Laundry Basket Dresser 1

I’m a DIY enthusiast and a cleaning freak. When I found that our laundry baskets were spread everywhere, I became annoyed and decided to wear my DIY hat and pulled my sleeves up.

If you’re excited to give your laundry baskets a redo and create a laundry basket dresser with actual drawers for your home, then this experiment will leave you elated.

You can stick it into a closet, in the garage or even in the hallway, it will look great and tidy!

Let’s say good bye to dirty laundry everywhere.

90L Large Storage Bags
  • 6 Pack Clothes Storage Bins Foldable Closet Organizers Storage Containers with Durable Handle for Clothing, Blanket, Comforters, Bed Sheets, Pillows and Toys (Gray)
Check Price

Materials

Note: If you trust your Lowes or Home Depot to cut your boards straight, you can have them make all the plywood cuts. If not, just follow the plans and rip them down yourself with a table saw.

Pocket Hole Jig Kit
  • Professional and Upgraded All-Metal Pocket Screw Jig.
Check Price

How To Make A Laundry Basket Dresser?

Step 1: Preparation

So I have been a long time fan of Ana-White. My very first project I attempted from Ana was her laundry basket dresser.

I remember how scared I was to make this thinking I could never build something.

Well, this little laundry basket dresser started my love for building.

The only problem with Ana’s plans was that I needed my laundry baskets to slide in lengthwise and not widthwise like her plan outlined.

I also was scared of metal angles like Ana did, so I just cut lengths of 1” x 2” down to size with my chop saw and screwed them in.

.

Step 2: Add casters

I also added casters so I can move the dresser easily and get all the dust bunnies from behind it with the vacuum when I need to. 

Luckily, my husband is way smarter than I am and was able to figure out the measurements I would need.

So, in case you have been drooling over these babies, I thought I would offer you the measurements as well for the baskets to slide in lengthwise.

casters

Step 3: Paint it

A coat of primer and a coat of light gray paint that I had in my stash, and we were in business! I had the perfect spot for it right next to the dryer. I am so excited to use it and help keep my laundry contained.

Note: You can change the color of the paint based on your interest. I love things around me in white, and hence, I chose an equivalent color scheme. 

laundry basket dresser unpainted
how to build a laundry basket dresser

Step 4: Get set for laundry day

This is just absolutely perfect for my weekly laundry day.

I simply fold all the clothes, and my kids and hubby grab their baskets and put them away. 

 

dresser for laundry

 

laundry room
rolling laundry basket dresser

If you would like to make your own Laundry Basket Dresser, I have made a Step-By-Step guide for you.

Download the Pdf with instructions here

For more laundry room DIY, check out these projects!

Slim Rolling Laundry Cart

free plans for a slim rolling cart

How Much Does It Cost To Make A Laundry Basket Dresser?

It costs roughly $200-$250 to make a three-level laundry basket dresser. Based on the color, pattern, number of levels, and material you choose, the cost can vary. 

Though my design was similar to Ana’s in many aspects, I went one step ahead to customize some designs, and this increased my expenses by a little over 200 USD. 

If you’re looking at cutting costs further, you can look for more ideas for laundry basket dressers on Amazon or Ikea and alter the design. 

Tips For Making A Laundry Basket Holder

Making a DIY laundry basket dresser can be fun, but you need to ensure that the outcome is as desired. 

  • You can go ahead with second-hand plywood if you’re running short of budget. 
  • Measure the space available and then set the dresser’s dimensions accordingly. Otherwise, it can be tough to fit it in. 
  • If you’re unsure about leaving it open, you may have to increase plywood numbers and purchase a handle. Perhaps, it takes no time to build a laundry basket dresser with doors or shelves. 

What is the difference between a laundry basket and a laundry hamper?

First of all, a laundry hamper is typically a freestanding basket-like container made out of wicker or plastic. It is often square or round in shape and has two handles for carrying it. A laundry basket is also typically made out of wicker or plastic, but it usually comes with an added feature – a lid. This makes it easier to transport the dirty clothes without spilling them everywhere.

Laundry hampers are usually taller than laundry baskets, making them better suited for storing more items at once.

Can you leave wet clothes in hamper?

My kids leave the wet towels every single time 🙁 so you gotta be quick and wash them as quickly as you can.

It is generally not recommended to leave wet clothes in a hamper for an extended period of time. Wet clothes can develop mold and mildew, which can cause them to smell bad and can be difficult to remove.

If your hamper has no holes, leaving wet clothes in it can cause the hamper itself to become moldy. It is best to wash or dry the clothes as soon as possible after they become wet.

Where do most people keep their laundry basket?

Typically, you tend to keep your laundry basket in a convenient location. Mine is next to the washing machine, for example. Most common places are:

  • In the bathroom: This is a common location, especially if the bathroom has a designated laundry area.
  • In the bedroom: People often keep their laundry basket in their bedroom, either in a closet or near their dresser.
  • In the laundry room: For those who have a dedicated laundry room, the laundry basket is often stored in that area.
  • In the basement or garage: For people who have limited space in their home, they may choose to keep their laundry basket in the basement or garage.

