15 beautiful laundry room tile ideas for hardworking spaces

15 creative ways to design with artisan tile in the laundry room

below are 15 artisan tile ideas that can transform your laundry room into a stylish, hardworking space. whether it’s textured zellige tile floors, patterned cement tile all over, or neutral ceramic subway tile on the walls, these concepts will guide you in selecting the best option for a laundry space.

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1. embrace the unexpected with zellige tile floors

zellige tile — that is, glazed terracotta tile that’s handmade in morocco — is known for its uneven texture and subtle color variations. using zellige for your laundry room floor offers a beautiful surface that stands up to moisture and heavy use. (because slip‑resistant flooring is important, we recommend going with 2-by-2-inch tile, which calls for more grouting.)

homeowners appreciate the organic feel and artisanal character of zellige, and it pairs beautifully with neutral tones or bold grout color choices. while the irregular surface adds depth underfoot, the glazed finish can help resist spills and stains. consider pairing this type of tile with simple wall tile to let the zellige take center stage.

2. add warmth with earthy terracotta wall tiles

earthy terracotta wall tile brings warm hues and a rustic touch to your laundry room. these unglazed tile options create a rich, natural backdrop for open shelves or cabinetry. this clay‑based material is water‑resistant when sealed properly, making it suitable for laundry rooms or tiled mudroom areas.

terracotta plays nicely with ceramic subway tile accents, too, adding dimension and contrast without sacrificing functionality. choose a muted grout color for subtle definition or a crisp white grout for a fresh and modern spin.

3. use patterned cement tile to define the space

patterned cement tile can introduce playful details and graphic floor layouts that instantly elevate your laundry room design. this durable option resists cracking and staining, ideal for high-traffic areas. mix and match tile shapes if you want to create a custom motif, or use a contrasting grout color to highlight unique tile shapes.

consider opting for a monochrome palette like black, white, and gray to keep the focus on pattern, or incorporate soft neutral tones for a gentle pop of color. pair this type of tile with simple ceramic tile or a subway tile backsplash for a balanced look.

4. go neutral with textural ceramic floor tiles

textural ceramic tile like matte porcelain tile offers slip-resistant flooring with practical durability. choose neutral tones like white or black to create a serene, timeless foundation. the subtle texture adds visual interest, especially when natural light hits the surface.

this floor tile option is also water-resistant and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for busy laundry rooms. for a cohesive look, carry the same ceramic tile onto a low wall, or select coordinating tile for any adjacent spaces, ensuring smooth design flow.

5. play with scale using mosaic accent walls

mosaic tile lends itself to small‑scale patterns and intricate detailing. install mosaic tile on a feature wall behind the sink or folding station to draw the eye upward. hexagon tile and small-format subway tile can form delicate honeycomb and herringbone patterns, respectively.

mosaic tile backsplashes are water‑resistant and simple to maintain, as long as they are installed properly (and sealed if needed). select colors that complement your floor tile — like glazed porcelain tile in the same color family — for cohesion. accent lighting will enhance the reflective quality of any glossy mosaic surfaces.

6. contrast clean lines with hexagon tile patterns

hexagon tile puts a modern twist on traditional shapes. whether it’s encaustic cement tile or honed marble tile, hexagons offer a sleek and geometric look. use hexagon floor tile in a single neutral tone, or alternate shades for a subtle checkerboard effect.

grout color plays a crucial role, too. a matching grout creates a seamless carpet‑like appearance, while contrasting grout highlights each shape. pair this tile with simple wall tile — such as ceramic subway tile —for a balanced aesthetic that doesn’t feel diy.

7. try stone tile for a timeless, durable foundation

natural stone tile — marble, slate, or travertine, for example — adds enduring beauty and strength to laundry room floors. these materials are inherently slip-resistant and impervious to water when sealed correctly (and resealed as needed). homeowners appreciate stone’s unique veining and color variations, giving each tile installation a one‑of‑a‑kind look.

pair stone floor tile with a ceramic tile backsplash in neutral tones to soften the hardness of the stone. stone holds up to heavy-duty tasks and complements both rustic and modern aesthetics.

ready to reimagine your laundry room? discover the textures and tones that define clé’s design-first approach.

