Good entryway or mudroom organization can be a game changer for keeping the rest of the house clutter free and organized. But creating the perfect mudroom can be challenging, since every space is custom, and every family is different. Throw in different budgets and styles .. well, that's why I'm here to help!
We are sharing our top mudroom solutions that can be easily mixed and matched, built as an entire unit, and we've even added a free, easy to use design tool to help you design it from start to finish using our shelf configurator tool.
Planning Your Mudroom
Before getting started on building a mudroom solution, here are some questions to ask yourself.
- How much space do I have? Can I get creative and add more space in adjacent halls, wall space, garages?
- Are there any nooks or awkward spaces I can take advantage of?
- Who are the main users? Do they each need dedicated storage systems?
- Do I need a drop zone (tabletop surface) for keys, coffee cups, mail etc
- Is the mudroom visible from other rooms? Does it need to look tidy all the time?
- Am I building a permanent, high end solution, or just a quick, inexpensive solution (for renters or between stages?)
- What type of organization is needed? Hanging storage, hooks, hidden storage, basket, bins, drawers?
- What tools and skill level is needed to take on the project?
- What style matches the rest of my house? Farmhouse, modern, rustic...
- Shop your home for existing pieces and accessories you can use to keep your budget low.
Once you have given some thought to the mudroom, here's how to tackle it:
1. Tackle the biggest project first
Start with the biggest project first, usually on the biggest wall or main focal point of the mudroom. Like building the bed or dining table first, this sets the overall structure for the room.
2. Fill in with smaller projects as needed
After you have completed the biggest project, step back and take a look. Where can I add more storage? Who needs more storage? What items haven't found a home?
3. Accessorize with FUNCTIONAL Decor
Mudrooms are usually small, so all decor should be functional - baskets, bins, throw rugs, clocks, wall shelves and organizers, mirrors and calendars. Also consider a full mudroom will look cluttered, so keep busy decor to an absolute minimal - choose simple baskets and bins, I recommend neutrel colors, choosing texture over pattern.
A small plant or family picture is fine, just be careful to not give up functional space that could be used to keep backpacks off the floor.
Example Mudroom Makeover
Here's a recent mudroom makeover I tackled using this method.
1. I tackled the biggest project first, the 14' long mudroom bench.
2. Then I added the smaller accessory organizer and repainted the wall cabinets.
3. For decor I added pillow cases stuffed with out of season gear and throw rugs to catch the dirt.
You can watch this mudroom makeover and get these plans here.
Let us help you increase the functionality of your home! Just email us at [email protected] if you need help finding plans, need suggestions or just have basic questions!
Apartment Friendly
Need a quick and easy mudroom that isn't attached to the wall?
Here it is. Just build and lean it up! Simple 2x4 construction
The ESSENTIAL
If you need me to make a decision for you, here it is.
This is the bench and wall system that is the most economical to make, easy to modify, and provides the right amount and types of storage for almost any home. It works in custom mudrooms, wide hallways, garages, foyers ... it works.
I have made this system over and over, it is tried and true.
The bench plans are linked with the shelf plans, so you can make the entire system.
Freestanding Style
This freestanding closet works great in a home, apartment or dorm, where there is no entryway closet! Easy to customize and add extra storage for boots and shoes, we love the barn door to keep less attractive things hidden and out of sight. Baskets or bins can be added to help keep certain items organized and easy to put away.
Custom Drawers for Beginners
A simple storage bench with drawers can be a huge help in organizing an entryway! We have made building a bench with drawers even easier with our easy step by step plans. We love that it is easy to modify for any size drawer and space, with the ability to store all essential entryway items! Reader submitted photo.
Inexpensive But Beautiful
A hall tree can add so much storage to a small entryway, and look beautiful too! This plan includes hooks for hanging jackets, backpacks, hats, whatever your needs may be. The bottom section allows added basket or bin storage, or could be kept open for shoe and boot storage! The top board can also be used to set plants or other storage items on. Using basic materials and tools, this is a beginner friendly hall tree to help get your entryway organized! Reader submitted photo.
Freestanding Forever Piece
This plan boasts a storage bench with overhead storage and hooks for hanging! Another great option for a space lacking a closet. Reader submitted photo.
Quick and Cheap
Simple and functional 2x4 Hall Tree. This plan is quick and easy to build and adds a ton of storage to an entryway or mudroom. A perfect place to hang your jackets, keys, hats, or purse. It has an area underneath to add bins or baskets for even more storage! Have fun with the finish and hardware choice on this one!
