Mudrooms serve an important function in any house – they welcome you home, collect your dirt, and give you a place to hang coats and leave your keys. Learn how to create a mudroom that will function for your family but that’s also durable and beautiful.
Table of Contents
What Is The Purpose Of A Mudroom?
As the name suggests, a mudroom is a room that transitions between the exterior and interior, where you can drop your shoes and not track mud into the house.
Having a mudroom to transition between the outdoors and indoors can help keep your home clean and free of clutter.
When everything has a place and a purpose, with defined systems for organization, you’ll be amazed at the difference in your home!
Does a Mudroom Add Value to a Home?
Yes! When it comes time to sell your home, mudrooms help increase the resale value. Buyers love additional storage as well and features that help them stay organized. Since a mudroom offers both of these, it can be considered a desirable selling feature.
How to Create a Mudroom Space
Think you have no space for a mudroom? Think again! A mudroom can be created in an entryway, in an un-used closet, a laundry room or even in the garage. By adding a few essential components, you’ll have the perfect drop zone for coats, shoes, backpacks and more. Simply:
- Add a bench;
- Use baskets or totes for shoe storage;
- Add hooks to the wall for coats and backpacks;
- and if budget allows, lockers or cabinets are a great way to hide everything behind doors.
DIY Mudroom Ideas
For many purchasing a new home, a major criteria is to have a designated mudroom. Our last home didn’t have much of one when we purchased it, but with a little tweaking, we did manage to DIY a mudroom out of a closet.
Our current home had somewhat of a mud room, but it was a really awkward space that lacked function.
The mudroom is now my favorite room in our home. Have you seen our home’s full before and after? Don’t skip it!
Even if you don’t have a designated mudroom, you can easily DIY one. By defining a space in your entryway, making it easy to clean and full of storage, you’ll have a space that will functional well for you family.
Here’s some ideas to help you create a mudroom in your home:
Use an Empty Wall
Create a mudroom on an empty wall in the entryway. By adding a few hooks, a bench and some baskets, you have a simple mudroom setup.
Transform a Coat Closet
Take the doors off a closet and you’ve got a nook that’s instantly conducive to a mudroom. Build a simple bench, add some hooks to the wall and baskets for storage, and voila – the cutest little mudroom is now yours.
Learn more about how to turn an unused closet into a practical functional space here.
Mudroom in the Garage
If space in your entryway is a problem, consider creating a mudroom in the garage.
While I use our garage to store and organizing household cleaning essentials, it would function equally well to hold coats.
Installing a track system is a great way to utilize the empty walls many of us have in your garages, too. Not only can you add baskets and racks for your usually mudroom items, but it can also serve double duty by creating a space for workout gear and sports equipment that you may not want to bring into the house.
What Is The Best Flooring For a Mudroom?
Choosing the correct floors for a mudroom is important. A mudroom needs to be safe and easy to clean. Wet shoes and boots will be tracked in during the winter months, and barefoot children may run through here during summer months.
Brick floors may seem like a surprising choice to some, but they are one of the best flooring choices for a mudroom for several reasons.
Brick floors are inherently non-slippery. They are also incredibly durable. Mudroom floors see a lot of wear and tear – think of how many times a day you enter and leave your house. Many of us feed our pets in mudrooms, too, so the floor needs to be able to withstand spilt water and food as well as sharp claws.
Brick floors are amazing dirt catchers. The dirt from sneakers and boots falls right into the crevices and dries up, making it easy to vacuum.
Finally, brick looks beautiful and it’s low maintenance. It’s classic, timeless and adds character to a home. Just because a mudroom needs to be a highly functional space, doesn’t mean it can’t also be a pretty one!
You can read all the details about our brick flooring here. It’s one of my favorite decisions I’ve ever made during a remodel- I’ve never regretted this choice!
Regardless of the floor you choose, make sure that it is low maintenance and easy to keep clean!
