How To Easily Build a Beautiful Mudroom Closet

Such a small space can make a big change at home! Build a useful and pretty mudroom closet in less than 2 days.

It took me less than a weekend to turn this packed entryway closet (30 jackets -in 20 hangers) into a beautiful and useful mudroom closet. This was my inside voice:

The kids can’t get that high to hang their jackets (so the chair next to the closet is full of jackets too with the ones that they use)
This can’t go on, especially with the whole winter ahead
I have leftover plywood from another project
I would love to have a small mudroom!

If these are your thoughts too, you are all ready to make this work.

1. Search for Mudroom Closet Ideas

First of all, get some inspiration. Check out your space, think if you would like to keep the door, if you would like a bench on it, or if you are planning to store your shoes in there too. You can find many beautiful ideas on my Pinterest board Mudroom Ideas.

I got the inspiration from many searches of “mudroom closet” and this one was the one I thought would fit best at home.

I was going for the board and batten look with hooks. Also, a ‘bench’ was going to be necessary for heavier backpacks.

I had already baskets and wooden crates to use here.

2. Build the bench

So, let’s get hands-on! The first step: install the bench holders.

Measure the width and depth, and consider that you probably won’t want the bench to go all the way to the front (i.e. this closet is 22 inches deep and the bench will be only 18 inches deep).

Cut, glue, and nail the holders. Cut the wood for the bench, and set it in place (I didn’t glue it or nail it since it was very tight in place)

3. Tackle the Board and Batten

Next, for the board and batten look.

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I wanted to use this leftover plywood, so I measured and draw the wood, then I cut it with a small circular saw. It is much easier just to buy the wood, cut at the size you need.

The wider board is about 5.5 inches and the other ones are only 2 inches wide.

Note: since the closet is small (38 in by 22 in), this looks in proportion. If you are working on a bigger space, consider using wider boards.

Glue and nail the boards using a level. Looking nice already..!

After, cover all nail holes with wood filler and gaps with paintable silicone.

Prepare the floor for painting, with paper or plastic and masking tape.

4. Paint

I bought white semi-gloss paint, and just a quart was enough. Semi-gloss paint is easier to clean and handles use better than flat or eggshell finishes.

I painted the ceiling and above the shelf with paint that I had leftover from the entry space. The first and second coats of paint went on between 9 pm and 12.30 am because I just couldn’t wait for the morning!

That was the end of the first day. Pretty much an amazing change!