A mudroom is more than just a transitional space—it’s your home’s first line of defense against clutter, dirt, and chaos.
Serving as a vital buffer between the outside world and your main living areas, a well-designed mudroom keeps your home cleaner, more organized, and less stressful. When you step inside, you should feel welcomed by order, not overwhelmed by mess.
Source: @livifamily
With clever IKEA mudroom ideas and solutions that blend functionality with Scandinavian-inspired style, you can create a mudroom that’s not only practical but actually beautiful. Here are 16 ideas to design your perfect entryway system.
The KALLAX Wall Unit
Use a versatile KALLAX unit as a sturdy bench with built-in cubbies for storage. Add colorful or patterned baskets in each cubby to hold shoes, gloves, and hats. This simple system gives you a place to sit and a spot to hide clutter in one functional piece.
Pro tip: Choose a KALLAX with a solid top panel to create a more durable seating surface, or add a custom cushion for extra comfort and style that complements your home entryway ideas.
The PAX Wardrobe System
A PAX wardrobe can serve as a full closet for all your coats and seasonal jackets. Install a rod for hangers and add a variety of shelves and drawers for extra storage. This large system helps you hide seasonal gear behind closed doors for a very tidy look.
Design tip: Use the PAX system to create a “mudroom wall” that mimics the clean lines of custom built-ins, a perfect solution if your mudroom flows into a farmhouse living room and you want a cohesive aesthetic.
A Sektion Cabinet Wall
IKEA’s Sektion kitchen cabinets can work very well to create a custom look in a mudroom. Install a full wall of these cabinets for a built-in look with a lot of hidden storage. This is a great idea for a large mudroom and a popular design for a clean, modern feel.
Consider: Adding a durable countertop in a material like butcher block or quartz to create a surface for sorting mail or repotting plants, much like you would plan for a laundry room’s utility.
Wall-Mounted Hooks
Use a row of simple wall-mounted hooks to hold coats, school bags, and scarves. Place the hooks at different heights to make them easy for everyone in your family to reach. This is a simple and effective way to organize daily use items and keeps them from the floor.
Tip for style: Arrange hooks in a geometric pattern for a modern touch, or use mismatched vintage hooks for a cottagecore or grandma-core living room vibe if your mudroom is visible.
A Simple Bench
A simple bench with storage underneath is a must for any mudroom or entryway. You can use it for seating while you put on or take off shoes. Add storage baskets below the bench to keep shoes organized and out of sight.
IKEA Hack: The TYSSEDAL bed frame’s under-bed drawers can be repurposed on casters to slide perfectly under a bench for a sleek, hidden storage solution.
The Trones Shoe Cabinet
TRONES shoe cabinets are a slim and modern way to store shoes in a very small space. They take up very little room and mount on the wall, so they are not in the way.
This is a great choice for a very narrow entryway or a small mudroom, and its clean look won’t clash with your carefully chosen hallway design ideas.
Add a Pegboard
A pegboard is a versatile storage solution that you can customize to fit your needs. Use a mix of hooks and shelves to hold small items like keys, tools, dog leashes, or hats. This gives a mudroom a custom feel and helps keep essentials within easy reach.
Take it further: Paint the pegboard a bold color to create a fun accent wall, turning pure function into a design statement.
A Small Rug
A small, durable rug near the door helps catch dirt and protect the floor from foot traffic. Choose a rug that is easy to clean and can stand up to a lot of use. This adds a touch of color and a soft feel to a functional space.
Material matters: Look for indoor-outdoor rugs or low-pile options that can be easily shaken out or hosed off.
A Full-Length Mirror
A full-length mirror is a great addition to a mudroom. It lets you take a final look at your outfit before you leave your home. A mirror also helps a small space look much larger and more open by reflecting light.
Strategic placement: Hang it opposite a window or light source to maximize the brightening effect, a trick also used in small bathroom ideas to create a sense of space.
Use Floating Shelves
Install a few floating shelves for extra storage and decor. They can hold small baskets for mail, a plant, or a picture frame. This is a great way to use vertical space and add a touch of home interior decor ideas.
The IVAR Cabinet
The IVAR cabinet is a versatile piece that can work in any mudroom. It provides a lot of closed storage and has a simple, clean design. You can paint the cabinet to match your decor and create a custom feel.
Style it: For a warm, rustic look, stain the pine and pair it with wood wall paneling or other natural textures.
A Simple Shoe Rack
A simple shoe rack is a quick and easy way to organize a lot of shoes. It keeps shoes in a neat row and off the floor. This helps a mudroom feel less cluttered and more organized.
Choose wisely: Opt for an open metal or wooden rack that allows dirt to fall through for easier cleaning.
The Hemnes Shoe Cabinet
The HEMNES shoe cabinet has a classic design that looks like a console table. It offers a lot of shoe storage and has a small top for decor.
This is a great choice for a mudroom that connects to a main room, like a living room and dining room combo, as it looks like furniture, not just storage.
Create a Seating Nook
Build a small seating area with storage underneath. Add a few cushions and a blanket for a cozy feel. This gives you a dedicated spot to put on shoes and take a break.
For small spaces: This nook can be created with a single KALLAX cube unit on its side, topped with a cushion, perfect for a small apartment entryway.
A Dedicated Bag Hook
Install a single hook near the door for a bag or a backpack. This keeps it off the floor and in a consistent spot, so you can find it fast. This is a simple change that makes a big difference to your daily routine.
Make it personal: Use a beautiful, sturdy hook that feels like a piece of home decor for the living room to elevate this simple item.
Add a Small Console Table
A small console table gives you a place for mail, keys, or a small plant. It adds a piece of furniture that feels homey. This helps a mudroom feel like a finished part of your home, not just a utility closet.
Style it up: The top of a console is the perfect spot for a tray to corral small items, a lamp for warm light, and a piece of art or mirror, using principles from living room wall decor.
FAQs
What is the best type of flooring for a mudroom?
The best type of flooring for a mudroom is durable and easy to clean. Tile is a very popular choice because it stands up to water and dirt. Vinyl or linoleum flooring also works well and is a more budget-friendly option. You want a floor that you can quickly wipe clean with a mop.
How do I organize a very small mudroom?
For a small mudroom, you must focus on vertical space. Use wall-mounted hooks and shelves instead of large pieces of furniture. A slim shoe cabinet that attaches to the wall can also help. Keep items to a minimum and only store what you use every day.
Should a mudroom have a bench?
Yes, a mudroom should have a bench. A bench is a very useful piece of furniture. It gives you a place to sit while you put on your shoes or wait for a family member. A bench with built-in storage is an even better choice because it helps you hide clutter and keep the space tidy.
Conclusion
Your mudroom doesn’t need to be a chaotic dumping ground. With these 16 IKEA inspired ideas, you can create a space that masterfully blends organization with personal style, transforming the first area you see when you come home into a calm, functional haven.
IKEA’s modular systems offer the flexibility to design a custom solution that fits your exact space, needs, and budget—whether you have a dedicated room or just a sliver of wall by the front door.
Start by assessing your family’s specific clutter culprits (shoes? coats? backpacks?), then build your system piece by piece. The result will be a more organized home and a smoother start and end to every day
