Are you tired of the mountain of jackets and shoes piling up by the front door? Searching for affordable mudroom storage solutions that are both stylish and practical? Look no further! In just one weekend, I transformed our messy entryway into a functional mudroom storage bench with a shelf and coat rack.
A cluttered entryway can make your whole home feel disorganized. By creating a dedicated space for shoes, coats, and bags, a mudroom storage bench helps keep everything in its place. This DIY project offers an affordable way to add entryway storage that’s both stylish and functional.
Before starting this project, we had a blank slate—a decent amount of space by the front door that was begging for a makeover. A mudroom storage bench was the perfect way to add organization, giving my kids’ belongings a designated landing spot while elevating the look of our entryway.
We ripped up the old carpet and replaced it with durable laminate flooring. Since I used the same laminate in the adjoining kitchen, the space looks cohesive and handles high foot traffic better. The new flooring also provides a solid foundation for the mudroom storage bench.
Here’s how I built our mudroom storage bench:
To give the mudroom storage bench a more polished appearance, I used 1×2 boards as trim. First, I attached a front trim piece, ensuring it was flush with the top. Then, I added vertical trim along the front of the cubbies, making the bench look chunkier and more substantial while adding extra support.
For a stylish backdrop, I added a board and batten wall behind the bench.
First, I attached a 1×2 trim board along the top of the bench. Then, I evenly spaced vertical battens using a level.
Since I couldn’t find hooks that I loved, I opted for gold cabinet knobs instead—bonus: they match the kitchen hardware!
Instead of hooks, I used gold cabinet knobs for a modern look that matched my kitchen hardware. Because they attach from the back, I installed them before securing the top board to the wall, which I did using caulk as an adhesive and brad nailing it into the studs.
I added a mudroom storage shelf to maximize vertical space and used decorative corbels for support. I measured and marked for even spacing, added two screws for each corbel, then slid them right on. Easy peasy!
To make the shelf look thicker and sturdier, I doubled up on 1/2-inch plywood and secured it with my brad nailer. I finished the edges with iron-on edge banding for a clean, professional look.
To prep for paint, I caulked all edges and seams, then applied primer and paint for a durable finish. If you’re curious about my full painting process, check out my tutorial here!
And just like that—TA-DA! This mudroom storage bench wall is everything I hoped for! The bench is perfect for sitting while putting on shoes, the knobs hold coats beautifully, and the baskets keep clutter hidden. It’s a stylish and functional addition to our entryway that makes daily life so much easier.
Whether you’re looking for mudroom storage bench ideas or a practical DIY project, this solution is proof you can transform any entryway in a weekend!
If you have a smaller entryway and can’t fit a full bench, check out the wall coat rack I built for our current home—it’s another great mudroom storage solution that keeps coats organized and off the floor!
So, what do you think? Are you ready to tackle your own DIY mudroom storage project?
No! You can create a functional mudroom storage area in any entryway, hallway, or even inside a closet. A small mudroom storage bench, wall hooks, and a shelf can transform a corner into an organized drop zone.
The best materials for a durable mudroom storage bench include plywood for the bench structure, 1×2 boards for trim to give it a finished look, and wood glue with a brad nailer for assembly. Choosing durable materials ensures that your mudroom storage can withstand daily use and high foot traffic.
To maximize shoe storage, use a bench with cubbies, a shoe rack, or individual bins for each family member’s shoes. You can also install a vertical shoe cabinet or use wall-mounted shelves for shoes. Placing a boot tray or rubber mat underneath helps contain dirt and moisture.