Laundry Room Paint Color Ideas: 5 Fresh Picks: Small laundry? Big impact. Five paint ideas that brighten, enlarge, and make chores feel less like punishment.

I once painted a client's tiny laundry room bright coral because they swore it would energize them for folding—turns out coral made the space feel like a closet that ate sunlight. That mishap taught me to think about reflectance, scale, and mood before picking a can of paint; I also documented the turnaround in a real renovation case that saved us both time and regret.

1. Soft Pastels for Calm

I love soft pastels—pale mint, blush, or powder blue—because they bounce light without shouting. They make a narrow laundry feel fresh and spa-like, but be mindful: some pastels read dirty quickly if the finish is too flat, so I usually recommend a washable eggshell.

save pin

2. High-Reflectance White to Maximize Light

White isn’t boring when you pick the right undertone. A warm white can cozy up a windowless nook, while a cool white brightens spaces with north light. The upside is maximum reflectivity; the downside is that white shows marks, so plan for wipeable trim and smart storage.

save pin

3. Two-Tone Tricks for Depth

Painting lower cabinetry or the bottom half of a wall in a darker shade and keeping the top light creates an intentional horizon line that visually widens the room. I used this on a galley laundry: it gave depth without a costly renovation, though aligning the midline neatly takes patience.

save pin

4. Moody Accent Wall for Character

If you want personality, pick one wall—behind hooks or a stacked washer-dryer—as an accent in deep teal or charcoal. It hides scuffs and anchors open shelving, but darker colors can feel smaller, so balance with ample lighting and reflective hardware. I borrowed a zoning idea from a kitchen layout case to keep the visual flow when the laundry sits next to the kitchen.

save pin

5. Practical Neutrals with a Pop

Greige and warm taupe are forgiving and timeless; then add a pop—vibrant door trim or a painted ceiling—to inject joy. This approach is low-risk and budget-friendly, and I often show clients a 3D before-and-after to help them commit. The small challenge is picking the right pop color—test samples under your laundry lighting.

save pin

FAQ

Q1: What paint finish is best for a laundry room?

Use an eggshell or satin for walls—easy to wipe and not too shiny. Trim and doors can be semi-gloss for durability and cleanability.

Q2: How do I make a tiny laundry feel bigger with paint?

Choose lighter, high-reflectance colors on walls and ceiling, and keep contrast subtle so lines read continuous rather than chopped up.

Q3: Are dark colors a bad idea in a laundry space?

Not at all—dark colors hide marks and add drama. Just balance them with bright lighting, reflective fixtures, or a lighter ceiling to avoid a cave effect.

Q4: How much paint should I buy for a small laundry room?

Measure wall square footage (length x height x number of walls) and subtract windows/doors; one gallon typically covers 350–400 sq ft, so most small laundries need one gallon plus touch-up.

Q5: Can I use the same paint in an adjoining kitchen?

Yes—carrying a color family through adjacent spaces creates flow. I often match undertones rather than exact hues so each room keeps its identity.

Q6: What about moisture and paint?

Most interior paints are fine, but ensure good ventilation and choose mold-resistant primer in damp setups. Also use mildew-resistant finishes where humidity is high.

Q7: How should I test paint colors?

Always test 2–3 large swatches on different walls and observe them at various times of day; small samples on a card can mislead.

Q8: Where can I read more about paint reflectance values?

For technical guidance on Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and choosing whites, see Sherwin-Williams’ official resources on LRV and undertones (Sherwin-Williams: guidance on LRV and color selection).