Explore this article
- Why you should consider wallpaper for your laundry room
- What you should take into account when wallpapering a laundry room
- Tailored wallpaper solutions for every type of laundry room
- How to choose the right wallpaper for your laundry room
- Creative wallpaper ideas for every laundry room style
- Conclusion
The laundry room has always been the “Cinderella” of the house, working hard in the background while never benefitting from the glamour of a makeover like the other rooms of the house. However, times have changed and gone are the days when it was just a dull corner of the house where dirty clothes piled up hidden from view.
In recent years, this functional space has turned into a design playground, where creativity and style meet practicality. Driven by social media where showing off everything from bold wallpaper designs to sleek cabinetry is the norm, homeowners all over the world are stepping up their laundry room game, turning these once forgotten spaces into mini design highlights and proving that even the most overlooked room in the house deserves some love.
The "no room is too small" mindset has taken over, the idea being that even the place where socks go missing deserves to shine. Whether you’re into quirky patterns, vintage florals, or edgy geometric designs, the right wallpaper can add a dash of fun to folding laundry. With a little creativity, your laundry room can go from a boring workhorse to the design star of your home - and maybe, just maybe, make you look forward to laundry day.
Why you should consider wallpaper for your laundry room
The laundry room might not be the first place you think of when planning where to install a designer wallpaper, yet this space holds more potential than you might realise. If you’ve been overlooking your laundry room, here are a few reasons why wallpaper provides the makeover magic you didn’t know you needed:
Soften harsh lines with stylish design
It’s no secret that laundry rooms tend to be dominated by sharp, utilitarian elements -large appliances with clean lines, angular cabinets, and practical shelving. While these features may serve a functional purpose, they often leave the space feeling cold and uninviting. This is where wallpaper can come in, offering an elegant and simple way to counterbalance those harsh edges with softness and style. By choosing models with an organic pattern, you can visually break up the linearity of the room, bringing harmony to it.
Make your laundry room uniquely yours
If every room in your home reflects your personal design vision, why should the laundry room be left out of the style game? Wallpaper is an excellent way to inject some personality into this area. Choose patterns and colours that reflect your taste and turn it into a space that feels uniquely yours, rather than just a place to stash the detergent.
A stylish refresh without the hefty price tag
Want to do something about the look of your utility room but are not ready for a full-scale renovation? Wallpaper is a cost-effective way to refresh a space without committing to a major overhaul. A few rolls of wallpaper can make a massive difference, giving the laundry room an instant facelift at a fraction of the cost of new cabinetry or flooring. It’s a quick win for your home’s style, without the hefty price tag or construction mess. Also, as wallpapers today are easy to install, it makes for a perfect weekend DIY project.
Make laundry day a little more enjoyable
While doing the laundry can be a chore, it doesn’t mean the room dedicated to it has to be dreary. A cheerful design or a soothing colour palette can lift your mood as you fold those towels or tackle that mountain of clothes. While wallpaper might not make you look forward to laundry day, it definitely helps!
What you should take into account when wallpapering a laundry room
Before you go wild with wallpaper in your laundry room, there are a few important things to consider. This is a unique environment which is subject to moisture, heat, and occasional bumps from baskets, and it requires extra thought. Here’s what you need to know:
High humidity levels
Laundry rooms are subject to consistently high humidity, especially when the dryer is running on full blast. Moisture can easily penetrate and damage non-moisture-resistant wallpapers, leading to peeling and bubbling. Therefore, it’s essential to choose models specifically designed for humid environments, engineered to withstand steam and moisture.
Heat exposure
Laundry room appliances generate significant heat, particularly in smaller, poorly ventilated spaces, which can lead to the formation of hot spots. This excess heat can weaken wallpaper adhesives, causing degradation over time. Avoid delicate or special surface wallpapers that can be more sensitive to heat exposure. Additionally, do not skimp on wallpapering paste; use a high-quality adhesive specifically designed to withstand both heat and humidity.
Durability matters
In compact laundry closets, walls are often touched by laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, and other items. Select a wallpaper that can withstand frequent contact and cleaning. Go for robust, scrubbable wallpapers designed for high-traffic areas and consider textured or patterned models to help conceal minor scuffs and marks that might occur from daily use. If your laundry room doubles as mudroom, durability will be even more critical. These areas experience constant foot traffic, and walls near entry points can suffer from mud, dirt, and daily wear-and-tear. Choose heavy-duty wallpapers such as vinyl or reinforced materials, and consider protecting vulnerable areas (corners and areas around door frames) with extra adhesive or coatings.
