Fold-Down Drying Racks
There are so many reasons to love a fold-down clothes drying rack. Traditional machine dryers can sometimes shrink, stretch, or be harsh on certain fabrics. A foldable drying rack gently and safely dries fabric. They’re a great space saver as they can pull out when in use and fold away when you don’t need them. Plus, using a drying rack lets you save on your energy bills and is better for the environment. Our design team gathered eight great options together for you!
Pull Down Drying Rack
$54.99 $101.99
Pull Down Drying Rack
Dotted Line™
$54.99 $101.99
What we like: It folds flat against the wall — taking up only 2.25” inches.
What we don’t like: It doesn’t include hangers to secure the bottom of the rack to the wall for extra security.
Made from wood that’s painted white, this pull-down drying rack is compact in its depth and can support up to 30 lbs of wet laundry. This rack can be installed permanently against a wall or hung over a door without any hardware requirement. Instructions and all hanging materials are included in the packaging.
A thick ribbon lets you decide how far from the wall you want the rack to open. If you have a narrow space or a door that might be in the way, you can adjust the length of the ribbon to suit.
Shaker Style Fold Out Drying Rack
$119.99 $168.99
Shaker Style Fold Out Drying Rack
Dotted Line™
$119.99 $168.99
What we like: Attractive design style.
What we don’t like: As the rack weighs 17 lbs without wet laundry, the two wall hangers provided don’t give enough support.
The attractive design style of this fold-out drying rack gives it a country-style look with its beadboard backing and cute hooks. The manufactured wood comes in off-white with black hooks or blue-gray with stainless steel hooks. With a 10” wide top shelf, you can add decorative touches to your laundry room while your clothes dry.
The accordion style lets you extend the 10 rods only as far as needed. This drying rack gets full marks for being sturdy and heavy-duty. It provides lots of room for clothes to dry and is an attractive and useful shelf and drying rack option.
Minimalistic Chrome Pull Out Drying Rack
$48.99
Minimalistic Chrome Pull Out Drying Rack
Rebrilliant
$48.99
What we like: Collapses for easy space saving
Not so great for: Portable drying
This accordion-style chrome wall-mounted folding drying rack can expand to offer ten drying bars in a shiny, rust-resistant metal. The slim shape, when folded, provides a modern, minimalist vibe that can blend into any room theme.
Designer Advice:
Wall-mounted collapsible drying racks can be a perfect storage solution when you’re limited space for setting up a floor fold-out rack. The accordion style extends out for drying multiple items. But it can collapse against the wall for easy permanent placement. The two downsides are that you can’t move it around, and it puts holes in the wall.
What Users Say:
I am in love with this !!!! Sturdy, easy to install, holds lots of clothes and saves space.
Outdoor Fold Down Drying Rack
$64.55 $79
Outdoor Fold Down Drying Rack
Rebrilliant
$64.55 $79
What we like: It lets the sun dry and deodorize your clothes.
What we don’t like: This rack requires full assembly, including the frame and rope lines.
This outdoor wall-mounted laundry drying rack features a set of glass fiber reinforced nylon wall brackets. It has a unique patented lift and lock system. Made from sturdy corrosion-resistant galvanized steel, the brackets are powder-coated and durable. A line tensioner makes it easy to remove any slack in the rope lines.
The pull-down drying rack doesn’t come with any wall hangers. You’ll need to buy the right hangers for the type of wall you choose to install the rack on. To attach it to exterior cladding, you’ll need heavy-duty hangers, and to attach it to drywall, you’ll want to screw it into studs or make sure to use wall anchors.
Tall Tripod Fold Down Laundry Rack
$26.99 $139.99
Tall Tripod Fold Down Laundry Rack
Rebrilliant
$26.99 $139.99
What we like is: Adjustable height
Not so great for: Drying items flat
This metal folding drying rack has a tall skinny pole attached to a tripod base. Three fold-out brackets at the top can hold 36 garments on notched hooks. A single button allows for easy set-up and folding.
Designer Advice:
A tall tripod fold-out drying rack can be a great choice when you have many garments you want to dry by hanging. The tall height means you can dry long items like dresses, jeans, towels, jackets, and blankets without them dragging on the floor. Consider weight limit, height restrictions, and item quantity when using this style.
What Users Say:
I hold so many clothes on it, and nothing feels too crowded, haven’t had any issues balancing it and it’s easy to move around where you need it to be and to break it down and store it if needed.
Wood Fold Down Drying Rack
$76.99 $127.99
Wood Fold Down Drying Rack
Rebrilliant
$76.99 $127.99
What we like: It includes two small storage cabinets with the drying rack.
What we don’t like: Difficult to assemble and install the many screws needed.
Crafted from wood with a water-resistant white finish, this understated wall-mounted drying rack is sturdy and easy to clean. Its one closed cabinet gives you extra storage for your laundry supplies.
