How do I add a mudroom to my laundry area?

You basically need a boot bench, a coat rack, hooks for backpacks and clothes, and a few baskets to store mittens, scarves, and winter hats. If you do not have room or budget for cabinets and drawers, a shelving system will do the job. Remember to leave a wet shoe mat close by, for shoes and boots to dry before storing them.

I have an old bookshelf at my entryway, which serves as a room divider from the living room. How do I transform it into mudroom storage?

Bookshelves are great mudroom furniture because they have a lot of shelves, which is basically what you need for storage. See if you can remove the lower shelves to fit in a bench, preferably with storage underneath. You can cover the back of the bookshelf with plywood but give it a nice coat of paint on both sides. You will have a wooden wall facing the living room, so decorate it nicely with some paintings, art, and beautiful wall hangings.

All mudrooms look the same. I would like some ideas to freshen up the space.

If you want to think out of the box, here are some ideas for you: Use metal buckets instead of baskets Repurpose iron hose holders to use as mudroom hangers Use old shutters on the walls, instead of wooden wall covers or cabinets. You can install hooks and shelves on them to make a unique piece of furniture. If you have kids, install a chalkboard next to their backpack hooks for notes and reminders. Use a vintage mantel for shelving Use large decorative skeleton keys instead of ordinary hooks

13 Creative Mudroom Storage Ideas and Solutions

Who needs a cramped and cluttered entryway? After all, first impressions matter, and a tidy mudroom right at the entrance to your home is a way to welcome your guests and set a cozy atmosphere to the house.

No matter how big your hallway is, whether you have an entryway closet or not, there are tons of possibilities for you to create a beautiful and functional mudroom that matches your design style and fits in your pocket.

1. Organize with Baskets and Crates

Storage baskets and crates are a great solution and a way to keep your mudroom organized. Choose same type and size baskets for symmetry, and label them for each purpose or person. They can be decoration pieces, like wicker baskets, but you can choose from a variety of materials and textures, such as straw, reed, raffia, bamboo, rattan, and synthetic fibers.

Mudroom with cubby bench, coat hooks, upper hat shelf, and woven baskets for organized entryway storage and daily essentials. — Source: @chowcee via Instagram

Shiplap mudroom with wooden bench, brass hooks, woven baskets, and pillows for a cozy and functional entryway setup. — Source: @leangreenmamamachine via Instagram

Stylish mudroom with dark bench, cubbies, woven baskets, coat hooks, family photos, and bold patterned pillows for warmth and function. — Source: @mkecabinetry via Instagram

Compact mudroom corner with wood bench, woven baskets, black hooks, throw pillow, and a jacket for stylish and functional entry storage. — Source: @sanesimplicity via Instagram

Laundry room mudroom combo with stacked washer, cubby bench, woven baskets, pillows, and a “Wash, Dry & Fold” rug for cozy function. — Source: @simplystagedandstyled via Instagram

Charming mudroom with striped storage bins, cushioned bench, plaid cubbies, and hooks for bags, blending style with smart organization. — Source: @sweetfarmhousechic via Instagram

Rustic mudroom with open shelves, wicker baskets, wood bench, barn door, and black shiplap wall adding charm and practical storage. — Source: @teaselwooddesign via Instagram

Baskets are great to store shoes because they are light and easy to move around, whereas wooden crates, as beautiful as they might be, may not be ideal for children; they are heavier and not practical to place in and out of the cabinets. But the advantage is that they last long and can be painted.

2. Sit & Store: Benches with Storage

Bench with storage is the perfect solution for mudroom organization. You need a place to sit and put on shoes, and extra storage is never too much.

