Tired of tripping over your family’s belongings? Us too. We’ve been fantasizing about ways to better organize and tidy up the mudroom, both for our own sanity and for clients experiencing the same frustrations. So before you threaten to throw it all into a donation box, take a look at these fabulously organized mudrooms below.
The mudroom is often the main entry to your home, so it sees a lot of action. Not only in and out, but plenty of personal items beyond shoes and outerwear get tossed there. Determining how to keep it clean by maximizing the space to its fullest potential, is a challenge.
Besides needing it to be fully functional, we want an attractive mudroom. It needs to look good and flow with the rest of the space–especially if it’s very visible.
First stop: wall hooks to ensure often-used items are easy to find (and off the floor). Second stop: cabinetry that allows you to close the door and drawer on any clutter. Third stop: baskets to capture extras and keep them out of sight. Whether you have a small entry or an area that can be transformed into your dream mudroom, keep scrolling for inspiration!
Considerations for an organized mudroom:
- Multiple hooks for current-season jackets and hats
- Shoe storage shelves or drawers in two sizes (shoes and boots)
- Easy-access baskets or drawers for accessories
- Cabinetry with hooks and cubbies for gear like bags & backpacks
- Designated spot for keys
- Area for wet clothing to dry
- Spot for muddy footwear
- Outlets and charging areas for devices and vacuum
- Place for umbrellas and walking sticks
- Storage for sports equipment or activity gear
- Out-of the-way storage for out-of-season items
- Place for quick-access cleaning supplies
Other considerations:
- Seating
- Sink & counter space
- Notes & mail drop
- Laundry
- Pet amenities
Mudroom By the Garage
Despite only being used by the family via their garage, this mudroom packs a design punch with charcoal-hued paint, oak wood accents, and a vintage rug. The slat wall features plenty of ‘grab & go’ hooks, a high shelf with baskets for extra accessories, and a long bench with shoe cubbies underneath. Tall cabinets with slab doors offer enclosed storage (tutorials are on her website).
Embracing Built-Ins
A mudroom needn’t be a separate room—it might be a zone by an exterior door that captures all your clothing and accessories. If you’re putting a mudroom into a dual-purpose space like an entryway, built-in furniture (or “built-ins”) will make the space practical and smart. Gorgeously simple floor-to-ceiling closets do the trick in this small-space entry.
Under-Utilized Corner Mudroom
Soft, warm colours and natural textures make this entryway space inviting, and help it blend into the rest of the home. Designer Sarah Baeumler converted an under-utilized corner into a functional mudroom with two tall storage units connected by a built-in wooden bench.
Mudroom Wall with It All
This farmhouse’s mudroom design borrows inspiration from a “country club motif” including rich leather and sophisticated finishes—a look that you’d expect to find further inside the home. The designer has packed a ton of thoughtful organization into one short wall, including hooks, cupboards, shelves, and drawers.
Mudroom with Dedicated Lockers
If the word “lockers” conjures up images of high school, we promise you that these are nothing like the metal lockers of yesteryear. The mudroom locker trend gives every member a dedicated space with hooks, shelves, and more, behind a beautiful wood cabinet door.
Mudroom Lockers with a Secret
Some mudroom lockers have a dirty little secret: they house stinky shoes and sports gear. This is where vents come in handy. The beautiful pattern detail in the locker millwork above is venting. Other venting options include using materials like mesh or caning (see below for more examples).
Multipurpose Mudroom
If you have a larger room with extra space, consider including additional practical items like a sink, counter space, desk—and even more cabinetry. You’ll be surprised how often this space will be used, whether to wash off dirty items, clean up dogs, or as a quiet spot to work.
Clever Multitasking Mudroom
In this clever corner of a room, the designer packs in all sorts of customized storage including a beautiful built-in ‘chest’ with 10 drawers. The smaller drawers have hidden charging stations, and did you catch the vents in the locker doors?