5 Shiplap Laundry Room Ideas: Creative ways to make your laundry room stylish and functional

I still remember a client once asked me to design their laundry room "so beautiful they’d want to host tea parties in it." At first, I laughed, but then I realized — even the most humble laundry space can be a design gem if you approach it with the right mindset. Small spaces often push us to think outside the box, and shiplap has been one of my secret weapons for adding instant charm. In this piece, I’m sharing 5 shiplap laundry room ideas I’ve learned from years of designing tight but fabulous spaces.

1. Classic White Shiplap for a Fresh Look

White shiplap is like the little black dress of interiors — timeless and versatile. It instantly brightens the laundry room and pairs well with any cabinet color. I once did a remodel where pairing white shiplap with open shelves turned a dim corner into Pinterest heaven. The only thing to watch is dust on those horizontal lines — regular cleaning helps keep that crisp look alive. If you’re planning layouts, a room planner can help visualize elevations before installation.

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2. Bold Color Shiplap Accent Wall

Painting shiplap in a bold navy or deep green creates a focal point that makes laundry days feel less like chores. I had a bachelor client who insisted on hunter green walls — at first skeptical, I was amazed at how cozy it felt. Just note: darker colors can make a narrow room feel smaller, so balance them with good lighting.

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3. Vertical Shiplap for Height Illusion

Most people install shiplap horizontally, but vertical planks can visually stretch the space. In one renovation, it completely changed the perception of a low ceiling room. This trick is especially useful in basements or older homes. For precision in planning, using a free floor plan creator makes measuring and placement easy before committing.

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4. Shiplap Backsplash Behind Sink Area

I love using shiplap just behind the laundry sink as a backsplash alternative. It’s more affordable than tiles and brings texture. The main challenge? Protecting the wood — I use a good sealant to guard against splashes. One couple told me that this detail alone made their laundry room ‘Instagram-ready’.

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5. Mix Shiplap with Open Storage

Combining shiplap walls with open shelving not only gives rustic charm but also keeps detergents and baskets within reach. In a recent small-space makeover, pairing shiplap with airy shelves made the room feel twice as big. Planning storage zones in advance using an kitchen layout planner may sound odd, but it works perfectly for laundry room organization too.

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FAQ

1. What is shiplap? Shiplap is a type of wooden board used for walls, featuring a rabbet joint that creates subtle horizontal or vertical lines.

2. Is shiplap suitable for laundry rooms? Yes, with proper sealing, shiplap can handle the moisture levels in most laundry spaces.

3. Should I use vertical or horizontal shiplap? Vertical adds height illusion; horizontal feels classic. Choose based on your room proportions.

4. How much does installing shiplap cost? Costs vary, but expect $3–$8 per square foot, excluding paint and sealant.

5. Can shiplap be painted? Absolutely. Use high-quality interior paint and primer for best results.

6. Does shiplap need special cleaning? Dust can collect in grooves; a soft cloth or vacuum brush works well.

7. Is shiplap a trend or timeless? While popular in farmhouse style, its clean lines give it lasting appeal.

8. Where can I visualize shiplap ideas? Tools like Coohom’s planners help preview layouts before you build.