Custom Style
This mudroom that makes you smile! This plan is flexible and can be used in an existing closet, along a wall or wall opening. Again easily modified for how many sections are needed as well as height and depth! The beauty of the design and curved cuts make this not only functional but pretty too. Keep things neat and tidy with this set up! Reader submitted photo.
Trundles for Hard to Reach Under Bench
Trundle drawers are a great option to add easy storage to an entryway bench! No drawer slides required and the drawers can be easily modified to the desired size. Whether it's a floating bench like this one or a standard bench with 4 legs, this trundle drawer plan will work for any size drawer.
Nook and Hooks
This DIY Floating Bench is great way to update a closet, or create an entryway between two walls! It could be easily modified to include hidden storage, as seen here, do you see it? Also trundle drawers, bins or baskets could easily be incorporated underneath. It's nice to have a place to sit or set stuff when entering and exiting the house, this floating bench may be the perfect solution for your needs! Reader submitted photo.
Boot Collector
This hidden boot storage bench is a way to neatly hang boots. This concept could also be incorporated into any mudroom bench plans that uses drawers. Not only does it store boots, it's also a place to sit to take on or off your shoes and could be used on its own or incorporated under a hanging shelf for added storage.
Hats and Mittens
A cubby organizer is a great way to add extra storage to an existing entryway or incorporate it into a build. We like the shallow depth making it easy to grab gloves, hats, scarves, sunglasses, basically anything that you need to store and find easily, so stuff doesn't get lost in the back! Add hooks to the ends for added hanging storage for purses, backpacks, keys etc.
Lockers without Commitment
A locker style cabinet will work great in an entryway or garage! Locker systems can work for the whole family, or just the kids, to help keep all of their backpacks and extra activity items organized and in one place! Adding hooks and baskets will keep everything neat and tidy!
Modular Farmhouse
This DIY modular mudroom system includes locker storage, hooks, overhead storage and a pull out storage bench! Another easy to modify project with the different components and free plans to support them!
Fancy Farmhouse Hall Tree
Another hall tree that has seating, storage and hooks! We love the classic farmhouse design! This is a fairly simple build using our free step by step plans! Reader submitted photo.
The Forever System
This bench and hutch system could be easily modified to be used inside the home in an entryway or mudroom, or as seen here along a garage wall! So much storage and almost too pretty for a garage, but I don't see anything wrong with nice looking storage options inside and outside the home. We used our Shelf Help service to order all of the precut plywood and assembled each piece separately, though the project is huge, it was very easy to put it all together! Shelf Help also has the free template for this set up!
Dry Boots
This Boot Rack can be easily added or incorporated into an existing mudroom or entryway. We've also seen it done vertically! So many options to make this longer or shorter and customized for your needs. This is a quick, easy and economical way to store boots! Would work great in a garage entry as well.
Hidden Storage
This built in closet mudroom is a great way to turn an ordinary closet into an organized mudroom with tons of storage! We love this plan with the incorporated hinged hidden boot storage and all the extra shelving and cubbies up top for extra gear. The added hooks give even more storage for the daily items, easy to store and grab on the go! This system can be easily modified to fit any size closet!
Custom Wall Organizer
We love the simplicity of this project and how much function it brings to an entryway or mudroom! This is a great beginner project that is easy to modify for any space. A great drop zone for mail, keys, jackets, purse, sunglasses, homework, etc. Using standard material and tools, build this in a couple of hours and get to using it the same day!
Contractor Approved
This entryway hutch could be added to an existing storage bench or built as seen here with our easy drawer bench plans! We added the doors to keep things tidy and clean. By building the hutch and cabinets up higher, we were still able to add the hooks for extra hanging! This plan has so much storage and is a game changer for our family, we use it everyday! No more coats on the floor, this cleaned the entire space up.
More Hidden Storge
A main concern in an entryway or mudroom is shoe and boot storage, this extra wide shoe bench with hidden boot storage is a perfect solution to get all of those shoes and boots organized in one place! We have the free step by step plans, another beginner friendly project that can be used in a closet, or wall opening and can be built to fit!
Heavy Duty
If you have a bigger mudroom space and are looking for extremely durable benches, this is the one.
Think garages, locker rooms, or in this case, an ice hockey warming shack.
It's easy to build these in long lengths, using 2x lumber.
Custom on a Budget
Looking for that custom mudroom cabinetry look, but on a budget with just a few tools? Try this frameless bench - it's easy to build and will do the trick!
