What Is a Mudroom & What Does It Need?
Mudroom storage ideas.
There are many names given to the front entrance of a home, ranging from mudroom to foyer, and even entryway – each with a slight variation in purpose and style. When it comes to the creation of a mudroom specifically, there are a number of imperative furnishings and pieces you will require to truly call the space by that name. This guide will help you answer the question "what is a mudroom?" as well as provide a range of mudroom storage ideas so that you too can design one of these multi-functional areas in your home.
What Is a Mudroom?
In short, a mudroom is a space designed as a first stop before entering into the main house. It is a heavy-duty, multi-purpose area that provides a catchall where you can remove and store your outerwear such as coats, umbrellas, and shoes in order to keep them from tracking mud and dirt into your home. One of the key components to a mudroom is ample organizational and storage options which allow you to hold items that would otherwise clutter the rest of your home. These also include sports gear, backpacks, handbags, and pet accessories just to name a few. Below are our favorite mudroom storage ideas and more to help inspire you.
1. Stock Up on Baskets
When it comes to designing a mudroom, there are a few essentials you simply cannot be without. The first amongst these is baskets due to the fact that they can work in almost any way to accommodate your mudroom storage ideas. Whether you opt for woven, metal, fabric, or large or small options, baskets can store anything from discarded scarves and gloves to dog harnesses and shoes. No matter what you use them for, they will help you keep any loose items out of sight and easily maintain order.
Even if your mudroom is designed in the most simple style possible, another absolute necessity you'll need is coat hooks. Of course coat racks work just as well, and you can have one of each, but in a smaller space, wall-mounted racks are best as they take up no floor space and allow you to easily hang up any outerwear, backpacks, and then some.
Another must-have to include in your mudroom storage ideas is an entryway bench. While this piece of furniture is open to interpretation, particularly when there are budget and space constraints to consider, the idea is to have a spot for you to sit down and take off or put on your shoes before entering or exiting the house. Many of these benches come with built-in storage or cubbies for placing baskets in, but even if yours doesn't, you can simply set a boot tray beneath the seat for an additional stockpile
Moving on, a more dedicated but larger furniture item is a hall tree – what is possibly the epitome of mudroom storage. A hall tree provides the ultimate combination of seating, storage, and hooks in one, and although they are more sizable, they can also help you save space by meshing all these items into one diverse piece that is available in an impressive array of styles, sizes, and designs.
When you are exiting or entering your house, the idea is that you will remove your shoes to leave them in the mudroom. This is not exactly a simple task to perform when standing up. While an entryway bench is designed specifically for this task, your space may not be large enough to accommodate one. Never fear though, an accent chair will do the job just fine! Choose a durable material like leather that is hardwearing and easy to clean too.
The role of the mudroom is to capture everything messy before it has the chance to enter into your home. For this reason, you need to carefully consider flooring as a part of your mudroom ideas. Due to the heavy traffic, exposure to dirt and water, and general wear-and-tear of this space, carpeting is the least ideal flooring option. You want something that is easy to clean and made from more long-lasting materials such as tile, laminate and even vinyl. Read Hardwood vs. Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring: How to Choose Flooring That Exceeds Your Expectations for a little insight into some of these flooring options.
Of course using an umbrella stand in your mudroom is a fantastic idea, you may want to play with your creativity a little and make use of more non-traditional items. Try utilizing a pair of brightly colored rain boots as a fun umbrella holder. They will add a bold pop of color and are sure to bring a smile to the faces of anyone entering your home.
8. Don't Forget to Use Accessories
Mudrooms are especially ideal for large families with plenty of items to lose and create messes in the household, but even if you are a smaller family, it doesn't mean you cannot fill your halltree up. In fact, you can design a more curated aesthetic through the use of fun decorative items that speak to your personality. Start with a black backdrop and add fun items like a clock for time-keeping, decorative objects, and a diffuser to perfume your home.
While baskets and boot trays are great to place within cubbies or under benches, they may not be quite right or what you need – especially if you are storing muddy boots and white shoes together. A dedicated shoe organizer will allow you to house your footwear in a more uniform manner while helping you keep them separate from one another. For more bang for your buck, pick a multi-functional piece that allows you to place umbrellas or other outdoor items together.
Tip!
For any shoe collectors out there, you may find they take up space pretty quickly. Read The Best Shoe Organizers Your Needs to get ideas on how best to store your footwear.
10. Add a Mirror
The focus of your mudroom ideas isn't solely on storage or as a cachepot when you enter your home. Being prepared to leave for the day is just as important and you should tailor the space to just that. Add a full length mirror right at the front door so you can perform any last checks to ensure you are good to go. Why not add a small basket or two of accessories and other last minute items you may need to zhuzh up your outfit before you head outside?
Just because the mudroom is a heavy duty area, doesn't mean it has to be dull and lackluster in appearance. Paint is a fast way to alter the feel of a space, so opt for something with a soft and gentle hue. To create a breezy beach house vibe for all to enjoy, start with a light sandy beige hue on the walls. Match it with a white hall tree, woven baskets, a nautical throw pillow, along with some oceanic accessories and artworks. Don't forget the aqua runner rug for the full effect.
Now you can combine your mudroom ideas and essentials to create a theme. There is something about the idea of a mudroom at the front of a little country farmhouse where you can come in after a hard day's work, kick off your muddy shoes, and walk into a warm household. If you like that farmhouse feel, keep it rustic with a wood entryway bench. Use woven textures by way of various storage baskets in different shapes and sizes where you can store your shoes, accessories, firewood, and even produce from your garden. Wall hooks are a must have for hanging up any outerwear and a plaid-like entry rug to finish it all off.
With the answer to your question "what is a mudroom" along with these many mudroom storage ideas, you will be able to create the space of your dreams.
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