Maybe your mind wanders back to the days you stomped on the vinyl floor as melting snow dripped from your tiny boots. Or how you invited the grass and mud from your homemade slip ‘n slide in for lemonade. The mudroom was your last safety net before leaving home and the first embrace you feel upon returning, holding your memories and your mess.
Typically, a mudroom is a second entrance hidden from guests that’s only duty is to keep the rest of the home free from the clutter of coats, shoes, outdoor equipment, and well, mud. But keeping your mudroom inviting, functional and clean can be a challenge.
If you’re lucky enough to have this rare treasure in your home or are considering adding one, here are 6 functional features of the ultimate mudroom.
Built-in Cubbies and Cabinets
A sturdy, floor-to-ceiling built-in is a must-have for all mudrooms. Designating an open face cubby to each family member is an easy way to encourage organization of coats, hats, backpacks and sports equipment.
Out of season or rarely used items can easily be stored in the highest cabinets to reduce clutter and free up space in other closets around the home.
Coat Hooks
Rather than a cluttering up your main entrance with a freestanding coat rack, add more hooks to your mudroom. There’s no need to fumble with hangers or a separate coat closet for guests when you have ample hook real estate in your mudroom. In addition to coats, hooks can be used to drip-dry wet clothing and umbrellas.
Benches
A mudroom isn’t complete without a place to sit. Giving your family and friends a place to comfortably take off their shoes and decompress keeps your home clean and the mood relaxed. Benches are also great for concealing shoes or adding hidden storage.
Utility Sink
A utility sink may seem like an unnecessary luxury to some, but it’s especially handy for gardening, spot treating soiled clothes or rinsing off muddy pets.
Durable Flooring
Flooring can make or break mudroom utility. Durable, easy-to-clean flooring like brick, tile, wood or vinyl (the nice kind) is a must for a room that’s bound to get dirty.
Laundry Machines or Hampers
It’s becoming more and more common to see laundry/mudroom combos. And it just makes sense. Soiled clothes can be easily thrown into the washer. If it’s not possible to move your laundry machines or create a mudroom around them, consider moving clothes hampers into the mudroom to keep their sight and smell out of bedrooms.