To save space when not in use, the drying rack fully collapses under the storage cabinet. It then takes up only 7.75” of depth into your room. This makes it perfect for laundry rooms or bathrooms with tight spaces. Two sawtooth hangers are attached to the back, but as the rack weighs 15 lbs, you may want to use stronger hangers.
Metal Fold Down Clothes Drying Rack
$39.99 $45.99
Metal Fold Down Clothes Drying Rack
Dotted Line™
$39.99 $45.99
What we like is: Multiple sections for drying different pieces
Not so great for: Small spaces
This foldable clothes rack offers multiple ways to dry clothes, including a lower mesh shelf, a shoe rack, hanging space, and six-position wings of heavy-duty steel. It folds flat to store when not in use easily.
Designer Advice:
You can get folding drying racks in various materials, sizes, and styles. For example, metal racks are sturdy and capable of supporting heavy weights, making them useful for large loads and items like towels, blankets, sweaters, and jackets. And racks that can also dry shoes, small pieces, and delicates in different sections can save space and keep your laundry area tidy.
What Users Say:
Easy to set up. Easy to fold and store. Sturdy with a lot of drying space.
Fold Down Drying Rack With Shelf
$43.99 $99.99
Fold Down Drying Rack With Shelf
Rebrilliant
$43.99 $99.99
What we like: Perfect for renters who can’t put screws into the walls.
What we don’t like: The top shelf permanently extends 10” into the room, even if hung over a door.
Made with rust-resistant black powder-coated metal, this fold-down drying rack has two hinging arms that lower its six bars to sit horizontally. Once the rack is lowered, it extends 20” out from the wall or door.
A sleek melamine shelf sits on top of this drying rack and can hold laundry supplies or decorative items. It’s finished in a faux wood stain and is easy to clean by wiping it with a damp cloth. It is both practical and pretty and held in place on both ends with supports that mimic the hinging arms below.
Stainless Steel Fold Down Drying Rack
Stainless Steel Fold Down Drying Rack
Rebrilliant
What we like: Made from rust-resistant stainless steel.
What we don’t like: Not suitable for heavy laundry.
The compact wall-mounted design of this fold-out laundry rack makes the most use of your area. Attaching this to your wall will give you 10 linear feet of drying space. The stationary rack includes all the hardware you need along with instructions for a simple home installation.
The width of each bar can accommodate an 18.5” towel for drying. In order to lower the rack completely, you need to lift it well above parallel to release the lock. This limits how high on the wall it can be installed and might be harder for shorter kids to lift and lower.
Ultimate Fold Down Drying Rack
Ultimate Fold Down Drying Rack
Rebrilliant
What we like: You can use one or any combination of eight of the drying rods.
What we don’t like: The shelf extends only 15.8” wide, and it would be better if it were longer.
Available in matte silver or glossy black, this fold-out drying rack is made from rust-resistant aluminum. Each vertical side bracket measures 11.5” tall and holds four 13.2” drying rods, for a total of eight side rods. The rods can be moved independently from each other. Each can pivot 180° degrees. The six hooks attach to the bottom rail and easily slide along to be positioned at any point.
Extremely lightweight at 3 lbs, this rack is well-made, strong, and sturdy. It requires full assembly and should be installed into wall studs. If you need to install the drying rack in a place that doesn’t fit with your studs, make sure to use butterfly rather than plug anchors.
Over the Door Fold Down Drying Rack
Over the Door Fold Down Drying Rack
Homz
What we like: Great price for a lot of drying rack space.
What we don’t like: Only comes in one color.
One of the highest-reviewed fold-down drying racks we found, this gem hangs over a door, easily pulls down, and just as easily collapses. Three hinged sections fold down to expose six bars. The coated tips ensure the drying rack doesn’t scratch the paint on your door.
When this fold-out drying rack is fully extended, it measures 39” long. At its full length, the rack will sit 8.5” away from the door. Each rod is 23.5” wide, suitable for hanging towels to dry in a bathroom. The bottom rods are low enough that kids can easily reach them.
Buying Guide
Mia is a freelance bathroom designer and writer with over a decade of professional experience. From space planning, cabinetry, storage solutions, and tile design to hardware and fixture selections, she knows a thing about creating baths that strike a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.
A fold out drying rack offers plenty of advantages that every home should have one. For one, it can help you dry your clothes in a very energy efficient manner. The design also allows it to be compact for more accessible storage. Perhaps you already know of its advantages, and that's why you are shopping for one.
Keep in mind that fold out drying racks come in many different varieties. To find the right one for you, you need to know the factors that will have the most significant impact in relation to your situation.
The first thing you need to decide on is the type of fold out drying rack you want to have. Your two primary choices are stand-alone and wall-mounted.
- The wall-mounted type is not as common as the stand-alone type. As the name suggests, this type of foldable rack needs to be mounted on a wall. Once mounted, you can extend the drying rack by pulling it out. Because of its design, it's typically the more economical option. Also, it does not consume a lot of space. On the downside, this type scores very low on portability.
