Small But Functional Mudroom for Any Space

Like many of my friends, we use the entry from the garage more than we use our front door. Ideally, I’d love to have a whole room or even a large space, dedicated to taking shoes off, dropping purses and sunglasses and all the stuff that travels with us when we leave and come back home. BUT…we live in the south and mudrooms aren’t that common. So I’ll share some tips and tricks that I did to create my own “Mudroom.”

A Mudroom by definition is “a small room or entryway where footwear and outerwear can be removed.” So in reality, we can all have one no matter the size. But if you’re like me, you want it to look good AND be functional. 🙂

In Florida, we have sand…lots and lots of sand. So taking off our shoes when we come in is kind of a necessity for us and it’s definitely a hygienic issue as well. It makes my life as the Chief Floor Cleaner much easier for sure. 🙂

What every good Mudroom should have

• A place to take off and store shoes.
• Drop off spot for keys, sunglasses, and purses.
• A place to sit while putting on/taking off shoes.
• Some creative storage.

That’s really it. Everything else is just icing on the cake. So let me show you what I did.

I love lockers. I’ve wanted some for a long time and finally found some perfect ones. I painted one white and used it right here in my new “Mudroom.” Lockers are great because they are vertical storage. Not only do I have room for purses, bags, scarves and sweaters (for that one cold day a year here)…but I use the extra space to hold things I need to remember to take with me when running out the door such as returns, packages to mail, etc. For those with little kids, you could even dedicate a section of the locker to each child to keep them completely organized. Mine even have hooks inside so hanging things up is even easier.

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A place for shoes. This is a must. While we don’t keep ALL of our shoes downstairs and by the door, we do keep our frequently worn ones. The sneakers, the flip flops, you get the idea. I got this large basket to hold not just the shoes but the sand that comes with them. Be sure you get a basket that doesn’t have large holes or openings or you will have a mess on the floor. I also wanted white for the space to lighten things up. I’ve linked a few of my other favorite baskets here, Option 1, Option 2 and Option 3. Different styles for different decors!

Opposite the basket is a stool, perfect to put shoes on or drop stuff as you’re walking in. I would definitely recommend a stool or chair, again it doesn’t have to take up much space.

Because the locker was narrow I had room for a small table. I had this antique cast iron table base that I found a few years ago. I went to Lowes and got a piece of precut acrylic. Voila…a table! 🙂 The acrylic makes the space look more open and I love that it doesn’t hide the patina of the base. I think it works really well in this corner.

Well , we have our big storage, our seating and our table. Now it’s time to make it pretty. Of course, if you just want to have a stool and a box for shoes that’s up to you! 😉 You know I can’t leave a space undone!

This wall is my main “Gallery Wall” and always has been so I kept most of my pieces up. I did have to rearrange a few things for the locker. I added the bell for interest and so I can ring it when dinner’s ready! 😉

I added a succulent up top for a pop of greenery and a smaller one to the table. Of course, you know I love my bottles so I had to have one here with one single Magnolia stem.

And of course don’t forget a small dish for that spare change that you always wind up with! Seriously, where do these pennies come from???

I added this small industrial box for Sunglasses and it’s also where I stash the gum in the house…but don’t tell the kids. They haven’t found it yet. 😉 Easy for me to grab a pack on my way out the door.

Well there you have it…a fully functioning “Mudroom” in a very small space. Take a look around your house and see what you can use, repurpose and create to make your own mudroom. If you follow me on Instagram, tag me with your functioning Mudroom…I’d love to see it. I would love for you to sign up for my Blog newsletters so you don’t miss any…and you can follow me on FB and Pinterest as well.

I hope you picked up a tip or trick today to try in your home. Again, it doesn’t take a big budget or a contractor to make a space better! Just some creativity! 🙂

See you soon!