Ideas for a Mud Room

Ideas for a mud room can include typical layouts as well as unique features and additions.

The mud room concept originated on farms and ranches out of necessity and was typically located in the back of the house with a backyard entrance.

A mud room was literally a place for shedding muddy shoes and clothes when coming in from the fields or pastures. This back entrance kept dirt and grim from being tracked throughout the house. There was usually a sink or basin for washing up before meals.

Years later, the mud room evolved into a utility room that incorporated the family washer and dryer conveniently located in the same room. This design created clutter and a constant mingling of clean clothes with outside dirt and grim. Today's mud room is once more separate from the laundry room. Some space restrictions may require the washer and dryer to be placed in the mudroom hidden in a closet often behind bi-fold doors.

The 1970s half bath adjacent to the mud room only allowed for minimal wash up. Instead of a half bath, many modern homes have a full bathroom so showers can be taken.

You may have little choice on the layout of your mud room due to space considerations. The mud room is best located near the kitchen, garage and back door for easy access by family members.

Before you begin designing your mud room, you need to determine what activities need to be accommodated within this space. The features you include will also help define the amount of space you'll need. If remodeling, you'll need to take measurements of the available space. Pay close attention to the allotted square footage so all of your furniture and any appliances fit.

If this is a space the family uses to access the garage and backyard, then you'll want to accommodate several activities, such as gardening, play, a possible pool, and sports. If you have pets, then this may be an area for feeding and a possible litter box.

Because the mud room is a transition area for family members to use in coming from outside into the house and vice versa, you'll need a way for family members to deposit various pieces of luggage and bags such as backpacks, briefcases, sports bags, purses, and other baggage. Unloading the car of sports equipment, boxes and groceries should be accommodated by your mud room at least temporarily.

Now that you've determined the kind of storage needs for your mud room, you're ready to make some decisions. You'll want to consider the kinds of storage options open to you. Many units come with different finishes such as solid wood, wood veneer and painted in white or other colors.

If your mud room is a long narrow connector between the garage and the kitchen, there are several things you can do to maximize your space. You might want to use two tall storage cabinets to store coats, jackets, hats, backpacks, and sports equipment. Add shelves in between the two units for an additional open storage area. In lieu of the shelves, you could build a desk out of two pieces of lumber. Add a chair, mirror and wastebasket for a functional desk area. Don't forget a small lamp to use when sorting through the mail. You can add a bowl, decorative box or a small key rack to help keep your car keys organized and easy to find. If your home is formal in style, you can choose pieces of furniture, such as an armoire or chest of drawers and re-purpose to this area. Use baskets on open shelves for better organization.

For a family with small children, this is the ideal place to create mini-lockers with specialty furniture or custom built to your specifications. You'll need to allow space to hang coats, jackets and hats. A small cubby hole with a colorful basket is great for storing shoes, backpacks and books. Don't forget to create a bench or add a chair for putting on and removing shoes.

If you're in a position to create your ideal mud room, you'll want to be sure to include several advantageous features and furniture.

Seating

• Important feature so you and your family can put on and remove shoes
• Bench, chair, stool, or a wooden loveseat work well for this purpose

Hanging Storage

• Pegs or hooks for hanging coats, jackets, hats, and caps

Cubby Holes

• Open shelving partitioned off into cubby holes ideal for storing store shoes, sports gear, books, and even backpacks
• Use large shelving baskets to keep are neat and organized

Temporary Storage

• A place to set your purse or grocery bags while unloading the car or taking care of infants and small children
  • Tables, counters and benches

Accessorizing for Functionality

• Mirror for last-minute hair checks
• Umbrella stand
• Hall tree serves as bench, pegs for coats, mirror and often storage underneath bench

Lighting

• Ample lighting needed for this area.
• Overhead, soft recessed, table lamps, and floor lamps great ways to add lighting

While you're focused on functionality, don't forget to add a splash of color and style. Just because this is a highly utilitarian space doesn't mean the design should be any less than your den or bedroom. Carry design elements from the rest of the house into this room for great ideas for a mud room.

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