Small Laundry Room Tile Ideas That Instantly Upgrade Your Space

The laundry doesn’t always get the design attention it deserves. But in small spaces, every detail matters. Your laundry room floor tiles don’t just handle foot traffic, and your wall tiles aren’t just there to stop splashes. Together, they set the tone for the entire space.

Think of laundry tiles as the foundation of your laundry room design. A bold feature wall in Mediterranean-inspired patterns or a soft run of light grey tiles under a timber bench can shift the whole vibe. You might go for white walls with a classic subway layout to keep things crisp, or add subtle charm with penny round tiles that break up plain surfaces without overwhelming them.

Basically, the right tile design gives you a chance to open up the space visually, reflect light, and make your small laundry feel bigger and more thoughtful, all while staying tough enough for daily wear and tear.

Below, we’ll take you through layout ideas, material picks and standout styles to help you choose laundry tiles that go beyond basic, and bring a little more joy to your laundry day.

Start with the Splashback

A tiled splashback isn’t just for kitchens. In small laundries, it’s one of the easiest ways to add colour, texture and practicality. Whether it’s behind your sink or along a benchtop, tiles protect your wall from water splashes, detergent drips and general mess.

Subway tiles in a soft gloss finish are a timeless choice. Try vertical stacking to draw the eye up, a trick that makes ceilings feel higher.

Feeling bold? Decorative tiles in a feature colour can turn a bland wall into a design moment. Just keep the rest of your palette simple to avoid visual clutter.

Glossy splashback tiles are a great way to create visual interest in a small laundry 

Choose Tiles That Are Easy to Clean

Small spaces tend to get dirtier faster, especially in high-traffic zones like the laundry. That’s why your tiles need to be low-maintenance and hard-wearing.

Gloss tiles reflect light and are easy to wipe down, making them great for splashbacks. For floors, matte tiles with a bit of texture offer better grip and are less slippery if the floor gets wet.

Avoid tiles with heavy grout lines or deep textures unless you love scrubbing. Look for ceramic, stone or porcelain styles that are stain-resistant and made to last. 

Glossy white tiles are great options for small laundry room splashbacks

Play with Pattern or Colour in Small Doses

In small laundries, small design moments go a long way. Use patterned tiles as an accent, rather than covering every surface.

Try decorative tiles behind the sink or under floating shelves to create contrast. Or install them just above the skirting line as a mini feature strip.

If you prefer something more subtle, try herringbone tiles in a muted colour. The angled layout adds movement and interest without overwhelming the room.

Match Your Tiles to Fixtures and Tapware

Tiling is a great time to update your laundry sink and laundry mixer tap. Choose finishes that tie in with your tile colour for a more curated look.

White tiles pair beautifully with chrome tapware or something bolder like brushed brass gold tapware, while brushed nickel tapware or black tapware work best with earthy tiles or soft neutral tones. 

White tiles and gold-look tapware is a match made in heaven 

Not sure what goes with what? Our guide to bathroom tapware finishes applies just as well to laundries.

Choose Floor Tiles That Don’t Overwhelm

For small laundry floors, choose tiles that balance slip-resistance with style. Large-format tiles (like 600 x 600 tiles) can actually make the space feel bigger by reducing grout lines.

Stick to lighter tones to open up the space, or go for terrazzo-look tiles if you want something with texture and interest.

If your laundry flows into another room, try matching the same tile or choosing one that complements your kitchen floor tiles for a seamless look.

Don’t Forget Tile Placement and Lighting

Good tile placement can make or break your laundry design. Here’s how to make the most of your layout:

• Use vertical tile patterns (like vertical subway or stacked mosaics) or large tiles to make walls feel taller
  
• Extend floor tiles slightly up the wall to create a neat visual base and protect from mop splashes
  
• Add under-cabinet lighting to highlight glossy tiles and brighten dark corners
  

And if you're doing a full laundry reno, think about how your tiles work with your cabinetry, hardware and shelving.

Floor to ceiling ceramic tiles can open up a small laundry, making it look larger 

Upgrade Your Small Laundry with Accessories That Work

Once your tiles are in, the final details matter. A sleek towel rail or floating shelf in the same finish as your tapware brings it all together.

Add a simple mirror if you’re short on natural light, and don’t be afraid to mix materials: glass, stone, ceramic and metal can all work in a well-balanced laundry.

Explore Laundry Tiles, Sinks & Tapware

Tiles might not seem like the most exciting part of a laundry renovation, but in a small space, they’re one of the most effective ways to lift the look and feel of the room. Choose smart layouts, low-maintenance finishes and colours that make the space feel open, clean and cohesive.

Pair your laundry tiles with the right sinks, tapware and accessories and you’ll have a beautiful yet functional small laundry for all your washing and laundry needs. 

Shop laundry sinks, laundry tapware and laundry tiles. Or, explore our full laundry collection. 

Small Laundry Room Tile Ideas FAQs

What type of tile is best for a small laundry room?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal for laundry rooms. They’re water-resistant, easy to clean, and come in a huge range of colours and finishes. For floors, go with matte tiles for grip. For splashbacks, a glossy ceramic works beautifully.

What colours work best in a small laundry space?

Lighter tones like soft white, pale grey, beige or blush can help reflect light and make the space feel airier. If you love darker tones, use them as accents, for example, a navy splashback or charcoal grout paired with white tiles.

Are patterned tiles too much in a small laundry?

Not at all – you just need to use them strategically. Keep patterns to one feature area (like the splashback or floor) and balance them with plain tiles or neutral walls to avoid overwhelming the space.

How do I make my small laundry feel modern?

Use clean-lined cabinetry, minimalist hardware and a cohesive palette. Match your tile finish to your tapware and consider features like floating shelves or an under-sink cabinet for a streamlined look.

Can I DIY my laundry tile install?

If you’re experienced with tiling, a splashback can be a doable DIY. For floor tiling or full room upgrades, it’s best to use a professional tiler to ensure waterproofing, slope and finish are done properly, especially in tight spaces.