A mudroom is a great way to keep your home organized and clean, especially if you have kids or pets. But what do you do if you don’t have a mudroom and live in a small house? Well, you can still be creative enough with the available space and turn it into a functional mudroom.
There are many ways to do this, including using a closet, an entryway, or a corner in your home. You need to make this space beautiful by adding a pop of color, a focal point, and wallpaper. Also, don’t forget to keep it simple but functional.
Here are some creative ideas to help you turn that tiny space into a mudroom.
1. Start by Purging
The first step is to purge any items you don’t need in your home. You need that space, and you won’t get it if you’re the type that likes holding on to things. This will help free up some space to better utilize it for your mudroom. You can do this by going through each room in your house and removing any items you no longer use or need. Once you have removed all unwanted items, you can then start decluttering your mudroom.
2. Create a System
The next step is to create a system for your mudroom. This will help you keep the area organized and tidy. You can create a storage system that works for you and your family. There are various storage options available, so be sure to choose one that will best suit your needs. You can also create a system for organizing your mudroom by using labels. This will help you keep track of where everything is supposed to go.
3. Enhance the Space with a Wallpaper
Space enhancing wallpaper is a creative way to turn a dark mudroom into a light and airy space. You can find a variety of different wallpaper designs that will complement the overall look of your mudroom. Be sure to choose a design that works well with your space. For instance, one with vertical stripes gives the space an illusion of height, which is perfect for small mudrooms. You can also go ahead and accessorize it further with beautiful color schemes.
4. Create a Focal Point
Every room needs a focal point, and your mudroom is no exception. You can create a focal point by adding a piece of art or hanging a mirror. This will help create the illusion of space and make your mudroom appear larger than it is. You can also use the focal point to add a pop of color to the space.
5. Use Curtains to Hide Storage
There’s no doubt that your small mudroom will appear cluttered with all the items you store there. But everyone doesn’t need to see this clutter if you can help it. One way to do this is by hanging curtains in front of your storage. This will help create the illusion of a more organized space and make your mudroom appear larger than it is.
6. Add a Rug
Adding a rug to your mudroom is a great way to add color and pattern to the space. A rug also acts as a buffer between your feet and the floor, making it more comfortable to stand on. Choose a rug that is durable and easy to clean so that it can withstand all the traffic it will get.
7. Install Hooks
One of the best ways to keep your mudroom organized is to install hooks. Hooks are great for hanging coats and other items that you can easily store off the floor. They help save a lot of floor space as most things will be hung up instead of lying around.
You can install hooks on the wall or the back of a door. Just make sure that they are installed at a comfortable height so that you can easily reach them.
8. Make It Simple
Simplicity is key when turning your small space into a mudroom. Remember, the space is already small enough, and you don’t want to complicate it even further. So, avoid clutter and only use what you need.
Be selective about the items that you put in your mudroom. Choose only those that are essential and will help make your life easier.
And lastly, don’t forget to keep it clean and tidy at all times. A little bit of effort goes a long way in keeping your mudroom simple and functional.
9. Determine Your Storage Needs
When it comes to storage in your mudroom, you only need to go with what you need. Choose storage solutions that are highly functional and working for you. If you have a lot of things to store, then go for built-in storage. This way, you can take advantage of every nook and cranny in your mudroom.
Otherwise, go for standalone pieces that you can easily move around as needed. Whichever route you choose, ensure that your storage solutions are effective and efficient.
10. Don’t Forget About the Needs of Your Pet
A mudroom can still double up as a space for your furry friend to lie down or store their things. If you’re going to use it for this purpose, you have to consider your pet’s needs. For instance, you’ll need to have a place to store their food and water bowls.
You might also want to put in a pet bed or some toys to keep them entertained while they’re in the mudroom. Just make sure that everything is well-organized so that the space doesn’t get too cluttered.
11. Blend the Outdoors and the Indoors
One of the best things about mudrooms is that they can help you blend the outdoors and the indoors. If you have a lot of outdoor gear, you can use the mudroom to store it all in one place. This way, it’s easy to grab what you need when you’re heading out for a hike or a camping trip.
Blending the outdoors and the indoors also involves working with color schemes and decors that can help the two areas to flow together. For example, you might use similar colors in your mudroom and your main living area. Or, you might use nature-inspired decor in both areas.
12. Think Vertical Storage
Vertical tiers create a lot of storage opportunities if you know how well to use them. Use the lowest tiers to store things that require immediate use and the higher ones for those you only use occasionally.
You can use things like pegboards, baskets, and hooks to help you keep everything organized and in its place. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a vertical storage system that works for your family and space.
13. Store Smaller Items in Bins and Baskets
Small items tend to scatter easily, and you will have a hard time finding them if you’re not organized. One way to make your life easier and find small items easily is to use storage bins and baskets. You can use any kind of bin or basket that you want, as long as it fits in your space. You can even use clear bins to see what’s inside without having to open them.
14. Link It to the Laundry Room
Creating a connected space between your mudroom and the laundry area will make the space appear bigger and easier to work in. You can connect the two rooms using the same flooring, paint colors, or storage solutions. This will make it seem like one big space instead of two separate areas.
You can also use this opportunity to create a mudroom that doubles as a laundry room. This can be done by adding a washer and dryer to the mudroom area. This way, you can have all of your laundries in one place. This can be a great way to save space and make your mudroom more efficient.
15. Label Your Items
You need to label them to make things easy to access and ensure you don’t interfere with other items. Labeling will help you identify where everything is, so you don’t have to search for it whenever you need to use something. You can use a simple piece of tape and a Sharpie to label everything. This will help you stay organized and make your mudroom more efficient.
Related Questions
How do you ensure functionality in a small mudroom?
Make sure you only store what’s useful in the mudroom and nothing that can be stored elsewhere. Consider your family’s needs when designing the mudroom, and make sure to include plenty of storage options, like hooks, baskets, and cubbies. Keep the space clean and organized, so it’s easy to use.
Is the mudroom a good storage area?
The mudroom is a great storage area for things that you need easy access to, like coats, shoes, and umbrellas. However, you don’t want to store things in the mudroom that you don’t use often, or that can be stored elsewhere, like holiday decorations.
Summary
Turning a small space into mudroom storage is very easy with creativity and imagination. You want to make sure the space is organized and use all of the available storage options. Baskets, hooks, and cubbies are great ways to store things in the mudroom. Be sure to only store items in the mudroom that you need easy access to. And don’t forget to make the space beautiful, functional, and simple.