A mudroom closet is one of those small-space spots that can either swallow your stuff whole or make your whole home feel calmer.
Create Shoe Cubbies at the Bottom
Nothing beats shoe cubbies inside a mudroom closet for stopping the entryway shoe mountain. I’ve measured cubbies to fit my biggest boots, and it’s the first time they didn’t end up toppled over in a corner.
Explore these options:
- Stackable Drop-Front Shoe Boxes: Protect your favorite pairs while keeping them visible with these modular boxes; simply stack them to create instant custom cubbies.
- Wooden Shoe Cubby Bench Insert: Maximize vertical space inside existing closets or shelves by adding a dedicated grid organizer to neatly separate every pair.
- Adjustable Boot Shapers: Keep your tall boots standing upright and crinkle-free inside your new cubbies with these simple, effective tension inserts.
Remove the Closet Doors
The fastest upgrade I’ve ever done was taking off mudroom closet doors to create an open mudroom closet that works like a built-in landing strip. In my 450 sq ft place, that one change made it way easier to actually hang coats instead of tossing them on a chair.
You might give these a try:
- Woven Storage Baskets for Shelves: Organize smaller accessories seamlessly by tucking these textured containers onto your new open upper shelving area.
- Wall-Mounted Coat Hooks: Install sturdy hooks directly onto your closet’s back panel to keep jackets accessible and off the floor.
- Large Round Floor Basket: Place a spacious natural basket at the bottom level to quickly corral shoes, blankets, or laundry.
Add Two-Tier Coat Hooks
I always install double hooks at two heights inside a mudroom closet so adults and kids can both reach their own spots. In my own setup, the lower row stopped the “pile on the floor” habit almost overnight.
Try these:
- Matte Black Coat Hook Set: Install these durable double hooks at varied heights to easily organize coats and bags for the whole family.
- Woven Seagrass Storage Baskets: Place these natural baskets in upper cubbies to hide clutter and keep seasonal accessories neatly tucked away.
- Canvas Tote Bag: Use a sturdy canvas tote like this to corral loose items or groceries, keeping your bench clear.
Build In a Small Bench
A mudroom closet bench turns that cramped closet into a real getting-ready zone, especially when you’re juggling shoes and bags. I added a simple bench in a narrow closet once, and it instantly made mornings feel less chaotic.
Useful items to consider:
- Woven Storage Baskets: Keep clutter hidden and organized by sliding these natural texture baskets into open cubbies beneath your bench.
- Wall-Mounted Coat Hooks: Maximize vertical space by installing sturdy metal hooks above your bench for easy access to daily outerwear.
- Textured Throw Pillow cover: Add comfort and a touch of cozy style to your wooden bench with a soft, decorative accent pillow.
Mix Open and Closed Storage
The sweet spot is a mudroom closet with open cubbies for everyday stuff and closed cabinets for the visual noise. I use this formula constantly because it looks tidy even when real life is happening.
These products might be useful:
- Woven Storage Baskets: Organize overhead cubbies with textured woven baskets to hide clutter while adding a warm, natural aesthetic.
- Double Prong Coat Hooks: Maximize hanging space in your open locker area with sturdy hooks designed for heavy coats and bags.
- Throw Pillows: Soften the built-in bench seating with neutral throw pillows that provide comfort and a finished, cozy look.
Swap the Rod for Hooks and Shelves
In tight mudroom closets, I often remove the standard hanging rod and replace it with wall hooks plus stacked shelves. I tried this in a skinny hall closet and suddenly backpacks, coats, and accessories all had their own zones.
A few choices to try:
- Wall-Mounted Coat Rack Shelf: Maximize your vertical storage by combining hooks for coats with a sturdy shelf for hats and decor.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Keep smaller accessories like gloves or keys organized and tidy with natural, textured storage bins.
- Minimalist Black Wall Hooks: Create a custom drop zone anywhere by installing individual sturdy hooks for bags, scarves, and jackets.
Add Drawers for Small Items
I’m a big believer in mudroom closet drawers for keys, gloves, and all the tiny stuff that loves to disappear. When I finally added a shallow drawer, my “where are my gloves?” searches basically ended.