Minimalist mudroom with L-shaped wood bench, white cubbies, shiplap wall, and a single neutral pillow for a clean, functional entry nook. — Source: @clippercityhouse via Instagram

Farmhouse-style mudroom with plaid baskets, decorative pillows, Easter sign, and greenery for a cozy, seasonal entryway setup. — Source: @cr8tivewanderlust via Instagram

Bright mudroom nook with cubby bench, decorative pillows, sheer curtains, faux plants, and lanterns for a soft, welcoming farmhouse vibe. — Source: @hauzz_of_dyla via Instagram

Compact wooden bench with six wicker storage baskets, perfect for organizing a small mudroom or entryway without clutter. — Source: @jmjoinery via Instagram

Bright mudroom with labeled bins, built-in cubbies, black boots, farmhouse signs, and vintage phone for a personal and organized entry space. — Source: @kira_turner via Instagram

Traditional mudroom with wood front door, vintage cabinet, striped rug, white bench, and decorative mirrors for a warm, classic entryway. — Source: @mrhooksandshelves via Instagram

Bright farmhouse mudroom with welcome sign, black hooks, woven baskets, and cozy pillows for a cheerful and organized entry spot. — Source: @thislifewithu via Instagram

Mudroom with L-shaped bench, red cushions, cubby baskets, wall hooks, and a white side cabinet for bold, cheerful, and practical storage.

If you do not have enough space for mudroom cabinetry, install a beadboard paneling and add a bench seating with open storage, ideal for shoes. You can also store mittens and scarves in baskets under the bench. Make full use of the vertical space by adding coat hooks and installing an upper shelf for more storage.

See more entryway bench ideas here.

3. Maximize Space with Built-ins

Built-ins are a great solution for a total use of the space. Since mudrooms are normally right at the entryway, they must be kept tidy, otherwise you will soon have piles of coats and shoes spread right at your front entrance!

Spacious mudroom setup with upper cubbies, wall hooks, and a dark wood bench over open lower storage, ready for organized daily use. — Source: @gum_tree_cabinets via Instagram

Colorful mudroom with labeled baskets, striped bench cushion, coat hooks, and lower wire bins, ideal for family organization and gear storage. — Source: @organizedvt via Instagram

Mudroom with soft blue built-ins, woven baskets, backpack hooks, and a wood bench with floral pillows for a cozy and cheerful entry space. — Source: @shaunabrick via Instagram

Easter-themed mudroom with carrot garland, woven baskets, bunny pillow, and sparkly boots for a festive and charming seasonal entryway. — Source: @snapsbylynn via Instagram

Mudroom with tall wood cabinets, overhead storage, rustic whitewashed bench, and “SOUTHERN” wall sign for a warm, built-in farmhouse look. — Source: @southernsurroundings via Instagram

Modern mudroom corner with wood and white cabinetry, coat hooks, bench seating, and black-and-white checkered tile flooring for sleek storage.

Minimalist mudroom with white bench, black hooks, open cubbies, green pillow, umbrella stand, and potted plant for a clean modern entryway.

All-white mudroom with wall hooks, open cubbies, woven baskets, and a clean bench with a single patterned pillow for simple everyday function.

So, plan a place for everything: a bench with cubbies for shoes, hooks, coat racks, or a cabinet for bags and winter clothing. You can have baskets for mittens, scarves, and winter hats on the shelves.

Backpacks can also be kept on hooks or under the bench – the important thing is to have a designated spot for each storage need, so everyone knows where to keep – and where to find – their stuff.

4. Reuse Kitchen Cabinets in Your Mudroom

You can repurpose an armoire, a dresser, or a kitchen cabinet to use as a mudroom cabinet. Upper kitchen cabinets can be installed over a bench, to make a perfect mudroom storage solution.

Elegant built-in mudroom unit with tall paneled cabinets, upper cubbies, wood bench seat, and open bottom shelves for classic concealed storage. — Source: @atelier_jsrc via Instagram

Rustic mudroom with floating wood bench, carved wood shelf and hooks, woven baskets, and cozy winter gear for a warm, natural entry setup. — Source: @coorie.in.cottage via Instagram

Modern farmhouse mudroom with green shiplap wall, wood bench, crate storage, cozy boots, and upper white cabinets for neat organization. — Source: @hometown.homes via Instagram

Cozy ski lodge-inspired mudroom with brick flooring, black shiplap wall, corner bench, labeled bins, and winter decor for rustic charm. — Source: @shedoesitonabudget via Instagram

Classic white mudroom with tall cabinets, overhead storage, built-in bench drawers, and black hooks, offering sleek and concealed organization.

