How to wallpaper a laundry room for a stylish touch

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Introduction

Wallpaper isn’t just for living rooms and bedrooms—it’s a budget-friendly and transformative way to give your laundry room a fresh, stylish look. Whether you want a bold pattern, a soft pastel, or a modern textured finish, adding wallpaper can instantly upgrade the space you use for daily chores. Learning how to wallpaper a laundry room for a stylish touch will help you create a room that feels more welcoming, organized, and personalized.

Why Wallpaper is Perfect for Laundry Rooms

A laundry room may not be the first space you think of decorating, but it’s one you use regularly. The right wallpaper can:

  • Add character – Bring life to plain walls with patterns and colors.
  • Reflect personal style – Choose designs that match your taste.
  • Enhance small spaces – Patterns can make a compact laundry room look larger.
  • Create a cohesive design – Tie in colors with storage bins, rugs, or appliances.
  • Boost home appeal – Even small upgrades make a home more attractive to buyers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Wallpapering Your Laundry Room

1. Choose the Right Wallpaper Type

In laundry rooms, moisture and temperature changes can affect materials. Look for:

  • Vinyl-coated wallpaper – Moisture-resistant and easy to clean.
  • Peel-and-stick wallpaper – Ideal for renters or temporary makeovers.
  • Washable wallpaper – Can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

Pro tip: Avoid thin, delicate paper in laundry rooms—it may peel or bubble in humid conditions.

2. Select the Perfect Design

Think about how your laundry room will feel:

  • Light colors and soft patterns – Make small rooms feel airy.
  • Bold prints – Add drama and personality to plain spaces.
  • Vertical stripes – Create the illusion of higher ceilings.
  • Nature-inspired designs – Add a calm, fresh atmosphere.

Budget tip: You don’t need to wallpaper the whole room—an accent wall behind the machines or folding station can have a big impact.

3. Gather Your Tools and Materials

You’ll need:

  • Wallpaper of your choice
  • Wallpaper adhesive (for traditional wallpaper)
  • Utility knife or sharp scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Level or plumb line
  • Wallpaper smoother or squeegee
  • Step ladder
  • Drop cloth or old sheet to protect the floor

4. Prep the Walls

Proper preparation ensures a smooth finish:

  1. Remove any shelves, hooks, or wall décor.
  2. Fill holes or cracks with spackling paste and sand smooth.
  3. Clean walls with mild soap and water, then let dry.
  4. For glossy walls, lightly sand to help wallpaper stick.
  5. Apply primer if recommended by the wallpaper manufacturer.

5. Measure and Cut Wallpaper

  • Measure the height of your wall from baseboard to ceiling.
  • Add 2–3 inches extra at both top and bottom to allow for trimming.
  • Cut your first panel using these measurements.
  • If your wallpaper has a repeating pattern, line it up before cutting the next panel.

6. Mark Your Starting Point

  • Use a level or plumb line to draw a vertical line on the wall where your first panel will go.
  • Starting from the center of the wall rather than a corner can make patterns look balanced.

7. Apply the First Panel

For peel-and-stick wallpaper:

  1. Peel back a few inches of the backing.
  2. Align the top of the panel with your starting line.
  3. Press it to the wall, smoothing as you go to prevent bubbles.

For traditional wallpaper:

  1. Apply paste to the wall or the back of the paper, depending on the type.
  2. Align the top edge and smooth down, removing air pockets with the smoother tool.

8. Trim Excess Paper

  • Use a sharp utility knife to trim along the ceiling and baseboard.
  • Change blades often for clean cuts.

9. Continue Panel by Panel

  • Match patterns carefully between panels.
  • Overlap slightly if recommended by the manufacturer, or butt edges together for seamless lines.
  • Smooth each panel as you go to remove air bubbles.

10. Finishing Touches

  • Wipe off excess adhesive with a damp sponge (for pasted wallpaper).
  • Reinstall shelves, hooks, and décor.
  • Add complementary storage containers, a small rug, or framed prints to complete the look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Skipping Wall Prep
    Dirt, dust, or uneven walls can cause bubbles and peeling.
  2. Not Aligning Patterns
    Even a slight mismatch can stand out—double-check alignment before smoothing down.
  3. Using the Wrong Wallpaper Type
    Thin or non-washable wallpaper won’t last in a laundry room.
  4. Not Accounting for Pattern Repeat
    Large patterns may require more wallpaper than a plain design.
  5. Applying Too Quickly
    Rushing increases the chance of air bubbles and uneven seams.

Extra Laundry Room Styling Tips

  • Accent Just One Wall – Save money and create a focal point.
  • Coordinate Colors – Match wallpaper tones to baskets, jars, or rugs.
  • Add Lighting – A brighter space shows off your wallpaper and makes laundry easier.
  • Use Floating Shelves – They allow your wallpaper to shine while providing storage.

You might also enjoy our guide on How to Upgrade a Laundry Room with Budget DIY Hacks, which pairs perfectly with this wallpaper project.

Conclusion

Wallpapering your laundry room is a simple yet effective way to give it personality and style. By choosing moisture-resistant wallpaper, preparing the walls properly, and applying it with care, you can create a space that’s both functional and beautiful.

📌 Extra Tip: Keep a small roll or leftover wallpaper stored in a labeled tube—perfect for quick touch-ups if a section gets damaged over time. Bookmark this guide before starting so you have the steps handy on project day.