Tips to Get Your Mudroom Organized
Mudrooms continually prove that utility and style are not mutually exclusive.
As the unsung hero of any busy household, these spaces don’t often get the recognition they deserve. Despite their inherent practicality, these catch-all spaces can also be aesthetically driven. A mudroom is the perfect blank slate to showcase hard-working materials that balance function and beauty, streamlining the chaos of everyday life. With the influx of shoes, coats, and umbrellas that inevitably make their way into a mudroom, it’s easy for this space to feel cluttered. After all, having a room with the proper organization systems can make all the difference in creating a welcoming, serene atmosphere. And since the mudroom serves as an entry point for the home, it can really set the tone. We're exploring the organizing-meets-design features worth incorporating and spotlighting the best facets of these transitional spaces (including key considerations of good mudroom design if you're building). From savvy shoe cubbies to clever coat compartments, there are a myriad of ways to tidy up your mudroom.Discover inspiration for a refresh and shop our selections of recommended favorites to stay organized in the mudroom throughout the entire year.
Dedicated Storage for Backpacks, Shoes and Coats
The golden rule of mudroom organization? Everything has its place. Plans should include hooks for backpacks and coats, as well as space for shoes. We often put these principles into practice with cabinetry and wall-spanning hooks, creating endless storage solutions for clients. Kids tend to come with a lot of stuff, but some strategic design choices can keep clutter at bay and minimize the hectic energy of weekday mornings.
If possible, it's good to establish a “shoe limit” for each family member to prevent overcrowding. If you live alone, agree with yourself to honor the mudroom’s capacity. It's better to have a few well-loved pairs within reach than an overwhelming collection. We recommend keeping “everyday” shoes in the mudroom each family member, like sneakers, flip flops and other.
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Accessories Storage
Accessories are best stored in open accessible baskets, or divided drawers if you have them. As the seasons change, so does your accessories—which means updating your mudroom, especially if you’re short on space. Here in New England we experience all four seasons, so rotating items like seasonal hats and other accessories based on weather and current needs may help alleviate space. Off-season items can be stored out of sight, whether in a basement or storage closet, to free up valuable space. If you don’t have the joy of snow or the defined seasons where you live, consider the shifts that make the most sense for you and commit to a regular cadence.
If you have multiple members in your household, then sectioning off areas for each person can help streamline your storage. We recommend all individuals only keep items that they use frequently in the mudroom. Once the sections are designated, we suggest labeling them. Use simple labels with each individual's name for bins or for different storage areas.
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Bench Seating
Incorporating bench seating is a game-changer for mudroom design and organization. Better yet, bench seating with hidden storage adds an extra layer of functionality. Not only does it provide an easy landing spot for putting on and taking off shoes, but the hidden storage can house seasonal items like gloves, scarves, and hats, keeping them within reach yet tucked out of sight.
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Dropzone Area
A mudroom is the best place to house day-to-day documents like mail and school papers as well as accessories like keys, so you can quickly grab them before heading out the door. They can be tossed in a catch-all tray or placed on a built-in shelf. Trays and other containers are helpful in the mudroom area for small items like these.
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…and if you’re building
Hardworking Materials for All Seasons
Durability isn’t just a buzzword for mudroom design; it’s a necessity. Flooring will inevitably bear the brunt of dirt, snow, and rain that are often tracked in from the outdoors. To meet this challenge, we prefer using the ultimate hard-working flooring materials—like brick, stone and tile—to withstand the demands of this high-traffic area. This material not only adds visual interest but also provides a slip-resistant surface, ideal for an active household.
Personalized Lockers or Cubbies
Personalized lockers are perhaps the mother of all mudroom design features. For larger households, this feature can be make or break for daily routines, keeping coats, backpacks, and gear well-organized for each child. These beautiful built-in are proof that utility and style can go hand in hand.