8. pair wall tile with open shelving for design flow

combining wall tile and open shelving allows both function and form to shine. choose ceramic subway tile or glazed porcelain tile in a soft white or neutral shade for the backsplash wall. then, install floating shelves above for easy access to laundry essentials.

spacing tile up to the ceiling visually elongates the room, while grout color bridges the gap between wood tones and tile shapes. this approach keeps everything within reach and provides display space for decorative baskets, wall‑mounted hardware, and more.

9. use glossy finishes to reflect light in small spaces

glossy finishes on ceramic subway tile or glazed zellige maximize light reflection in small laundry rooms. these bright and shiny surfaces bounce natural and artificial light, reducing shadows and visually expanding the area.

select white or light pastel shades for the best results, and pair the tile with a coordinating grout color for a crisp and seamless finish. on the floor, consider mosaic tile or slip‑resistant flooring with a subtle sheen that maintains brightness without sacrificing safety.

10. highlight architecture with vertical subway tiles

a vertical subway tile installation draws the eye upward, emphasizing ceiling height. opt for ceramic subway tile or glazed brick tile in elongated sizes to accentuate the room’s proportions.

as for grout color, it can be tone‑on‑tone for a minimalistic feel, or a contrasting shade to make each tile pop. vertical stack patterns work well behind shelving units or integrated hanging racks for drying. this contemporary twist on classic subway tile keeps the design feeling fresh and sophisticated.

11. bring the outdoors in with rustic brick floors

brick tile offers the charm of reclaimed materials without the maintenance. choose glazed or unglazed brick tile for a durable and water-resistant floor tile. paired with neutral tones on the walls, the brick look adds plenty of warmth and texture.

you can choose a grout color that simulates mortar lines, or one that softens the pattern for a more uniform appearance. combine your brick floors with simple wall tile and robust cabinetry to complete the hardworking yet welcoming laundry room.

12. explore monochrome palettes for a sophisticated look

a monochrome tile palette — black, white, and gray, for instance — creates a cohesive yet high‑end feel. mix glazed porcelain penny tile floors with ceramic subway tile walls for subtle contrast within the same color family. you can also use mosaic tile accents sparingly to break up large expanses and draw attention to key zones.

grout color can be closely matched to the tile for uniformity — or chosen for slight contrast, depending on whether you want each tile to stand out. this streamlined approach looks both intentional and polished.

13. make a statement with graphic floor patterns

graphic floor patterns in cement or ceramic tile can become the focal point of your laundry room. bold geometric designs — like a chevron layout, herringbone pattern, or oversized hexagons — add dynamic energy underfoot. pair this type of tile with plain wall tile or a simple tile backsplash to avoid visual overload.

with this approach, the grout color should complement your dominant tile hue without distracting from the pattern. this strategy creates a balance between statement flooring and functional wall surfaces.

14. soften edges with organic shapes and tones

introduce organic tile made of natural stone, glazed zellige, or natural terracotta to soften rigid lines. these softly shaped tiles bring a spa‑inspired vibe to the laundry room. choose off-whites, muted greens, soft grays, or sandy neutral tones for a calming atmosphere.

in this scenario, grout color can echo natural shades to blend any edges seamlessly. apply these tiles on an accent wall or as a low backsplash to create a soothing backdrop for daily chores.

15. frame a feature wall with intentional tile layouts

creating a framed feature wall with artisan tile turns a blank wall into art. you might combine tile shapes — like hexagon tile border, ceramic subway tile interior, and mosaic tile inset — for a curated look. then, select grout color to either unify or highlight each section.

this approach works well behind built‑in sorting tables and above sinks. water‑resistant materials ensure longevity, while neutral tones help anchor the design. homeowners appreciate the bespoke feel this technique offers without giving off a diy aesthetic.

choosing the best tile for a laundry room floor or wall means balancing style, durability, and practicality. from slip‑resistant porcelain tile options to decorative mosaic tile and ceramic subway tile accents, artisan materials offer endless possibilities for hardworking spaces.

uncover the beauty of imperfection with tiles that transform utility into art — find your perfect match with clé’s curated collections.