5 Things To Keep Out Of Your Mudroom, According To Designers

Hello, soccer cleats. Goodbye, clutter.

There are certain features you’d expect to find in a well-outfitted mudroom: durable flooring, plenty of storage, and a deep sink for tackling all kinds of messes. But just as important—and perhaps even more so—are those elements that you don’t see in the workhorse space. We asked Southern designers about the things that you should keep out of your mudroom, no matter what.

Anything Fragile

There’s a place in your home for cherished ginger jars and beloved heirlooms—but this super functional spot isn’t it. “Keep breakables like picture frames, vases, and other precious tchotchkes as far away from the hustle and bustle of the mudroom as possible,” says Louisville, Kentucky, designer Bethany Adams. “Between pets, kids, shopping bags, backpacks, etc., the potential for knocking decorative objects over is 100%.”

Catch-All Tables

Similarly, steer clear of surfaces that tend to invite decorative elements. “Instead of a freestanding table that you'll be tempted to adorn, opt for built-in storage and keep everything else totally clear,” says Adams.

Fussy Floor Coverings

Opt for a flat-weave, vintage Oushak, or easy-to-clean indoor/outdoor option. “Rugs with a high pile will trap dirt, show wear more easily, and ultimately be more difficult to clean,” says Lauren Sullivan of Tennessee’s Well x Design. “Low-pile rugs are best suited for a high-traffic mudroom space. In such utilitarian areas, those with short, dense fibers are more durable than ones containing longer, looser fibers. Save those fluffier rug options for spaces like the bedroom where comfort is key.”

Wallpaper (Unless It’s Vinyl)

While we’re generally all for this statement-making addition, the mudroom is one area where the Nashville creative behind Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs says we should skip it. “I am a huge fan of wallpaper and believe that it can transform even the smallest of spaces into something that exudes the ‘wow’ factor,” notes Mathews. “However, if you are going to incorporate coat hooks or racks on your walls, I would only consider using a vinyl wallpaper as wet coats and umbrellas could definitely leave a traditional one with watermarks and spots.” Plus, she warns, wallpaper that’s frequently made damp is more likely to lift and tear. Anti vinyl wallpaper? Consider trying the traditional stuff on your room’s so-called ‘fifth wall,’ says Mathews: “Wallpapering the ceiling still packs a powerful punch, but it’s usually free from daily abuse.”

Excessive Clutter

While it’s tempting to make this your drop zone for car keys and mail, Austin designer Kristin Marino of KozyKasa advises against it: “The mudroom is often a place for shoes, coats, and sometimes pet storage, which can get cluttered fairly quickly. It would be pretty easy to lose your important items like car keys, mail, and wallets in a cluttered area like this.” In the same vein, a straightforward organizational system is essential for corralling all the things you’re storing in the mudroom, says Austin decorator Meredith Owen. “The mudroom loses its purpose if you don’t maintain order in the pieces you are bringing into the space.” That’s why she recommends labeled storage bins. “If it’s not labeled, it often becomes a haven for odds and ends that eventually become just a place for junk,” she warns.

Related: 11 Things To Keep Out Of Your Living Room, According To Designers

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