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Laundry Basket Dresser

dresser for laundry baskets
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The Laundry Basket Dresser has taken my laundry room from the messiest room in my home to the tidiest. It's so easy to pull laundry out and put it directly into baskets. I then can take each basket to it's respective room and fold and put laundry away. For any busy home, these are a must.

This really wasn't my idea.  I have some smart sisters.  They looked at the piles of laundry in my tiny laundry room, and said, Ana, what if . . .

All your laundry baskets could be like drawers in a dresser . . .

And we didn't have to see your dirty - and clean - laundry every time we visit.

 

In my defense, most of the piles of laundry in my home are clean.  They just rarely make it to the dresser.

 

 

But this is one dresser that I can work with.

 

I can deal with stacks of laundry with this system!  Do you have a laundry problem?

PS - If you are interested in a slightly different size/configuration, check out these plans as well!

Pin For Later! 

Laundry Basket Dresser

Dimensions
laundry dresser plans
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

3/4″ Plywood cut into 15 1/2″ wide x 8 feet long strips (referred to as 1x16s)

1/4″ Plywood for the backs

1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ metal angle (ask for it at Blue or Orange)

2″ wood screws or 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws 3/4″ wood screws (to screw the metal angle to the insides of the boxes)

1 1/4″ wood screws

wood glue

wood filler finishing supplies

Cut List

2 – 1×16 @ 35 1/4″ (Sides)

1 – 1×16 @ 24 1/2″ (Bottom)

1 – 1×16 @ 26″ (Top)

1 – 1/4″ Plywood @ 36″ x 25 3/4″ (Back)

6 – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ Metal Angle 15 1/2″ long (ask hardware store to cut or cut with a hack saw)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

Build the Box

I used pocket holes, but you can also use 2″ wood screws countersunk and screwed together to build the box.

NOTE: Top Measurement should be 26″

Step 2

Back

Adjust for square then screw the back on with 1 1/4″ screws and glue. I finished mine at this stage by filling all holes with wood filler, all plywood edges, and any imperfections in the plywood. I then sanded with coarse sandpaper because the plywood was builder grade cheapo stuff, the finished with medium sandpaper. Finally, I primed and painted with ooops paint in semigloss from Valspar.

Step 3

Metal Angle

If you are intimidated by metal angle, you can always use 2x2s glued and screwed here. Cut the metal angle with a hack saw and predrill holes (three per slide). Mark locations with a square and screw metal angle to the sides. TIP: Screw at a very slight downward angle to keep the baskets to the back of the box instead of sliding forward.

If you choose to stack, make sure you secure the top laundry basket dress to a stud in the wall.

Project Type
Dresser Plans
Room
Storage Solutions
Bathroom
Closets
Laundry Room
Style
Cottage Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Mlb71100

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 17:41

I can't wait to make this for my sons' loft. Theirs will be low and approx. 5th long with pull out bins for toys. I bought the supplies today, now I just need time to do it:)

motherof5bears (not verified)

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 07:43

Oh my!My heart just started to race this would be sooo good for toys. They can take the basket where ever they want to play and bring it back to the basement when they are done.

Smartmiltoys

Sun, 11/13/2016 - 04:13

That laundry dresser is super, extra fabulous! You’re right, it is a good idea for toys as well. What talent she has. I’m going to check out her site. I’m not that ambitious, at least not right now, but I would love to have a laundry basket dresser for my laundry and one for toys. Thanks for sharing this.

Jennifer (not verified)

Mon, 11/15/2010 - 22:29

I hate laundry too! and mine is usually clean too and has a hard time making it to the dressers! glad to know I'm not the only one in this boat! I love this idea. thanks

Katy (not verified)

Mon, 11/15/2010 - 22:34

Those are great! I used to have a laundry couch before we moved....All the clean laundry would go onto the couch...It was just easier. This storage could have work for me back then. Now it'll work fo me now. thanks Anna.

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 01/29/2012 - 13:33

Just a thought for you but Home Depot will cut any wood that you by there. I made a complete entertainment center with plywood from their and they cut all of it. I live in an apartment and don't have cool tools either.

Jill B (not verified)

Fri, 11/30/2012 - 08:53

What a fantastic tip. Thanks so much for sharing, I never would have known they will do that; now that I know, this project actually seems feasible for me. The laundry dresser may in fact change my life.

Julie (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 00:33

Love this idea! I hate laundry and it spends a while down there in my laundry room. This will make the clutter look good!

Laurie V (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 00:57

Cool. I was thinking you could also add wheels, finish the back, and when people come over, you could just flip it around. You could even paint on fake drawers on the back to look like a "real" dresser, haha!

Melinda (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 01:22

This would be amazing storage for a childs playroom as well. You could substitute laundry hampers for the clear plastic bins. I may have to do this for my child's playroom as well as my laundry room! Thanks for the plans!

Kari (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 01:54

This is an awesome idea! Also something you could use for recycling if you wanted as well. Thanks Ana! And Laurie love the idea of finishing the back and painting on faux drawers!

Ashley (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:01

Love it, but I wonder if the plastic sides of th ebasket might end up caving in with the weight of the laundry eventually?

LOVE Laurie's idea as well about being able to spin them around and hide the insides.

Jones (not verified)

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 09:16

I was wondering as well about the weight limits. How sorry would someone be to adjust this for dollar-store baskets, and then not being able to get the same size later?

Tension rod curtains are golden for closing off the mouth of a cubby.