Minimalist mudroom with sleek white shoe cabinet, tall wardrobe, light wood flooring, and soft gray walls for a clean and modern entryway.

L-shaped white mudroom unit with cubbies, hooks, and bench seating, offering a bright and spacious setup for organized entry storage.

A mudroom bench is between 15 to 20 feet wide, whereas a mudroom cabinet is narrower than a regular closet, measuring about 18 feet deep. Many kitchen cabinets are also 18 inches deep, which makes it easier to upcycle your old kitchen cabinets into stylish mudroom cabinets.

Depending on your space, you can still have a mudroom with narrower shoe cabinets, measuring between 12 ro15 inches deep, and use the vertical space for hooks.

5. Transform Your Space with an L-Shaped Mud Corner

In a mudroom corner cabinet, there’s no need for swing-out shelves. You can have an L-shaped bench and install hooks and shelves above them, and you’ll have a functional mudroom cabinet.

Chic blue mudroom with diamond-patterned walls, brass hooks, L-shaped bench, wire cubbies, and cozy accents for stylish entry organization. — Source: @chchomesdesign via Instagram

Spacious white mudroom with beadboard paneling, cubby storage, black hooks, and L-shaped bench for organized and elegant entryway storage. — Source: @don_gardner_architects via Instagram

Large mudroom with full-height white cabinets, gold handles, wood bench, and open cubbies over dark herringbone tile for sleek hidden storage. — Source: @lisasoloaga22 via Instagram

Charming blue mudroom with wood accents, boot cubbies, wicker baskets, coat hooks, and tall storage for a cozy and organized entry space. — Source: @thehousefinder via Instagram

The L-Shape design of a corner cabinet offers many possibilities for creative use of space. You can have one cabinet and shelving unit on one side, and a bench with hooks and underneath cubbies for shoe storage on the other side, for maximum use of the corner space.

6. Get Creative with DIY Mudroom Storage Ideas

If you don’t want a makeshift mudroom, there are plenty of affordable solutions that look nice, and help you keep your house organized.

Compact mudroom nook with tall wooden cubbies, woven and canvas bins, and a floral rug by the back door for efficient entryway storage. — Source: @bohomodblog via Instagram

Farmhouse mudroom with wood front door, white bench with patterned bins, wall hooks, and scripture wall art for a warm and welcoming entry. — Source: @houseofabilee via Instagram

Modern mudroom with white storage benches, minimal hooks, black metal shelving, and natural bins for a clean, functional entryway setup. — Source: @juneroko_interiors via Instagram

Farmhouse mudroom nook with wood bench, shiplap walls, animal-print pillows, hanging bag, and rustic crates for cozy country charm. — Source: @katierae.thomas via Instagram

Rustic mudroom with wood crates, woven baskets, denim jackets, star wall decor, and vintage accents for a cozy, farmhouse-style entryway. — Source: @thewooded_pine_house via Instagram

Modern mudroom with soft green shiplap wall, open shoe cubbies, upper shelf baskets, and key hooks for streamlined entryway organization. — Source: @tiffmarie.hair via Instagram

Boho-inspired mudroom with natural wood shoe bench, leafy plants, wall hooks, and cozy decor for a vibrant and welcoming green entryway. — Source: @yulie_davecalv via Instagram

Use pallets to make a bench and repurpose wooden crates to use as shelves, simply by hanging them on the wall. All you need is a nice coat of paint, and you’ll have a stylish and functional mudroom.

See more DIY storage ideas here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckG8l0vWRe8

Another great option is to cover the walls with beadboard paneling or lattice wood and install a few hooks.

7. Style with Hooks and Hangers

There is a great variety of hooks that you can choose from, for your mudroom area. They need not just to serve a purpose, but also to be a décor piece that adds to your design style.

