No Mudroom, No Problem: No Mudroom Solutions for Any Home

In the house of my dreams, I would have three things that I don’t have in my current home: (1) a screened-in porch; (2) a transom window or two; and (3) a mudroom.  Dreamer Bre would pick numbers 1 or 2; realist Bre would pick number 3.

A mudroom would be practical and fabulous; a perfect little spot for my family to stash all belongings as soon as they come in the door.  And of course it would be hidden so that nobody would have to see the mounds of shoes, backpacks, purses, jackets, winter gear, etc. that accumulate all too quickly.

Since a mudroom like this just isn’t in the cards for my home, I’ve figured out a way to create fake mudrooms of sorts in my foyer and also at my back door.  

Neither spot is the perfect mudroom of my dreams, but they function well and help keep my family (and our stuff) relatively organized.  Because of that, I thought I’d share these “no mudroom solutions” to hopefully help you, too!

Because of several key components in each of these spaces, my home’s lack of a mudroom is a non-issue.  All of my family’s things have a place to go, which keeps clutter and disorganization at bay.  

No Mudroom Solutions: Elements of a Faux Mudroom

So what do you need to create a fake mudroom?  Here’s where to start! (P.S. this is an old photo! I updated the pictures in this post after I originally wrote it!)

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No Mudroom Idea No. 1: Wall Hooks

Wall hooks are so important in any fake mud room!  You must have a place for your family members and visitors to hang their bags and jackets, especially if your coat closet is small.  

Double hooks or coat wall hooks are a great way to get more storage in the same amount of space.

And, lower hooks give small children a place to hang their belongings instead of throwing them on the floor.

If your space is really tight, folding wall hooks are a game changer! I have these in my new home and absolutely love them!

No Mudroom Solutions No. 2: Bench or Seating

A place to sit is essential in entry spaces.  It gives people a comfortable place to take off their shoes or put them on, and it serves as another drop zone, too.  

Storage benches are a fantastic option because they pull double duty. Whether they have a seat that lifts to store things inside, or compartments underneath to store shoes or add storage baskets, you can definitely use one as an entryway organizer.

If you don’t have a storage bench, even a small chair or stool will do. Give it extra functionality by keeping a small boot tray underneath and an umbrella stand next to it.

No Mud Room Idea No. 3: Drop Zone Area

Having a place to drop your keys, bag, sunglasses, or whatever else is in your hands when you walk in the front door or back door is so important to maintaining order at the entry!

A little console table near the door is perfect for this job.  You can find affordable entryway tables in just about any shape or size, so no matter how small your space, you can make something work!

If you’re really squeezed for space, a wall-mounted folding table that opens up only when you need it could be a perfect solution! Or, even a shallow wall-mounted shelf could work.

Finally, I personally love a wall-mounted key hook holder. As a reformed “where are my keys?” person, this has been a game changer for my sanity!

Small Entryway Idea No. 4:  Baskets and Trays

I cannot stress the importance of baskets in entry spaces!  There are so many uses for them!

I use one under the bench as a shoe tray, and it’s great because my kids know exactly where to put their shoes when they come in the door.  

I also have one next to the entry table to put umbrellas in, and in the winter I stick a small one next to the bench for a place to deposit scarves, hats, and gloves (which I then put into my super small but super Organized Coat Closet!).

A hanging rope basket that hangs from a hook is where I stash the dog leashes and dog accessories.

You can never have too many baskets or trays: trust me!

No Mudroom Solution No. 5: Hall Tree

If you have the space for it, a hall tree is an amazing all-in-one solution to the no mudroom problem.  

It combines storage and seating into one piece, and there are tons of ready-made options available in stores these days!  I love the piece we have next to our back door!

I bet you have a lot of these entryway organizer items in your home already!  So, if you struggle with containing clutter and maintaining organization in your home, try and set up a mudroom of sorts with what you have on hand.

UPDATE: Check out my simple garage mudroom! It’s the perfect spot for sports shoes and gear!

Then, see what works and what doesn’t. You can add more organizational tools to the mix over time, and get your small entryway working (and looking) better for everyone!