Your mudroom may be the first room you and your guests enter in your home. What’s often a space that simply collects boots, outdoor equipment and other items that don’t have a home can actually be a pivotal part of your house — it just requires a bit of tender love and care.

Make a strong first impression without compromising the functionality of the space by using these mudroom ideas.

A Mudroom Adds Value to Your Home

Having a mudroom in your home is a great way to add extra value to your home. Not only does it invite more beauty into your space but it also creates a more functional living arrangement. Whether you plan to be in your house for a few years or if it’s your forever home, putting solutions in place for easy living will serve you or whoever ends up living in the space next.

Even if you don’t do a full-blown renovation, creating an entryway where you can showcase your personality and add storage space does increase your home’s practicality. You’d be surprised what you can do with even the smallest of areas — from a little hallway entry to a tiny side room.

8 Mudroom Design Ideas

So, your mudroom is cluttered and lacking charm. Not to worry! While there are hundreds of ways you could reorganize your room to make it bright and shiny again, we thought we’d share several ideas to get you started:

1. Bold Area Rug

Yes, a doormat is always good to have near your exterior doors to stop people from tracking mud all over the house. But on top of that, a bigger carpet can take a bland mudroom space and make it appear much brighter. Place a larger washable rug that can be used to wipe feet on and keep dirt and grime from getting on the hardwood underneath.

If you’re using a hallway or small space for a mudroom, try a carpet runner that’s skinnier and more able to fit within a tight area. Depending on the type of home design you’re going for, this rug could be patterned with lots of colors, from monotone and simple to abstract and eclectic. Mudrooms tend to get messy, so having a way to protect your floors and look great can help you kill two birds with one stone.

2. Long Bench Seat

Have a longer wall you want to maximize? A long bench seat can be a wonderful fit and give your guests a place to set their things or take a load off. Place one for people to sit and put their shoes on or take them off where it’s out of the way. You can also enjoy extra storage by putting baskets underneath the mudroom bench where people won’t trip over them.

You can choose an all-natural, solid wood bench or opt for a fun-painted one instead. You can also customize the seat with plush cushions, washable or outdoor throw pillows and other cute mudroom decor.

3. Stylish Mudroom Storage Cubbies or Built-In Cabinets

Your mudroom is probably a catch-all for outdoor items, coats and bags — things that can easily be thrown into a storage cubby or cabinet to save face. Along one side of the wall in your mudroom, create built-in cabinets or storage cubbies that can hang coats, hide outdoor gear and stow away shoes from sight. It also will keep your kids from asking you where their soccer shoes or swimming goggles are. When everything has a place, you can stress less.

You can easily jazz up a back hallway with cubbies and extra storage if you don’t have a mudroom. You can even match the color of the built-ins to the wall or kitchen cabinets to make it fit right in.

4. Try Shiplap

When it comes to your mudroom space, you need durable walls, floors and storage that are built to withstand dirt, grime and time. One material that comes to mind is shiplap. Not only does it look beautiful but it’s also extremely resistant to wear and tear. When you use strong design substances, you can trust that your room can take a beating and still look stunning.

Try putting shiplap on your walls or on the backs of your cubbies — places that might get bumped often. You can keep them cool and white or select a funky color like navy, sage green or mustard for something different.

5. Choose a Cheery Palette

Through rain or shine, your mudroom will help your family stay organized and put together. For those dreary days, bolster the room with a happy color, like yellow, light blue or green. This is especially helpful for rooms without windows or smaller spaces as it can make the area feel bigger and better lit.

Another path you can go down is wallpaper. While it may not seem like the most versatile option for a mudroom, creating an accent wall with a patterned print can do wonders for even the smallest of rooms.

6. Hang a Mirror

Your mudroom may be the last room you’re in before leaving the house. Make sure your hair is in place and there’s nothing in your teeth by checking yourself out in a mirror by the door. Select an intricate gold mirror if you’re going for a fancier, vintage look. Or, lean more toward a modern farmhouse look by choosing a black, white or plain-wood design.

If you have a window in your mudroom, hang the mirror on the wall opposite of it to help reflect the sunlight and make the room appear larger. If not, pick a wall that needs some pizzazz and is not going to get in the way of storage space.