- The stand-alone is the more popular option for a fold out drying rack. The stand-alone can be used immediately and there's no need to do any installation. This makes this type the more convenient option. It's also very portable and easy to store. On the downside, it's usually costlier compared to the wall-mounted type.
Most racks are manufactured with wood, plastic or metal.
- Wood is the traditional material for a fold out drying rack. And yes, a wood rack can be designed so it will be foldable. The advantage of wood is it's a beautiful material. Hence, it's a great option if aesthetics is what you are aiming for. The downside with wood is it doesn't play well with moisture or water. Hence, don't' expect a wood rack to last very long.
- Metal, especially aluminum, is probably the most common material for a folding rack. Aluminum is a lightweight material, which makes the rack portable and easy to move around. Also, the right kind of aluminum is resistant to rust. Aluminum may not be the cheapest material, but it lasts for a long time that it offers the best value for your money.
- The biggest advantage of plastic is that is arguably cheaper compared to wood and metal. In terms of durability, it sits in the middle. It's not a strong as metal, but it's a lot resilient to moisture and water compared to wood. It's a good option if the budget is a bit tight.
Of course, there are other factors that you may need to consider, especially the ones that will play a more important role in relation to your situation. The critical factors mentioned above only serve as a starting point, and it's best to keep them in mind when shopping for a fold out drying rack.
Wondering if you need a drying rack? Did you know that drying your dishes, clothes, and other items by using dryers and drying cycles on dishwashers can ultimately be bad for your belongings? Dryers are incredibly hard on clothes, for example, leading them to fray and rip earlier than they would have otherwise.
You can extend the life of your belongings and also adopt a more energy-efficient, eco-friendly, sustainable way of life by investing in drying racks! However, it's crucial to pick the right one for the specific project you plan on taking on. Let's go through the different types of drying racks and discuss which needs each is best suited to handle.
Drying racks come in many differing types! If you have a lot of space, clothesline poles and retractable clotheslines can present optimal airflow for your drying needs. For more compact solutions, turn to wall mounted and umbrella clotheslines.
Freestanding Drying Racks
These types of drying racks do not depend upon a surface to lean against. Frequently, they look like small tables with multiple different levels. They can often be collapsed and stored in closets or under furniture. These are good for clothing, dishes, linens, or anything else which may need to be dried. They work well indoors and outdoors as well!
Are you thinking about taking your drying rack on the road? For camping, travel, and other impermanent situations, drying racks can present a great way to ensure that you have clean, dry clothes at all times. Choosing a freestanding drying rack made of lightweight wood is a good idea; just make sure it easily folds down so you can take it with you anywhere you go!
Wall Mounted Drying Racks
These are extendable, retractable racks built into your wall which can be pulled out, used, and put away. They are good for both indoor and outdoor use, depending upon the specific material you are using. The pros is you don't have to take the rack out and then hide it over and over again. The cons - it's right there, sticking out on the wall all the time.
If you're planning to mount the rack in the laundry room, the style and material will not matter much, but if it is going to be in sight all the time, choose a sleek model that blends with the color of the wall or the rest of furniture. There are beautiful traditional wooden racks that come with shelves and hooks, as well as more contemporary models that combine galvanized metal and light-colored wood.
Clothesline Poles
These are poles, generally meant to be set up outside, which have treated ropes connecting the tops of the poles. Clothing can be attached to them with clothespins. A good choice if you'r planing on drying large items such as bed linen.
Retractable Clotheslines
These clotheslines come in a retractable spool which you can mount onto a corner of your home - indoors or outdoors, though they are more popularly found outside. They can expand and attach to any other point, which offers significant flexibility in terms of how much of a line you wish to have.
Umbrella Clotheslines
These clotheslines are poles stuck into the ground which feature umbrella (or spiderweb) shaped extendable racks. These have the benefit of not taking up too much room, and not requiring a length of space for a more linear clothesline.
If you're planning on investing in a permanent drying rack, you'll want one that's built to last in the environment in which you plan on using it.
For outdoor drying racks, you'll want to look for treated rope, wood, or coated metal racks. Plastic racks run the risk of being too light and being blown away, which makes the other materials preferable - as long as they're rated for outdoor use.
With indoor racks, any material is fine - but because you likely won't want a permanent rack taking up lots of room in your home, if you plan on keeping your drying rack inside, it's likely a good idea to go with a retractable clothesline or folding drying rack.
When you're thinking about purchasing a drying rack, consider what you'll need to dry. Clothes? Dishes? Other items?
Then, look at the space you have. If you have lots of room, linear clotheslines may be more efficient for drying purposes. If not, you may wish to look at more compact solutions like umbrella lines and stand-alone models.
Finally, consider good materials for your drying rack. If it's going to be outside much of the time, ensure that it is well-rated for such use!
