Laundry Room Backsplash: Cheerful Design for Different Laundries

Introduction

A laundry room is one of the most frequently used spaces in a home. It’s where we wash clothes, fold laundry, and store supplies. While it may not seem like an area that needs much design attention, the right backsplash can really brighten up the space.

The backsplash is the part of the wall that is prone to getting splashed with water or stained from doing laundry. Tiling this section not only protects the wall but provides an opportunity to infuse personality. With so many backsplash design options—from materials to colors and patterns—it’s easy to create a look that matches your style.

In this article, we’ll explore backsplash ideas to make your laundry room cheerful and inspiring. We’ll look at design considerations for different types of laundry rooms. Read on for backsplash inspiration whether your laundry is large or compact, part of a mudroom, or even located outside.

Backsplash Materials for Laundry Rooms

The first step in designing a laundry room backsplash is choosing the right materials. The backsplash needs to be water-resistant and easy to clean. Here are some top options:

Tile

Tile is one of the most popular backsplash materials because it’s durable, affordable, and available in endless options. Ceramic and porcelain tile have very low water absorption rates, making them ideal for high-moisture areas.

Glass tile is another excellent choice. It’s resistant to moisture and cleans up easily. The glossy surface even helps reflect light, opening up smaller spaces. Mixing glass and ceramic tiles can create charming backsplashes.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel backsplashes bring an industrial vibe to the laundry room. Stainless steel withstands moisture, stains, and heat. It’s easy to clean and sanitize. Polished sheets of stainless steel create a sleek, modern look. Using metal tiles or tin ceiling tiles offers fun texture.

Stone

Natural stone like granite, marble, limestone, and travertine work beautifully in laundry rooms. Stone offers durability and water resistance. Honed stones like limestone can be less slippery. Granite’s speckled pattern helps conceal stains. Stone backsplashes bring natural texture and sophistication.

Paint

For a budget-friendly option, opt for paint. Use semi-gloss or high-gloss sheens so the wall can be easily wiped down. Make sure to use mold-resistant latex paint. Choose lighter colors to keep the laundry bright. Painting only the backsplash area in a fun accent color is an easy DIY option.

Laundry Room Backsplash Ideas

Now let’s look at backsplash ideas to make your laundry room design uplifting and fun while protecting the walls. Consider these tips when designing your backsplash:

Infuse Color

Adding color is an easy way to brighten up a laundry room. Use bold hues like citrus orange or lime green on the backsplash. Tiles with colorful patterns also bring punch. For a more subtle approach, use pastel tiles or a light blue green glass subway tile. Keep the grout bright white for contrast.

An orange tile backsplash adds cheerful color. Source

Add Pattern

Incorporating patterns is an easy way to make a backsplash interesting. There are so many options—from moroccan tiles, geometric designs, arabesque motifs to decorative insets. Tiles with pretty floral patterns can make laundry day feel like a breath of fresh air.

Keep in mind, heavily patterned backsplashes look best against a neutral wall color. Stick to a simple palette of 1-2 colors. Let the backsplash design shine.

Pretty patterned tiles create visual interest. Source

Add Texture

Textured tiles lend dimension and visual appeal to a backsplash. Handmade subway tiles, glass tiles, penny tiles, and hexagonal tiles all add great surface interest. Stone backsplashes made from materials like travertine and marble have natural pits and veining that catch the light beautifully.

Subway tiles bring texture to this bright laundry nook. Source

Use White & Bright Tiles

White backsplashes keep laundry rooms looking clean and bright. The white tile can extend to the ceiling, opening up the room. Combining white tile with light grout is a clean, classic look.

For more visual interest, combine white tiles with clear glass tiles. Or use white tiles in interesting shapes like hexagons. White subway tiles laid in a herringbone pattern also add nice texture.

White hexagon tiles make this laundry nook feel bright and airy. Source

Extend Backsplash to Ceiling

Installing tile from countertop to ceiling can give small laundry rooms a spacious feel. The crisp white tile also keeps the space feeling clean. This is easy to achieve if you have a tile backsplash design. Just continue the same materials all the way up.

Make sure your ceiling is properly waterproofed first. Use caulk to seal all seams and prevent moisture damage. Take care at the corner where the backsplash meets a window or door.

Extending white subway tile to the ceiling makes this small laundry area feel more open. Source

Add Pretty Accents

Look for creative ways to accessorize your laundry room backsplash. Frame sea shells in glass to add beachy flair. Vintage plates or unexpected objects like old door knobs can add character. Wavy tiles create movement and mimic the ocean.

Accent tiles used sparingly grab attention. Add a row of decorative tiles or mosaic insets. Use metallic tiles or colored glass tile for pops of color.