7. Go for Tile

You may put tile walls and a bathroom or kitchen together, but this design choice can also work for your mudroom. If you have counter space in your mudroom or simply want to add a unique style to your room, go for a tiled look. White subway tile is a beloved classic, but you can also test out a tinted tile, like blue or red for a pop of color.

On top of being a fashionable choice, tile is also super easy to clean. Whether you use your mudroom as a second bathroom — another sink can never hurt — or your kids love to get muddy outside, having a surface that’s easy to wipe off can come in handy. This is especially true for the warmer months when the days are longer, opening up more opportunities to bring messes inside.

8. Designate a Space for Each Family Member

Now, you may not have kids yet or be an empty nester. That’s totally fine! This design can still work for you if modified to your liking. However, if you do have a house full of children, creating a customized space in the mudroom for each of them to put their things can help everyone stay organized. This could look like one cubby designated for each kid, a specific assigned cabinet or a large basket with each child’s name — just as long as they know whose space is whose.

Try a color-coded method where each kid has a specific color of wall hook and basket so the room is still colorful without being cluttered and confusing. You could even do a color-coordinated locker system to resemble a school — but look much cuter. Once you have a spot for everyone to put their things, it can be less hectic to get out the door on time every day.

Key Considerations for Practical Storage Solutions

We’ve already shared a few storage options that double as design ideas, but we want to let you in on a well-known interior design secret: There’s no such thing as too much storage. Let’s go over some additional storage solutions that can keep your mudroom spick and span — even on especially muddy days:

Coat Hangers

Whether you choose an actual coat rack or opt for wall hooks on the wall or in your cubbies, it’s critical to have a space to put your jackets and raincoats. Coat hangers can be obtrusive without the right corner to put them in, so if you have a smaller space, wall hooks may be a better choice. But if you do have a nice spot, having a coat tree to hang bulky jackets and purses can be a lifesaver — and a time saver since you won’t have to dig around a coat closet for the right parka.

Hidden Storage Bench

Did you select a bench that has built-in storage? Great choice! You can use this space for outdoor balls, jump ropes or any other outdoor items that your kids might use. It’s also great for gardening gear or other smaller equipment that often doesn’t have a home. What’s great about this option is that it doesn’t take up additional space since this multifunctional piece is already serving as a seat.

Some mudroom storage benches have built-in cushions that make the seat more comfortable while others are plain wood. You can determine which option works best for your design aesthetic — and your bum. Generally, you’ll only be sitting on the piece for a few seconds while you put on your shoes, so it doesn’t have to be the most cozy spot in your house. Although, it doesn’t hurt to add a poof if you see fit.

Counter Space for Small Items

If you have the space for built-in cabinets, create a countertop that can hold bins or smaller items so they don’t get lost. Try adding a bowl for your keys and other clear storage drawers for items that are often thrown around your house like extra hair ties, shoe laces and Tide to-go pens. This counter can act as an addition to your kitchen, even creating space for an additional sink, washer, dryer or dog bath, depending on what you’d need the most. Ultimately, don’t be afraid to get creative to build a space that truly works with your lifestyle.

Standalone Storage Unit

If you can’t build onto the wall with custom shelving, get a standalone alternative for jackets, hats, scarves and other warm clothes. There are countless storage unit options that can fit in even the smallest of mudrooms. This is especially helpful for older homes that don’t have closets for hanging coats, providing a hidden space for winter gear.

What Other Pieces Is Your Mudroom Missing?

Storage is a non-negotiable part of your mudroom. But what other pieces might do your room good? Here are some furniture and decor you should consider adding to your space:

• Shoe racks for extra shoe storage.
• Chests or smaller storage solutions.
• Dog bed for your furry friend.
• Artwork for added flair.

Get Your Mudroom in Tip-Top Shape

Warm weather is here, which means dirt and grime are about to infiltrate your home. That makes your mudroom ten times more important than ever! Organize your family’s dirty shoes, rain jackets, outside gear and pet supplies without cluttering your space with a mudroom designed for functionality and beauty.

Ready to get started? Enter your zip code to locate the Decorating Den Interiors decorator nearest you.