Best DIY Mudroom Bench Ideas: Top Tips for Building a Mudroom Bench
Looking for DIY mudroom bench ideas? Here’s the top tips for building your own mudroom bench area.
Facing a clutter of shoes, coats, hats, and bags is the last thing you want when you enter your home. Moreover, when guests come over, the entryway is the first thing they see, so a messy one just doesn’t cut it.
That’s where your mudroom comes in. It is a great solution for decluttering and organizing muddy boots, dripping coats, and even your kids’ backpacks. However, this tends to become a mess too if not designed well.
In fact, our previous mudroom was an absolute mess, and it drove us crazy! This is why we decided to re-think it and created our very own DIY mudroom bench.
If this is something you’re looking to do, we’ve got a bunch of amazing DIY mudroom bench ideas. No more looking back to messy halls, say yes to the best ever DIY home makeover.
Can I DIY a mudroom bench?
YES! A mudroom bench is a perfect project for your next DIY project. It can double as a storage space and a place to sit after a long day.
Also, you can design it any way you like – a complete DIY from start to finish.
Is it cheaper to build your own mudroom bench or buy it from the store?
Building your own mudroom bench is sure to be way cheaper than getting one custom-made or buying it from the store.
If you have got the right tools and equipment, you can make your own mudroom bench for anywhere between $250-$400, depending on your customizations.
Much more affordable than buying one from the store, while still being tailored to your preferences.
Do I have enough space for a mudroom bench?
The best part about DIY-ing something functional is that you’re doing it to serve a purpose and make your life better.
So whether you have a small entryway or a large space, it’s all yours to plan out a DIY mudroom bench idea that works in the space you’ve got. In fact, making a mudroom bench means welcoming more storage space into your home!
inexpensive DIY mudroom ideas you can get started with:
Simple bench and hooks above it (or cubbies):
If you’re looking for a tiny entryway mudroom or are unsure about heavy-duty cutting and piecing, this simple mudroom bench is the right one for you.
Create a fully functional mudroom using a simple wooden bench. It will also have space underneath for shoes, and hooks above it for your coats, hats, and more.
Want to take it a step further? Add small cubbies above your bench, and you’ll be able to maximize your storage space.
Locker-style hall tree (like ours):
We love our locker-style hall tree! It’s compact and has just the right amount of storage space.
All you have to do to begin is plan how many cubbies and hooks you want, and you’ll be good to go. We chose to have two lower cubbies for drawers and shoes which double up as our bench to sit on top of. We use our upper locker-style cubbies for hanging our things.
Using a closet to build in:
Unsure if you want to build an entire mudroom area from scratch? Have you got old furniture that is just lying around begging to be upcycled? Then this DIY idea is your best bet.
With minimal effort and time, you can revamp old closets and create your very own low-cost, fully functional DIY mudroom bench with storage. Use the kinds that come with their own shelves and cubbies, or build new ones inside them. All you will need to do is repaint, rearrange, and install them however you want.
Transforming a cabinet or a basic piece of IKEA furniture as a base:
This is another upcycled DIY idea that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Transform cabinets or other furniture to be your base for an easy, inexpensive mudroom bench.
You just need to lay the piece on its side, shift and resize pre-existing cubbies and drawers and that’s it! A bench to sit on and more storage space in no time.
Using a couple of wooden crates:
This is one of the easiest DIY ideas and doesn’t take up too much time or money.
Bolt a few wooden crates together and re-paint them in the color of your choice. For the base, you can use a simple whitewood board with wooden legs and place another board on top for an instant seating area.
Add hooks or cubbies to increase your mudroom storage space, and you’re done!
Your DIY mudroom ideas can be limitless! Use everything from old dressers to tables, to create an artful mudroom bench that is exclusively yours!
Mudroom Bench Customization Options:
Check out some ways you can style any of the above mudroom bench woodworking plans with your unique touch:
Drawers
Drawers are the best space savers and open up a wide range of possibilities. You can have multiple built-in drawers placed inside or below your bench. Choose from a variety of designs, ideas, shapes, and colors for your drawers to perfectly suit your home aesthetic.
We made custom drawers for our cubby bench, which we styled with shaker-style faceplates to create a neat and trim feel.
Shoe Storage
The most important part of your mudroom is shoe storage. Shoes are the biggest tripping hazard, and we were tired of dusty shoes and muddy boots lying around – we’re sure that you are too.
We chose to have cubbies below our L-shaped bench to keep our shoes neatly tucked away. You can customize your bench to have cubbies or empty spaces below it for easy removal and storage.
The top of this storage space is actually what serves as a bench to sit on and put on shoes before stepping out. So, in essence, they are what convert the space into a one-stop station for all your needs!
Shiplap vs. Wainscoting
Our mudroom bench came to life with horizontal shiplap in between each cubby that gave it a rustic look.
Shiplap, paired with light colors, has a cozy yet expansive effect on a space. All you will need are some pocket hole screw and adhesive, and you can install your own shiplap to build the mudroom of your dreams!
Remember to protect your shiplap with wood sealant and the correct type of paint. Moisture from wet coats and muddy boots can make your paneling susceptible to rot and warping
In simple mudrooms with wooden benches that can be moved, wainscoting may be an attractive option to protect the wall from scuffs. It also creates an illusion of height which is much welcome in mudrooms that have a larger square footage. Touch it up with semigloss paint or a clear polyurethane finish, and you will be able to clean unwanted stains with ease.
