The mudroom is one of those key places in the home that has to be both functional and organized – a tough feat when it’s also one of the busiest places in the home. It can be done, however, with a few items that not only bring an element of style to your home, but also the durability every mudroom needs. “Look for low maintenance materials (fancy finishes are a very poor choice for mudrooms in our climate),” suggests Shelley Kirsch of Shelly Kirsch Designs. “Salt, snow, rain, etc., will wear down the appearance of the area if a high level of care cannot be applied.” We’ve gathered eight of our top mudroom essentials to help organize one of the most high traffic rooms in your home.


1 Umbrella holder
Keep wet umbrellas off the floor and control clutter in your mudroom by placing them in a sleek holder. It’s a classic decor accessory that also adds a great bit of style when filled with a couple of large umbrellas. Opt for a holder made of wood or iron for sturdiness and easy cleanup, if necessary. Pottery Barn, $132.51.
2 Storage bench
An essential item in any mudroom, a storage bench provides a place to sit while putting on or taking off shoes and boots. It even tidies up the room by housing footwear and other small items. This bench comes with the added bonus of six iron hangers at the top for coats, scarves and hats. For an added storage solution, pick a bench that has closed cubbies to clear clutter. Restoration Hardware, $1195.
3 Slipper holder
Go from shoes or boots straight into your cosy slippers by keeping them in this handy steel tote for an easy storage solution. Keeping it in a metal, such as steel, iron or brass, makes for an easy clean up, too. Pottery Barn, $132.51.
4 Sturdy hooks
To hang a multitude of coats (ranging from light summer wear to thick and hefty winter parkas), large, strong hooks are a necessary. “Be sure to add accessibility for the various occupants of the house so that kids, for example, can reach hooks without assistance,” says Kirsch. The antiqued finish to these brass hooks also up the style factor for a functional room. Restoration Hardware, $13.
5 Accessories holder
Scarves, mittens, hats, cleaning products and odds and ends all need a great storage idea, and easy access. Tuck leather baskets under your storage bench for accessories and smaller items that may not be used on a frequent basis, or used only on a seasonal basis. Restoration Hardware, $199.
6 Absorbent rug
Keeping floors clean in a mudroom can be a challenge, especially in the fall and winter months thanks to leaves, salt, water and snow. Make the task a bit easier by adding an absorbent area rug to your entryway. A rug that will absorb water and hold dirt and debris is essential to keeping your space clean. This one has a rubber bottom, doesn’t cause mildew and is easy to clean with a hose. Crate & Barrel, $102.07.
7 Shelving
To help hold and organize smaller baskets for odds and ends, open shelves are a great option to keep things in order. For heavier items, be sure to choose shelving that can handle the weight. These options are not only functional, but also easy to wipe down and keep clean. Ikea, $12.99.
8 Floor and wall tiles
To add some interest to your mudroom, while maintaining durability, opt for a tile on the floor and walls. “Do some tile work around the perimeter where hands seem to land and boots seem to get kicked towards, to keep the walls and baseboards looking fresh,” suggests Kirsch. “Heated stone or tile floors are perfect for the winter months, which are not only comfy underfoot when coming in from the cold, but also act as a footwear dryer.” These tiles not only look great and can handle some wear and tear, they’re also made out of 40 percent recycled material, making them eco-friendly flooring. The Home Depot, $20.87.