20 Hard-Working Mudrooms
Browse pictures and get storage tips for designing a functional mudroom.
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November 25, 2014
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Location, Location, Location
"It's practical to consider the mudroom as a transition zone between a garage and the main house," says interior designer Molly Quinn. "And since people frequently use their back entrances as their main entrance/exit, it's helpful to consider what areas guests will walk through before arriving at their destination." For a tailored mudroom with plenty of storage, Quinn included a wool Oushak runner, which she says is naturally durable. Photo courtesy of Molly Quinn Design
Hidden Organization
No more hunting around for items in the back of a dense shelf. A pretty space for hats, scarves and bags is made even more functional by the cabinet that slides out to reveal an organization system complete with hooks and wire shelving for easy access to cleaning supplies and household tools. Photo courtesy of Houseplans.co; photography by Bob Greenspan
Multipurpose Bench
A leather-topped Plain & Fancy bench includes pullout drawers for storage. Drawers can hold bins or baskets for shoes or other necessities.
Storage Galore
A wall unit by California Closets includes lots of cubbies and even rods for hanging jackets and coats. "Look at the space as a blank palette," advises Ginny Snook Scott of California Closets. "And consider it not only from left to right, but from floor to ceiling. You’ll find a lot of storage space by going up as high as possible."
Entryway Necessities
An easy solution is to park a wall unit near an entry, keeping guesswork to a minimum. If possible, factor in a cubby for each family member and some drawers or baskets to keep some things out of view. Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs
Equipment Drop Zone
As anyone who lives near a beach can attest, transitional zones are a necessity for trapping the residuals of fun in the sun. A sand-room unit includes a spot for the surfboard and plenty of beach towels. Photo courtesy of California Closets
Cabinets and Drawers
Ample drawers and storage enable this small space to hold a lot of supplies. A simple pad with decorative pillows softens the cubbies for shoes. Photo courtesy of Houseplans.co; photography by Bob Greenspan
Savvy Stairway
Stairways often get clogged with items that get shed en route. Staggered cubbies make the most of a bank of stairs near the doorway. Photo courtesy of California Closets
A Mudroom Wall for All
A custom mudroom wall includes a cubby and locker for each family member. "Because I needed to use every inch of the space and I wanted everyone to have their own spot, I had this locker unit custom-made," says interior designer Traci Zeller. "That way I could give each person the largest and deepest locker possible in the limited space we had. Going the custom route was the best option and rather comparable in price to a prefabricated unit." Design by Traci Zeller; photography by Dustin Peck Photography
Kid-Friendly Cubbies
No need to grab a stepstool. Stairway cubbies can be fitted at the right height for children; the top surface can be used for display or decorative baskets, bins or bags. Photo courtesy of California Closets
Hard-Working and Rustic
Classic beadboard, warm wood textures and hints of the great outdoors are incorporated in a welcoming walk-through mudroom. Designer Jane Frederick packs a combination of cubbies, drawers and seating into her lodge-inspired drop zone.
Mail Filing System
This mudroom's desk makes the space even more practical, with mail slots, drawers and shelving. The black-painted wall behind the desk makes a subtle distinction between this contemplative space and the rest of the hard-working mudroom. Photo courtesy of Houseplans.co; photography by Bob Greenspan
Double-Duty Craft Room
This mudroom doubles as a craft room, where a dropped counter at desk height accommodates a sewing machine. Though doors and drawers hide wrapping paper, ribbon, tape and scissors, countertops are the perfect place for wrapping gifts. Coordinating materials used in the room differentiate spaces for different tasks: white for tasks and crafts, polished wood for household storage, olive green for personal things. Photo courtesy of Houseplans.co; photography by Bob Greenspan
Room for Seasonal Items
"We advise people to rotate their gear with the season," says Scott. "You can move items from one area to another, placing out-of-season items up high or behind cabinet doors so they’re still really easy to find." A wall unit makes the most of vertical and horizontal space. Photo courtesy of California Closets
Fitting Function
A small entryway off the garage can provide enough space for placing a durable but attractive organizing system. HGTV Green Home features a sleek, modern unit with cabinets, hooks and drawers for shoes, coats and potting needs.
Clean and Clutter-Free
A laundry room nestles into the space just off the back door. Baskets above coat hooks are labeled “family” and "friends" to corral all the little things that come into the house. Photo courtesy of Houseplans.co; photography by Bob Greenspan
Rainy Day, No Problem
Maple cabinetry stores equipment and supplies, a narrow central bench provides a spot to change out of wet shoes, and a row of hooks holds plenty of jackets.
Work Around Your Windows
Use a mudroom window to your advantage. This storage unit from Easy Closets offers all the open and closed storage your family needs, but still allows natural light inside.
Hang It Up
A small mudroom near the doorway includes plenty of hooks for hanging items; the bench serves as a tabletop with the addition of a small lamp.
Cottage Charm
Using antique accents and earthy materials, HGTV host Sarah Richardson designed a stylish entryway that maintains the welcoming character of a century-old farmhouse. To add a touch of charm into your mudroom, skip the custom storage systems and incorporate sentimental furnishings.
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