Your choices will, of course, be limited by how much space you have, but with clever planning, you can fit a ton of uses into even the smallest of entryway mudrooms. And, whatever the practicalities, from incorporating mudroom ideas and laundry room ideas, to layout considerations and storage options, aesthetics are still really important to get right.
Entryway mudroom ideas
Whether you’re designing a mudroom from scratch, or you want to give your current entryway a new look, below we bring you the best entryway mudroom ideas to help you choose a look that suits your home perfectly.
1. Make sure your mudroom storage is fit for purpose
In high traffic areas such as entryway mudrooms, boot rooms and porches, clever built-in mudroom storage ideas are key to helping keep things organized. Shoe and welly space is top of the agenda, so incorporate shelving units with varying heights for these. Be sure to include an entryway bench idea to make switching footwear easy and for all those miscellaneous items, from dog leads to gloves, consider adding baskets to the shelves, which will keep things ordered while hiding the mess. Including a tall, well ventilated cupboard makes it easy to store muddy anoraks and damp raincoats.
2. Choose materials found in the rest of the home
Hallways are often purposeless thoroughfares that could be put to much better use, so why not consider turning yours into an entryway mudroom? More often than not, homeowners create a new entryway mudroom at the same time as redesigning their kitchen or hall. While this can be a cost-effective plan, it’s likely that the bulk of the budget will be weighted to the kitchen as this is used the most. ‘Where countertops are concerned, if you’ve gone for a beautiful quartz, for example, in the main kitchen, consider choosing a similar look in a more cost-effective finish for the mudroom,’ suggests Julia Trendell, design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens (opens in new tab). ‘Laminate options can echo your kitchen choice perfectly.’
3. Curate a pretty yet practical display
‘Entryway mudroom ideas really do have to work, so the trick is to combine function and longevity with decor that feels authentic rather than over-dressed,’ says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL (opens in new tab). ‘There’s no need for decoration unless it’s useful or relates to the mudroom’s function, so I’d advise against putting up pictures or displaying ornaments – just let the room dictate its decoration. If you are a gardener, nothing is prettier than packets of seeds, terracotta pots, jam jar vases and baskets for gathering flowers.’
4. Step up your storage
‘Ease of use and accessible storage ideas are key when designing an entryway mudroom,’ says Peter Humphrey, founder and director of Humphrey Munson (opens in new tab). ‘This classic oak ladder allows safe access to upper cupboards, providing masses of storage and making full use of the available space.’ While floor space in a mudroom can be limited, use tall cabinetry to your advantage. This design includes two freezers, a drying cupboard and shelving. ‘By raising the height of the washing machine and tumble dryer we’ve made the space more practical,’ adds Peter.
5. Place a sink beneath a window
A deep butler sink is practical for washing vegetables and cutting flowers; if possible, place it beneath a window so you can enjoy your garden while standing at it. Keep the sink close to the washing machine, too, as it will make plumbing – and transferring laundry – easier. And install a run of work surface on either side if you have the space. We love how this worktop complements the dark rich tones of the American walnut and burnished brass hardware. A pretty blind that adds a touch of color and softness is the finishing touch.
6. Put the focus on storage
How you plan your entryway mudroom storage can make a difference, as Jessica Sims-Wilson, home designer at Neptune (opens in new tab), explains. ‘If you have the space, consider making it all about cleaning – put the dishwasher in there, an extra sink, all of your cleaning products.’ Zone the space and give each cupboard a dedicated role. ‘It will change the feel of your kitchen and make it a more lifestyle-focused entertaining space,’ says Jessica, ‘because all chore-related activities happen in a spare room.’
7. Light the way in a small mudroom
If your mudroom sits in an entryway where there is little or no natural light, think carefully about different ways to illuminate the space. As well as your standard overhead light, why not add under-cabinet strip lighting and task lighting to add a shine to your chores? With no windows, it is a good idea to consider installing additional ventilation too, as heat and moisture are likely. Vented tumble dryers will need to be installed next to an external wall. If this isn’t possible, you will need to opt for a condenser tumble dryer instead.
8. Use color to add vibrancy
Looking for entryway ideas to transform a mundane space for household chores into an uplifting room to be in? This cabinetry by Guild Anderson (opens in new tab) has been painted a bright and cheery shade, and the room is further enhanced by the natural light flooding in. If you are unsure of experimenting with bolder colors in your main kitchen, then the utility room is a prime opportunity to get creative. While you don’t need to add too many decorative elements, if you have young children it might be fun to include a chalk noticeboard to leave pictures and messages on.
9. Introduce small wonders
When creating a narrow utility room, you often take room from a kitchen. This makes practical sense as you can use existing plumbing and electrics, but does sometimes leave an awkward and narrow space to work with. In this situation, stick to light colours to ensure the room feels fresh and airy, and consider a handleless design for a streamlined finish. Architecture studio De Rosee Sa (opens in new tab) gave this design a modern vibe with painted vertical panelling, which offers a sense of height.
10. Invest in a floor that is durable
Your space may double up as a boot room or dog-grooming zone, which means it should stand up to mud – and wear and tear. Opting for vinyl kitchen flooring is not only an affordable option, but a practical one, too. Luxury vinyl tiling is also resistant to chemical stains and water, so can be cleaned easily. Choose from finishes that mimic wood and stone or playful patterns that add a splash of decoration while disguising pesky footprints. Look out for vinyl floor tiles, as opposed to rolls which are prone to warping.
Can a mudroom be in the front entry?
Yes, a mudroom can be sited at the front of the home. Entryway mudroom ideas can be a great way to create a desirable, useable – and easily accessible – space in your home. It’s a location that’s full of potential for adding all the features necessary for a mudroom, and the location is no impediment to fitting in storage for coats, shoes, bags, utilities and more. However, if your entryway mudroom is in full view, you’ll want to ensure that the design is in keeping with the rest of your home.