Low Maintenance
If you are starting from scratch creating your mudroom, you may be wondering whether to install traditional drywall or if there’s another more low maintenance option.
While drywall, properly sealed and painted, is perfectly acceptable, tongue and groove cedar walls are another option that’s both durable and low maintenance.
Cedar planked walls easily wipe clean and add a sense of warmth and character to an otherwise utilitarian space in the home.
Mudroom Bench Ideas
Having a seating area in the mudroom is essential to be able to sit down and take shoes off or put them on.
An entire mudroom can be custom built from scratch to include built in benches and all sorts of fancy organization systems. But sometimes simple is better.
By using furniture rather than built-in storage, so a mudroom can transition with a family’s needs as children get older. Simply switch out the bench for a larger one as needed.
The mudroom bench that we own, adds flexible seating for our girls to put their shoes on, which are stored in the baskets below.
Additionally, a three drawer chest that I found at an estate sale acts as a storage spot for spare keys, sunscreen, hats and accessories, so that we can grab them quickly when we’re on the go.
Read all about our mudroom storage ideas if you’re looking for more mudroom organization and functionality in this room of your home!
Coat Hooks
The second most important part of a mudroom, besides shoe storage, has to be having a spot for coats and backpacks (and leashes!).
Even a small space can accommodate several hooks if they are staggered. Kids’ hooks can be placed lower so that it’s easy for them to hang up their belongings. A designated hook for each family member also helps everyone put their jackets and bags in the right spot every single time.
Hooks are another item where you can bring in your design style. Hooks come in a variety of styles and finishes, from antique brass to matte black and chrome.
No matter where you end up creating your mudroom, putting effort into the right organizational systems is what will help you and your family stay organized, and help keep the dirt and clutter out of the rest of your house!
Shop This Room
Brick Floors | Bench | Baskets | Crystal Door Knobs | Light Fixture| Light Switch Plates | (hooks are no longer available, but you can find some a similar style here)
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I’d love to know, what’s your favorite room in your home? What do you love about it?
Hi Julie thank you so much for sharing all your lovely ideas with us. Can you tell me if the trim in your mud room is a different color than the walls? It’s beautiful!
It is the same, thank you!
Hi there,
This room is absolutely lovely, i’m thinking of doing brick in our entry as well and I was wondering, is there a name for the color of mortar you used? Did you seal the brick/mortar in any way?
Thanks so much for any insight!
Hi Adrienne! You can read more about our Brick Flooring here. Enjoy!
The link to the brick doesn’t work… Are those fascia bricks or full bricks? LOVE your blog, and you inspire all the time, thank you!
Hello! I’m looking for the perfect whtie or off white to paint my new vintage shop in Austin, TX. I love the color choice for the walls. Will you share what color and brand paint your mud room is?
Of course! It’s Navajo White – you can read more about it here. Best wishes in your new venture!
Would you mind sharing the source for the back door? Is it a metal door? We are replacing our back door from the mud room into the garage. Thank you!
I’m so sorry I missed this! It is metal which is code for our area to prevent a garage fire from entering the home. I wish I knew specifics for you, but we purchased it from a local door place. I feel like everyone has the same so you will likely find it at your local door store or they can order it for you.
Hi! Love your coat hook wall! I actually have those same hooks here, and am trying to figure out placement! How far apart did you place yours? And how far down (inches) is your second row from the 1st? Thanks!
About 12″ between each both to the sides and below, to create a “triangle”. Where did you find the hooks?
What about that white grout in a mudroom ? I can’t understand how you would keep that from getting grotty. After all…it is a mudroom.
It doesn’t phase me a bit, in fact, it “ages” beautifully adding character. You can read more about the pros and cons here.
You have a beautiful website but there are so many ads and pop-ups it’s hard to see the content.
I’m sorry, unfortunately ads are a necessary evil to support the site and generate revenue to create content. I appreciate you taking the time to share and will take it into consideration. Thank you for reading!