Sea shells displayed in a backsplash bring a beachy vibe. Source

Backsplash Design Considerations

Keep these factors in mind when designing a laundry room backsplash:

• Moisture – Use water-resistant materials like tile, stone, metal, or properly sealed paint. Avoid paper or vinyl.
• Cleaning – Choose glossy non-porous surfaces that are easy to wipe down. Stay away from rough grout that can collect grime.
• Durability – Opt for withstand high-traffic spaces like laundry rooms. Tile, metal, and stone last longer than drywall.
• Lighting – Add plenty of task lighting. Glossy backsplashes help reflect light.
• Ventilation – Ensure the area has proper ventilation to reduce moisture buildup.
• Storage – Use the backsplash area to add shelves, racks or cubbies for laundry essentials.
• Style – Make sure your backsplash design fits with the overall style of your home, whether modern rustic, traditional, or industrial.

Laundry Room Backsplash Ideas for Specific Spaces

Now let’s look at backsplash ideas for different types of laundry rooms. Consider what works best for the function and layout of your space.

Small Laundry Room Backsplashes

For tiny laundry nooks, opt for light colors, glass tiles, or reflective materials. Visually extend walls by running tile from countertop to ceiling. Add shelves with decorative accents. Use pattern and texture in small doses on the backsplash to add interest without overwhelming the compact room.

A white subway tile backsplash keeps this small laundry area looking clean and bright. Source

Basement & Garage Laundry Room Backsplash

For basement and garage laundry, use materials that can withstand cold, dampness, and fluctuating temperatures. Tile, stone, and stainless steel suit these spaces best. Opt for subtle colors and patterns that won’t clash if your laundry shares space with tools or storage items. Add adequate lighting to keep the area bright.

A grey and white tile backsplash adds subtle pattern in this basement laundry area. Source

Vintage Laundry Room Backsplashes

For vintage style laundry rooms channeling the early to mid 1900s, opt for classic subway tile, penny tile floors, beadboard paneling and pretty wallpaper accents. Keep the palette light and monochromatic. Add old-fashioned laundry signs and distress wood finishes for character. Use vintage accessories like a farmhouse sink, galvanized metal bins and antique ironing boards.

Classic white subway tile creates a vintage laundry room feel. Source

Rustic Laundry Room Backsplashes

For farmhouse style rustic laundries, use reclaimed wood paneling, brick backsplashes, and distressed cabinets. Exposed ceiling beams, galvanized metal and baskets enhance the homey feel. Add an apron-front sink and darling accents like wooden clothespins and linen towels. Opt for white Shaker cabinets and a brick or stone backsplash.

A brick backsplash and reclaimed wood shelves give this laundry area rustic appeal. Source

Creative Laundry Room Backsplash Ideas

If you’re looking to make a bold statement with your laundry backsplash, consider these creative ideas:

Mix Patterns & Textures

Get creative by mixing and matching patterned, textured tiles. Combine different scales like wide Moroccan tiles with tiny mosaic tiles. Blend smooth and glossy tiles with natural stone. Mixing tiles and materials adds interest. Just pick 2-3 patterns in the same color scheme.

Mixing patterns and textures creates an eclectic backsplash. Source

Add Contrasting Stripes

Make your backsplash design pop with bold stripes. Use two contrasting colors like navy blue and white for dramatic impact. Thin brick tiles can also easily create striped designs. Painting stripes right on the wall is a budget DIY option. Add matching striped towels for extra cheerful laundry flair.

Contrasting stripes make the backsplash a focal point. Source

Try Unconventional Materials

Get creative with your backsplash materials. Use gleaming copper sheets, faux metal and leather tiles, or pebbles and shells. Mix glass tiles with natural stone mosaics. Wood panels, weathered boards, and beadboard also add texture. Make a design statement with an unexpected material choice.

This backsplash uses unconventional materials like pebbles, sea glass and shells. Source

Frame It

Another unique approach is to frame your backsplash area like artwork. Use trim molding to create a frame effect around the entire backsplash. Or frame mosaic, metal or vinyl backsplash tiles individually for a one-of-a-kind gallery wall look.

Framing the backsplash gives it a gallery style appearance. Source

FAQs About Laundry Room Backsplash Design

Still have questions about designing your laundry room backsplash? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Should I Protect the Wall Behind the Washer & Dryer?

Yes, it’s wise to install backsplash tile behind the washer and dryer. This area is prone to damage from water splashes and drips, especially when making connections and moving the machines. Tiling a few feet around and behind appliances helps safeguard your walls.

What Height Should the Backsplash Go?

Standard backsplash height is 4 inches above countertops or appliances. But you can extend tiles from counter to ceiling for a seamless look. An average height is usually 12-16 inches. Make sure your backsplash at least covers areas that may get splashed.

How Do I Waterproof Drywall for Backsplash?

Use moisture-resistant drywall like greenboard if you’ll be painting the backsplash. Prime with waterproofing sealant before painting glossy backsplash paint. For heavy moisture areas, use cement board instead of drywall. Caulk gaps and seal joints for waterproof protection.

Can I Install Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tiles?

Self-adhesive backsplash tiles offer an affordable, DIY-friendly option. Use them on very clean, smooth surfaces only. Seal grout lines and edges to prevent moisture lifting the adhesive. They work best when installed carefully on primed, water-resistant walls or cement backerboard.

How Do I Cut Tiles for an Outlet?

Carefully measure and mark tiles where electrical outlets fall. Use a wet saw fitted with a diamond blade to cut