19 Mudroom Laundry Room Layout Ideas for the Perfect Layout
Designing a mudroom laundry room that actually works is a game changer for your home. It’s not just about having a place to toss dirty shoes or wash clothes—it’s about creating a space that’s functional, efficient, and even a little enjoyable to use.
I’ve learned this the hard way after living in a home where the laundry room was crammed into a dark basement corner and the “mudroom” was basically just a pile of shoes near the front door.
1. Keep Laundry and Mudroom Zones Clearly Defined
When you combine two utility-heavy spaces, it’s easy for them to blur together. Suddenly socks are mingling with soccer cleats, and detergent is shoved next to umbrellas.
The trick? Define zones. Use cabinetry, shelving, or even flooring changes to create boundaries. For instance, put laundry machines and detergents on one wall while dedicating the opposite wall to cubbies, hooks, and shoe storage. Even if your mudroom and laundry share a small footprint, having clear zones makes the space easier to use and keeps chaos under control.
2. Add a Built-In Bench With Storage Underneath
A mudroom without seating is like a restaurant without tables—it technically functions, but it’s just not enjoyable. A simple built-in bench with cubbies underneath lets kids (and adults) sit down to pull off muddy boots while tucking shoes neatly out of sight.
I added one in my own mudroom, and suddenly the pile of sneakers that used to trip me by the door completely disappeared. Storage benches can be customized with baskets, drawers, or open cubbies depending on whether you prefer things concealed or visible.
3. Place Laundry Machines Side-by-Side for Folding Space
Stacked washers and dryers save vertical room, but side-by-side placement is often better in a combo mudroom-laundry room. Why? Because it gives you countertop space above for folding clothes, sorting items, or even storing cleaning supplies.
According to a 2023 Houzz survey, 68% of homeowners said having countertop space in the laundry room significantly improved their efficiency. That’s because laundry becomes less of a juggling act when you have a surface to work on.
4. Install Lockers or Cubbies for Each Family Member
The secret to avoiding clutter in a mudroom is giving everyone their own zone. If you have kids, install lockers or tall cubbies with hooks, shelves, and baskets so each person has a place for coats, bags, and shoes.
I once visited a friend’s home where every child had their name labeled above their locker—it felt like a mini school hallway, but it worked wonders. No more fights over missing backpacks, no more coats piled on the floor.
5. Choose Durable, Easy-to-Clean Flooring
A mudroom laundry room is the dirtiest part of your house—mud, snow, detergent spills, and pet accidents all end up here. Choosing durable flooring like porcelain tile, sealed concrete, or luxury vinyl plank is non-negotiable.
Avoid carpet (obvious reasons) and even hardwood if you can. Moisture will warp it. Instead, go for something water-resistant and throw down washable rugs to soften the look. According to the National Association of Realtors, flooring durability ranks as one of the top 5 factors homeowners prioritize during utility space remodels.
6. Include a Utility Sink for Messy Jobs
If there’s one upgrade I’ll never stop recommending, it’s a utility sink. Whether it’s rinsing muddy cleats, soaking stained clothes, or washing the dog after a rainy walk, a sink in your mudroom laundry room saves your kitchen sink from abuse.
Deep basins with pull-down faucets are the gold standard. Stainless steel sinks are budget-friendly, while farmhouse-style sinks can add a design punch if you want something prettier.
7. Use Overhead Cabinets for Hidden Storage
Visual clutter kills the vibe in a mudroom-laundry combo. That’s why overhead cabinets are lifesavers. They keep detergent bottles, cleaning sprays, and random odds and ends tucked neatly out of sight.
If you want the space to feel less like a utility closet, opt for cabinetry that matches your kitchen style—shaker fronts, matte hardware, or even glass doors for decorative baskets. It instantly elevates the room into something you’re proud to show off.
8. Create a Drop Zone for Keys, Mail, and Daily Essentials
Since mudrooms often double as the family entry point, it’s smart to build a drop zone. A small counter, wall shelf, or even a mounted organizer can hold keys, wallets, mail, and phone chargers.
Without this feature, these items inevitably end up scattered across the kitchen counter. In my own home, once we added a tiny mail slot and key hooks, the kitchen instantly felt less cluttered.
