Mudrooms are an essential part of the home in many areas of the country. While the name doesn’t exactly exude glamor, it doesn’t mean mudrooms have to be a place in the home that you ignore, while piling your cold weather gear into heaps on the floor. We’ll give you a few ideas on how to make your mudroom a cozy solace even if the weather outside is frightful.
Storage: Obviously storage is arguably one of the most important parts of a mudroom. Finding room for all of your own outerwear can be challenging enough, but if you add in hats, gloves, boots, and jackets from all other members of your family, this room can quickly become a catchall. Storage options can include both open-style cubbies or lockers, or you could opt to take a more hidden approach with covered cabinets and drawers.
Organization: Organization is key when it comes to keeping clutter down and offering a place for everything, so everything can be put in its place. You can do so by color-coding spaces for each member of the family, or each type of item. You can also add in a chalkboard wall that labels where items should be stored.
Hanging Options: Hooks are key to providing wet or snow-covered clothes the opportunity to dry out between wears. Hanging your items keeps them up off the ground and able to be used again in less time. You can even make multi-level hooks for hats, coats, and umbrellas.
Seating: Including a bench or some sort of seating option is key to getting this room to be used. Boots are a pain to put on and take off no matter what kind they are. If there is nowhere to sit down in your mudroom, you can bet that the entrant will walk straight through the house to the nearest seat tracking all the weather-related mess through the house, only to remove their boots (and likely leave them there).
Flooring: Tile is the best option for a mudroom, as it will not be damaged by moisture, however linoleum can work as well. Carpet is an obvious no, and wood should be avoided as well to prevent warping and buckling. Ultimately looking for a darker color and something that is slip-resistant would be ideal.
Additional Touches: Adding in a mirror is always useful when catching a final glimpse of yourself before you head out the door. Consider adding a fan as well to keep ventilation and air movement to avoid mildew and allow clothes to air out properly.