Laundry Room Wallpaper Ideas: Real-Life Inspiration + Smart DIY Tips
I love wallpaper! I love how it can completely change the feel of a space with just one design decision. And when it comes to laundry rooms, wallpaper might be the secret weapon no one talks about.
Laundry rooms are usually full of hard surfaces. There's tile on the floor, cabinets on the wall, and appliances front and center. You don't get the same opportunities for softness and pattern like you do in a living room, where curtains, pillows, and throw blankets help warm things up. So when I finished ours, I found myself asking - where's the pattern? Where's the charm?
Adding wallpaper was the answer.
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It brought warmth, texture, and a sense of design to a room that can often feel strictly functional. The right wallpaper in a laundry room can make it feel finished, styled, and even a little elevated.
In this post, I'll show you what wallpaper we chose for our own laundry room, share ideas for feature walls versus full room installs, and offer tips to help you find a pattern that fits your space and your style.
Jump to:
- Why wallpaper works in a laundry room
- Feature wall vs full room: What to consider
- Unexpected places to use wallpaper in a laundry room
- Peel and stick vs traditional paste
- Our laundry room wallpaper
- Other wallpaper styles to try in a laundry room
- Shop laundry room wallpaper:
- Frequently asked questions
- Laundry room inspiration to explore
Why wallpaper works in a laundry room
Wallpaper might not be the first thing that comes to mind when designing a laundry room, but it can completely change the feel of the space. It takes a utilitarian room and gives it style, texture, and intention.
Laundry rooms are often filled with hard surfaces like tile floors, cabinetry for storage, and appliances. There usually is not a place for soft textures like curtains or throw pillows, so wallpaper becomes a great way to bring in warmth and pattern. It softens the room without taking up any space.
If your laundry area is part of a larger open-concept basement or mudroom, wallpaper can also help define the space. A patterned accent wall behind the washer and dryer creates a natural focal point and helps visually separate the area from everything else.
Even in small laundry rooms or tucked-away corners, wallpaper adds a finished look. It signals that the space matters. Whether you choose a soft floral, bold geometric, or neutral grasscloth, wallpaper makes even a quick load of laundry feel more special.
Feature wall vs full room: What to consider
When deciding how much wallpaper to use in a laundry room, one of the first things to think about is whether you want a single feature wall (also called accent wall) or to wallpaper the entire space.
In my laundry room, I went with a feature wall beyond our IKEA built in washer and dryer unit. It was the perfect place to anchor the room and draw the eye forward. The wallpaper adds texture and pattern to a space otherwise filled with hard surfaces like tile, cabinetry, and countertops. There was nowhere else to bring in softness, so the wallpaper became the star.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing between a feature wall and wallpapering the whole room:
Feature wall pros
- Lower cost, since you need fewer rolls
- Less time-consuming to install
- Easier to switch out when you want a change
- Great for bold or intricate patterns that could overwhelm a small space
Feature wall cons
- Can feel unfinished if the rest of the space is very plain
- Might not make as big of an impact in a large room
Full room wallpaper pros
- Creates an immersive, cozy effect
- Makes the space feel designed from every angle
- Works well with subtle patterns or textures
Full room cons
- More expensive and time-consuming
- More challenging to install, especially around cabinets and corners
Also consider pattern scale and light. A bold pattern might work best on one wall, while something softer and more textural could go all around the room. If your laundry room doesn't get much natural light like ours, choose a wallpaper with a lighter background to help reflect light.
Budget, pattern, and layout will all help you decide, but either approach can be beautiful. A well-placed feature wall, like the one I created, can totally transform your laundry space without overwhelming it.
Unexpected places to use wallpaper in a laundry room
Wallpaper doesn't have to be reserved for just a feature wall or the entire room. Don't feel boxed in! There are plenty of smaller spots in a laundry room that can benefit from a pop of pattern or a touch of personality.
Above the washer and dryer
If your washer and dryer are side-by-side with cabinets above, the space in between is often a blank slate. A strip of wallpaper behind the machines can act like a backsplash, adding color and interest without overwhelming the room. This is a great option for renters too, especially with peel and stick.
Behind open shelves
If you've added open shelving for storage or decor, try wallpapering the wall behind those shelves. It helps frame what's on display and gives your laundry room a more styled look without needing to cover a full wall.
Inside a nook or alcove
Have a recessed area for hanging clothes or storing laundry baskets? Wallpapering the back of that nook gives it a boutique feel and turns a purely functional space into a thoughtful design moment.
Behind or inside cabinets
For an unexpected detail, consider adding wallpaper to the back of a glass-front cabinet or even inside drawers. It's a small detail, but it brings a bit of joy every time you open the door. This can also tie into your larger wallpaper choice if you use the same pattern in a smaller dose.
On the ceiling
If you're feeling adventurous, wallpapering the ceiling can completely change the look and feel of a small laundry space. It draws the eye upward and works especially well if your walls are neutral.
Back panels and built-ins
If you have a built-in bench, cubbies, or even a storage tower in your laundry room, consider wallpapering the back panels of those features. It adds texture and warmth to otherwise flat surfaces.
Sharing more wallpaper ideas on my Wallpaper Decor Ideas You Can Implement in a Day post.
Peel and stick vs traditional paste
Wallpaper is one of my favorite ways to personalize a space, but not all wallpaper is created equal. The two main types are peel and stick and traditional paste. I've worked with both and can tell you, they each have their place.
Peel and stick wallpaper
Pros
- Easier to remove
- No paste required
- Great for renters or short-term projects
Cons
- Once it touches the wall, it doesn't move
- Difficult to realign if you need to match patterns
- Can wrinkle or stretch during application
Peel and stick seems easy on the surface. It's like a giant sticker. But in a real-world setting, especially with larger panels, it can be frustrating. If it grabs the wall before you're ready, it's hard to reposition. That lack of wiggle room is what makes it tricky, even if it sounds simple.
Traditional paste wallpaper
Pros
- More forgiving during installation
- Allows you to shift and align the paper
- Often comes in higher-end designs and finishes
Cons
- Paste can be messy
- Longer cleanup
- Harder to remove later
With paste wallpaper, you have time to move the paper into place before it sets. I share even more pros, cons, and real-life wallpaper tips in my China hutch makeover post . If you're debating which type of wallpaper to try, that post breaks it all down.
Wall prep tips
Whether you're going with peel and stick or traditional, prepping your walls is key:
- Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust or grease
- Patch and sand any holes or rough spots
- Measure carefully and have a second person if possible
- Avoid textured walls, especially with peel and stick wallpaper
- Always order a sample first if you're unsure of the finish
If your walls are in rough shape or have texture, you might need to skim coat them first or stick to wallpaper that is more forgiving. A little prep makes a big difference in how the paper looks once it's up.
Our laundry room wallpaper
When it came time to choose wallpaper for our laundry room, I wanted something subtle, elegant, and timeless. The room already had strong lines from the white IKEA cabinets, black painted door, dark counters, and structured tile floor. I was looking for a pattern that could soften the space without feeling busy or overly bold.
The pattern I chose
I chose a soft gray floral peel and stick wallpaper with a classic botanical design that feels both timeless and calming. The tone-on-tone pattern adds interest without overwhelming the room, and the floral detail softens up all those crisp lines from the cabinets and appliances.
Why it works
The background color of the wallpaper was a near-perfect match for Benjamin Moore's Storm, which I used on the rest of the walls. Painting the surrounding walls in the same color pulled the entire space together and made the wallpapered feature wall feel more cohesive, not like an afterthought.
This wallpaper brought in a feeling of polish and elegance, without going too bold or busy. It turned the laundry room from just a utility space into a part of the home I genuinely enjoy being in.
I love to share this before and after. You can see how the addition of this patterned wallpaper (along with decor) finishes the space.
Want the Full Look? You can read all about how I matched the IKEA ENKÖPING cabinet finish with the perfect crown molding paint color in this post: How to Match IKEA ENKÖPING Cabinets: The Perfect Paint Color and Sheen
Other wallpaper styles to try in a laundry room
Not ready to commit to one big pattern? You're not alone. I've collected a few extra rolls from past projects and love experimenting with different looks. A laundry room is a great place to play with wallpaper, whether you go bold, subtle, or just a little quirky.
If you've got a stash like mine, lay out a few swatches and see what sparks your creativity. Here are some styles that work especially well in laundry spaces:
Botanical and floral prints
Soft blooms, leafy greens, or even wild garden scenes can make a utility space feel calming and fresh. This style pairs beautifully with neutral cabinetry and warm wood accents.
Vintage or victorian
Think old-world charm with ornate patterns or faded damasks. These work well if your laundry area leans traditional or if you're adding wallpaper inside cabinets or hutches.
Neutral textures
Grasscloth-inspired designs or linen-look prints bring depth without overwhelming the room. They're great for adding warmth while keeping things subtle and easy to coordinate.
Black and white geometric
Crisp patterns like chevrons, diamonds, or stripes give a modern edge. These can energize a small laundry space without making it feel too busy.
Whimsical or hand-drawn prints
Playful illustrations, doodles, or storybook motifs add a little humor and personality. This is perfect for laundry areas in family homes or tucked-away spaces where you want to smile while folding.
Faux tile or beadboard
If you love the look of a backsplash but don't want to commit to tile, try wallpaper that mimics it. Beadboard-style wallpaper can also add classic charm and dimension behind your machines or along a low wall.
Shop laundry room wallpaper:
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you absolutely can. Just be mindful of clearance and access. If your machines are tight to the wall or stacked, install the wallpaper before placing them. For easier projects, apply wallpaper just above the backsplash line or to visible areas only.
Most high-quality peel and stick wallpapers do fine in a laundry room, especially if the space is well-ventilated. If you have poor airflow or your laundry room gets very steamy, traditional wallpaper with paste might hold up better.
Try vertical stripes to add height or soft, light-toned patterns that don't overwhelm the space. Large-scale prints in subtle colors can also trick the eye into thinking the room is more expansive.
It's a good idea. Priming helps the wallpaper stick better and makes removal easier later on. For peel and stick paper, smooth, clean walls are a must. If you're working over dark paint, a light primer may also keep the color from showing through.
You can, but it takes prep. For tile, you'll want to skim coat the grout lines for a flat surface. For paneling, fill grooves and sand everything smooth. Use a strong adhesive if the surface isn't perfectly flat.
Yes. Wallpaper brings personality, texture, and warmth to a space that's usually all function and no fun. It's a great way to make the room feel intentional, whether it's tucked in a basement or part of a hallway.
The biggest challenge is repositioning. Once it's on the wall, it doesn't slide like pasted wallpaper does. That means you have to line things up carefully. Some lower-quality peel and stick papers may also peel at the edges in humid spaces.
Besides wallpaper, you can hang peg rails, floating shelves, small framed art, baskets, or even a chalkboard or whiteboard for schedules and notes. But wallpaper adds instant polish that elevates the whole look.
It depends on the size of your space and the type of wallpaper. Peel and stick rolls start around $35, while high-end traditional paper can run over $100 per roll. Most small laundry rooms need 2 to 4 rolls.
Wallpaper might not be the first thing you think of for a laundry room, but it's one of the easiest ways to add style, warmth, and personality to a hard-working space. Whether you go bold with a full room or subtle with a small accent, the right wallpaper can make even the most functional corner of your home feel special.
Happy wallpapering friends!
