When designing or decorating your entryway, it’s crucial to find a balance between attractive aesthetics and functionality. As it’s the first room your guests will encounter, it should be welcoming and provide a pleasant introduction to the rest of your home’s design. To maintain a tidy appearance, you’ll need furniture and fixtures that not only look good but also maximize your space. A built-in mudroom bench is a great choice as it enhances both style and practicality. With features like under-seat shoe storage, overhead cabinets, and coat hooks, this setup helps with organization and is something you’ll use every time you come and go. If you have an unused nook near your door, consider transforming it into a custom mudroom.
Transforming an unused nook in your entryway into a stylish DIY mudroom can be broken down into three main steps. First, remove the baseboards and build the bench using two-by-four boards. Next, install an accent wall with shiplap panels. Lastly, add overhead cabinets and crown molding, then paint everything to match. This DIY project will make keeping your entryway clean and organized easier than ever.
Planning your DIY mudroom and building a bench for it
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Begin your mudroom project by measuring your unused nook and removing the baseboards. Using a tool like the Goldblatt Trim Puller can make this easier. Decide the desired height for your bench and the space needed between the bench top and the bottom of your overhead cabinet. You can either leave a gap between the cabinet top and the ceiling or build the cabinet up to the ceiling for a more integrated look.
Start constructing the bench by creating a base frame using two-by-four boards, leaving space for the legs on each side. Measure and cut a support panel for the middle and add wooden blocks on either side to keep it upright. Attach upright two-by-four pieces at the corners for the legs and secure them to the wall studs. Cover the base with sealed plywood to create under-seat cubbies, ensuring to cut holes around outlets for access. Next, build a face frame for the bench with poplar boards, but hold off on installing the top panel.
Putting up shiplap panels and building an overhead cabinet
With the core of your mudroom bench in place, proceed to install your shiplap accent wall. Cut the panels to fit between the top of the bench legs and the bottom of the overhead cabinet. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs without creating holes. Apply construction adhesive, like Liquid Nails Paneling & Molding Adhesive, to the back of the panels, nail them in place, and fill the holes with wood filler. For an even more built-in appearance, extend the shiplap to the side walls of your nook.
Next, construct the frame for your overhead cabinet. Add pocket screws to the top and bottom panels, and rabbet joints to the side panel edges facing the wall. Use bar clamps, such as WORKPRO Quick-Release Ratcheting Wood Clamps, to hold the frame while drilling the sides together. Ensure the sides are square before affixing the back panel with wood glue. Countersink the back panel and adjust the clamps to secure the joints as the glue dries. Finally, build and attach a face frame for the cabinet, and install any hinges and doors as needed.
Installing your cabinet and adding the finishing touches
With the cabinet box assembled, it’s time to mount it on the wall. Use a stud finder to mark the studs, measure the back of the cabinet to align with these studs, and pre-drill holes for the mounting screws. Attach the cabinet to the wall using the mounting screws, using a box level and the shiplap top as guides for a straight installation. A laser level can free up your hands during this process. Check for gaps between the cabinet and the wall, and fill larger ones with cabinet filler boards, while smaller gaps can be caulked.
To finish the mudroom, install crown molding above the cabinet and fill gaps with paintable caulk. Reinstall the baseboards and fix blemishes with more caulk. Apply a few coats of white primer, followed by two coats of your chosen paint color, then install coat hooks on the shiplap panels. Lastly, place the bench seat, with a pre-stained butcher’s block panel being an excellent option.
How to style your home’s mudroom
There are numerous ways to enhance your mudroom’s decor, making it a more inviting space. Adding throw pillows with chic covers can introduce color and make the bench more comfortable. Kevin Textile Neutral Decorative Throw Pillow Covers are a great choice for rustic or farmhouse styles. An outdoor rug can upgrade the mudroom’s visuals while keeping dirt and water from entering other rooms. Organizer baskets or cubes in the cabinets and cubbies are perfect for storing essentials like gloves, pet leashes, or reusable bags.
A framed piece of wall art matching your mudroom’s primary paint color can help integrate the nook with your overall home decor. Alternatively, a mirror can add luxury and practicality. Entryway chandeliers that are cool and modern can also enhance the area’s form and function.
