Certain rooms of the house always get a little neglected when it comes to decoration – usually those typically thought of as the workhorses of the home, where the daily humdrum activities take place. The utility room is a good case in point, meaning utility room wallpaper ideas are often not given much thought.
It is easy to dismiss fancy utility room ideas as a waste of time and money, yet you really are missing a trick if you do. This is a space that gets used for all kinds of things, from doing the laundry to washing off muddy footwear, drying down soggy pets to de-robing after a wet walk. What this means is that you are likely to be spending a fair amount of time in there and that fact that you might not be using it to host social gatherings is even more reason to put some thought into its appearance. With a few fanciful flourishes, mundane tasks can be made so much more pleasant.
We've pulled together some of the most beautiful wallpaper ideas for utility rooms around – you might just start to look forward to tackling that pile of dirty washing.
Article continues below1. Pick a paper to tie in with fitted furniture
While you might not specifically be looking for small utility room ideas, even those with bigger rooms can benefit from opting for a wallpaper that in some way reflects the shades used elsewhere in the space, be that in the cabinetry or the flooring.
"Wallpaper is more than just a backdrop; it can define the character of a utility room," picks up David Harris, design director at Andrew Martin. "When choosing colours to complement it, think beyond matching – consider how they enhance the overall mood while remaining practical.
"A subtle contrast, like a deeper tone pulled from the pattern, can add depth without compromising functionality," continues David. "Don’t shy away from personality, but balance it with durability to ensure the space works as hard as it needs to.”
David Harris is design director at Andrew Martin, where he oversees the creation of the brand’s fabrics, wallpapers and soft furnishings. Having joined the company in 2000, he has played a key role in shaping its globally inspired aesthetic, drawing on influences from travel, culture and craftsmanship to develop collections that blend eclectic design with timeless British style.
2. Use a mural wallpaper to escape boring tasks
There are so many ways you can turn everyday tasks, be that sorting out the dirty laundry or drying off the dog, into little moments of joy – including the patterns and colours you surround yourself with.
Mural wallpaper is a brilliant way to transport you to a far-off, exotic destination or a tranquil garden setting – in a utility room it really can be a gamechanger – and don't feel this isn't an idea that won't work in small spaces either as it totally can.
"If the room is small, an oversized design or mural can actually make the space feel bigger rather than more enclosed," says James Mellan-Matulewicz, creative director and interior designer at Bobbi Beck. "A botanical wraparound wallpaper, for example, keeps the room feeling natural and interesting. This draws the eye around the space to make it feel more inviting and better utilised as a room encouraging it to feel like a proper part of the home."
James is the creative director and interior designer at design brand Bobbi Beck. He has over a decade of experience as a multidisciplinary designer, working across interiors, styling and art direction.
3. Open up a small space with light-toned, small-scale patterns
All too often people feel that busy, intricate patterns should be reserved for larger spaces, but they can actually work really well in smaller rooms too so don't discount this style of wallpaper if you are limited spatially or working with narrow utility room ideas.
"There are no strict rules when it comes to pattern," says Kate Legodi, founder and CEO of Coeur et Maman. "A simple stripe can feel just as effective and timeless as a bold botanical. For particularly small spaces, you may want to consider a smaller-scale or small repeat design so you get the full effect of the design coming through.
"If you do opt for wallpaper, consider where and how it’s used," continues Kate. "Feature walls or areas away from direct splashes are ideal, while spots behind sinks or appliances are best avoided unless protected.
Kate is founder and CEO of Coeur et Maman, which was born from a belief that belonging is built through care, and that an ordinary day can be extraordinary when we choose to see it. Every piece they design is an invitation to celebrate life as it happens.
4. Combine wallpaper with more hardwearing finishes
While it is fine to use wallpaper in a utility room, particularly if you pick one that is designed for use in this kind of space, it does pay to be sensible about exactly where you use it, just as you would be with kitchen wallpaper.
"As with any hardworking space, durability does matter. A balanced approach tends to work best, combining wallpaper with more robust finishes, such as paint, panelling, or tile in high-traffic or high-humidity areas, particularly around sinks and water sources," advises Kate Legodi.
"Modern wallpaper substrates have come a long way, with many now offering wipeable, more durable finishes," continues Kate. "A coated non-woven wallpaper is a particularly good option for utility rooms, offering both longevity and ease of maintenance."
5. Lose yourself in a wallpaper cocoon
By now you've probably heard of the colour drenching paint trend and you might just have heard of tile drenching too, but how about wallpaper drenching? Obviously it needs little in the way of explanation but it can work brilliantly in creating a sense of being cocooned in colour and pattern in a utility room.
In short, continue your wallpaper not just all over the walls, but also up onto the ceiling – and, if you were wondering, yes, this is an approach that can work well in small spaces, providing you choose your pattern scale wisely.
“When choosing wallpaper for a utility room, consider the size and function of the space," advises David Harris. "Smaller scale patterns can work well in compact areas, while larger scale designs may suit more spacious utility rooms – but always think about lighting, as this can affect how the wallpaper looks and make colours appear lighter or darker."
6. Use simple patterns where there's a lack of natural light
Stripes are very rarely out of fashion – from Bridgerton-inspired Regency-style interiors, to fresher, more modern schemes, stripes always have a place.
When it comes to utility room wallpaper, a striped design can work really well, particularly if there is no window or the space receives little in the way of natural light.