What a difference simply adding stylish switch plates can make! I installed the Hampton Bay architectural wood ones similar to those used in this mudroom throughout the house and love the look. Enjoyed the post and the ideas.
Love this whole mudroom!! Is the dresser with the marble top still on sale somewhere or was that a vintage find? Thanks!
Gina
It was a vintage find at an estate sale, but I see them often! Hope you find your own!
Lovely room!!! Where did you find those gold hooks!?
A boutique and sadly they’re no longer available. Sorry!
Seriously this might be my favorite room I’ve ever seen!!!
You are too sweet, thank you, Deb!
With your brick floors, did you use a special grout? It looks almost creamy! also did you paint a clear coat over it all for protection? I want this but want a simple cleanup with out scrubbing grout.. thank you for sharing such a beautiful room with us.
I recommend you read my post about keeping them clean https://julieblanner.com/brick-flooring/
As for the grout, there are 20’ish choices, I chose a color that I felt fit our home and would disguise dirt. Enjoy!
Beautiful! I love your brick floors…and the cedar tongue and groove walls. It gives the room both timeless character and warmth.
Thank you, Lynne! Happy Sunday!
Hi, first of all, thank you so much for all your friendly and prompt responses to all my questions:). You have such a beautiful home!! Have a couple more questions for you;)
So it sounds like you did tongue and groove here and not shiplap? Is there a reasoning why? They are so much alike, yet different! Trying to figure out which one to use for our mudroom:). Also did you install 8″ or 10″ boards? Thanks so much!
I feel like it’s a little more timeless and refined. Mostly used the largest boards available.
Hi Julie! Could you share the size of the English Setter print? Thanks
The print itself is an 8×10
Wondering where you got those amazing hooks??? Beautiful everything!!
Thank you! K Hall Designs – a boutique in St. Louis.
Hi Julie! Beautiful room! Where did you get the light fixture from?
Thank you, Amy! Sorry for the delay in response. They’re from Schoolhouse Electric.
I simply adore this! When we moved into our home, we made a false mudroom space in the coupled carport space, yet I long for having a genuine, devoted mud room. This is a delightful spot to get back home to toward the end of a day!
I like the color of your mud room walls. Please share the brand and color. Thanks!
Navajo White – it’s just a touch creamier than my other go to, Soft Chamois. Enjoy!
Is this Benjamin Moore Navajo white or sherwin Williams white? It is so lovely! You have such a gorgeous home!
Benjamin Moore Navajo white – reads beautiful in this room, but can be really yellow in some. I hope that helps!
I truly enjoyed reading this. You have made it such a welcoming a useful space but still very stylish.
Thank you, Jessica!
I just love this! When we moved into our house, we created a faux mudroom space in the tandem garage space, but I dream of having a true, dedicated mud room. This is a beautiful place to come home to at the end of a day!
Thank you, Liren!
I love what you did with this space! We are just starting to look at ways to carve out a similar-use space, plus some other work. Great inspiration for me!
I really wish we had room for a mud room. It would make a HUGE difference during the winter with all of the wet shoes and clothes coming off at the front and back door. I love the concept of the brick floor as well! It looks beautiful!
Thanks, Karyn! Even adding hooks in a hall with a tray for shoes below might help? Have a beautiful day!
Precioso recibidor, te ha quedado ideal.
Thank you!
Great job, Julie! Our last house had a mud room and once you’ve had one you don’t want to do without, so the house we just finished building has a small one too. Even as empty nesters it’s an important part of keeping our house clean and neat (great place to take those nasty golf shoes on and off 🙂
Yes! They are so practical, aren’t they? It keeps Chris out of the dog house ????. I hope you have a beautiful weekend!
I have always loved brick floors but haven’t seen them in so long! Everything is synergistically beautiful!
And my heart melted when I saw those gold moccasins! I still remember my son’s frog rainboots that he wore even in the summer and wish I would have held on them!
