Laundry rooms don’t have to feel like boring, utilitarian spaces you just rush through. With the right patterned wallpaper, you can turn this hardworking spot into a stylish room that actually makes daily chores a bit more pleasant.
Remember to repin your favorite images!
Patterned wallpaper lets you play with bold designs and vibrant colors in a small space without overwhelming your home’s vibe.
Small rooms like laundry areas invite you to try design choices you might avoid in bigger spaces. Go for geometric patterns, florals, or even quirky prints—anything that adds personality and some life to blank walls.
You don’t need much wallpaper for a laundry room, so it’s a budget-friendly way to make a big impact. That’s a win.
You can create a calming retreat with subtle patterns or go all-in with bold designs for drama. Wallpaper opens up endless possibilities.
You’ll find tips here on picking the right patterns, making accent walls, and tying your wallpaper choices in with storage and decor for a polished look.
Choosing the Best Patterned Wallpaper for Your Laundry Room
The best pattern depends on your room’s size, existing colors, and how well the wallpaper handles moisture and daily wear. You want something that looks great but can handle the job.
Selecting Patterns for Small or Large Laundry Spaces
Small laundry rooms really shine with light-colored patterns and smaller-scale designs. Geometric wallpaper with fine lines or tiny shapes creates interest without making things feel cramped.
Skip huge florals or bold patterns in tight spaces. They can make the walls feel like they’re closing in.
Vertical stripes help low ceilings seem taller. Stick with whites, creams, or pale blues for a lighter, airier vibe.
Large laundry rooms can handle more drama. Try bold wallpaper with oversized patterns to create a focal point.
You might want to use an accent wall in a bigger space. Put a striking pattern on one wall and keep the others neutral. It looks great behind floating shelves or your main work area.
Large geometric patterns or oversized florals add personality without getting lost on big walls.
Balancing Color and Style with Existing Decor
Match your wallpaper colors to your cabinet finishes and countertops for a pulled-together look.
White cabinets work with pretty much any patterned wallpaper. They give you a crisp contrast, so bold designs really pop. Soft pinks, blues, or greens feel especially fresh.
Dark cabinets need wallpaper with lighter backgrounds—think white or cream bases—so things don’t get too heavy.
Neutral wallpaper is a smart move in multi-purpose spaces. If your laundry room also serves as a mudroom or craft area, try beige, gray, or soft blue patterns.
Blue and white combos always look clean and classic in laundry rooms. They just work.
Floral wallpaper comes in everything from tiny traditional prints to big, modern blooms. Pick what fits your home’s style—delicate patterns for classic spaces, bold botanicals for something more contemporary.
Considering Durability and Moisture Resistance
Laundry rooms get steamy, humid, and sometimes a little splashy. Go for vinyl-coated or washable wallpapers that can take some moisture.
Peel-and-stick options make installation and removal a breeze. They’re great for renters or anyone who likes to change things up. A lot of the newer ones handle moisture surprisingly well.
Don’t use paper-only wallpapers in laundry rooms. They’ll soak up moisture and eventually peel or bubble. Look for products made for bathrooms or kitchens.
Textured wallpapers can look cool but sometimes trap moisture in the grooves. Smooth surfaces are easier to clean and dry faster if they get damp.
Think about where you’re putting the paper. Walls right behind washers or near sinks need extra moisture protection compared to walls farther away.
Wipe a sample with a damp cloth before you commit. Good laundry room wallpaper should stand up to a little cleaning without losing color or texture.
Popular Laundry Room Wallpaper Styles
Laundry rooms give you the perfect chance to try out different wallpaper styles without worrying about overwhelming your main living spaces.
From dramatic statement patterns to subtle textures, each style brings its own character and practical perks to your laundry area.
Bold and Statement-Making Designs
Bold wallpaper can make your laundry room a surprisingly fun place to be. These designs work especially well in small rooms, where you can get adventurous without messing up your home’s overall look.
Animal prints, big florals, and paint splatter patterns add a bit of whimsy to this hardworking spot. You can always close the door if you want, so why not go a little wild?
Some bold pattern ideas:
- Large-scale botanicals
- Vibrant tropicals
- Abstract art-inspired prints
- Playful animal motifs
Dark, moody wallpapers create a vintage, sophisticated vibe. If you paint your ceiling and cabinets in deep colors to match, you get a really immersive look.
Bold patterns break up solid cabinetry and add visual punch. Pull a color from the wallpaper for your cabinet paint to create balance and give your eyes a break.
Elegant Geometric Patterns
Geometric wallpaper brings a modern, polished feel to your laundry space. These patterns look great with streamlined cabinets and sleek hardware.
Repeating geometric designs break up big wall areas but keep things feeling clean and organized. The structure fits the practical nature of a laundry room.
Popular geometric styles:
- Hexagons
- Triangles
- Stripes
- Diamonds
Deep blue geometric patterns make moody feature walls that pair perfectly with black cabinetry. The combo feels bold yet refined.
