20+ IKEA Mudroom Hacks to Transform Your Home

Let’s be honest. The mudroom gets no love.
It’s the spot everyone dumps their boots, coats, and chaos.

But hey—what if I told you IKEA could turn that messy entryway into a beautiful, ultra-functional space?

With just a few clever tweaks, some budget-friendly gear, and a bit of elbow grease, you can create a space that feels like it was made for your life. Whether you have a full room or just a sliver by the door, these 20+ IKEA mudroom hacks will blow the grime off your expectations.

Let’s make the mudroom the most surprisingly chill corner of your home.

1. Kallax to the Rescue (Again)

The humble Kallax has seen things.

This cube shelf is basically the Swiss Army knife of IKEA furniture.
Stand it up tall, lay it down flat—it doesn’t care, it just works.

For a mudroom, go horizontal. Use the 4-cube or 8-cube version laid flat to create a built-in bench vibe. Pop in some baskets or drawers, and you’ve got instant shoe storage underneath. Add a cushion on top (cut-to-fit foam covered in a washable fabric, if you’re feeling crafty) and suddenly—boom—it’s a bench.

Stick it right under some coat hooks, and you’ve just won.

2. BILLY Becomes a Boot Shrine

People forget how deep BILLY bookcases are.

But for tall boots, umbrellas, and awkward stuff that never fits anywhere? BILLY says, “bring it.”

Hack idea: use a narrow BILLY shelf, ditch a few shelves, and install tension rods or hooks inside. That gives you a vertical landing zone for tall gear. Or, put baskets in the lower part and stash those runaway gloves and hats.

Add cabinet doors (IKEA sells them for BILLY), and now you’ve got a clean, hidden storage zone that doesn’t look like a winter exploded in there.

3. The Hemnes Coat Tree (But Not Really)

Okay, so Hemnes isn’t technically a coat tree. But hear me out.

Stack two Hemnes shoe cabinets side by side. They’re shallow, so they don’t hog space. Mount a wood plank or peg rail across the top wall. Add a long mirror above it all—and you’ve just made a sleek little drop zone that hides shoes and holds coats.

You can even attach an IKEA wall shelf above the hooks for baskets of scarves and keys.

It’s a coat tree’s grown-up cousin, wearing Scandinavian chic and carrying zero clutter.

4. Pegboard Everything with SKÅDIS

SKÅDIS. The pegboard that dreams in Swedish.

This lightweight panel can mount to any wall and hold everything from keys to hats to… honestly, whatever lives in your pockets.

Put one right by your door. Add hooks for keys, shelves for mail, clips for reminders. Use IKEA’s SKÅDIS accessories—or hit up your local hardware store and get wild.

Want bonus points? Paint the pegboard to match your walls. Suddenly it’s less garage-y, more curated entryway wall art.

5. The Besta Built-In Illusion

You don’t need a contractor to make your mudroom feel built-in.

You just need Besta.

Install Besta cabinets side-by-side along a wall, either mounted to float or placed right on the floor. Top them with a long wood board or countertop. Add a row of hooks above and a mirror or wall art—and you’ve basically built a custom console.

They hold shoes. Bags. Dog leashes. Whatever today throws at you.

Paint the cabinets and wall the same color and people will think you hired a fancy designer. (Don’t tell IKEA.)

6. Trofast Isn’t Just for Kids, Y’all

Yes, TROFAST is from the kid’s section.
No, we don’t care.

These storage units with pull-out bins are secretly perfect for mudrooms. Think: shoes, mittens, sports gear, random wires your husband keeps pretending he’ll use again. All in bins. All labeled. All out of sight.

Stack two units vertically or line up three horizontally like a bench.

Paint them a moody green or soft beige. Nobody will guess it started life storing Legos.

7. LACK the Shelf, Not the Vibe

Sometimes all you need is a good ol’ floating shelf.

LACK shelves can’t hold a ton of weight, but man—they look good. Especially when stacked.

Try this: install three LACK shelves above each other in the mudroom corner. Use ’em to hold hats, baskets, even plants if you wanna be that person with the stylish entryway greenery.

It’s minimal. It’s neat. It’s IKEA magic in three boards.

