15 Clever Mudroom Ideas That Are Equally Functional and Stylish
If you’re lucky enough to have a mudroom in your home, you may be wondering how to make the most of it. As primarily utilitarian storage areas, mudrooms aren’t necessarily known for being the most stylish — especially because you can only do so much with decor — but they don’t have to be a design afterthought. I rounded up 15 clever mudroom ideas that prove that you can maximize functionality and organization without sacrificing looks. Get inspired by these chic spaces for your next renovation or redesign.
1. Add a built-in bench.
Struggling with the decision between built-in cabinetry or a shoe bench? Try both! Split up shelving with a small seating area, as seen in this elegant mudroom design by MDI Interior Design. Underneath the bench, shoe drawers with metal pulls help to create stylish hidden storage and minimize clutter, too.
2. Keep it light and airy with shiplap.
Shiplap is a popular interior wall paneling, commonly found among farmhouse and coastal design styles. It’s also a great way to add some texture to a small space over traditional wall paint. This bright and cheery mudroom by MDI Interior Design pairs white shiplap with rattan accents and blue decor for a charming beach-inspired aesthetic.
3. Create a multi-purpose room.
If you’re lacking a dedicated laundry room and have mudroom space to spare, use it to store your washer and dryer, as seen in this double-duty design by Brooke Spreckman, founder and principal designer at Design Hutch.
4. Opt for tile flooring.
Make cleaning a breeze and lay tile flooring in your mudroom, as seen in this space by Jessie Tobias Design. It’s more durable than wood flooring, too — perfect for standing up to the hustle and bustle of shoes going in and out of the door.
5. Take advantage of wall hooks.
You don’t need fancy built-in cabinetry to make the most of your mudroom! Wall hooks can be just as effective, which Juniper Interiors showcases in this sweet and simple design. Easily paint them in any color that best matches your space, then store bags, coats, towels, and so much more.
6. Add a sink.
If you have kids, pets, or just happen to track lots of mud and dirt into your house, then you’ll understand the convenience of having a mudroom sink. Take a cue from this Juniper Interiors space, which features a vintage-style pedestal sink right next to the door for containing messes to just the mudroom.
7. Install floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry isn’t just super practical — it looks elegant and helps elongate the area, too. This mudroom space by Lauren Leitner Design shows how this feature can pack a big punch, even in a small space. For a dramatic and moody look, try a dark color for your cabinets like black, navy blue, or deep purple.
8. Add a statement light fixture.
Treat your mudroom like an extension of your home’s design style and top off the look with a light fixture that you love. As evidenced by Lauren Leitner Design, this will help to create an eye-catching focal point and draw the eye upwards, making the room feel taller.
9. Go all-in on storage.
Mudrooms are all about storage, and this home by Ash Jordan Designs shows how to mix various pieces in the same area. Dark wood cubbies keep hats, shoes, and coats organized and accessible, while the contrasting white cabinets hide things like extra cleaning supplies, seasonal decor, and more.
10. Rely on just a bench.
If extravagant storage solutions and built-ins aren’t quite your style (or budget), then perhaps a simple bench with stylish cushions will do. This smart U-shaped design by Sarah & Sons Interiors makes the most out of a small corner, and it’s easy to swap out pillows from season to season.
11. Use baskets for hidden storage.
Whether you have open shelving or space under a bench, like in this mudroom by Ashley Martin Home, you can never go wrong with using stylish storage baskets. They look great and hide any clutter — win, win!
12. Prioritize food storage.
Lacking food storage in your kitchen or pantry? If so, don’t discount your mudroom! Here, Ash Jordan Designs added an extra fridge in between cupboards and cabinets, plus additional countertop space.
13. Create a floating bench.
For a minimal, unfussy look, style your mudroom with a floating bench, like this space by Jessie Tobias Design. A long piece of live-edge wood makes a fantastic, rustic option, but if you want something a little more traditional, a standard piece of wood or MDF works just as well.
14. Transform a single wall.
You don’t need a large, elaborate mudroom to create a functional and stylish space — this quaint area by Dorling Design Studio uses just a single wall! Drawers and wall hooks provide plenty of storage, while the matching shiplap adds visual interest and contrast against the rest of the room.
15. Create a pet nook.
If your fur babies run the roost at home, then it’s only natural for them to have a dedicated mudroom section. You can go for a full built-in pet house situation, or something a little more low-profile, like this cozy corner with a dog bed designed by Tiffany Home Design.
