Give Your Coat Closet a Clever Mudroom Makeover on a Budget
Tired of struggling to find your coat in an overcrowded closet when heading out the door on busy mornings? Have you ever dreamed of repurposing that tiny coat closet into a more functional space?
Converting an underutilized closet into a mudroom is a smart way to create an organized entryway in your home without the expense of adding on. With some strategic DIY renovations, you can give your coat closet a complete makeover and transform it into the handy, budget-friendly mudroom you've always wanted.
Maximize Your Limited Square Footage
One of the biggest benefits of converting a coat closet to a mudroom is getting more use out of your existing square footage. The unused space in that closet presents an opportunity to create specialized storage and organization solutions you may not have in your current entryway.
Take measurements of the closet and sketch out some initial layout ideas. Determine what types of items you want to store, like coats, shoes, backpacks, sports equipment, etc. This will help guide your planning.
Utilizing Vertical Space
If you have limited floor space, consider adding shelves or hanging hooks above the bench to maximize storage capacity. This can also help keep frequently used items within easy reach.
Creative Storage Solutions
Get creative with ways to incorporate customized storage into your new mudroom closet. Some ideas include:
- Benches or cubbies with shoe storage underneath
- Hooks, rods and shelves for coats, bags and gloves
- Baskets to corral hats, scarves and other accessories
- Lockers or wall hooks for backpacks and sports gear
Prepare the Closet for Your Mudroom Makeover
Before you can start your exciting transformation, it's important to prep the coat closet.
Completely empty the closet of any existing shelves, rods or poles. Take down the doors if possible. Patch holes, prime and paint the walls to give yourself a fresh blank slate.
Check for additional repairs your closet needs, like fixing drywall damage or leaks. Address any issues to ensure your new mudroom will be durable and built to last.
Adding Lighting
Installing lighting above the bench or inside the closet can make it easier to see what's inside and help brighten up the space. This is especially important if your closet is located in a dark corner of your home.
Design and Decorate Your New Mudroom
Now for the fun part - it's time to add some personal style and visual appeal to your DIY mudroom! Consider the following design ideas:
Incorporating Seating
Consider adding a fold-down seat or a small bench with storage underneath to provide additional seating for removing and putting on shoes. This can also help make the most of your space and keep clutter to a minimum.
Adding a Mirror
If your closet is located near your entryway, consider adding a mirror to the back of the door or to the wall adjacent to the bench. This can help you quickly check your appearance before leaving the house.
Personalize with Paint, Tiles and More
Paint or wallpaper the walls an inviting color. Add removable wallpaper as an accent wall. Install peel-and-stick floor tiles for easy DIY flooring. Hang cute hooks, stencil designs or artwork.
Creating your dream mudroom doesn't have to put a dent in your wallet. Here are some budget-friendly ideas:
- Shop secondhand and thrift stores for hooks, storage furniture and decor
- Use paint samples from hardware stores instead of buying whole cans
- Check dollar stores for bins, baskets and small storage items
- Buy one new focal piece, like a bench, then use cheaper accessories