8. Command Central with IVAR

IVAR is raw, it’s wood, it’s solid. It’s also begging for a glow-up.

Use it in your mudroom to create a family command center. Paint it. Add corkboard or whiteboard panels to the doors. Use the inside for file holders, calendars, storage bins—whatever gets your house running smooth-ish.

Kids can stash school gear in there. Adults get their mail piles under control. No more “Where’s my backpack??” chaos every morning.

It’s like a family assistant that doesn’t talk back.

9. Flip that TRONES

TRONES are usually shoe cabinets. But the hack? Mount them vertically.

These slim plastic cabinets don’t take up space. Line 3 of ’em up the wall near your entry. Use one for shoes, one for dog gear, and one for random stuff like batteries or lint rollers or… receipts from 2019 you can’t let go of yet.

They open outward like little hatches, and you can mount them at any height. Add labels and you’ve got one of the most satisfying storage systems ever.

Also: they’re wipeable. Mud? Rain? Salt? Just wipe and walk away.

10. Curtain Call with ALGOT/BOAXEL

Sometimes, you don’t want to see your storage.

That’s where BOAXEL or the older ALGOT system comes in. It’s wire shelves and rails you can configure any way you like.

Set up a tall frame with shelves for baskets and bins. Hang coats below. And then—here’s the magic—install a simple tension rod and curtain across the front.

Now you’ve got hidden storage that’s flexible, breathable, and super clean looking.

It’s like Narnia, but for backpacks and raincoats.

11. Repurpose RÅSKOG as a Rolling Drop Zone

The RÅSKOG utility cart isn’t just for kitchens and crafts.

In the mudroom? It’s a freakin’ MVP.

Use it as a mobile drop zone. Top tier for keys, wallets, and sanitizer. Middle tier for mail and sunglasses. Bottom for dog stuff or umbrellas.

Wheels mean you can scoot it outta the way when guests come over. Or roll it to the door when you’re packing up for soccer or errands. Like a little butler on wheels—but cheaper and doesn’t judge your shoe pile.

12. Use a MOSSLANDA Picture Ledge for Grab-and-Go Gear

These ledges are usually for photos. But who says you can’t throw a pair of gloves or a wallet on there?

Install a few MOSSLANDA picture ledges at varying heights—maybe one low for the kids, one higher for the grown-ups.

They’re shallow, sure, but that’s the point. You don’t want bulky storage where you walk. They’re perfect for slim must-haves like mail, sunglasses, lip balm, or—if you’re extra—seasonal decor.

Functional and aesthetic? We love a double threat.

13. Make a DIY Drying Zone with the MULIG Clothes Rack

Rain-soaked coats. Drippy scarves. That one hoodie that always smells damp.

The MULIG clothes rack to the rescue.

Set it up in a corner and use it as a temporary hanging zone for wet stuff. You can even screw a boot tray underneath to catch drips. If you want to be really smart, stick a fan nearby for airflow.

It’s not fancy. But it’s wildly useful. No more moldy towel smell in your entry.

14. HACK the GERSBY Bookcase into a Tall, Slim Catch-All

GERSBY is that skinny little bookcase that costs like $40 and always surprises you.

In the mudroom, it makes an excellent vertical storage station. Add baskets to each shelf, label them for each family member. Boom—everyone gets a personal storage cubby.

You can also mount hooks or a narrow cork strip along the side for bonus hanging space.

It’s tall. It’s slim. It minds its business in the corner and keeps everyone organized.

15. Go Horizontal with a LURÖY Bed Slat Wall

This one’s kinda wild. You’ll love it.

Take the wooden LURÖY bed slats (yes, the ones meant for under your mattress). Mount them horizontally on the mudroom wall like a Scandinavian pegboard.

Use S-hooks or binder clips to hang items—hats, keys, even tiny baskets. It’s like a modern, rustic hanging system that costs almost nothing.

You didn’t see that coming, huh?

16. Use the HEMMAHOS Wall Pockets for Kid Zones

These soft, hanging fabric organizers are technically for toys.

But kids in a mudroom = mess. And these fix it.

Mount a couple at kid height. One for gloves, one for hats, one for their mysterious rock collection they can’t let go of.