Modern rustic mudroom with dark shiplap wall, wooden bench, leather hooks, floating shelf, and neutral accents for a cozy, functional entry. — Source: @designsbytaylorstein via Instagram

Simple mudroom corner with white board and batten wall, hooks for coats and bags, framed family photos, and a wreath for personal charm. — Source: @jamiemorton09 via Instagram

Bright mudroom with white bench, patterned tile floor, black hooks, wire baskets, and a colorful window shade for fun and functional storage. — Source: @miss_laughs_ via Instagram

Close-up of a minimalist mudroom coat rack made from angled copper pipes mounted on a wall, blending industrial style with rustic charm. — Source: @nicks_home_gardens via Instagram

Scandinavian-style mudroom with wooden bench, wall hooks, a full-length mirror, fresh flowers, and cozy textures for a soft, minimal entryway.

Space the hooks at about 4 to 6 inches from each other, and install extra hooks at a lower height, for children to easily reach their coats, jackets, and backpacks.

8. Optimize Space Efficiency with Locker-Type Cabinets

Locker-type cabinets are stylish and allow for flexible design. You can have a wider lower cabinet that doubles as storage and seating, followed by up-to-ceiling lockers, for maximum use of space.

Bright and festive mudroom with white built-in cabinets, holiday wreaths, woven baskets, and dark tile flooring for stylish seasonal storage. — Source: @gallagherboyfarm via Instagram

Spacious family mudroom with individual cubbies, hanging hooks, labeled bins, and seasonal gear for an organized and welcoming winter entryway. — Source: @jackcyjdesign via Instagram

Sleek mudroom with white built-in cubbies, dark wood bench, upper cabinets, and lower drawers for clean and efficient storage organization.

Elegant mudroom with floor-to-ceiling built-ins, paneled doors, open cubbies, and a dark wood bench offering refined and ample hidden storage.

It is the perfect solution for big families, where everyone has one storage compartment.

9. Upgrade Your Mudroom with Sleek Metal Cabinets

If you like industrial style, then metal lockers are the way to go. Although they seem durable, keep in mind that they are susceptible to dents, corrosion, and rust.

Vintage-inspired mudroom with mint green lockers, a rustic wood bench, globe decor, and warm wood floors for a nostalgic, schoolhouse feel. — Source: @debbie.rehr.compass.ct via Instagram

Compact mudroom corner with gray metal lockers, farmhouse decor, key hooks, and plaid storage bin for a functional yet stylish drop zone. — Source: @lemondrop.landing via Instagram

Modern farmhouse mudroom with gray metal lockers, white shiplap walls, wire baskets, a cozy bench, and greenery for fresh, organized style. — Source: @projectcreatehomebase via Instagram

Sleek mudroom with floor-to-ceiling navy blue lockers, brass hardware, ventilated panels, and lower drawers for a clean, modern storage solution. — Source: @rcdentcustomhomes via Instagram

Vintage-style mudroom with white metal lockers, floral accents, and a cheerful wreath on the door for a charming and personalized entry space. — Source: @zenadezigns via Instagram

You should avoid storing wet items or anything that could scrap off the painting, and cause rust as a result.

10. Add a Shelving Unit

If you lack space for a mudroom, maybe a shelving unit is all you need.

You can apply tiles to wooden lower shelves, to store wet shoes and rain boots. Apart from giving the space a unique look, it protects the wood and makes it really easy to clean, even if your shoes are covered with mud or snow.

Neutral-toned mudroom with black shelving, cozy bench with textured pillows, wood crate, and wall hooks for a functional and soft farmhouse feel. — Source: @ashmarieplusthree via Instagram

Bright and organized mudroom with labeled baskets, shoe shelves, hanging caps, striped bins, and a cute dog by the door for a functional entry. — Source: @cavcottage via Instagram

Minimalist mudroom with built-in bench, cubby shelves with blue bins, slate floor tiles, and a patterned rug for a clean and stylish entry. — Source: @harrisonfaedesign via Instagram

Festive farmhouse mudroom with white cubbies, rustic wood bench, plaid pillows, a holiday wreath, and JOY decor for a cozy seasonal welcome. — Source: @kristina.roy via Instagram

Modern family mudroom with wall hooks, cozy bench, cubbies for shoes, and soft bins above for tidy, functional everyday storage. — Source: @liliesandlife via Instagram

Cottage-style mudroom with soft green paneling, floral wallpaper, floating shelves, woven baskets, and patterned boots for a charming vintage look. — Source: @melissa.kristyne via Instagram

Bright and clean mudroom with white cubbies, natural wood bench, woven baskets, and herringbone tile flooring for a stylish and practical entry.