Ultimately, the location of the laundry basket depends on individual preferences and the layout of the home.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial and that the specifications, if not matching your needs, can be tweaked to help you build your own.

Maybe you need a different size and have more imagination to add accessories in case you place them in a kids room for example.

Check out my Laundry Systems That Actually Work.

Definition of Laundry Sign

laundry sign diy plans

 

Similar Posts

78 Comments

  1. Good job! I may have to make this one. I m a build from scratch girl. I’ve one the bed and spa bench from her site. Now I am refinishing my kitchen cabinets, thanks to a certain blogger. (you!)

  2. “Fear is in the eye of the beholder” meaning, we do all have different fears. You did it, now I bet we see some more hefty projects from here. Can’t wait! 🙂

  3. thats a great idea! love it! …..gives me an idea for my laundry room too….a place for me to put my garmets that need dry cleaning or delicate wash so they’re not shoved in the regular basket of dirty clothes. thanks for posting!

  6. You are right, it does seem scary to try and take something like this on. And this exact piece has been on my pinterest board as well. Your tutorial makes its seem a BIT less scary especially since they will cut the wood for me at Home Depot. Maybe I could try it over Spring Break? Thanks for the inspiration!

  9. Beckie I am so with you! I remember back to her very original blog header and very few followers. I would tell everyone about her site, and they thought I was crazy. But now you cant open pinterest without seeing something from her site! Love her! We have built doll furniture, but I am needing to build these laundry dressers asap! Thank you so much for sharing!!

  10. I love the ideas that make some everyday object so functional and nice at the same time. Those are the bits that make life better.

  11. Quick question, does it cost extra to have home depot cut the wood for you? I have a table saw but I have never used it and my hubby won’t be back until summer, but I really want to make this!

  14. Pingback: Best In Show

  18. What a great idea, thank you. I pinned it 5 min ago and it has already been repined 16 times. Now i just need to show it to my husband and hope…thank you also for the link to Anna White website.

  20. Oh, how I love Anna White! I’ve been eyeing these plans for some time…You are lucky to have room in your laundry for it!

  25. I love this! Trying to figure out what to store the laundry baskets is always a problem for us, and they always seem to get in the way. I never thought about them having their own little cubby. Thanks for sharing another option for holding them too. 🙂

  26. Pingback: Get Organzied -- 21 DIY Organizing Ideas. Spring Cleaning Ideas.

  27. This just made me super excited about my laundry and I’m sure the hubs will be glad to have the piles of (clean) laundry off the floor. Can’t wait to make this! You did a fantastic job. It looks wonderful!

  28. Pingback: Friday Faves | One Lucky Mom

  29. I like the look of the wood instead of metal for the baskets to slide on, but I am wondering how it actually works. Does it slide easily? Does paint flake off when you slide the baskets over the wood? Thank you

  30. I absolutely loved this idea to pick up my grandson’s toys in my living room quick and easy. I “thought” most of the projects on Ana’s site are meant to be inexpensive. Went to Lowe’s yesterday and had them make all the cuts by your laundry bin, which I liked better out of the 3/4 in plywood you suggested and am very unhappy to report that I am going to have almost $75 in this “toybox” by the time I buy the baskets. That’s not counting the screws and paint I already have. 🙁 I could’ve bought a laundry sorter and toybox for that. We’ll see when it’s put together today, but will definitely be checking out the total cost before attempting anything like this again!!!

  31. Yah wood sure is expensive. I think I spent about that too, however I was okay with it because all the sorters I have seen before just don’t have the durability that this has. I hope you are happy with it.

  32. I LOVE THIS!!! I saw you on Pinterest. I have been thinking of doing something along these lines. Thanks for sharing!!!

  33. love this! have been wanting to make the original for awhile, but have needed this style more, so i’m happy you posted this. i do have a question though… might you have any ideas for keeping two of them together? i want to have them next to each other to place a tabletop ironing board on, but i don’t want them to be permanently fixed or built together. want the two units to be able to come apart. does that make any sense? any ideas or insight would be appreciated!

  34. My wife pinned this and asked me to make it for her. I must say it is one of the rare Pinterest ideas that is as easy to make as it looks. I used the measurements given but shortened the height by 1″ since we have a cabinet obstructing that high up where we are wanting to put it. I also did not put the bottom rail in as the basket can simply rest on the bottom of the box. This meant I had to buy only 1 2×4″ rail (8 feet long.) It took me a few hours. I had to buy a single 4×8 plywood (3/4″) and a 2×4 of the 1/4″ had to be cut. Home Depot made all the cuts except the rails. I spent about $50 only but I will use old paint that I have in the garage.

    My baskets don’t slide easily. They need a little push but fit snug. Not too snug though. My thought was that I should build this to meet the space I want to put it in and find baskets that fit. Laundry baskets come in all shapes and are fairly cheap. As it is, my baskets that I already have are going to work.

