33 Mudroom Ideas Interior Designers Stand By

Even though people often stash outerwear and gear on a hall tree near the living room or in the entryway, brainstorming mudroom ideas that focus on creating a designated space for essentials—including backpacks, sports equipment, and more—is certainly worthwhile. “Having a space for organization, to start or end your day, is invaluable,” says Laura Britt of Britt Design Group in Austin. The mudroom may be the hardest-working part of the house, as it tackles dirty shoes, snow-covered coats, and dripping umbrellas, so that the rest of the home can remain pristine. That’s why this less-formal entrance and high-traffic area needs plenty of shoe storage, accessories for organization, and durable materials that can withstand the elements that get tracked in by guests, kids, and pets.

Read on to learn why mudroom design is important, even if it is just a transitional space with wall hooks.

Does a mudroom add value to your home?

Incorporating a mudroom into your home is an excellent way to add value to your space. “Most homebuyers are seeking solutions already in place so that they can visualize easy living there as well,” Britt says. “Solving for common day-to-day needs is a wise investment.”

If your home doesn’t already include a mudroom and you wish to add one, keep in mind this insight from Cleveland-based Noelle Pangle, realtor with Howard Hanna. “Before investing in a costly addition, consider how long you intend to live in the home,” she advises. “Ask your local realtor to run recent comparable home sales to ensure you don’t over invest in a project you won’t see a return on.” Pangle advises her own clients not to spend more than $15,000 on cosmetic improvements if they plan to live in a home for three years or less.

Even if you don’t go full-on renovation, a mudroom or entryway is an area where you can showcase your personality, and that can bring intangible value to your home. Optimize the space that you do have. “If your home is set up in a way that doesn’t allow for a mudroom, you can always maximize a corner or back hallway with board and batten and playful wall hooks,” Pangle continues. “Anthropologie has a great assortment of eclectic hardware.”

How to decorate your mudroom?

Do not be afraid to decorate your mudroom to reflect your personal aesthetic. “A little personality and style—whether it’s modern, transitional, or traditional detailing—makes it functional, interesting, and comfortable for your personal needs,” Britt says. “Add a great punch of color or art: There’s nothing like a beautiful piece of art to welcome you back home.” Consider displaying images of soothing nature scenes that will fit the space perfectly, given that it serves as a bridge between indoors and out. The mudroom is also an excellent place in which to display family photos. If you’re stumped for mudroom ideas, consider how you approach decorating as a whole and bring in other room ideas to this space.

What should a mudroom include?

A mudroom should be both functional and stylish. As Los Angeles-based Christine Vroom, of Christine Vroom Interiors, notes: “A good mudroom should be able to organize anything thrown its way as soon as you walk in the door. A great mudroom still looks stylish amidst the chaos!” Mudrooms for busy families often include various forms of storage, such as cubbies, a coat closet, storage benches, and other tools for housing outerwear, sports equipment, and the like. “Hidden storage is underestimated when it comes to maximizing space,” says Hayley English, of Hayley English Interiors in Pasadena, California. “Think a laundry basket behind a faux drawer, pocket doors, etcetera.” Whether a mudroom includes additional features in order to double as a laundry room or home office is up to you. “Determine the three most important uses for the space and let those drive floor plan and storage decisions,” English suggests. Britt shares some additional mudroom ideas. “Ideally, a bench or place to sit and put on shoes should always be included,” the designer says. “A large sink with prep space is great for creating floral arrangements, cleaning arts and crafts projects, or dirty shoes.” Mudrooms get dirty, so invest in a washable rug, Pangle adds.

Below are 33 mudroom ideas from interior designers that will have you feeling inspired and ready to transform your home to maximize mudroom storage potential.