Check these products out:
- Wooden Drawer Organizers: Keep your drawers tidy by separating keys and small items with these versatile, adjustable wooden dividers.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Add texture and style to surfaces while corralling loose items with a natural woven storage tray.
- Small Leather Catch-All Tray: Prevent small essentials like coins and jewelry from getting lost by placing them in an elegant valet tray.
Try Ventilated Bins for Wet Gear
Inside a mudroom closet, ventilated bins are my secret for damp hats and soggy mittens so they don’t turn into a smell situation. I switched to airflow-friendly storage after one rainy week taught me a very gross lesson.
Some handy options:
- Slatted Wood Laundry Hamper: Choose naturally breathable materials like airy wood slats to keep damp items ventilated while hiding clutter elegantly.
- Woven Seagrass Storage Basket: Use flexible, open-weave baskets on shelves to allow air circulation around hats and scarves between uses.
- Wire Mesh Storage Bin: Opt for durable wire mesh bins which provide maximum airflow to help dry out soggy mittens quickly.
Choose a Sliding Closet Door
A sliding door on a mudroom closet keeps your walkway clear, which matters so much in narrow halls. I used one in a tight entry and loved not having to dance around a swinging door with grocery bags.
Possibly handy products:
- Sliding Barn Door Hardware Kit: Install your own door effortlessly with this sturdy hardware kit to save valuable floor space instantly.
- Unfinished Solid Wood Barn Door Slab: Customize your space using a solid wood door slab ready for your preferred stain or paint.
- Black Barn Door Handle: Complete the modern farmhouse look with a sleek, sturdy pull handle that makes operation smooth.
Wrap Shelves Around Awkward Corners
If your mudroom closet has a weird corner, I like corner-wrap shelves to turn dead space into usable storage. I’ve done this in an angled closet, and it became the perfect home for bins and rarely used gear.
Consider these options:
- Woven Storage Baskets: Keep loose items organized and add texture to your shelves with these versatile, natural-style storage containers.
- Floating Corner Shelves: Install these space-saving units to transform unused nooks into practical display or storage areas instantly.
- Self-Adhesive Wood Veneer: Give your existing basic shelves a custom high-end look by easily applying this real wood finish.
Add Motion-Activated Lighting
Motion lighting inside a mudroom closet is a tiny change that makes a huge difference when you’re coming in with full hands. I added it after too many nights fumbling for shoes in the dark, and it felt instantly more “built-in.”
Possibly helpful picks:
- Rechargeable Motion Sensor Light Bar: Instantly brighten dark shelves without wiring; simplify retrieving items with hands-free illumination that activates automatically.
- Battery-Operated LED Puck Lights: Place these compact lights anywhere in your closet for quick, targeted visibility exactly where you need it.
- Flexible LED Strip Lights with Motion Sensor: Customize your lighting layout by running these flexible strips along door frames or shelves for seamless coverage.
Hang a Full-Length Mirror Outside
A full-length mirror on the mudroom closet door gives you that last check on the way out and makes small entries feel bigger. I put one on my own closet and swear it doubled the light in the space.
A few things you might like:
- Arched Full-Length Gold Mirror: Reflect light and check your outfit before leaving home with a stylish arched mirror for your entryway.
- Matte Black Door Handle Set: Upgrade your closet doors with sleek black hardware to create a modern contrast against white interior paint.
- Tall Woven decorative basket: Add texture to your mirror display while keeping umbrellas or decor items neatly organized near the door.
Tuck In a Built-In Hamper
A built-in hamper inside the mudroom closet is perfect for dirty socks, muddy leggings, or sweaty workout layers before they hit your sofa. I added one near the bottom of my closet and loved how it quietly contained the mess.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Pull-Out Cabinet Drawer Runners: Install sturdy slides to easily transform any static basket into a convenient pull-out storage solution.
- Large Woven Storage Basket: Choose a spacious, natural wicker basket to seamlessly store shoes or laundry at the closet base.
- Shelf Basket Organizer: Add smaller matching baskets on open shelves to neatly corral lose items like towels and accessories.
