How to Hide Washers and Dryers in a Basement

Storage Room

• One way to hide a washer and dryer in the basement is to put them in a utility room with a door. Some homes come with a utility room in the basement with washer and dryer hookups already installed. Or you might have to build one yourself. If your washer and dryer are already in the basement, then just build a room around them with framing, drywall and a door. Check with your local building department to see if a permit is required first. Ensure there is sufficient ventilation in the room, especially when the dryer is in use.

Fabric

• A cheaper and easier way to hide your washer and dryer is to hang a piece of fabric in front of them. Choose a drape that is stylish and matches the decor of your basement, especially if it's a finished space. You can install a rod, such as one for a shower curtain, if the space allows so you can open and close the drape with ease when you need to access or hide the appliances. Or you can nail or staple the fabric to the basement ceiling to hang in front of the appliances.

Room Divider

• Room dividers or privacy screens are another good option for hiding washers and dryers in a basement. These come in a variety of sizes and styles. You can put the room divider in front of the appliances when you need to hide them then fold it up and store it in a closet when it's not needed.

Vertical Blinds

• Vertical blinds are another option for hiding a washer and dryer in a basement. The blinds can hang in front of the appliances, similar to vertical blinds on a sliding glass door, though the blinds shouldn't touch the appliances when closed. If they do, the blinds might vibrate and buzz when the machines are in use. You can open the blinds to access the washer and dryer as needed and close them to hide the appliances when not in use. When closed, the blinds give the impression of a door or window behind them, rather than unsightly appliances. You can mount the blinds on the ceiling above the washer and dryer fairly easily; most blinds include instructions and materials for mounting. You will likely need a handheld drill to make the screw holes and a screwdriver to hang the mounting brackets.