If you want something more subtle, pick neutral geometric patterns. They add texture without overwhelming a small room. Look for designs with little color variation for some depth but a minimalist vibe.
Timeless Floral Wallpaper
Floral wallpaper isn’t just for grandma’s house anymore. Modern florals range from delicate botanicals to big, bold blooms that really make a statement.
Traditional block print florals bring a classic, timeless feel. Small-scale patterns look great with shaker cabinets and butcher-block counters.
Floral pattern types:
- Delicate botanical illustrations
- Bold tropical flowers
- Classic chinoiserie
- Modern abstract florals
Blue and white florals always feel fresh and clean—perfect for laundry rooms. The colors just fit the job.
If you like a more modern twist, try stylized blooms in unexpected colors. It’s a cool way to add personality without feeling dated.
Calming Neutral Tones
Neutral wallpaper creates a chill, restful vibe—great for laundry rooms that also act as craft spaces or mudrooms.
Soft tones and subtle patterns add interest without taking over. If you coordinate your cabinets, you get a nice tone-on-tone look that feels cohesive.
Neutral color palettes:
- Soft coral and tan
- Warm beige and cream
- Cool gray and white
- Muted sage green
Minimalist neutral patterns add just enough texture while keeping lines clean. They work especially well with simple hardware and cabinet styles.
Wallpaper that mimics wood, stone, or brick gives you the look without the hassle or expense. Peel-and-stick versions make this route pretty affordable and easy to DIY.
Light neutral wallpapers brighten up basement laundry rooms and make small spaces feel bigger and more welcoming.
Accent Walls and Creative Layouts
Where you put patterned wallpaper can totally change the vibe of your laundry room. The trick is picking wall applications that make an impact but don’t throw off the balance.
Creating a Focal Point with an Accent Wall
An accent wall is a great way to try a bold pattern without going overboard. Try the wall behind your washer and dryer, or the one you see first when you walk in.
Bold patterns really shine on accent walls. They add interest without fighting your appliances for attention. Geometric, floral, or graphic prints can instantly lift the space.
Match your cabinet colors to shades in the wallpaper for a seamless look.
Think about the wall’s size when you pick a pattern. Big designs look best on wide walls, while smaller patterns suit narrow spots.
Hang shelves or wall decor so they work with the accent wall, not against it. Keep extras minimal so the wallpaper stays center stage.
Extending Wallpaper to the Ceiling
Wallpapering from floor to ceiling makes cramped laundry rooms feel taller. This trick works especially well in basements.
The unbroken pattern draws your eye up, making even standard ceilings seem higher. Suddenly, the whole room feels more open.
Patterns with vertical elements, like stripes or anything with upward movement, really boost this effect.
Just a heads-up: Installation around ceiling fixtures and vents takes some planning. Measure carefully, and if you’re nervous, maybe hire a pro—mistakes show up fast on ceilings.
Light backgrounds help keep things from feeling too boxed in when you cover a lot of space.
Mixing Wallpaper with Wall Paneling
Pairing wallpaper with decorative paneling saves money and adds cool layered texture. Put wallpaper on the upper two-thirds of your wall and paneling below.
Paneling protects your walls from splashes and wear in busy spots. It’s a smart buffer around appliances.
Paint the paneling in a contrasting color to separate the two looks. Dark paneling with light wallpaper above adds depth and drama.
Wainscoting, board and batten, or even just a simple chair rail all work. Pick a style that fits your home’s overall vibe.
Set the dividing line at a natural spot—usually 36 to 42 inches from the floor.
Integrating Storage and Decor with Wallpaper
Patterned wallpaper makes a great backdrop for storage that’s both practical and pretty. The trick is picking storage pieces that work with your wallpaper style.
Decorative Shelves and Backdrops
Open shelves pop against patterned wallpaper. Pick shelf colors that tie in with your wallpaper’s accent shades.
White floating shelves look great with busy botanicals or geometric prints. Dark wood shelves suit neutral or monochrome designs.
A few styling tips:
- Group items in odd numbers (like three or five)
- Mix up heights and textures
- Leave some empty space so the wallpaper peeks through
Hang shelves at eye level for the most impact. It draws attention to both your storage and the wallpaper.
Use shelves to display laundry supplies in cute containers. Glass jars for detergent pods or vintage boxes keep things neat but stylish.
Using Woven Baskets for Texture
Woven baskets bring in natural texture that softens bold wallpaper. They’re especially good with geometric or floral patterns.
Pick basket colors that echo your wallpaper. Neutral shades like beige, gray, or white go with almost anything. Rattan baskets look amazing with botanicals.
Where to put baskets:
- Under counters for cleaning supplies
- On open shelves for folded towels
- On the floor for sorting dirty laundry
Mix up basket sizes for a more collected look. Big baskets hold bulky stuff, mediums are good for supplies, and small ones catch loose odds and ends.
Label baskets with cute tags that fit your theme. It keeps things organized and still looks good.
