Traditional laundry hampers solve one problem while creating another—they’re always visible.
For years, I tried woven baskets, fabric bins, and decorative hampers, hoping I’d eventually find one that looked nice enough to leave in our bedroom. No matter what I bought, it still looked like…a laundry hamper.
When we designed our bedroom cabinetry, I decided to stop searching for a prettier basket and hide the laundry altogether.
Instead of traditional hampers, we built pull-out drawers with removable laundry bins inside. From the outside, they look like ordinary cabinet drawers. Inside, they hold our everyday laundry.
It’s one of the simplest upgrades we’ve made, and I wouldn’t design another bedroom without it.
Why I Stopped Using Laundry Hampers
Laundry hampers always seemed to create more visual clutter than they solved.
They took up floor space, collected dust underneath, and somehow always looked overflowing—even when they weren’t completely full.
Our goal was simple: create a bedroom that felt calm and restful. That meant hiding everyday clutter instead of decorating around it.
Why Hidden Laundry Drawers Work Better
They hide the mess.
When the drawers are closed, dirty laundry disappears with them. The room instantly feels cleaner without changing our daily routine.
They make sorting easier.
We use multiple drawers, making it easy to separate laundry as we go instead of sorting everything on laundry day.
They become furniture.
Instead of losing floor space to a hamper, the cabinetry also gives us a beautiful countertop that can be used for folding clothes, packing for trips, or simply displaying a few thoughtfully chosen pieces.
The bins lift right out.
Each drawer holds a removable laundry bin, so carrying clothes to the washing machine is just as easy as using a traditional hamper.
Hidden Function
One of my favorite design principles is what I call Hidden Function.
The best storage solutions aren’t always the ones you notice first—they’re the ones quietly making everyday life easier behind the scenes.
Whether it’s hidden pantry storage, charging drawers, interior cabinet drawers, or these hidden laundry hampers, I believe beautiful homes should work just as beautifully as they look.
This Idea Isn’t Just for Bedrooms
Although we built these into our bedroom cabinetry, I think hidden laundry drawers work just as well in other spaces throughout the home.
Primary Bedrooms
Replace freestanding hampers with hidden drawers for a cleaner, more peaceful bedroom.
Kids’ Bedrooms
Separate drawers make sorting laundry simple while encouraging kids to put dirty clothes away.
Walk-In Closets
Custom closet cabinetry is the perfect place to hide everyday laundry while keeping the space looking clean and organized.
Laundry Rooms
If I were designing a laundry room today, I’d skip freestanding baskets altogether.
Instead, I’d build deep pull-out drawers into the base cabinets with removable laundry bins inside. You gain a folding counter above while keeping dirty clothes hidden until wash day.
Mudrooms
Hidden laundry drawers are also perfect for muddy clothes, sports uniforms, beach towels, or anything that tends to pile up near the door.
Would I Build Them Again?
Without question.
They’re not the flashiest feature in our home, and that’s exactly why I love them.
The best design decisions aren’t always the ones guests notice—they’re the ones that make everyday life feel easier.
Replacing our laundry hampers with hidden drawers made our bedroom feel calmer, cleaner, and far more functional. It’s one of those upgrades that proves beautiful design isn’t about adding more. It’s about designing smarter.
Shop This Project
If you’re planning something similar, these are the two products that made this project possible:
- IKEA SEKTION Base Cabinet
- IKEA MAXIMERA High Drawers
- Custom Felt Drawer Inserts from Etsy (12Wx24Dx12H)
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, love, or would recommend to family and friends. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Free Resource
If you’re trying to create a home that feels calmer and more intentional, download my free guide:
The Buying Filter
Five questions to run before anything new comes into your home. If it doesn’t pass the filter, it doesn’t come home.
Ready to Go Further?
If you enjoyed this project, you’ll love my complete guide:
30 Things I Stopped Buying That Saved Me Thousands
Inside, I share the buying framework I use before bringing anything into our home, along with the swaps that have made the biggest difference in our space.
You May Also Like
- Function First, Beauty Second
- How I Created Pantry Space Without a Pantry
- Why Drawers Beat Baskets Every Time
Love,
Pepper