Everything you need for a mudroom that blends functionality, organization, and style.

Loving the outdoors, having pets, and managing the constant flow of gear that comes with family life can make a mudroom a top priority for many homeowners. Historically, it served as the second point of entry and the hub of organized chaos, but in recent years, it’s become a multi-faceted zone that blends form, function, and style. At Arciform, we’ve designed countless mudrooms, always striving to create spaces that are not only practical but also integrate seamlessly into the overall design of the home. Whether you're designing a brand-new mudroom or upgrading an existing one, these ten essential features will help you create a space that works hard for your lifestyle while maintaining an inviting, organized feel.

1:  Locate Your Mudroom Near Your Most Active Entry Point

Not every home has a dedicated mudroom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create one. When working with clients, we often repurpose underused areas—like part of an entry, a laundry room, hallway, or enclosed porch—to create functional mudroom spaces. Mudrooms come in all shapes and sizes, so whether you have a small nook or a large entryway, there’s always a way to create a solution that works for you. If possible, position your mudroom near an entry point, such as a back or side door, for maximum efficiency. In one project, we enclosed half of a front porch to create a beautiful and practical mudroom entry, adding value to the home. For another client we designed a mudroom that doubles as a pantry, a workstation, and extra elbow room for family gatherings

2:  Choose Durable, Easy-to-Clean Mudroom Flooring Like Tile or Stone

Mudrooms take a beating, so flooring should be durable, easy to clean, and resistant to water and dirt. Forgiving materials like natural stone and porcelain tiles help extend the lifespan of this hardworking space and provide slip resistance as the floor is often wet. We prefer earth-toned floors and lower cabinetry, as they handle daily wear better and help anchor the design

3:  Include a Bench in Your Mudroom for Seating and Storage

A bench provides a convenient spot to sit while putting on or taking off shoes. We love integrating built-in benches with storage underneath to keep shoes and seasonal gear neatly tucked away. In smaller spaces, a simple wall-mounted bench paired with hooks can create an efficient mudroom setup. Unlike the photos this space will more often than not be chaotic, so we encourage you to have fun with finishes.

4:  Use Both Cubbies and Cupboards: Cubbies for Easy Access, Cupboards to Hide Clutter

Some clients prefer open cubbies for quick access to everyday essentials, while others appreciate the clean look of closed cupboards. A combination of both is often the best solution—keeping some items accessible while hiding visual clutter behind doors. It is good practice to make a list of all the items you want to store and consider how often you use those items. Unless you have unlimited space, storage tends to be at a premium, so put things you use often in front and center. Have a junk drawer where you can put items that have no home anywhere else. Clients also like charging stations tucked away behind doors as this helps to keep cords out of sight and devices out of easy reach of children. In one project with high ceilings and double height cabinets, we even added a rolling library ladder to maximize vertical storage and create a unique design moment.

5:  Maximize Mudroom Storage with Hooks for Easy Grab-and-Go Storage 

You can never have too many hooks! Ideal for coats, bags, hats, and pet leashes, multi-prong hooks maximize storage in a small footprint (there are even hooks with integrated bowls for keys!). Placing them at varying heights ensures accessibility for all family members. In one of our custom designs, we incorporated a row of brass hooks against a wallpapered backdrop for both function and visual interest.

6: Yes! Open Shelving in a Mudroom is Practical for Flexible and Accessible Storage

Open shelving provides additional and very flexible storage that can add personality with colorful bins and baskets. We love incorporating custom shelf brackets that add a decorative touch, or if the client likes a simpler esthetic, floating shelves add a modern look. In one of our projects, we wallpapered the wall behind the shelving to add a personal touch and a pop of color.

7: Contain the Chaos with Bins and Baskets, Especially for Seasonal Items

Baskets and bins are a great way to organize seasonal gear, shoes, and miscellaneous items. Labeling them makes it even easier for family members to find what they need and put things away properly. We often design built-in shelving specifically to accommodate different-sized bins for a seamless, organized look. Have seasonal baskets that can switch places as the months progress to ensure the most frequently used items are always within easy reach.

8: Incorporate Bright Overhead and Task Lighting for a Functional and Inviting Mudroom

Good lighting is key to making your mudroom functional and inviting. Overhead lighting should be bright enough to illuminate the entire space, while task lighting, such as sconces or under-shelf lighting, adds warmth and style. We’ve installed everything from statement pendant lights to discreet recessed lighting, depending on the project’s aesthetic and functional needs. Mirrored surfaces are also practical and beautiful and will add light to a space.

9: Choose Hardware That Complements Your Home’s Style

From hooks to cabinet handles, hardware is an opportunity to inject personality into your mudroom. We often select finishes that match or complement the rest of the home. This is when salvage is an option. If a bit of whimsy is the goal, looking at artists that make fun hardware is a way to add joy. Library ladders, door knockers, fun doorbells, pretty mail slots, can all add to the experience. One of our favorite projects included perforated metal panels in the cabinet doors, adding both ventilation and a unique design detail.

10: Beyond the Basics: Wish List Features You'll Absolutely Love in Your Mudroom

If space allows, consider adding extra features that enhance the functionality of your mudroom:

• Dog Wash Station – Perfect for pet owners, a built-in dog wash makes cleaning up not just muddy paws a breeze.

• Utility Sink – Great for rinsing off boots, paintbrushes, or gardening tools.

•  Dutch Door – A charming way to let in fresh air while keeping pets or young children contained.



•  Laundry Integration – Having a washer and dryer nearby makes it easy to deal with dirty sports uniforms or wet outerwear.

For these clients we did an extensive reshuffling of spaces within an addition from the 50’s, as we wanted to create a multi functional modern mudroom that doubles as a household room. The must have was the mudroom cabinets with doors and bench for storage. Instead of a sink, we created a dog shower/ mop sink/ drip dry basin. . . We also added laundry which is really wonderful when coming home from sports or digging in your yard. The mudroom built-in storage solutions hide not only the usual suspects, but also cleaning supplies, doog food, a printer and other gooddies that help make life easier. Adding outlets within mudroom cabinets is a must, as in todays world everything wants to be charged.  And the library ladded is a fun and functional feature. 

Final Thoughts

A mudroom supports your family’s lifestyle, helping to keep the mess of daily life contained while adding value and charm to your home. At Arciform, we believe in creating beautiful and practical spaces that work just as hard as you do. By thoughtfully planning storage, materials, and functionality, you can create a mudroom that enhances your home for years to come.