Mudroom Dilemma!

5 years ago

Could really use some helpful advice on how to best utilize this wall space for coat, shoe and winter accessory storage. The issue is the depth. If we do a built in, it can only be 10” deep....

The cutouts are where the windows will be.

The sketch was my dream, but it doesn’t seem feasible with my depth issue.

Featured Answer

Mrs Pete

5 years ago

I'd go with coat hooks instead of a rod. Hooks are easier, and the easier you make things, the more your family's likely to cooperate.

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Comments (27)

Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
More pics
zaccaii
5 years ago
In your sketch you have benches right under the windows that are 24" high but your windows look like they are 36" or more off the floor, are they?
Between the windows you could have a shelf with baskets and hooks. If you do have floor space you could just do one continuous bench with storage underneath.
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zaccaii
5 years ago
awesome ideas for you: https://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/diy-projects/g2894/entryway-ikea-hacks
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks so much for all the advice! I guess my main issue is the depth and I’m wondering if it would be possible or even worth it to create a 10” deep bench.

Beneath the right window there will be three shelves for shoes.
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
What is the hole? Is that a staircase? I don't think you have much room. Is this your main entrance? Is there space to the right? hard to tell what you have here by the photos. Can do post a little sketch of the space and adjoining space. Agree hooks are better for quick use. But I don't see how you will get bench in this space. 24" is too high if you want as bench. Sitting height is 18". Probably need to rethink ideas for this space.
Lee Colvin
5 years ago
hooks on the wall keep it against the wall.
a 10" wide bench with 1 1/2" overhang using a nice wood top would be fine.
drawers may not work but cubby spots may.
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
@flo thanks for your comments. This is our back entrance. It was an outdoor covered porch with a stairwell (the hole) that leads to a basement door. Initially we wanted to cover the stairwell to allow for more mudroom space, but I realized it would add much more to the total cost. Our contractor just enclosed the space and I quickly realized my built-in plan will look extremely overcrowded in such tight quarters. There is another door to the left of the mudroom entry that leads into our kitchen. I will draw a birds eye view for you!
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
OK that will help. Will there be a railing around the stairwell?? that would preclude the shoe storage over that area? 10" depth will hold a lot, but I think we need to help you rework this plan.
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
Birds eye view
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
@flo there will not be a railing for the small stairwell as it is only 3 steps to a landing
ShadyWillowFarm
5 years ago
If you hang wet coats over the bench they will drip onto the bench. We nailed a 1x6 across the wall and attached coat hooks to it, and put the bench on the opposite wall. We have boot trays under the coat hooks so we can slide them away from the wall if coats are wet. We live on a farm and truly bring mud into the mud room. Under the bench we have cubbies instead of drawers. Above the bench and the coat hooks is a long shelf with baskets for gloves, hats scarves, etc. We have a tile floor that mops up easily cuz mud.
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
@shadywillow would you suggest adding a 1x6 with hooks along the back exposed stone wall? Luckily, there is a drain at the bottom of the staircase, which would catch all the water!! We are going to be sealing and painting the concrete floor.
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
Do you all think something like this would work?
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
Gosh that just looks tight and dangerous. Even 3 steps. But if it were me I wouldn’t put anything past entry to those steps. Hooks and get sturdy cubes (I think Ikea has some to set up cubby area under hooks.
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
@flo maybe my drawing was misleading. The steps are not steep at all, so when you are standing at the landing to the basement door, it’s only about 2 ft down, so you could reach up and grab something that is on a shelf along that ledge. I have a 4 & 2 year old and no one has ever fallen or been injured from the ledge.
zaccaii
5 years ago
Sorry I didn't realize that was a stairwell, I would not recommend any storage there! Only entrance to basement?
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
@ zaccaii May I ask why you don’t recommend utilizing that space for storage if it’s not steep (only 2 ft)? No one would be walking on the ledge - you would have to stand on the step to grab something. I’m thinking two shelves to store shoes.

We have another stairway from the kitchen and after 3 kitchen steps down, there is a landing with a door to the mudroom.
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
Just keep areas for children as far away from stairs as feasible. A 2x6 with hooks and cubbies below would be best.
acm
5 years ago
(for the record, we have a bench in our hallway that is 11" wide, and that feels fine. probably 10" would work too.)
zaccaii
5 years ago
I am not sure I completely follow your layout but could you put a trap door over the stairs? it would give you full use of that area!
Cheryl Hannebauer
5 years ago
>>>following...
ShadyWillowFarm
5 years ago
The most efficient way to lay out a mud room is to have coat hooks and boot trays near the entry so that wet and muddy coats and boots don’t drip all the way across the floor. But lots of hooks are good - I have several coats and Carhartts bibs depending on the weather, and move stuff closer or further from the entry depending on the weather. And I hand up the broom and swiffer wetjet on a hook, plus dog leashes and skis! I love the exposed stone, it’s very pretty.
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
@zaccaii no, I’m trying to keep the cost low and the three small steps leading to the basement door is not steep. I think my new plan may work!
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
*UPDATE* In case you’d like to see our finished mudroom!! We are so happy with the look and functionality of this challenging space!!
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
The steps!
Helena Ilardo
Original Author
5 years ago
Basement door

Mudroom Dilemma!

Mrs Pete

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