"Pattern-wise, keep it balanced – classic designs such as stripes or subtle florals can work well, while busier or kitsch patterns can add personality without overwhelming the space," says David Harris.
"If the utility room doesn’t get much natural light, choosing a busy pattern in warmer neutral tones will help keep the space feeling bright and airy," adds James Mellan-Matulewicz. "A geometric pattern would be ideal in this instance too, as the repeated shapes and lines break up the surface visually. As a result, the eye tends to focus on one mark, drawing it to the overall pattern."
Shop striped wallpapers
This elegant striped wallpaper is available in a range of subtle colourways, but this shade, Sky Blue, would work particularly well in a utility room lacking in natural light.
Despite its very affordable price tag, this wallpaper manages to be both elegant as well as a little whimsical – the perfect finishing touch for a previously dull and unimaginative utility room.
Stripes don't have to be straight – and this pretty fern-inspired pattern would be perfect for introducing a little movement and flow into a space without it ending up feeling overwhelmed
7. Use wallpaper as a backdrop for your shelving
As well as performing a practical role in terms of storage, your utility room shelving can also become a feature in its own right when you use it to display your glassware or vase collection.
Using wallpaper behind your shelving is a great way to really draw the eye to the area – but keep the colours and patterns a little more on the subtle side here if you don't want to avoid the end result looking too busy.
"In terms of colour, it’s best to avoid anything too dark," advises James Mellan-Matulewicz. "Whilst these tones can be good at hiding dirt and scuffs, they can make an already small space feel less inviting."
8. A busy, small-scale floral will hide imperfections
Wallpaper is good at hiding a multitude of sins, and if your utility room walls are a little worse for wear, this could be the ideal way to disguise that.
"In terms of design, it really comes down to personal choice but busier patterns such as florals or stripes are better at hiding damage and wear and tear compared to plainer designs," reveals Rebecca Nokes, design director at John Lewis of Hungerford.
David Harris has some more advice on choosing pattern. "Wallpaper can have a big impact on the mood of a utility room, so it’s important to get the design right," points out David. "Opt for darker, more practical tones such as navy or deep green to disguise marks and wear, or choose lighter hues like soft grey to keep the space feeling fresh and open."
Rebecca is design director and senior designer at John Lewis of Hungerford and has an in-depth knowledge of interior design and space planning.
9. Choose a paper that reflects your interior style
If you are finding it hard to know where to start selecting a paper for your space, it makes sense to look around the rest of your home for a little inspiration.
"From a design perspective, the most important consideration is cohesion," picks up Kate Legodi. "A utility room should still feel connected to the wider home, so it’s worth selecting a wallpaper that contributes to the overall story of the interiors.
"For a more layered look, consider co-ordinating your trim, skirting board ideas and woodwork colour with your wallpaper," continues Kate. "Picking out a colour from the wallpaper offers a subtle co-ordinating accent, and you could even choose a high contrast colour for a bold impact."
10. Don't shy away from bold colours and patterns
Bright colours and playful patterns might sound like they could be 'too much' in a small utility room but a feature wall created in this way can actually be the perfect distraction from the dimensions of the room.
If your utility room is on the smaller side, you won't need to buy as much wallpaper as if you were dealing with a larger space so you can splash out a little too.
"Utility rooms are typically smaller spaces, which makes them ideal for an investment wallpaper without having to incur a significant spend, so your design choices can make a real impact," points out Kate Legodi. "Ultimately, it’s a space where you can be a little more playful while still maintaining a sense of elegance and intention."
11. Use wallpaper to create an entrance
This all comes back to the idea that even utilitarian spaces can become beautiful areas within the home with the right design approach.
"Utility rooms are increasingly getting more attention from a design perspective," picks up Kate Legodi. "Increasingly, people are treating these rooms as an opportunity to inject colour and vitality, shifting them away from purely functional zones into spaces that feel considered and even uplifting to spend time in."
By adorning the wall separating this utility space and walk-in pantry from the rest of the house with a lively-patterned wallpaper, a little drama is added to the whole scheme.
FAQs
What type of wallpaper is best in a utility room?
In a room of high traffic and fluctuating moisture and temperature levels, you need to choose your wallpaper with care.
"Given the humidity, heat and frequent cleaning these rooms require, durable options such as vinyl or washable wallpapers are the most suitable," says Rebbea Nokes. "In higher use areas, paint or more hardwearing finishes like tiles or wall panels may still be the better choice for ease of maintenance."
"Vinyl (or vinyl-coated) papers are increasingly being used for bathroom wallpaper ideas and tend to perform even better in utility settings," agrees Kate Legodi. "The quality available now is far removed from what many people might associate with older vinyl wallpapers, and most designs can often be adapted into a 'vinylised' version on request. Peel-and-stick options are also a wonderful solution here, particularly for renters (and even homeowners) who want to experiment without the pressure of a long-term commitment."
"If you opt for a ‘scrubbable’ finish, you’ll be able to wipe away any marks or dirt with ease," adds James Mellan-Matulewicz. "If you can find a heavy-duty vinyl, it will hold up even better and cope well with the demands of a busy utility room."
While you can definitely have a little fun with the design of your utility room, keep in mind that this still needs to function well as a practical space. Make sure your utility room storage ideas can take care of everything you need to keep in this room if you want it to be an organised space.