The importance of proper ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial for preventing moisture damage in a laundry room and preserving your wallpaper. An exhaust fan draws humid air out, while a window vent offers a natural route for fresh air to circulate, reducing humidity levels and helping to maintain a consistent temperature level. In spaces with limited natural ventilation, mechanical solutions are essential for preserving both the condition of the wallpaper and the room's overall air quality.
Tailored wallpaper solutions for every type of laundry room
No two laundry rooms are the same - but in most cases, wallpaper can really help! Whether you’ve got a small, low-light laundry nook or a larger room with accent lighting, there’s a suitable solution that can make each space shine:
Low-light laundry rooms
Many utility rooms don’t exactly get huge amounts of natural light. In windowless or low-light spaces, light-reflective wallpapers will be your best friend. Think soft pastel tones or wallpapers with metallic finishes that can bounce any available light around the room, making it feel brighter and more open. Opt for hues like blush pinks, soft blues, or even subtle gold accents to lift the space out of the shadows and make laundry day a little cheerier.
Laundry rooms with accent lighting
If your laundry room has accent lighting or you are planning to install it, consider wallpaper models that will work well with those design elements. Subtle textures or metallic elements in the wallpaper can catch and reflect the light, giving the room a dynamic, ever-changing look, depending on the time of day.
Small laundry spaces
In compact rooms, the key is to use the appropriate wallpaper to create an illusion of more space. Smaller patterns or vertical stripes are fantastic for elongating the walls, making them feel higher (and the room more spacious). Stay away from large, bold prints, as they can overwhelm the space and make it feel cramped. The right colour choice can also work wonders. Lighter colours, such as soft pastels, off-whites, or light greys, open up the room and create a sense of airiness. Darker colours and overly intricate designs, on the other hand, can make the room feel enclosed and cluttered, so it’s best to use them sparingly or avoid them altogether.
Cohesive colour schemes
Consider how a wallpaper can enhance the existing elements in the room. Look for a model that picks up on key colours already present in your cabinetry or shelving to create a harmonious look. The goal is to ensure the wallpaper supports the overall design, allowing existing fixtures to shine while effortlessly bringing the room together.
How to choose the right wallpaper for your laundry room
Before you start rolling up your sleeves and picking patterns for your stylish utility room makeover, let’s take a closer look at the key characteristics your wallpaper should have. As mentioned above, any suitable model should be:
- Moisture-resistant
- Washable
- Heat-tolerant
- Resistant to mildew and mould
- Robust
Not every wallpaper will be up to the task, so let’s break down which options are best for your laundry room re-style.
Comparing Wallpaper Types for Laundry Rooms
| Feature | Vinyl | Non-Woven | Peel-and-Stick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture Resistance | High | Medium/High (with a protective finish) | Medium |
| Durability | High | Medium | Medium |
| Ease of Installation | Moderate (DIY-friendly with careful preparation) | Moderate (DIY possible; requires attention to detail) | Easy (Most DIY-friendly; simple application) |
| Aesthetic appeal | Wide range of designs; functional | High aesthetic variety; natural textures | Not as high as the other options |
| Best Used In | High-humidity areas like laundry rooms | Low to moderate humidity; spaces with good ventilation | Temporary spaces; ideal for renters or frequent redesigns |
Vinyl wallpaper
Because of its water-resistant properties, vinyl wallpaper is a popular choice for laundry rooms. The vinyl coating creates a protective layer that prevents moisture from seeping in, making it ideal for high-humidity environments. These types of wall coverings are extremely durable and can handle frequent cleaning without losing integrity, which is crucial for a space prone to spills and splashes. However, since they are non-breathable, they require proper ventilation to dissipate moisture and avoid potential mould growth.
Furthermore, many vinyl wallpapers lack the high-end, sophisticated look of more traditional options. While functional, they may not provide the luxurious finish some homeowners seek.
Best Use: Vinyl wallpaper is perfect for busy, high-moisture environments like laundry rooms, but it may not always be the best option if you’re aiming for a very refined aesthetic.
Non-woven wallpaper (with a protective finish)
Non-woven wallpaper is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a wallpaper that adds warmth and elegance to the space while providing a wide range of texture and pattern options. Made from natural materials, this type of wallpaper is more breathable than vinyl, reducing the risk of moisture being trapped between the wallpaper and the wall. On the flip side, without adequate protection it can absorb moisture, leading to warping or deterioration over time. Treating it with a protective finish improves its resistance and durability, but it will still be more vulnerable to damage than vinyl and require more careful maintenance.
