When choosing a paint color for a laundry room with no windows, there are a few key factors to consider. The lack of natural light means you have more flexibility with color choices, as you don’t have to worry about how the paint will look in different light throughout the day. However, you still want to choose a color that will brighten up the space, make it feel fresh and inviting, and conceal any stains or dirt that are common in a laundry room. Here are some tips on choosing the best paint color for a windowless laundry room.
Opt for Light, Bright Colors
The first rule of thumb when painting a room without windows is to go for light, bright colors. Darker paint colors can make a windowless room feel gloomy and closed in. Lighter colors help reflect light and make the room feel more open and airy. Some good options include soft whites, off-whites, pale yellows, light grays, sky blues, and mint greens. Stay away from darker shades like navy, maroon, or forest green.
A light neutral like soft white, eggshell, or ivory is a safe bet because it provides a clean, bright backdrop. You can then add pops of color with laundry appliances, storage bins, and decor.
Consider the Room’s Purpose
Keep in mind that a laundry room needs to be functional and practical. You’ll want a color that conceals stains, smudges, and other messes that come with washing and folding clothes. Lighter neutrals are best for hiding dirt and marks. Bolder colors like bright red or orange will show every speck of dust and dirt.
Soft blues and greens work nicely because they are calming colors that make the laundry task feel less of a chore. Yellows and tans bring warmth into the space. Just stay away from glossy paints, which highlight imperfections in the walls. Eggshell or matte finishes are better for coverage.
Complement Nearby Rooms
Think about how the laundry room adjoins other spaces and select a color that ties into the color scheme of your home. For example, if your kitchen has a yellow accent wall, using the same yellow in the laundry room will create a cohesive feel. If your bedrooms are different colors, you might paint the laundry room a neutral shade that works with all the hues.
You can also pick a color that complements the cabinets or flooring in the laundry room. For example, a blue-gray paint color pairs nicely with white cabinetry, while mint green adds a punch of color against neutral wood or tile floors.
Add Bright Accent Colors
One way to inject color into a windowless laundry room is by adding vibrant accents. Brightly colored appliances like a ruby red washer or sunshine yellow dryer make a bold statement. Hang colorful art on the walls or add an area rug with pops of color. Use brightly patterned fabric for curtains or colorful baskets and bins for storage. Place flowering plants or flowers in colorful vases on shelves. Just keep the main wall color light and neutral so these vibrant accents stand out.
Consider Sheen for Easy Cleaning
Laundry rooms need to stand up to moisture, steam, drips, and splashes. When choosing a paint, look for ones with scrubbable finishes that can be easily cleaned. Eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss paints are good options. They are slightly glossy, so they resist stains better than flat paints. Just avoid high-gloss paints, which show imperfections.
Also look for paints labeled “washable” or “scrubbable.” They contain resins that make them extra durable and easy to clean. Scrubbing bubbles, grease, and dirt will wipe off them much more easily. This makes maintenance much simpler.
Use Mold-Resistant Paint
Laundry rooms are prone to moisture issues which can lead to mold growth. To deter mold, use mold-resistant paint. Look for paints labeled “kitchen & bath” or “mildew-resistant” at your local hardware store. These paints contain agents that inhibit mold development. This added protection is useful in humid laundry rooms.
You can also add mold-inhibiting paint additives to regular paint. Products like JOMAX House Cleaner and Mildew Killer can be mixed into paint before applying. This boosts the paint’s resistance against mold growth.
Make Small Rooms Feel Larger
Many laundry rooms are cramped spaces. The right paint color can make a small windowless laundry room feel more open and expansive. To create an illusion of space, coat the rear wall in a soft, pale color several shades lighter than the other walls. This will make the back wall recede and the room will feel deeper.
Also paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. This makes the eyes travel upward, creating a sense of airiness. Contrasting ceiling color chops up the space. You can even paint ceiling beams or pipes the wall color so they blend instead of drawing attention.
Use Glossy Paint to Reflect Light
With no windows, lighting is crucial in a laundry room. Glossy paint finishes have a subtle sheen that help reflect ambient light around the room. This makes the space brighter. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss paints provide much more reflectivity than flat paint. So they not only spruce up the look, but also make the laundry room more well-lit and functional.
Let Dryers, Washers Be Color Accents
Laundry appliances in vibrant colors can provide pops of visual interest in a windowless laundry room. Allow your washers and dryers to be the color focal points by painting walls a neutral shade. Bright red, cobalt blue, and sunshine yellow machines stand out against light tan, grey, or white backdrops. Just be sure the appliance colors coordinate so they don’t clash.
Vintage appliances in retro hues like seafoam green, pale yellow or turquoise also make fun accents against neutral walls. The character of the old machines makes them great conversation pieces.
Use Bright Task Lighting
Proper lighting is especially essential in a laundry room without windows. Supplement overhead lighting with bright task lighting to make laundry duties easier. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates countertops and backsplashes. Position striplights inside closets or over folding tables. Hang pendant lights above sinks or washers.
Task lighting also adds visual appeal. Uplights cast a warm glow on the walls, while pendant lights act as decorative features. Use bulbs with high lumen output and opt for LED lights for brightness and efficiency.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal paint color for a windowless laundry room requires balancing brightness, cleanability, coordination with adjoining rooms, and reflectivity to make the small space feel open and airy. Stick to light neutral hues like soft white, ivory, or pale gray for the main wall color. Then inject colorful accents with laundry appliances, wall art, accessories, and task lighting with bright bulbs. With the right paint color and proper illumination, your windowless laundry room can feel fresh, vibrant, and spacious. The most important thing is choosing a light color that makes this utility room feel bright and cheerful.
| Paint Color | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Soft white or off-white | – Brightens space – Conceals stains – Matches any decor |
– Can feel sterile |
| Pale gray | – Light and airy – Cool and soothing |
– Can feel cold |
| Light yellow | – Warm and cheerful – Uplifting hue |
– Shows stains |
| Sky blue | – Creates peaceful feel – Pairs nicely with whites |
– Can make room feel cold |
| Mint green | – Gives fresh, clean look – Brightens room |
– Limited color pairings |
| Sheen | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Eggshell | – Withstands washing -Resists stains and dirt -Reflects light well |
| Satin | – Durable and scrubbable – Easy to clean – Low-sheen luster |
| Semi-gloss | – Very scrubbable – Reflects most light – Resists moisture and stains |