Benefits of a Mudroom
A mudroom traditionally serves as a buffer zone to keep rain, snow and mud from getting inside your home. A mudroom can be a separate room or an area near the entry that acts as a transition zone. The benefits of having a mudroom include:
A Clean Space
Instead of mopping and cleaning the whole house every time the kids and dogs come running in from the rain, all you've got to worry about is a small area. If you have the space, add a floor drain or sink to your mudroom.
Storage
A mudroom can double as an extra closet. Use it in the winter to quickly grab coats, scarves and gloves as you're headed out the door. Switch out to pool towels, toys, flip-flops and sandals in the summer.
Heat Transfer
Mudrooms increase heating and cooling efficiency by adding a transition zone. The ideal mudroom has two doors: an outside entrance and an inner door.
Do you have allergies? Adding a mudroom will help cut down on the amount of dust, pollen and mold tracked into your house.
Determine a Location
In many homes, mudrooms are an easy addition or conversion. Standard dimensions are usually between 6-by-6 feet and 7-by-9 feet. Make it larger if you wish to add a washer and dryer. Locate a mudroom where it'll be most useful and convenient. Typical mudroom locations include:
The Kitchen
They're usually near driveways and backyards. In some homes, the kitchen becomes the mudroom by default since that's where the entry door is usually located. Convert the area near the entry door into a truly mud-proof zone.
The Laundry Room
The laundry room is often located near one of the home's entryways, making it a viable choice for doubling as a mudroom. After family members enter the home with dirty clothes, they can take off dirty garments and clean shoes conveniently.
Garages
They are transition areas from the outdoors. Convert a corner of your existing garage. If you're building a new home or adding on a garage, build a mudroom too.
Utility Rooms
They can be expanded and make good mudroom conversions if they have an outside entrance.
Select Your Storage
Adequate mudroom storage is a must. Make room to store your things with the following items:
- Shelving is essential. Use ventilated wire for quick drying.
- Hooks and pegs can accommodate wet jackets, hats, purses and umbrellas. Also use pegs or hooks to keep track of keys and dog leashes. Hang a pegboard with pegs at proper levels for each family member's easy reach.
- Baskets and bins are great for sorting recycling, sports equipment, school supplies and more. Add a laundry basket or bin for wet clothes.
To keep things organized, personalize each family member's storage area by color or name.
Mudroom Styles
Just because you're using your room to keep dirt out of the house, that doesn't mean it can't look appealing.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse designs often feature beautiful white walls and wood accents — combined with dark-colored floors to conceal footprints and pawprints. One of the most underrated mudroom entryway ideas is putting a butcher block over your front-load washer and dryer. This adds an extra work bench to the room.
Minimalistic
Sometimes simpler is better. White, off-white and gray are the primary colors of a minimalistic room, with wood accents to blend in color. They're classic colors for a reason.
Rustic
A comforting room style that's easy on the eyes, and presents a homey, lived-in look. With brown as a primary color, it can also hide dirt and stains on dark hardwood.
Choose Your Flooring
This is one room where you want the floor to get dirty. Select flooring that's moisture-proof, easily cleaned and practically indestructible. Here are a few options:
Tile or Stone
Select tile or stone that's non-slip.
Vinyl
Pick a color that won't show dirt, and install it on a moisture-proof substrate.
Concrete
It's easy to clean and makes an attractive alternative when it's stained or etched.
Fiber Mats and Boot Scrapers
Keep these at the door to get the dirt and mud off your shoes.
Rugs
Use nonskid, washable rugs to collect water and dirt before they're tracked into the house.
Need assistance with a remodel? Let Lowe's help with flooring installation. Choose your flooring options and we'll give you a quote.
Ventilate Your Mudroom
Proper heating and ventilation reduce humidity and prevent mildew. They also speed up the drying of wet garments. An adjustable vent to control heat or air conditioning is a small investment.
- A bath-type exhaust fan with a timer is effective, as long as it's vented outdoors.
- A space heater eases the chill on winter days.
- Make sure the entry doors and any pet doors are airtight and secure.
Other Considerations
If you plan to add a wall color, select paint that's easy to clean, mildew-resistant and moisture-proof. High-gloss acrylic latex paint offers these features plus extra stain resistance.
Other things to consider include the following:
- A bench or chair is convenient for removing wet shoes. Keep a pair of clean, dry shoes or slippers nearby.
- Add a stand to hold wet umbrellas.
- A mirror is also a practical addition if you want to get a quick peek at yourself as you leave.
- If you have pets, consider an area to wipe them off when you come in from a walk.
- Have guests over often? Think about allotting more space for a convenient place to hang extra coats and place extra pairs of shoes.