Shelly (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:02

My husband says THANK YOU. I have begun to refuse to put anyone's clothes away they are all capable of doing it themsleves. This way it does not have sit in boxes in the hall it can have a real home until they come to get thier own laundry. Thank you again.

Carrie (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:16

I'm thinking Toys!!! and love the idea of finishing the back and turning them around!! perfect for the living room!!!! this one is a must for us.

Chris S (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:29

I have been using almost this same system for about three years now, and it works beautifully! We had two shelves put in our laundry room directly under the hanging bar. I sized them to hold two laundry baskets each. I fold each person's laundry into their own basket. Everyone in the house is responsible for taking their basket to their room, putting away the clothes, and returning the basket. And if they forget, their pile is out of the way and not my problem. Love it!

Anna R (not verified)

Sat, 01/21/2012 - 06:59

I would love to see a picture of your laundry system. My laundry room is small, and using the wall space would help.

Brenda Hester (not verified)

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 10:58

For small rooms...those shelves, that are at Bed, Bath and Beyond - $9.99, that sit on the back of your washer...can also sit on the back of the dryer. They are smaller but you just have to find smaller but TALLER baskets.

Jennifer Woiccak (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:42

This would be perfect for my house- our laundry area is basically a closet in my kitchen. I could sort all my laundry and have it neatly hidden while I was doing it all day. Awesome idea!!

Tanja (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:42

Are you kidding me?!?!! LOOOOVE IT! JUST WHAT I NEED!!! FANTASTIC! What a fantastic idea!!! Keeping it simple and so darn effective!!! And totally affordable! Of course now I'm thinking about smaller scale ones for the kids rooms as well. Your sisters and YOU rock all the way!!! Thank you!

Molly (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:46

I love it! Love the idea of wheels also. It would be great for fabric storage for sewers/quilters as well and several boxed together would provide a base for a nice sized cutting surface. Can't wait to start building a few!

Dana (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 03:24

I really, really, REALLY love this idea!! I just need to figure out where it could fit near my laundry room.....

Valerie Stayton (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 03:26

GREAT IDEA! Instead of clothes hampers they can each have their own basket and since they are 2 to a room I could make it 2 high. Oh I think you are on to something here. :-D

Julie (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 03:31

Ana, I LOVE this idea. I want to build it right away...just a quick question though. Is it 26" on top? In some pictures the 26" cut is on top and on others it is on the bottom. Which is the best way to build this? Thanks so much for all you do. I love your designs and can't wait to get started on this.

Jeannine (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 03:32

I love this idea too! I saw on another site where someone did something similar but did 3 baskets wide and 2 high and used it as a base for their new front load washer and dryer instead of paying the $200-$300 each for the bases for the units. I think they were constructed with more "robust" wood to accommodate the weight of the washer and dryer but same basic system. I have kept this in the back of my mind for when we replace our washer and dryer and can hopefully go to a front load system. Thanks for sharing you plans!

Michelle (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 03:43

I have a confession to make...I have been wanting something like this for a long time but not for the laundry room. My kids are ... well... I have 4 teenage kids and the laundry situation at my house is just outta control. And not in the laundry room but in the kids bedroom. I often thought if there was a way to make them dressers that were laundry baskets, they could just throw their clothes in them and that would be that, after all that's what they try to do with their dressers anyway but the drawers are not deep enough and they just stuff and stuff until the bottom falls out, literally! So I have been wanting to figure out something clever but all I kept coming up with was a book shelf and put the baskets in that. This is just so great!! THANKS SO MUCH from the bottom of my heart :D

Amanda H. (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 03:45

This is great. Tons of uses besides laundry too! Toy storage, Shoe storage and the list goes on! You could also put a piece of fabric on the front to hang down to "hide" it when you have company. Thanks Ana (and sisters)!

Patricia Christie (not verified)

Sat, 09/08/2012 - 10:48

I live in a high dust area (depleted top soil, high wind = lots of dust), and I don't have a lot of tools. I love the "dresser" with the doors, but I'm not confident enough that I could pull that off. I was thinking the fabric panels would be a good idea, too! I could attach the fuzzy tape to the front edge of the wood case, and sew the hook tape onto fabric panels, and voila! If I want to change out the panels, or just wash them, it would be easy-peasy!

Kate (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 03:46

I'm so excited! My husband and I were just "discussing" our overflowing laundry problem the other day. These plans will work perfectly!

srelliot (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 04:00

Oh my Goodness! I totally love this idea!!!! I hate laundry, I can handle washing and drying....but folding and putting away I absolutely despise! I am going to make this! I have the baskets all over my laundry room and this would be perfect to organize it!

momto3oke (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 04:06

I love you Ana White! And apparently your sisters too! Laundry is my worst nightmare! My laundry room is a disaster with the piles spilling out into the hall and our living room itypically has a few baskets of folded laundry and unfolded laundry goes on the "laundry chair"...you know...if its one the chair, its clean, if its on the floor, its dirty. LOL! This is the answer to my laundry prayers! And I've been dying to build lately too. Now I have an excuse!

kimber (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 04:10

This is AWESOME! No. Really. What a fabulous idea. Thank you so much (and sisters) for sharing this. I just can't decide where to put it! (Since my laundry room is so small I can't even fit this in there. But I can't fit my laundry in there anytime, so this way my laundry will look good where ever I put it! Wonderful!!)

You rock!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!