Mudrooms: A Place for Storage, Sitting and Slickers

Entry #233, August 3, 2010

Even if your home doesn’t have a mudroom, every home could benefit from one. Storing shoes, hats, and umbrellas has always been

A Mudroom is great for the pet’s dishes!

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a dilemma if you aren’t adjacent to a coat closet at the back door of the house.  While sitting down when taking on and off shoes has always been a chore that I do, hopping on one foot, as to not get the carpet dirty! Unless you live in a region that never rains, sleets, or snows, wouldn’t you love to be able to take of your wet rain coat (slicker) and muddy footwear?

Mudrooms provide that space in your home where it can even be adjacent to a laundry room, utility area or garage.  All of these places are great because they create a space that is multifunctional.  Therefore, the space never gets wasted. It is used for the kids coming home from school, you going to work, and helps keep everyone’s school bags ready for the mad dash to the school bus in the morning!

Here are some other uses for your mudroom from About.com.

• Laundry
• Hang Keys
• Charge Cell Phones
• Briefcase, Backpack or Purse Drop-Off Area
• Shoe Storage
• Pet accessories (leash, grooming supplies, etc.)
• Mail Drop-Off

Great Storage Ideas:

• Slim Laundry Cart :
  This is very slim, and fits in between your washer and dryer – a smart way to utilize that empty space.
• Over Washer/Dryer Storage Shelf :
  Affordable and functional – you can’t be that!
• Wall Cubby w/Hooks :
  This is a good idea if you don’t have the room for a hall tree (see below) but you need it for similar functions (hang jackets, store everyday used items, etc.)
• Over The Door Storage Rack :
  Although this is intended for CDs & DVDs, it can be used to hold items that you need to remember to take with you: lunch, laundry, mail, books, etc. And, it allows you to utilize an existing space (back of the door) that we don’t normally consider using.

I love how the built-ins here work for the mudroom and an office

• Expanding Coat Rack :
  This is great to hang up jackets, umbrellas and pet supplies (collars, leashes).
• Stacking Cubes :
  I love this idea, and if you have the wall space it is a great idea to store a number of different items, such as briefcases, outgoing laundry, kid’s school supplies and accessories, etc.
• Entryway Organizer : Also know as a Hall Tree, this is on the pricey side, but it is the perfect all-in-one storage and the depth is small which won’t take up too much space.

Mudrooms that share spaces become multifunctional and used more often!

• Cleaning/Laundry Organization Kit:
  Great for laundry/cleaning needs and well priced.
• Entryway Organizer :
  Another great option for a Hall Tree.

A simple bench can change a hallway into an instant mudroom!

• Key/Mail Organizer :
  There are a number of styles and affordable prices that will help prevent you from looking all over the house for your keys! And, remind you to mail those important bills/letters.
• Cell Phone Charger Station :
  Never leave the house without your cell phone or electronic devices again with these affordable and useful chargers.

For more mudroom ideas on Stagetecture, click here.