Incorporating Potted Plants for Freshness
Live plants add a splash of color and movement against patterned wallpaper. They bring a fresh contrast to busy prints and soften sharp geometric lines.
Pick plants that will survive your laundry room’s light. Snake plants and pothos do well in low light. Herbs like mint or lavender add a nice scent.
Set plants on shelves or window sills where they play off the wallpaper. Green leaves look fantastic against florals or neutrals.
Try these plant containers:
- White ceramic pots for a modern look
- Woven baskets for texture
- Colorful pots that match your wallpaper accents
Group plants in clusters at different heights for some visual layering. It makes the wallpaper feel even more dynamic.
Practical Tips for Installing Wallpaper in the Laundry Room
Putting up wallpaper in a laundry room takes some planning and the right tools. You’ll need to work around cabinets and appliances, so a little patience goes a long way.
Tools and Preparation Essentials
Gather your tools before you start—trust me, it saves headaches.
You’ll want:
- Wallpaper adhesive (Roman PRO-543 is great for textured walls)
- Snap-off utility knife with fresh blades
- Foam paint roller and a foil-lined tray
- Laser level for straight lines
- Wallpaper smoothing tool
- Small paintbrush for corners and edges
- Drop cloth or old towels
Clean your walls well and check for texture issues. For light knockdown textures, put extra adhesive right on the wall.
Test your wallpaper in a small spot first. Some papers need “booking” (folding the ends toward the center) to soften up before hanging.
Order about 10-15% more wallpaper than you think you’ll need. Odd cuts around appliances eat up extra paper fast.
Navigating Cabinets, Windows, and Appliances
Laundry rooms can be trickier than most spaces when it comes to cutting wallpaper. You’ll probably end up trimming around cabinets, windows, backsplashes, doorframes, and all those utility hookups.
Pre-cut your panels before you even think about hanging them. Measure each section with care, then add a couple of inches—maybe two or three—for trimming. Seriously, don’t try to cut around fixtures when the wallpaper’s already on the wall. That never goes well.
Try working left to right if you can, but don’t stress if it doesn’t fit your room. Sometimes it just makes more sense to skip the tough spots and come back to them once you’ve handled the easier areas.
Pay attention to how your wallpaper joins. Some types use butt joints, others overlap a bit, and a few need double-cutting, where you trim overlapping edges to get that seamless look.
Around appliances: Leave your washer and dryer where they are, but measure behind them carefully. Most laundry room wallpaper ideas work around existing appliances, so you won’t need to haul out heavy machines.
Mistake-Proof Application Techniques
Start with the right paste for your wallpaper. If you’ve got non-pasted paper, slap adhesive on both the back and the wall, especially if the wall’s textured.
Use your laser level to mark where the first panel should go. Even tiny mistakes stand out in a laundry room with all those reference points.
Cutting technique matters. Keep your utility knife blade sharp—change it out often. Dull blades just tear the wallpaper and leave ugly edges.
Smooth each panel from the center out to push out air bubbles. Take your time around cuts and joints.
For corners and tight spots: Grab a small paintbrush and work paste into the corners before you hang the panels. That helps stop them from peeling up later.
Double-check the pattern alignment on each panel before you commit to the adhesive. Step back and make sure the whole look lines up with your laundry room wallpaper ideas.
Styling Your Laundry Room for a Cohesive Look
If you want a unified design, match your patterned wallpaper with complementary colors. Add things that are both useful and nice to look at.
Coordinating Colors and Accessories
Grab your main colors straight from the wallpaper. If you’ve got beige and green botanical prints, pick out towels, rugs, and storage bins in those shades.
Metal finishes should play nice together. Stick with brushed gold for cabinet pulls, light fixtures, and curtain rods if that’s your look. Mixing chrome with brass or copper? That can get messy.
Pick one dominant color from your wallpaper and use it for big stuff like rugs or curtains. Grab a secondary color for smaller bits—think soap dispensers or picture frames.
Woven baskets are a solid choice if they match the natural tones in your wallpaper. Go for rattan or jute when you’re picking storage bins and laundry sorters.
Keep other patterns simple. If your wallpaper’s already busy, stick to solid colors for curtains and rugs. Otherwise, things can start to look a little chaotic.
Adding Functional and Decorative Elements
Try layering decorative storage that actually does something for your space. I love using pretty glass jars—they hold detergent pods and make open shelving look a bit more interesting.
Potted plants really bring some life into the room. If you want something easy, go for snake plants or pothos, since they don’t mind low light and won’t give you much trouble.
Put up some floating shelves to show off both practical stuff and a bit of decor. Maybe stack a few folded towels next to a small picture frame or a candle for visual balance.
Lighting seriously matters for tying the room together. Try a statement pendant or some sconces that match your wallpaper vibe. I think vintage-style fixtures look great with traditional patterns.
Think about making your accent wall the main attraction. If you keep the other walls neutral, your patterned wallpaper will really pop. Hang up a piece of art or a mirror on the plain walls to add some interest without making things feel too busy.