A common question I get asked is “what is a mudroom?”
I am explaining what a mudroom is and everything you need for a organized entryway space.
What is a Mudroom Used For?
Generally speaking, a mudroom is used for the storage and removal of outdoor items.
It’s the perfect drop zone as you enter your home.
By keeping all of your outdoor essentials in a separate room, it will make it easier to maintain a clean and organized home.
Many new homes now have a dedicated entryway space as part of the interior design.
Add a mudroom for another older home too!
A mudroom is the perfect DIY project.
I have a tutorial with free plans of my own DIY mudroom..
A mudroom can be created out of so many unique spaces in your home.
I’ve seen some amazing coat closet transformations!
Or convert your entryway to a practical and organized space.
Related: All The Best Entryway Shore Storage Ideas & Organizers
What Should You Include In Your entryway space?
There are many elements to creating a functional entryway space that you can customize to meet the needs of your family.
Each of these aspects will help keep it organized and provide a convenient storage spot.
Storage is the most important feature!
Bench Seating
Seating to put on and remove shoes is a great feature.
A mudroom bench makes it so convenient to sit and take shoes on and off.
I love the built in bench with drawers for shoe storage or the idea of a separate stylish bench.
Cubbies For Storage
Having places to put all of the coats, bags and any other day to day items is a great way to keep your home more organized.
Pair your cubbies with baskets for a less cluttered look.
This is where you can really make the room feel like the rest of your home by adding doors or baskets that match other existing decor.
For some additional inspiration, check out my images of mudroom design post.
You will also sometimes hear mudroom cubbies referred to as mudroom lockers.
Coat Hooks
Add wall hooks are another good idea for more organization.
Install hooks for each member of the family and for guests too!
High Traffic Rugs
An entryway space definitely needs to have a hard surface floor to make cleaning easy but you’ll also want to add a more homey touch with a rug.
I get tons of questions and compliments on the ceramic tile in our mudroom.
Check out my round up of the perfect mudroom rugs.
A rug will collect some of the dirt and also prevent some one from potentially sliding on a slick surface.
Why do they call it a mud room?
The mud room meaning is a room is designed to catch all of the messy and muddy items as they enter your home avoiding that mess from entering the rest of your home.
The mud room is typically located off the garage entrance or by the back door as a informal location for the occupants of the home.
What is the difference between a mudroom and a laundry room?
Laundry rooms and mudrooms are often combined or confused.
Both function similar to a utility room but have very different purposes.
The purpose of a mudroom is to collect all of the muddy and dirty outdoor gear.
A laundry room is a small to medium sized room plumbed and wired specifically for a washer and dryer.
Some laundry rooms even contain a sink for hand washing items.
A mudroom on the other hand is often a little larger and designed for storage space.
It is the designated spot in the home to take off muddy and wet items, especially shoes.
Many families due to lack of space and the layout of their homes find themselves combining the spaces.
Clever and well planned storage solutions are the key in making a the combo room function well.
Is a mudroom the same as a foyer?
More often than not, no a mudroom is not the same as a foyer.
Entering a home to a large open and spacious foyer is inviting, convenient and beautiful to walk into.
Traditionally, a foyer will have a small coat closet to store guest items or powder room to freshen up.
Related: see my foyer coat closet makeover project.
On the other hand, a mudroom is designed for the occupants of the home to enter and is most often much larger than a foyer of the home.
A mudroom is a landing spot for occupants and dirty items, where as a foyer is a welcoming spot for guests that is often decorated in the same style as the home.
If you have the option should you have both? Absolutely!
Having a mudroom in the home, gives you the ability to keep your foyer less cluttered.
Another advantage is having a dedicated space that has ample storage and is easy to clean!
There is so much ability to store your extra shoes, coats and even snow gear that a foyer does not provide you without causing lots of extra clutter.
Why I am passionate about an organized entryway space? Being organized aids relaxation!