Want your mudroom and laundry room to look as good as they work?
Bathtubs see a lot of action. Dirty tennis shoes. Rain soaked jackets. Mountain of laundry. Most homeowners don’t give them a second thought.
That’s a big mistake.
PER data from the National Association of Home Builders found that 86% of home buyers desire a laundry room – making laundry rooms one of the top most wanted features in a home.
Here’s the good news:
You don’t need a full renovation. A few smart upgrades can:
- Cut down on clutter
- Protect your floors
- Add a big boost of style
Let’s jump in!
Inside this guide:
- Why These Rooms Matter So Much
- Floors That Can Handle the Mess
- Storage That Keeps Clutter in Check
- Laundry Room Upgrades Worth Making
- Lighting, Colour and Final Touches
Why These Rooms Matter So Much
Consider how frequently you enter your mudroom. This is where you first step after school buses, doggie walks and rainy rides to work.
Your laundry room works just as hard. Every single week.
When these spaces are messy… the whole house feels messy.
And it looks like homeowners are listening. Houzz’s most recent report revealed that 54% of homeowners renovated in 2024.
Floors That Can Handle the Mess
The floor endures more abuse than anything else in the room. Wet shoes, tipped detergent, grit and gravel. You name it. It ends up down there.
The best flooring choices for these rooms are:
- Porcelain or ceramic tile
- Luxury vinyl plank
- Sealed concrete
- Slate or brick pavers
They’re all waterproof and easy to wipe down. The problem with hard floors by themselves can be that they’re chilly and slippery. Enter the rug.
Borrow a Trick From the Kitchen
Here’s something most people don’t think about…
Kitchen runner rugs are ideal for mudrooms and laundry rooms. They are designed for heavy traffic with just a little mess – think long, narrow hallway. Many kitchens also have mudrooms leading directly into the kitchen, so choosing kitchen runner rugs that complement your entryway allows the two spaces to flow together. When looking for durable runner rugs, you want to choose low-pile or flatweave designs with a non-slip backing that can stand up to wet boots and dropped socks.
Pick a darker colour or a busy pattern. It hides dirt between washes.
Pretty simple, right?
Storage That Keeps Clutter in Check
Clutter is the number one enemy of any mudroom.
If every coat, bag and shoe doesn’t have a place to live, they end up on the floor. Eventually they migrate to the bench. Then onto the kitchen.
Benches With Built-In Cubbies
The utilitarian backbone of a solid mudroom is a storage bench. It gives you somewhere to sit while you remove shoes, and handy cubbies underneath to toss them into.
Choose open cubbies when you have children. If they need to open a cabinet door to put their shoes away…. the shoes will likely stay on the floor.
Hooks, Lockers and Baskets
Wall hooks are inexpensive, easy to install and absurdly useful. Mount them at 2x distances:
- Adult height for coats and bags
- Kid height for backpacks and jackets
If space allows, opt for full-height lockers so everyone has their own space. Install baskets above for hats, gloves and dog leashes.
Everyone gets a spot. Nothing gets lost.
Don’t Forget the Dog
Pet stations are among the fastest growing mudroom trends today. A small dog wash station or elevated shower tray keeps muddy paw prints out past the back door.
Providing a basic cubby with a pet bed, food bowls and even a hook for leads can help.
Laundry Room Upgrades Worth Making
Your laundry room doesn’t need to be big to be brilliant.
It just needs to be organised.
Add a Folding Counter
This is the biggest game changer on the list.
Got front loaders? Set a countertop across the top of them. Now you have a folding station… NO MORE FOLDING ON THE BED!
Choose a surface that can handle moisture, like quartz, laminate or sealed butcher block.
Hide the Hampers
Pull-out Hampers Hidden Inside Cabinets Contain Dirty Laundry Put simply, pull-out hampers hidden inside cabinets contain dirty laundry. Sort lights, darks and towels for faster laundry day.
Go Vertical
Small laundry room? Use your walls.
- Open shelves for detergent and supplies
- A hanging rail for drying delicates
- A fold-down ironing board
- Pegboards for brushes, lint rollers and cleaning tools
Every inch of wall space you use is floor space you get back.
Upgrade the Sink
You can use a deep utility sink to soak stains, wash muddy sports kits and bathe small pets. Fit it with a pull-down tap and you’ll ask yourself why you didn’t have one sooner.
Lighting, Colour and Final Touches
Now for the fun part.
Many mudrooms and laundry rooms have only one overhead light source. Yuck. That’s not nearly enough light. Add layers by:
- A bright overhead fixture
- Under-cabinet strips above your counter
- A statement pendant or wall sconce for style
Good lighting makes it easier to spot stains and find things fast.
Be Brave With Colour
Small rooms are these guys’, which means they are perfect for experimentation. Deep greens, moody blues and warm terracotta are very trendy these days. Try adding patterned wallpaper or bold tiles to give your space some personality on a budget.
Plus, since you won’t be living in these rooms 24/7, something daring won’t be too overpowering.
Finish With Hardware
Replace your cabinet knobs with brass, matte black or brushed nickel pulls. It’s one of the least expensive upgrades you can do… and one of the most dramatic.
Time To Get Started
Mudrooms and laundry rooms can be stylish. Use these clever upgrades to turn your blah laundry room into one of the most functional rooms in your home.
To quickly recap:
- Pick tough, waterproof flooring
- Protect high-traffic walkways with a durable runner
- Build storage for every coat, shoe and bag
- Add a folding counter and hidden hampers
- Layer your lighting and have fun with colour
Start with one upgrade. Then add another.
Before you realize it your hardest working rooms will look as good as any area of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best flooring for a mudroom?
Porcelain tile and luxury vinyl plank are both excellent options. They are waterproof, durable and simple to clean up after a muddy day.
Can kitchen runner rugs be used in a laundry room?
Sure. Kitchen runner rugs are designed to handle narrow spaces, high traffic, and the occasional spill. Look for a low- pile rug that is washable with a non-slip backing.
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