Should I Use Wallpaper or Paint For My Laundry Room?

If you’re looking for a stylish, low-maintenance option that’s easy to update, paint is the better choice for your laundry room.

When it comes to choosing the right look for your laundry room, the decision between “Should I Use Wallpaper or Paint” can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe you’re tired of plain walls and want something with more personality, or perhaps you’re looking for a simple update without too much hassle.

You could be wondering if wallpaper will be too high maintenance, or if paint might not provide the durability and style you want. Either way, you want something that will hold up, be easy to maintain, and reflect your personal style. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the pros and cons of both wallpaper and paint to help you make a choice that works for your laundry room’s needs and your overall vision.

Wallpaper vs. Paint for Your Laundry Room: The Best Choice for Long-Term Use

Wallpaper vs. Paint: A Quick Comparison

Factor	Wallpaper	Paint
Durability	High with vinyl-coated options	Moderate; may need touch-ups over time
Moisture Resistance	Good if waterproof and installed well	Excellent with mildew-resistant paint
Ease of Maintenance	Requires careful cleaning	Easy to clean and repair
Cost Over Time	Higher initial cost, but lasts longer	Lower upfront cost, may require more updates
Design Flexibility	Bold, textured, or patterned finishes	Simple to update with new colors

Why Paint Wins for Long-Term Use

While wallpaper can be visually striking and durable if you choose the right type, paint emerges as the more favorable choice for long-term practicality in a laundry room. Here’s why:

Superior Moisture Resistance

Laundry rooms often deal with high humidity, water splashes, and detergent spills. While vinyl-coated wallpaper can handle some moisture, paint—especially a high-quality, mildew-resistant variety—is better suited for these conditions. Paint resists peeling and bubbling, ensuring it stays intact over time.

Ease of Maintenance and Repair

Paint is easier to clean and repair compared to wallpaper. Scuffs, stains, or small damages on painted walls can be touched up quickly and cost-effectively. Wallpaper, on the other hand, requires patching or replacing entire sections, which can be labor-intensive.

Cost Efficiency

Although paint may require occasional updates (every 5-7 years depending on wear), it is far cheaper to repaint than to reapply wallpaper. Wallpaper’s initial cost and potential need for professional installation make it less economical for long-term use.

Design Flexibility

Paint allows you to refresh the room easily when trends change or if you simply want a new look. Unlike wallpaper, which can be challenging to remove, repainting is a straightforward process.

When Wallpaper Might Be Worth It

If you’re set on adding personality to your laundry room and are willing to invest in high-quality, moisture-resistant wallpaper, it can be a good choice for feature walls or low-traffic areas. However, its practicality decreases in rooms prone to constant wear, humidity, and spills.

Special Considerations: Combining Both

If you love the idea of both wallpaper and paint, consider combining them for a unique look:

Use wallpaper as an accent wall and paint the remaining walls in a complementary color.

Opt for a chair rail with paint below and wallpaper above, which adds visual interest and practicality.

Select removable wallpaper for one area, allowing easy changes if trends or tastes shift.

What Type of Paint Should I Pick for Laundry Room?

Here’s a breakdown of the most suitable paint types and finishes for this hardworking space:

1. Choose Paint with Moisture Resistance

To prevent issues like mold, mildew, and peeling, look for the following:

• Mildew-Resistant Paint
  These paints are specially formulated with additives that resist mold and mildew growth, making them ideal for humid spaces.
• Bathroom or Kitchen Paints
  These are designed to handle moisture and high-traffic areas and work well in laundry rooms, offering extra durability.

2. Best Paint Finish for a Laundry Room

The finish of the paint significantly impacts its durability and ease of cleaning. Here’s what to consider:

Satin Finish

Best Choice for Walls: Satin is moisture-resistant and easy to clean, making it an excellent option for walls. It has a slight sheen that enhances durability without showing imperfections as much as glossier finishes.

Perfect Balance: It’s less shiny than semi-gloss but offers more protection than eggshell.

Semi-Gloss Finish

Best for Trim and Moldings: Semi-gloss is even more durable and easier to clean, making it ideal for baseboards, door frames, or any surface exposed to splashes.

Highly Reflective: It adds a subtle shine that reflects light, making small laundry rooms feel brighter.

Eggshell Finish

Consider for Low-Traffic Areas: If your laundry room doesn’t experience a lot of splashes or humidity, eggshell can work for its softer appearance. However, it’s less durable than satin or semi-gloss.

3. Consider Specialty Paints

Scrubbable Paint
If your laundry room sees heavy use, opt for scrubbable paints that can withstand frequent cleaning without losing their finish.

Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Paints
These are environmentally friendly and emit fewer harmful fumes, making them safe for indoor use.

Stain-Resistant Paint
Laundry rooms are prone to spills and stains from detergents or cleaning supplies. Stain-resistant paints help maintain a clean look.

Recommended Brands

Here are some trusted brands offering paints suitable for laundry rooms:

• Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa
  A mildew-resistant option designed for high-humidity areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms. Comes in a matte finish with excellent durability.
• Sherwin-Williams Duration Home Interior Paint
  Offers mildew resistance, washability, and a variety of finishes, including satin and semi-gloss.
• Behr Premium Plus Ultra
  Affordable and durable, with mildew-resistant properties and great coverage.
• Valspar Reserve Kitchen & Bath Paint
  Formulated for humid areas, this paint is scrubbable, stain-resistant, and offers lasting performance.

Pro Tips for Painting a Laundry Room

1. Proper Surface Preparation: Clean and prime the walls to ensure the paint adheres well and lasts longer. Use a primer suitable for humid environments if the walls are new or uneven.
2. Adequate Ventilation: Improve airflow in your laundry room with vents, windows, or a dehumidifier to extend the life of your paint job.
3. Test Before You Commit: Apply small swatches of your chosen paint and observe how it performs under your laundry room’s lighting and conditions.

The Final Verdict: Choose Paint for Long-Term Reliability

For most laundry rooms, paint is the superior option for long-term usage. It provides a practical, cost-effective, and low-maintenance solution that stands up to the challenges of this space. By selecting a high-quality, moisture-resistant paint, you ensure durability and ease of care while maintaining the ability to refresh the space with minimal effort.