Designing a Mudroom for Wisconsin Winters
Boots, coats, backpacks, and wet mittens all arrive through the same door. A mudroom designed for winter keeps that traffic from spreading through the house.
From November to March, the door you use most is carrying snow, salt, and a lot of gear. A mudroom that is planned around that reality saves a lot of wiping, searching, and tripping.
Give every person a zone
Individual lockers or cubbies — one per family member — end the pile by the door. Each zone needs a hook or two for coats, a shelf or basket above for hats and gloves, and space below for boots.
Plan for wet gear
- Open cubbies let boots and mittens air out instead of trapping moisture.
- A boot tray or durable floor surface under the bench keeps meltwater contained.
- Hooks at kid height help young children put their own gear away.
Add a bench
A built-in bench is the heart of a mudroom. It gives everyone a place to sit and pull on boots, and the space beneath it can hold drawers or baskets for things you do not want on display.
Include a drop zone
Keys, mail, sunglasses, and charging phones need a landing spot too. A small counter or shelf with a drawer keeps them from ending up on the kitchen island.
See more ideas for mudrooms and entryways.
