As nice as it is to have a mudroom, not all homes have one. If your home lacks a dedicated mudroom, fret not—there are plenty of clever, attractive ways to convert your entryway into an efficient, catchall space.
In this article, we’ll show you seven innovative storage solutions that can help you maximize your space and keep your mudroom-less home tidy.
Carving Out Storage Space
Many homeowners struggle to find a place to put shoes and outerwear without a mudroom, especially when square footage is limited. However, with a bit of ingenuity, you can optimize oft-overlooked nooks and vertical space.
Here are just a few ways to add storage power to your entryway, straight from our design experts.
Repurposed Storage Cabinet
A large storage cabinet can be a game-changer for those without a mudroom. Storage cabinets provide plenty of room to stow (or hide) all your clutter. However, not all cabinets are equal. If you’re shopping around for one, make sure its compartments can accommodate everything you want to store, such as shoes, bags, keys, and mail.
Add hooks inside the doors for hanging jackets or install pull-out baskets to get the most out of your storage cabinet. Feel free to add a fresh coat of paint or new hardware. For inspiration, see how our team repurposed five flat-pack dressers into coveted catchalls.
Shown: Storage cabinet by Mark English Architects.
Top Wainscoting With Wall Hooks
Wall hooks are a simple and practical solution for close quarters. By installing hooks above wainscoting or along a bare wall, you can organize your bags, coats, and scarves without sacrificing floor space.
We recommend investing in wall hooks that can support at least 25 pounds. Try mixing single hooks and multi-hook racks to hang various items.
Shown: Functional wainscotting by Anchor Builders
River-Rock-Lined Shoe Tray
Catch grime, mud, and dirt by placing a river rock-lined shoe tray near your entryway. This cheap, simple DIY project protects your floors and looks good doing it.
To build a river rock tray, find a shallow, lipped serving tray that fits your available space and seal it with a waterproof finish. Once the finish is dry, fill the tray with smooth river rocks. Leave some space between each rock so water, mud, and dirt can settle at the bottom of the tray.
Shown: Entryway by Jennifer Grey Interiors
Floating Shelf
A floating shelf provides a convenient surface for catching keys, mail, and other small items that often accumulate near the front door. By keeping these items organized and easily accessible, you can reduce clutter and give those items a home.
When installing a floating shelf, place it at a comfortable, accessible height. Create compartments by adding small organizers or trays on top of the shelf.
Double-Duty Stool
When it comes to optimizing a space, don’t overthink it. The simple but ever-versatile stool (or bench) might be all you need. It gives you a spot to put on your shoes and doubles as a place to store items off the floor.
We recommend picking one with a surface that’s long and flat enough to hold your stuff but slim enough to fit nicely by your door. You can find stools and benches that feature lift-top seats and cubbies for storage.
Shown: Entryway by Angela Free Design
Chair and Side Table “Drop Zone”
Create a designated “drop zone” near your entryway by pairing a side table with a chair or small bench.
We recommend opting for functional furniture to get the most out of your drop zone. In the image above, the upholstered side chair and a side table are practical and add some charm to the entryway. If you’re a DIY hobbyist, fill your dropzone with a custom-tiered side table and refurbished chair.
Shown: Entryway by Lauren Leonard Interiors
Umbrella Stand
An umbrella stand is a practical addition to any entryway, especially in regions prone to rainy weather.
There are numerous types of umbrella stands available. Some feature hooks and cubbies, and others are simple, freestanding containers. You can even repurpose a tall planter to house your umbrellas—just plug the drainage hole with putty and apply a coat of waterproof sealer to the base. For a more DIY-intensive project, build a tub-foot umbrella stand.
Shown: Entryway by Scott Sanders LLC uses an umbrella stand as a quaint addition to a multi-purpose entryway.
