5 Items That Transform The Smallest Of Entryways Into Functional Mudrooms

Not all homes have sweeping foyers that are large enough to accommodate a mudroom, but the reality is that even very compact entryways are still in need of this highly functional space. With the purpose of helping individuals transition from the messy outdoors to the clean and tidy interior of a home, many mudrooms you see on social media are spacious areas, outfitted with elaborate cubbies, coat closets, a utility sink, and more. While tight entryways won't be able to fit all of these luxuries in them, there are still several items that can help transform the smallest of spaces into functional mudrooms.

Before designing your compact entryway-meets-mudroom space, it's wise to think through which items are actually needed versus those that are luxuries. Large cubby systems or built-ins are nice, sure, but small spaces won't allow for them; instead, think practical storage solutions, like a hook system for hanging up your coats. Likewise, even though your entryway's floor space is limited, you can still find a small corner in which to place a boot tray to keep things tidy. If the area you're working with isn't large enough to accommodate bench seating, you can always opt for something smaller, such as folding stools or a narrow bench with storage space underneath. So long as you keep your priorities focused on functionality, these ideas will help you transform your space into a mudroom, small though it may be.

Muddy or snow-laden boots are no one's friend; if you're looking for an easy way to keep your mudroom clean, a boot tray is a must-have. You can pick one up at most retailers — Target, Walmart, Amazon, or IKEA all offer them for affordable prices. When it's not in use, you can rinse, dry, and store the tray on its side so it doesn't take up your precious floor space. 

Every mudroom needs a place to hang your coats and gear, but you definitely don't need to fixate on having a built-in cabinetry system to achieve this goal. IKEA's HÖVOLM Coat Rack ($19.99) is a practical, streamlined solution to being overwhelmed by winter outerwear. If your space allows, you can purchase several — position one lower on the wall to help young children be self-sufficient and a higher one for adults to use.

Most mudrooms have a spot to sit while you take off or put on shoes, but small entryways might not be able to fit a traditional bench system. In these cases, it's best to opt for something that can serve a couple of purposes, like this PERJOHAN Bench from IKEA ($79.99) that offers a slim seating surface, as well as storage underneath for shoes or other items. Personalize it for your space by either painting or staining the wood — or leave it as is for a natural appeal.

While traditional mudrooms might have cabinets or cubbies for stashing items like gloves, sunglasses, or hats, small entryways are limited in this respect. Fortunately, you can reap many of the benefits of these storage spaces by simply acquiring and hanging some small baskets instead. You can organize the baskets by content (one basket for gloves, for example) or assign an individual basket to each person in the house. No matter how you choose to use them, this brilliant solution will make your small entryway feel bigger.

Last but certainly not least, your small entryway cannot be without a floor mat. Crucial for collecting mud, dirt, and melting snow, a floor mat will keep your entryway clean without requiring any extra square footage. For the best results, select a rug that is machine washable, as this will allow you to maintain the freshness of your space without much effort.