Best Use: Non-woven wallpaper works best in low-humidity laundry rooms or in spaces with excellent ventilation, where its aesthetic qualities can shine without its material integrity being compromised by moisture.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Thanks to its simple, DIY-friendly application process that allows you to easily install or remove it without damaging the walls, peel-and-stick wallpaper is an excellent choice for renters or those who enjoy changing up their décor in a regular basis. While typically coated with a protective layer, the adhesive used in peel-and-stick wallpapers tends to be less robust than traditional wallpaper glue. This can lead to reduced adherence over time, particularly in high-humidity environments, potentially causing peeling or detachment from the walls. To ensure its longevity, it's important to watch out for signs of loosening and consider reinforcing key areas where moisture is more likely to affect the adhesive bond.
Best Use: Peel-and-stick wallpaper is ideal for temporary or experimental designs, especially for renters.
Creative wallpaper ideas for every laundry room style
The right wallpaper can completely transform your laundry room, regardless of size or style. From bold and modern to soft and serene, a well-considered model can add personality and flair to even the most functional space. Here are some ideas tailored to draw inspiration from:
Soft and serene with pastel colours
Pastel-coloured wallpapers, like soft blues, pale pinks, or muted greens, can create a peaceful, spacious-looking environment. Ideal for smaller laundry rooms, these lighter hues open up the space, making it feel airy and inviting. These models are a good complement for white cabinetry in a space with some natural light.
Bold geometric patterns for modern spaces
Geometric patterns in striking colours such as deep blues, blacks, or metallics can inject a lively, energetic vibe into your laundry room. For a cohesive, modern look, these bold designs are best paired with sleek cabinetry in coordinating shades. It’s a great approach for those who love a clean, contemporary style with a touch of drama, making your laundry space feel both dynamic and polished.
Tropical vibes for a bold statement
Why not bring the outdoors in with tropical leaf-patterned wallpaper in vibrant greens or teals? This bold design choice works well in laundry rooms lacking natural light, instantly adding life and energy. These models are the perfect pairing for neutral cabinetry and simple décor to balance the lively print, creating a refreshing, exotic retreat within your home.
Vintage charm with floral or chinoiserie prints
Traditional floral or chinoiserie prints tend to evoke a sense of elegance and nostalgia, making them perfect for homeowners who love vintage charm. These wallpapers work beautifully with white cabinetry and vintage-inspired fixtures, creating a space that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Floral designs can also help bring a touch of nature indoors, adding warmth and character to the room.
Moody and dark for a dramatic vibe
For a completely different take, embrace the dark side with moody wallpapers in rich shades like deep blue, charcoal, or black. These hues create a cosy, cocoon-like atmosphere, perfect for laundry rooms with little to no natural light. Intricate patterns or textured finishes can add depth, making the space feel luxurious and intimate while turning the mundane task of doing the laundry into something a little more dramatic.
Accent walls for small spaces
In smaller laundry rooms, going all-in and wallpapering all four walls may be overwhelming. Instead, create a striking focal point with an accent wall behind the washer and dryer. Select a subtle pattern or bold design and pair it with neutral walls and floating shelves to maintain functionality. You will add visual interest without making the space look too busy – an ideal choice for compact rooms where less is more.
Coastal or beachy themes
For a breezy, beach-inspired look, consider wallpaper with nautical or coastal themes, like soft blues, whitewashed textures, or subtle wave patterns. Pair these designs with natural materials like wicker baskets and wood shelving to complete the laid-back vibe.
Hidden gems
Want to take your laundry room design to the next level? Try wallpapering unexpected areas like the inside of cupboards, behind shelving, or even the ceiling. These hidden details add a touch of fun and whimsy to the room, making it feel unique and sophisticated. It’s an excellent way to incorporate bold patterns without overwhelming the main walls, and it provides a surprise element that makes the room feel special.
Conclusion
Your laundry room doesn’t need to remain the least celebrated area of the house. With minimal investment, you can not only soften its utilitarian feel but also create a space that blends in seamlessly with the rest of your home, injecting personality, colour, and charm - all without ripping out cabinets or changing the flooring! It’s a budget-friendly solution that turns a purely functional area into one that is just as curated as your living spaces, so why not giving your utility room the love it deserves!