Mudroom Makeover: How to Optimize Your Entryway


Have coats, boots and backpacks taken over your entryway? The entrance of your home not only serves as a buffer between the inside and outside of your house, but it can also be a highly functional room to keep your family organized.

Most homes have an entryway, sometimes known as a mudroom. Some mudrooms are large and boast an entire room, while others are more modest in size and open directly to the living area. No matter the size of your mudroom, you can make it a functional and presentable space for the needs of your family and guests.
Here are a few simple tips for enhancing your mudroom.

Determine Your Needs
Your mudroom corrals most of the items and outside elements you don’t necessarily want coming inside the rest of your house. Determine what purpose your mudroom serves. Is it a resting place for the kids’ shoes, bags and coats? Do you use it to stow your keys and mail, store umbrellas or recharge electronics?  By understanding your entryway’s main function, you can start
reorganizing your space for optimal use.

The key to keeping your mudroom organized is making sure you have a place for everything.
  • Hang it up
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Hooks are a must-have for any mudroom, keeping jackets, shopping totes, baseball caps and other items neat and tidy, yet still visible for when you need to use them.
  • Add a bench
If space allows, add a bench to your mudroom. One with a compartment or lift-top is great for extra storage, plus it allows family members and visitors to sit comfortably while pulling off shoes, boots and other outdoor gear. Shoes can be stored neatly under the bench and out of sight when not in use.
  • Organize with bins
Bins and baskets are great for organizing clutter and keeping items in a designated storage spot. Group and label each bin according to its contents, or even by family member, so that you know what is inside at a glance.  Bins can be stowed away in cubbies or under benches to keep your mudroom tidy.
  • Floor considerations
Your entryway will endure a lot of foot traffic, so make sure the flooring material you select is durable, easy to clean and slip-resistant, such as ceramic. Doormats or rugs are also great additions to keep dirt and other unwanted debris from being tracked through the rest of your home. Choose a patterned rug that will hide dirt, complement the room and add a touch of style as people come and go.  
Your mudroom sets the tone for your entire house, creating a first impression for visitors and serving as a highly functional space for your family. By setting aside a little extra time to arrange and design your mudroom properly, you'll find it to be one of the most useful rooms in your household.