They’re soft, washable, and come in fun colors. The kids might even enjoy putting stuff away (no promises).

17. Add a LÖRBY USB Hub for Charging on the Go

This is the digital-age mudroom hack you didn’t know you needed.

Mount the LÖRBY USB hub near your bench or shelf. Now you’ve got a built-in charging spot for phones, earbuds, or power banks.

Drop your bag, plug in your gear, and go about your day. It’s like turning your entry into a tech pit stop.

Because dead devices and busy mornings are a bad combo.

18. STALL Shoe Cabinet with a Mirror Twist

STALL is that wall-mounted shoe cabinet that’s skinny but mighty.

But here’s the hack: Mount a full-length mirror above it, and suddenly your mudroom’s giving boutique energy.

The shoes stay hidden. The top becomes a landing pad for your bag or coffee. And the mirror? Perfect for last-minute outfit checks before you step out.

Functional meets fashion in the hallway.

19. TOLKNING Basket Wall Gallery

Woven baskets on a wall? Hear me out.

Grab a few IKEA TOLKNING or FLÅDIS baskets in different sizes. Mount them flat against the wall like a gallery wall—but use them as actual open-top storage.

Scarves, mail, leashes, winter hats—stuff it all in.

It’s boho. It’s practical. And it looks way more expensive than it is. People will think you went to Bali, not IKEA.

20. NISSAFORS as a Vertical Shoe Rack

You thought we were done with carts? Nah.

NISSAFORS is a slimmer, sleeker cousin to RÅSKOG, and it fits in tiny corners.

Add grip mats or small trays to the tiers, and suddenly it’s the perfect tiered shoe rack—especially for small spaces or apartments where you don’t wanna drill or build.

Plus: it’s mobile. Hate where it is? Move it. Hate how it looks? Paint it.

It’s your mudroom, not a museum.

A Few Bonus Bits (Because You’ll Want These)

Label everything.
Use painter’s tape if you’re testing what goes where.

Put a tray or mat under wet boots, so your pretty IKEA hacks don’t end up ruined.

Add lighting! Even a stick-on LED puck light can change the vibe. A motion sensor light? Chef’s kiss.

Install a tiny command hook near the door for sunglasses or masks.

Stick some eucalyptus in a vase—yes, in the mudroom. Why not? You deserve nice things.

Final Thoughts—Your Mudroom Is a Story

The thing about mudrooms? They’re not really about mud.

They’re about transition. From outside to inside. From chaos to calm. From “ugh” to “okay, I can breathe now.”

When you use IKEA smartly—and get a little weird with it—you can shape that space into something that works like a charm and looks good doing it.

And yeah, your neighbor with the Pinterest-perfect entryway? They probably used IKEA too.

Now go grab your tape measure. Your mudroom’s about to glow up hard.

FAQs

What is the best IKEA furniture for small mudrooms?

Kallax, TRONES, and STALL cabinets are ideal for small spaces due to their slim, multifunctional design.

Can I use IKEA hacks without drilling into walls?

Yes, options like RÅSKOG carts, NISSAFORS, and TROFAST units don’t require wall mounting.

Are these IKEA mudroom hacks renter-friendly?

Most of them are renter-friendly and can be removed or moved easily without damage.

How do I make an IKEA bench more comfortable?

Add foam cushions or custom-cut padding with washable covers for added comfort.

What IKEA item works best for wet or muddy shoes?

Use plastic TRONES cabinets or place a boot tray under MULIG racks or shoe benches.

Can I paint IKEA furniture to match my mudroom?

Yes, most IKEA items can be painted with the right primer and technique.

How do I label mudroom bins or baskets?

Use clip-on labels, chalkboard tags, or adhesive label holders for easy identification.

Is IKEA furniture durable enough for busy mudrooms?

With proper care and setup, IKEA pieces hold up well even in high-traffic areas.

What’s a creative way to store kids’ gear in the mudroom?

Use HEMMAHOS wall pockets or low TROFAST units with labeled bins.

How do I make a mudroom look more stylish with IKEA?

Mix textures, add mirrors or art, and keep everything tidy with labeled hidden storage.