5 Chic Alternatives to Laundry Racks − For Drying Laundry Indoors This Fall and Winter

As the seasons turn and the weather worsens, drying laundry in the great outdoors will soon be put on hold until next spring. Bringing it inside, though, can all too often result in an eyesore − standard laundry racks certainly aren't celebrated for their style.

Fortunately, there are alternatives that will look at home in even the most chic of spaces. From laundry maids to wall-mounted racks, doing laundry needn't disrupt the look and feel of your home.

Here, laundry experts share five elegant options that seamlessly integrate into your space.

1. Laundry Maids

Laundry maids are one of the very best ways to dry clothes in a small space − and one of the most stylish.

'Laundry maids are a great option because they take the drying space off the floor,' says Rechelle Balanzat, Laundry Expert and Founder and CEO of Juliette.

'Instead of having clothes hanging at eye level or a rack taking up valuable floor space, everything is up and out of the way. When you’re not using it, you can raise it up, so the room still feels open.'

When shopping for this rustic laundry room accessory, Rechelle recommends focusing on the pulley system and how easy it is to raise and lower.

'You don’t want something that feels like a workout every time you use it,' she explains. 'I’d also look at the weight capacity, the quality of the rods, and how securely it mounts to the ceiling.' For example, this Ceiling Laundry Drying Rack, available at Amazon, is a well-rated option. You don't have to limit laundry maids to your laundry room, either. They will also work well (and look tasteful) above staircases and in hallways.

'Unlike many other laundry drying alternatives, this method brings a sense of craft, texture, and interest to the space,' adds Courtney Klinger, Interior Designer and Founder of Studio Whitford.

'Laundry maids are typically made of wood, metal, and rope and are mounted to the ceiling, with access through a pulley system. The upper mounting hardware draws the eye up while the structure feels more like an architectural accent than a utilitarian necessity. When not in use, the laundry maid can be adorned with beautiful linens that suit the room.'

2. Laundry Ladders

Laundry ladders are another stylish option for drying clothes inside in winter.

'Ladder-style racks that lean against the wall are not only effective at drying, but they look decorative with laundry draped from the rungs,' says Stacee Parker, Laundry Expert at Poplin. 'They are well-suited for the bedroom, bathroom, or other smaller spaces.

'Ladder-style drying racks usually come in wood or metal. Both work well, but wood has a nice aesthetic, and it won't rust.'

This Tall Wood Ladder, available at Wayfair, arrives fully assembled and is crafted from 100 per cent fir wood.

3. Pull-Out Drying Racks

'What I like about pull-out racks is that they can completely disappear when you’re done using them,' says Rechelle. 'You’re not looking at a bulky drying rack sitting in the middle of the room all day. They feel more built-in and intentional, which makes the whole space look cleaner.

'I would look for a strong rack with a smooth-operating pull-out mechanism and enough space for the quantity of laundry that I typically air-dry. I would also check the weight capacity of the rack. Wet clothes weigh significantly more than dry clothes, so I would need a rack that could hold a full load without bending or wobbling.'

If a built-in option isn't a possibility in your own utility room, the Joseph Joseph Eclipse Airer, available at Amazon, offers a temporary alternative that looks good enough to leave up when guests come over. It's also an ideal discreet laundry rack for shared dorms.

4. Over-the-Door Drying Racks

If space allows, over-the-door drying racks keep laundry up and off the ground, though they often don't look as stylish as other alternatives. For that reason, it's best to put them behind your laundry room door and out of sight.

'These are best in stainless steel, as they are more durable; they resist sagging and won't rust,' says Stacee. The Brabantia Over The Door Hanging Clothes Drying Rack, available at Wayfair, offers an affordable option.

'Doors can be high-traffic areas, so having a sturdy rack that won't collapse when opening or closing the door is key,' she adds.

5. Wall-Mounted Drying Racks

Finally, 'Wall-mounted racks are visually appealing because they keep everything contained against the wall,' recommends Rechelle. 'When they’re folded up, they have a much smaller footprint than a traditional drying rack. In a smaller apartment especially, that can make the room feel less cluttered and more intentional.'

When shopping for a wall-mounted option, like this Wall Mounted Clothes Drying Rack, available at Amazon, pay close attention to the mounting hardware and weight capacity, advises Rechelle.

'You want something that can hold wet clothes without pulling away from the wall,' she adds. 'I’d also look for rust-resistant materials, especially if it’s going in a bathroom or another humid space, and a design that folds relatively flat when you’re not using it.'

What to Shop

If you're looking to replace your laundry rack this fall, I've rounded up six of the best alternatives to shop below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Rechelle Balanzat

Rechelle is the Founder and CEO of Juliette, an NYC-based laundry service which she founded out of a desire to elevate laundry. Today, Juliette is trusted by celebrities, CEOs, and families all across NYC.

Stacee Parker

Stacee is a Laundry Professional with Poplin, the nation's only coast-to-coast laundry service. Stacee is one of the top Laundry Pros on the Poplin platform and washes hundreds of pounds of laundry each week at home.

This 30-minute laundry rule makes winter laundry more manageable.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.