Stenciled Wall
Inexpensive and personal, you can now achieve a wallpaper-like look with nothing more than a stencil, paint (acrylic or wall), and a rounded brush. It’s a fun chance to get artsy and creative, so get the family involved!
Wallpaper
If you feel that stenciling is not for you, no worries! Wallpapers are the next best option on our list of ideal decor that elevates your space.
Customize your entryway to feel brand new with sheets of good quality wallpaper that you can attach yourself. Just pick out a design that you like and get started!
Our guide on easy ways of peeling and sticking wallpaper gives you a custom-made finish in no time!
Cute baskets
Make the cutest entryway you’ll have ever seen with baskets for storage (as we have).
Efficient and organized, your old cluttered mudroom will become unrecognizable with these simple wicker baskets. You can find a host of baskets in all shapes and sizes in stores, or make your own cute DIY baskets!
Bench cushion
If you’re looking to add some oomph to your mudroom bench, install adorable bench cushions to sit on.
If a water-resistant cushion installation isn’t on the cards just yet, consider throwing a couple of affordable decorative pillows onto your bench to add some coziness.
Floating bench
For small spaces with overhead cubbies, a floating bench gives a minimalist look to your mudroom, and prevents it from looking clunky or too full.
Super quick and easy to put in place, all you need is a neatly sized piece of wood, some brackets for support. Use the abundant space underneath to put away your shoes, or add drawers below the bench for organizing.
Additional Ideas
There are endless options for getting creative with your mudroom. For extra character, add an area rug or tiny curtains to your storage space below the bench.
You could place a statement mirror for your final outfit or hair check on your way out. You could even include a chalkboard for family memos, schedules, or more. When it comes to DIY mudroom bench ideas, the sky’s the limit!
How do you make a simple mudroom bench?
Let’s take you through the process we followed while creating our own DIY locker-style mudroom bench.
Building
After sketching out the look we wanted, assembling all our tools, and measuring our materials, we got down to business. We began by building and joining our lower cubby shelf pieces. Once that was done, it was time for our drawers and benchtop, after which our structure finally began to take shape.
After our frame was made and the trim attached, we used our super quick homemade wood putty to fill in all the gaps. We used pure tung oil stain for our project, which took several coats to achieve the best results. In the meantime, we got started on our upper cubbies.
Painting & Paneling
Once all our elements were in place, all we had to do was paint. We used milk paint for the bright look that we wanted. For paneling, we installed horizontal shiplap that we painted in the same color along each cubby to give our mudroom an open feeling.
All that remained then were some final touches. Hooks were placed in each locker for our hats, coats, and bags. Then, we created the perfect accent walls by stenciling a design onto them.
And that’s it. In just three weekends, our mudroom bench was ready! For more detailed and step-by-step instructions, follow our tutorial here.
DIY Mudroom Bench FAQs
We mostly used birch plywood, along with trim that we made from a pine board.
If you are looking for wood that is durable and moisture-resistant for your dripping raincoats & boots, opt for sturdy wood-like teak. Teak is also a natural insect repellent and is optimal at preserving the structure of your mudroom bench.
Other types of wood that are great for your bench are cedar, oak, and maple. For more cost-effective options, water-resistant plywood does the trick too! Don’t forget to use wood sealant to prevent rotting and warping from moisture.
It’s not one size fits all! The dimensions of your mudroom bench depend on the size of the room and the amount of storage space you would like.
Ideally, your bench should have a height of 18 inches and a depth of 14 to 17 inches. As for the width, the most common dimensions are 35 to 48 inches, although this is largely based on the space in your mudroom and the structure you want to build.
Our mudroom bench consists of four lockers with small overhead cubbies.
An ideal locker cubby would have a height of 50-55 inches, best suited for long coats and other outdoor apparel, and a width of 16-18 inches.
Yes! A mudroom offers the best solution to all your storage problems while preventing unwanted clutter and dirt from entering your home.
If you want to get fancy, you can even make yours multi-functional. Add a sink for rinsing muddy hands and soaking garments, or a washing area for your pet. You can also combine a larger mudroom with your laundry area.
Definitely not! Mudrooms are timeless and will forever be a must-have in every home.
Convenience and storage are prime, and a mudroom is a useful yet aesthetic corner in your home.
Hooks, cubbies, drawers, and baskets are the best options to create space, offer storage options, and declutter your area.
When faced with space constraints, try to maximize vertical space. Utilize high shelves and cubbies for items you don’t use regularly, while lower hooks and spaces can be used for your everyday shoes, coats, and bags.
A mudroom bench can double as a storage space and a place to sit on and take off your shoes after a day out.
They minimize the risk of dirtying your home interiors and make sure that you enter your living space without any additional baggage.
As a transition area from the outdoors to the indoors, it can also organize your family’s daily routine, helping them find all that they want in one place.
Add a message board, and it allows family members to stay on track with schedules, calendars, and other important information.
Your entryway becomes accessible not just to you, but to your guests as well. Be it the place to receive them into your home, or a semi-private space to take off their hats and coats, it is the first part of your house that makes them feel at ease.
A mudroom bench is a functional and practical part of your entryway. However, with a little extra time and effort, it can be so much more than that.
With different types, styles, and customizable add-ons, you can design your mudroom bench to be the statement piece of your entryway…or not! It’s totally your call. Either way, we hope you feel inspired to build the mudroom bench of your dreams.