Compact mudroom nook with cubby shelves, hooks, gray baskets, and cheerful decor for a welcoming and space-efficient entryway setup.

Modern gray mudroom with open cubbies, shiplap panel hooks, a wood bench, and neutral accents for a sleek and inviting entryway design.

Minimalist mudroom nook with vertical and overhead cubbies, beadboard back panel, dark bench seat, and soft lavender decor for clean, open storage.

Make use of vertical space and install top-to-ceiling shelves and cubbies, so you can store off-season gear and clothing on the upper shelves.

12. Mudroom Shoe Storage Ideas

How can you make a space full of shoes look nice? Well, organization is the key.

Garage mudroom with black door, floating shoe shelves, wall hooks, buffalo plaid decor, and a striped bench for practical and cheerful entry storage. — Source: @blessedfarmhouselovingmama via Instagram

Stylish mudroom hallway with built-in shoe shelves, black and white patterned tile flooring, modern lantern lighting, and a cozy graphic wall sign. — Source: @farmhouse_on_bennett via Instagram

Modern mudroom with built-in white cubbies, dark wood bench, festive wreaths, and tiled floor for a clean, welcoming, and seasonal entry space. — Source: @gum_tree_cabinets via Instagram

Sleek mudroom closet with wood panel doors and a pull-out vertical shoe rack holding heels and accessories for stylish, space-saving storage. — Source: @nuteckhomesltd via Instagram

Minimalist mudroom storage bench made of light plywood with sliding panel doors and open cubbies for a clean and functional entryway solution. — Source: @rwwoodwork_ via Instagram

You can store shoes in baskets under a bench, so they are kind of hidden away under the furniture. But if you have open shelves, make sure you have a wet shoe mat nearby, where you can let wet or muddy shoes dry, before cleaning and storing them on the shelves.

Shoe cabinets are a great solution to keep the place organized, and rotation racks are ideal to store many shoes in the mudroom closet.

See more shoe storage ideas here.

13. Mudroom Shelves With Hooks

Be creative if you don’t want your mudroom to be plain and ordinary.

Upcycle old mailboxes and hang them on the wall, instead of installing shelves. Visit thrift stores and flea markets to look for out-of-the-box solutions and repurpose vintage items for unique décor pieces.

Rustic farmhouse mudroom with weathered wood wall, vintage mail slots, black hooks, a white bench, and bold chevron pillows for cozy charm. — Source: @a_bit_of_rustic_and_vintage via Instagram

Simple and modern mudroom with clean white cubbies, light wood bench and hook board, and lower drawers for sleek and functional entry storage. — Source: @blue_spruce_cabinets via Instagram

Cozy and feminine mudroom nook with wall hooks, wire baskets, floral art, colorful throw pillows, and a pink purse for a cheerful entry vibe. — Source: @bolerstaging via Instagram

Vibrant mudroom with geometric wallpaper, teal door, tufted blue bench, eclectic art, and a cozy dog bed for a bold and playful entryway. — Source: @color.me.happy.interiors via Instagram

Compact mudroom command center with chalkboard planner, galvanized mail sorter, wall hooks, and small potted plants for a functional entry setup. — Source: @myessentialhome23 via Instagram

Cozy traditional mudroom with peg hooks, woven baskets, a deep bench, and warm neutral tones for classic, cottage-inspired entryway storage. — Source: @oursixteenacres via Instagram

Charming small mudroom with colorful bins, gold tote and hat on hooks, playful decor, and pink rain boots for a cheerful and stylish entry corner. — Source: @sowmireddy via Instagram

Bring coziness and warmth to the space, by using twine to hold leaf wreaths over old shutters that you can hang on the wall, thus making a one-of-a-kind wall hanging. Wooden wall hangings with flowers also give the space a romantic flair. Apply vintage iron hooks to a wooden panel and place a jar with your favorite flowers, held by rustic twine.