She’s quickly outgrowing them and after a few pair, she’s reached the max size they make. I feel like framing them! It’s the end of an era. I completely understand!
Thank you! I wanted them to feel timeless and make our 70’s home feel “old”.
I love that brick floor. It’s so unique and charming, as are the slated walls. I’d love to take off my boots here and stay awhile! 😉
Thanks, Chris! You should! Let me know if you’re ever in the area.
LOVE this room…the floor! (ooooh)…the walls! (ahhhh). Outstanding design and styling.J
Thank you, Jamie!
This brick flooring reminds me of my grandparents super old house I used to play in as a kid. What charm!!! I never would have thought of the brick flooring, but it looks so rustic. Loving the mudroom!
Thank you! I was hoping to add some much needed character to our home. Have a beautiful day!
I want to congratulate you on first deciding to remove that closet, which appears to have been an afterthought on the part of the builder and an impediment to movement through that area. That alone opened up everything. Thank goodness you have that little window there, which brings in pretty, natural light. Of course I love all of your finishes, but the fact that you removed that closet was ingenious. I love the floors. And the tiny moccasins made me smile. I wish you would do a post sometime on how you manage to have absolutely no junk in your house!
Thank you! I couldn’t agree more. It blocked the light, but I think at the time the thought on closets was the more, the merrier. I actually have lots of posts on how I organize/stay organized. If you ever have any specific questions, don’t hesitate! Just don’t look at my kitchen desk – eek!
Love how bright and inviting it looks. Kudos. What kind of dog is Dusty?
A mutt! We’re actually not sure, we adopted him from a shelter, but believe he is a shih-tzu mixed with a schnauzer or terrier. Thank you for your kindness! Have a beautiful day!
Hi Julie! I’ve recently joined your blog and so happy that I found you. I love your style – it is simple and relaxed, yet has a touch of elegance – a winning combination.
Can you tell me where you purchased your bench? I love it and I have been searching for just the right piece for my home.
Thank you and keep the ideas flowing…
Thank you, Patti! There is a direct link to it in the bottom of the post for your convenience, but it’s from Lowe’s {online}! We love it because it’s durable and just the right size for the space.
And thanks for following along, I truly appreciate it, Patti!
Beautiful! Is the bench an estate sale find as well? If not, would you mind sharing where you found it? I’ve been looking a bench for our entryway and that one looks perfect.
It’s from Lowe’s – there’s a direct link to the color I purchased at the bottom of the post for your convenience. I love it – it’s really durable and just the right size.
Beautiful! Where is the bench from?
Oops! I just added the link, thanks for bringing that to my attention. It’s from Lowe’s. Enjoy!
I was wondering…is that brick floor warm or cold to walk on in sock feet?
About as warm as wood, not cold like tile.
Love the space! The brick floors are beautiful. I might have to do the same in my mudroom.
It was the best decision I made in our home and one of the least expensive! I’m enamored with them.
Beautiful!! Julie you nailed it!!!! The little itty bitty moccasins are adorable too:) I know you said the hooks are no longer available, but curious where you got them.
Of course! K Hall Designs – it’s a boutique in St. Louis.
Love it!
Can you share the colour of the wallpaint and trim?
The light and light switch are so simple and classy.
Beautiful Julie, just beautiful!! I too am a fan of mudrooms and when we moved to our current house, I had a closet removed and removed a doorway so we could have that mudroom area. And hooks – I am such a fan of hooks and yours are gorgeous!! Enjoy your space!!Jenny
Are you currently accepting roommates? I want to live in this room!
Gorgeous!! I LOVE the baskets full of shoes under the bench– Great solution to keep from finding stray shoes all over the house.
It looks so beautiful! And brick floors are so great to maintain. Really lovely, Julie!
This is SO pretty and functional! I love the brick floors! I wouldn’t have ever thought to use brick, but it makes so much sense! 🙂
Thank you, April! I hope your day is just as beautiful.