This IKEA Trick Can Help You Easily Create The Perfect Mudroom
Mudrooms can be a lifesaver, especially during the winter months when our boots are caked in snow and messy sludge. If you don't yet have one, don't despair. You can easily create a mudroom with a little help from IKEA. Per IKEA Hackers, with a few bookshelves, storage units, and strategically-placed hooks you can easily transform any entryway into a mudroom. This is a great solution if you don't have a lot of space or if you're renting and unable to make any major changes to your home.
According to Homedit, mudrooms are a must-have if you have children, pets, or simply want to add value to your home. They also serve as excellent storage space for things like coats, boots, and umbrellas. In this article, we'll show you how to create a mudroom using IKEA furniture. We'll also provide some tips on what to include in your mudroom to make it as functional as possible.
Determine the needs of your space
Mudrooms are all about form and function, so it's crucial when planning yours to think about what you'll be using it for. According to Houzz, you should consider the priorities of yourself and your family. For instance, do you want to hang coats by the door? If so, make sure you have enough space to accommodate them.
Maison de Pax also recommends keeping your home's aesthetic in mind. If your mudroom will serve as a focal point, you can add a bench for seating and decorate it to match the rest of your interior design.
Clear out any excess clutter
Next, it's time to purge your home of excess items. This Happy Housie recommends getting rid of anything you no longer wear or use, especially things that are old and tattered. You certainly won't need to throw everything away. This is a great time to gather items that can be donated to a local charity.
Once you've settled on what will remain, Houzz recommends keeping storage baskets. Items you rarely need access to can be organized in baskets on high shelves. So, while clearing out the things you no longer want, be sure to keep those baskets that will help you declutter.
Use the right equipment
For a simple entryway mudroom, IKEA Hackers lists materials such as KALLAX bookshelves, BESTA storage units, LACK shelves, and RAMSHULT brackets. For hooks, you may want to purchase them from your local hardware or craft store.
For tools, Addicted 2 DIY recommends having a miter saw, drill, wood glue, and pocket screws. You may also need measuring tape when cutting your shelving to size, and a level will come in handy when hanging your hooks.
Start with the base
Now that you've gathered the supplies you need and cleared out some space, it's time to start building. If going the DIY route per IKEA Hackers, keep an eye on the frame behind the IKEA furniture. Due to the way the skirting board is situated, the BESTA units often sit about an inch in front of the wall.
If building a base from scratch, Addicted 2 DIY recommends creating stretchers by cutting wooden pieces to the proper size. Follow their instructions for how and where to drill pocket holes into the stretchers as well as the top edges of your walls.
Assemble your mudroom
Once you have your base, it's time to start assembling your mudroom. Per IKEA Hackers, if you don't want to damage the furniture, you can use plywood to build a frame that will cover it. This will give everything a nice even look along with proper support for the hooks or shelves you might want to install later.
Another option is to buy an already-assembled unit second-hand if you're tight on budget. Houzz recommends determining what needs to be on the floor versus what can be hung. This will help with organization and with properly zoning the space as well.
Remember the finishing touches
After your mudroom is all put together, it's time to add the finishing touches. Maison de Pax suggests adding artwork to enhance the space and make it feel more like home. If your mudroom doubles as a laundry room, make it functional by adding extra storage, like hooks for hanging clothes or a folding table.
Still, per The Happy Housie, keeping up your space takes daily effort. Create a habit of putting things away as soon as you walk in the door. This will keep your mudroom tidy and make it easier to find what you need when you're in a hurry.