9. Install Drying Racks for Delicate Laundry
Hanging space is one of the most underrated laundry room features. A simple wall-mounted drying rack or retractable rod gives you a place to dry delicates, damp jackets, or even towels from sports practice.
If you have the ceiling height, consider a pulley drying rack that can be lifted out of the way—British homes have used these for centuries, and they’re incredibly efficient.
10. Add Hooks for Everyday Grab-and-Go Items
Hooks are the mudroom’s secret weapon. They keep backpacks, coats, umbrellas, and even reusable grocery bags within easy reach.
A pro tip: install two rows of hooks—one lower for kids, one higher for adults. This eliminates the morning chaos of searching for essentials. According to storage design experts, vertical wall hooks increase usable space by up to 40% compared to shelves alone.
11. Incorporate a Folding Station With Hampers Below
If you have space, dedicate a counter as a folding station with hampers or baskets below. Sort whites, darks, and colors into separate bins so laundry never piles on the floor.
In my last home, we had rolling wire hampers tucked under a butcher-block counter, and it made laundry day almost pleasant. Almost.
12. Use Open Shelving for Quick Access Items
While closed cabinets hide clutter, open shelving keeps essentials at arm’s reach. Detergents, dog leashes, and even hats or gloves can live on these shelves.
Style them with matching baskets or glass jars to avoid the “junk shelf” look. Trust me, the small design choices make a big difference in whether this room feels like a dumping ground or a thoughtfully planned space.
13. Add a Pet Station for Furry Friends
If you have pets, the mudroom is the perfect spot for their gear. Install a pet washing station, a feeding corner, or even hooks for leashes and storage for treats.
I once saw a mudroom with a built-in dog shower—low tile walls, handheld sprayer, and a little step for the pup. It was brilliant and saved the owner’s main bathroom from constant muddy paw cleanups.
14. Make Use of Vertical Wall Space
Most mudroom laundry rooms aren’t huge, so every inch counts. Don’t forget about vertical storage—add wall-mounted racks for cleaning supplies, pegboards for tools, or tall cabinetry for brooms and mops.
This transforms awkward empty wall space into functional storage and keeps bulky cleaning items out of sight.
15. Install Good Lighting for Functionality
Poor lighting can make even the best-designed space feel like a dungeon. Opt for bright, layered lighting—a central overhead light plus task lighting over counters and under cabinets.
LEDs are energy-efficient and long-lasting. If you want to go the extra mile, add motion-sensor lights so the mudroom greets you when you walk in with arms full of groceries.
16. Use Sliding Barn Doors or Pocket Doors
Traditional swing doors eat up valuable floor space. Instead, try sliding barn doors or pocket doors to close off the mudroom laundry when not in use.
This not only saves space but also adds charm. A rustic wood barn door or sleek frosted glass pocket door can make the area feel like part of the home rather than an afterthought.
17. Add a Folding Ironing Board
Ironing is rarely anyone’s favorite chore, but it’s less of a hassle when the board is right where you need it. A fold-down ironing board that tucks into a cabinet or wall mount keeps it out of sight but easily accessible.
Pair it with a small shelf for starch sprays and irons, and you’ll never have to wrestle with a wobbly board again.
18. Include Ventilation and Airflow
Laundry rooms can get humid, while mudrooms can smell like damp shoes. Proper ventilation is essential. Install an exhaust fan or at least ensure windows can open for airflow.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper ventilation can reduce indoor humidity by up to 30%, preventing mold growth and keeping your space fresher.
19. Design for Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
Finally, remember that this space will see more dirt, dust, and moisture than anywhere else in your home. Choose finishes that are easy to wipe down—matte cabinets hide fingerprints, smooth countertops resist stains, and high-gloss paint on walls makes cleaning scuffs simple.
In my own space, I regret not going with wipeable paint initially. A year in, muddy fingerprints covered the walls, and I ended up repainting everything in a scrubbable finish.
Conclusion
A mudroom laundry room isn’t just a utilitarian space—it’s a command center for your household. By combining clever storage, durable finishes, and thoughtful layout ideas, you can design a room that saves time, reduces stress, and even makes chores feel a little easier.
From dedicated zones and built-in benches to ventilation and personalized lockers, the goal is simple: create a space that works as hard as you do. Think of it as designing a backstage crew for your home—the part of the house that keeps everything running smoothly without demanding the spotlight.
