We Can’t Stop Talking About This Clever Small-Space Laundry Hack

Drying racks have been around since the dawn of man. While we’ve seen slight variations in its framework, it’s safe to say the straightforward laundry essential has reached its full potential. That is until one clever design studio decided to take the basic item one step further.

Simple in theory but genius by design, the Hanging Drying Rack ($230) by New Zealand–based studio George and Willy offers an elevated take on the standard drying rack. Suspended from the ceiling using a seamless pulley system, the rack’s connected wooden dowels can be lowered or lifted with total ease. So why go through all the effort to hoist your garments up to the ceiling? According to the company, lifting your clothing higher actually helps the fabric dry faster by utilizing the warm air trapped in the ceiling space, making it a budget-friendly and eco-conscious alternative to traditional drying machines.

For small-space dwellers, this smart, ceiling-mounted tool is a real game changer when it comes to chores. Gone are the days of scattering damp clothes on any available living room surface or tripping over an obstructive rack as you attempt to make your way to the bathroom. When suspended out of sight and out of the way, this floating tool will save you floor space and spare your sanity. 

Not to mention that the hanging rack—available in either a white or black powder-coated steel frame—just looks sleek. Whether used for laundry or as a makeshift kitchen perch, the suspended piece will look good in just about every type of space—from a city studio apartment to a minimalist country cabin. Trust us: It’s worth the splurge.

Here are a few fun ways to use and style the hanging rack in your home.

Save it for the dining room.

Who said this rack was just for clothes? Experiment with this savvy tool in new ways by putting it to use in other rooms in the home—like the dining room. Designate it as a spot for placemats, napkins, and other soft goods and textiles or use the dowels as points from which to show off a trove of chic hanging planters.

Pair it with equally sleek decor.

Play off its pared-down aesthetic by going full minimalist in the laundry room. Neutral woven accessories, like CB2’s Marley Jute Baskets in black and white, and blonde wood tones (we love Ikea’s Frosta stool) will complement the rack’s streamlined framework.

Marley Jute Baskets, CB2 ($100)

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Show off this season’s wardrobe.

While its official job is to give damp clothes a spot to dry off, consider creating a showroom vibe in the bedroom by treating the rack as a place to display your go-to wardrobe staples. In the same way a commercial clothing rack allows you to see your favorite pieces clearly, this mounted number will act as your own personal retail shop.

See more laundry products we love: 

9 Cool Container Store Finds Made for Organizing Tiny Laundry Rooms

Yes, a Laundry-Folding Robot Actually Exists

Every Product You Need to Organize Your Laundry Room