6 Must-Have Mud Room Storage Ideas to Maximise Every Inch
Having a mudroom is a luxury, but also become commonplace in many homes — and you don’t need a big space or budget to enjoy the benefits.
Shoes, bags, jackets and dog leads don’t belong in a pile near the door. A smart mudroom zone — sometimes called a “drop zone” — is about building storage that works behind the scenes. Whether it’s at the front door, garage, or laundry entry, these ideas will help you design a space that’s neat, functional, and actually gets used.
Pinterest • Mudroom Cabinet
Pinterest • Mudroom Entryway Furniture
Choose the Right Location
The best mudroom storage starts with the right location. Ideally, you want your storage as close as possible to the entry you use most — whether that’s your front door, side door, or garage.
If you put it too far away, things will still get dumped near the door and your storage zone won’t do its job. Look for a hallway or corner where you can tuck in joinery or convert existing cupboards into a hidden storage nook.
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Mudroom Entryway Storage
Pinterest • Mudroom Storage
2. Use Materials That Work Hard
Entry and exit points get a lot of traffic — and mudroom areas tend to get messy. Choose cabinetry finishes that are durable and easy to wipe down. Laminate is a great option because it’s affordable, comes in a huge range of colours and woodgrain finishes, and handles wear and tear.
Timber-look laminates provide the perfect cabinetry finish. They add warmth and texture without the maintenance of real timber making them family-friendly and easy to live with.
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Mudroom Entryway Ideas
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Mudroom Storage Unit
3. Don’t Skip the Seat
It sounds obvious, but a bench seat is one of the most important mudroom inclusions.
It gives you a spot to sit while putting on or taking off shoes or tying kids’ laces, and can double as a holding zone for bags or parcels.
Design the bench to include drawers or cupboards underneath so you can hide shoes and clutter completely out of sight.
4. Add a Tall Cupboard for Coats and More
A full-height cupboard in your mudroom unlocks serious functionality. Add a hanging rail for jackets and school bags, include a shelf or base for shoes and umbrellas, and don’t forget a power point so you can charge cordless vacuums or tech gear in a tidy spot.
Want bonus function? Design the cupboard around your lifestyle. Store sports gear, dog leads, or even cleaning supplies — just make sure the internal layout fits what you plan to store.
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Project Entrance
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Project Entrance
5. Integrate Thoughtful Lighting
Lighting matters — especially in small zones.
Recessed LEDs under shelving or strip lighting inside cabinets can make it easier to see what you’re doing and elevate the whole space. A well-placed wall light can also bring style to your mudroom, making it feel like part of the home — not just a storage cupboard.
6. Make the Most of Overhead Storage
Mudroom storage often means working with tight dimensions — but don’t forget your vertical space. Overhead cupboards, floating shelves, and built-in nooks above your bench can give you a place for things like hats, seasonal accessories, or even a charging station.
Add hooks and baskets so everything has its place. That’s what turns basic storage into a true mudroom system.
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Project Entrance
What to Do Next
If you’re planning your own mudroom zone, here’s how to get started:
Choose the best location near your entry or garage
Design around your habits — what do you drop as you come in?
Plan cabinetry to hide everyday mess
Include a bench, tall storage and overhead space
Use finishes that last — and lighting that makes it shine
Want to Guarantee Your Mudroom Actually Works?
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