    Nice idea, thanks !

  36. Pingback: Five Things Friday: Laundry Room Ideas « Keepsmeoutofmischief

  37. I currently use 4 laundry baskets that are just lined in a row for whites, darks, regular, and towels/linens. What three groupins do you use since you only have 3? I need to build this too, just wish I had a spot beside the washer/dryer to put it. Ours is in the garage and there is a door going outside in the way.

  39. Pingback: House tour: Laundry Room - The Frugal Homemaker | The Frugal Homemaker
  40. Pingback: 45 Simple, Creative DIY Spring Organizing Ideas + A Crate and Barrel Giveaway!One Good Thing by Jillee | One Good Thing by Jillee

  41. Yay! I’ve been wanting something like this to replace the hamper in our closet so we can sort clothes when we take them off. I could have figured out the measurements, but since you’re hubby did it…I’ll be getting started on this this weekend! Thanks for posting 🙂

  43. my hubby is currently outside finishing the construction on one of these for me. he is making one 6 tall for me (double the height) as we have a TINY TINY laundry room that already houses a stacked washer and dryer and a small vertical chest freezer. our current laundry sorting system isn’t working AT ALL now that we have 6 members in our family (most of whom are under 6 years old) and now i cannot shut my wash room door to keep a certain 2 year old from climbing in the washer…. the casters will make it safer for us as the only place to put our laundry is in front of our back door, so we need to be able to roll it out in case of emergency, not to mention dust bunny extraction….
    for those wondering we have 3 girls and 1 boy so there are LOTS of pink/red clothes in this house
    our loads are/will be:
    whites
    light colors
    pinks/reds/oranges
    darker colors
    pants/jeans
    towels

  45. I think this project is sooooo smart! My home is tiny and there’s nowhere for this here now, but in a different home, maybe. I love how you put the wheels on, so you can pull it out and clean behind of make laundry deliveries too 🙂

  46. The wheels definitely make it more functional, and I love that it doesn’t take up as much floor space since it utilizes vertical space.

  47. Actually, I think it’s great. I am looking for laundry baskets so I can make my own!

  49. Pingback: 30 Brilliant Ways to Organize and Add Storage to Laundry Rooms - DIY & Crafts
  50. Pingback: How to make DIY rolling laundry basket dresser

  51. I am not sure how you all built this from the cuts that you listed! We went and got all the wood from your cut list and there is not enough room for 3 baskets. If you have the instructions for your cut list then can I please have them? If not I am out $50 and will have an upset daughter who we are doing this project for! Thanks

  53. Hello there from Greece!
    I love your work.
    I am having a really difficult time to convert feet and inches to cm. Unfortunately it is the only way I can buy all supplies you suggest. Can you please help by giving me all the dimensions needed in cm?
    Thank you very much.
    Marina

  55. Pingback: 14+ Home Organizing Ideas - The Realistic Mama
  56. Pingback: DIY Organization Ideas for Your Laundry Room DIYReady.com | Easy DIY Crafts, Fun Projects, & DIY Craft Ideas For Kids & Adults - DIYReady.com | Easy DIY Crafts, Fun Projects, & DIY Craft Ideas For Kids & Adults
  57. Pingback: 25 Laundry Room Organization & Storage Ideas - Noted List

  58. Just be careful what wood you use. I made a set of these several years ago. I let the guy at Homey De-pot to talk me into using a cheaper grade of wood, particle board, to save money. I also had them cut it, because why not, way easier. But I got tons of splinters just screwing it together. And after a while the wood warped and the dresser is no longer able to hold the baskets. Very annoying!

  60. Pingback: 7 Time-Saving Laundry Tips - The Realistic Mama
  61. Pingback: 9 DIY Laundry Basket Dresser Ideas To Get Ultra Organized
  64. Pingback: 11 Genius Organizing Ideas | Refresh Restyle

  66. I usually use pine for all of my projects. Any wood is going to be pretty stable except maybe OSB or a thin plywood. If you choose to purchase plywood, I would get birch or oak. Hope that helps!

  67. Pingback: Laundry Room Organization | Real Estate in Port Angeles & Sequim, Washington

  69. I could not get the measurments to download either. Could you e-mail to me also? Thanks

  70. I’m not really understanding the measurements. Can you please spell them out for me (e.g., 3 4ft pieces of 3/4 inch plywood). Thank you!!!!

  71. Pingback: 16 Brilliant Laundry Room Decor Ideas That Actually Make Us Want To Do The Laundry - Myeva for Healthcare, Skin care & Beauty
  73. Pingback: 22 Hacks and DIY Projects to Make Doing Laundry More Efficient - Diy

  74. Are these plans still available? They don’t seem to be in the post anymore. Thank you so much!!

  75. Pingback: 23 DIY Organization Decor Ideas - A Little Craft In Your Day
  78. Pingback: DIY Laundry Room Makeover on a Budget - The Mom Shopping Network

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *