What to put on the walls, which material to choose, and how to make even a tiny laundry room feel like part of your home.
Let’s be honest, folding fitted sheets isn’t anyone’s favorite task. Still, the room where we do laundry deserves more than just plastic bottles and a dull overhead light.
Laundry rooms are often small, hardworking, and tucked away. That makes them one of my favorite places to use wallpaper. You don't need a giant renovation to give the space a point of view. A great wallpaper print, a practical surface, and a few thoughtful details can make Tuesday's fifth load of laundry feel a little more civilized.
So, can you use wallpaper in a laundry room? Absolutely. Here’s how I would choose the right one.
First, choose the material for the room you actually have
Before you pick a color or pattern, think about how you use your laundry room. Is it well ventilated? Does water from the sink splash onto the walls? Do muddy shoes and sports gear often end up here?
If your laundry room gets a lot of use, I recommend starting with performance vinyl wallpaper. It’s washable and built to handle moisture, marks, and frequent cleaning. You get the fun of wallpaper without having to treat the room like it’s off-limits.
If your laundry room is dry, well-ventilated, and mainly used for folding, you can use traditional matte wallpaper away from splash zones. I’d avoid delicate natural grasscloth near a sink or washing machine. It’s beautiful, but not my top pick for spots that get detergent splatters.
Wallpaper won’t solve a damp wall. Fix any leaks, condensation, or ventilation issues before adding anything decorative.
Think about what you see from the doorway
In a small room, your first impression matters. If you have a wall above the machines or behind a folding counter, that’s a great spot for a pattern. A print can turn a row of appliances into a purposeful design feature.
For a cozier feel, wrap the wallpaper around the whole room and let cabinets, counters, and linens provide some visual breaks. If your laundry room connects to a kitchen or mudroom, use a color from the next room to make the transition feel smooth.
There’s no rule against using prints in a small room. A bold floral can look great in a compact laundry space, especially if the cabinets and floor are simple. Stripes feel clean and neat, toile adds some character, and a trellis pattern gives structure without making the room feel too formal.
Give the wallpaper a supporting cast
The laundry room still needs to work well, so include things that make chores easier: a folding counter, closed storage for less attractive supplies, good lighting, and baskets that fit your family’s weekly laundry.
Then, add some fun touches. Paint the cabinets a color from your wallpaper, pick a nice shade for the window, or use a skirt under the sink for hidden storage. Add a hook for shirts that need steaming and a small tray for pocket finds. The spare change might not pay for a trip, but at least it has a home.
I love how a cheerful wall pairs with useful features. This mix helps the laundry room feel like a real part of your home, not just a showpiece.
Three directions I'd try
Fresh and coastal: Go for a blue-and-white or green-and-white stripe, painted cabinets, a woven basket, and simple brass hardware. It’s clean and classic, but not too sterile.
Garden-room laundry: Choose a floral or leafy print with sage cabinets and a vintage-style faucet for a cozy, collected feel. If you prefer dark florals, combine them with a light counter and lots of light.
A little cheeky: In a family mudroom-laundry combo, pick a playful pattern you truly enjoy. The space can be practical and still show some personality.
Browse the House Party laundry room wallpaper collection for prints in hardworking finishes, then bring samples into your actual room. Look at them beside the cabinets in morning sunshine and with the lights on at night. That five-minute check saves a lot of second-guessing later.
One last practical note before you order
Ask your installer to measure the walls, check the pattern repeat and placement, and order enough material for trimming and matching. House Party wallcoverings need double cutting, so I suggest hiring a professional. Make sure the wall is clean, smooth, dry, and ready, and follow the product’s installation instructions for your chosen finish.
The laundry will still be there tomorrow. But at least the room can make you smile when you walk in.