, and giving it serious style. Learn how we did it, how much it cost, and what we’d change if we did it again.

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Why We Remodeled Our Laundry Room

Our laundry room had always been more of a utility zone than a functional, attractive space. With a furnace, breaker box, and hot water tank fully exposed, it felt cluttered and unfinished. We knew it was time for a serious makeover—not just for aesthetics, but to improve the way we used the space every day.

One of our main goals was to hide the furnace in a way that was safe and code-compliant. We also needed to conceal the unsightly breaker and cable box without sacrificing accessibility. Another big decision was replacing our traditional hot water tank with a compact tankless water heater, freeing up valuable square footage.

We also wanted to switch from a stacked washer and dryer to a side-by-side configuration, which would give us better functionality—but required a complete rethinking of the layout.

Making all of these changes work in our existing, limited footprint took careful planning. We went through several different layout designs before we landed on the one that balanced efficiency, safety, and style. It was a puzzle—but once everything clicked into place, the results were absolutely worth it.

The of the Biggest Challenges: Hiding the Furnace (and Making It Work)

Can you hide a furnace in a laundry room?
Yes—and we did it safely and stylishly.

We built a custom closet around the furnace and hot water tank, using free hanging barn doors which provided us with proper airflow. We consulted a plumber for the water heater upgrade and ensured access for HVAC maintenance.

Here’s what worked:

• Installed free swinging barn doors to allow ventilation
• Used fire-rated drywall
• Replaced the hot water tank with a Navien tankless heater (huge space saver!)
• Moved our utility sink inside the closet

👉 Pro Tip: Always check local building codes and consult professionals when enclosing mechanical equipment.

Clever Way to Hide the Breaker Box

One of our favorite features? A narrow, custom-built cabinet that conceals both the fuse box and cable panel—with a tiny footprint but a big visual impact.

Storage That Works (Even with Less Space)

We actually have less cabinet volume than before—but everything feels more organized.

Why?

• Ceiling-height custom cabinets
• Open closet shelving (now includes a hanging rod for drying)
• Rolling cart potential for flexible overflow
• New shelving next to the sink for storing frequently used supplies
• Baskets and bins for organizing by zone

Decor & Design: Turning Utility Into Glamour

We wanted this room to feel elevated, and we achieved that through thoughtful design details:

Element	Choice
Wallpaper	Peel-and-stick from Love vs. Design in Vintage Peonies / Aegean
Cabinet Color	Sherwin Williams SW7602 Indigo Batik
Hardware & Lighting	Satin brass throughout
Flooring	Lifeproof Vinyl in Driftwood Beach – waterproof + scratch resistant
Accent Wall	Vertical white shiplap + open wood shelving
Countertops	Bright white quartz for clean, reflective style

✨ The combo of navy blue cabinetry, brass details, and floral wallpaper gives this small room unexpected elegance.

How Much Did Our Laundry Room Makeover Cost?

Our Laundry remodel was on the high-end for this type of project. Even though we DIYed much of the work we took the space down to the studs, moved plumping, and electricity. We also purchased all new appliances and used custom cabinets. We also bartered or were gifted some of the high-ticket items. But here is a realistic breakdown of what it would have cost if we paid it all out of pocket.

Item	Cost
Washer & Dryer	$1,600*
Custom Cabinets	$6,000*
Countertop	$1,200
Wallpaper	$210*
Lighting	$145
Flooring	$400
Closet Doors & Track	$600*
Sink & Faucet	$380
Paint & Drywall	$175
Misc. Plumbing/Electrical	$400
Floating Shelves	$80
Hardware	$29
Estimated Labor (if outsourced)	$6,000–$10,000

Total Estimated Cost: $17,619+
*Bartered, gifted, or self-installed

🧠 Budget Tip: Cabinets, appliances, and layout changes drive up cost. But updating lighting, paint, and hardware can deliver dramatic results for much less.

FAQs: Hiding Furnaces in Laundry Rooms

Is it safe to enclose a furnace?
Yes—if you allow proper ventilation, ensure service access, and follow code.

Can a tankless water heater save space?
Absolutely. Ours dramatically reduced clutter and boosted efficiency.

Do I need a permit to remodel a laundry room?
If you’re moving plumbing or enclosing HVAC systems, check your local regulations.

Post-Makeover Updates: Even More Functionality

Since completing our laundry room remodel, we’ve made a few thoughtful additions that make the space even more functional:

• ✅ A hanging rod inside the closet – Perfect for air-drying delicates or hanging clothes straight from the washer. It’s discreet, efficient, and takes advantage of vertical space.
• ✅ A small shelving unit next to the sink – This addition holds laundry essentials like detergent, dryer sheets, and stain removers. It keeps everything within arm’s reach and organized.

These small changes continue to prove that even the tiniest laundry rooms can evolve with your needs over time.

Laundry Room Remodel Tips

If you’re planning a makeover, ask yourself:

• What functions do I need this space to serve?
• What must be stored—and how often do I access it?
• How do I want the room to feel?

Even though we’re both experienced (I’m a trained designer and “Handy” is a contractor), we still bring in pros for large or technical projects.

Other Helpful Posts:

• Budget-Friendly Cosmetic Reno Ideas
• Creative Cabinet Storage Hacks
• How We Designed Our Dream Kitchen

What’s Up Next

Shortly after this project we did a complete remodel of my den/office/guest room… right now we are working on a huge project outside. Click HERE to see what we are up to!

Peace and Love,