12 Inspiring Mud Room and Laundry Room Combo Ideas for Storage

Let’s face it – we’re all trying to squeeze every last inch of functionality out of our homes, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stared at that awkward space by your entrance wondering how to make it work harder.

Combining your mudroom and laundry room might just be the smartest move you’ll make this year, and trust me, I’ve made my share of questionable home decisions (looking at you, lime green accent wall of 2019).

You know what’s brilliant about this combo? You’re already dealing with dirty stuff in both spaces anyway. Muddy boots, grass-stained sports uniforms, wet umbrellas – they all end up in the same washing machine eventually, so why not cut out the middleman?

Rustic Farmhouse Mud & Laundry Haven

Picture this: shiplap walls, vintage mason jars for storing detergent pods, and enough barn door action to make Joanna Gaines weep with joy. The rustic farmhouse style brings warmth to what could otherwise be a purely functional space.

I recently helped my sister design one of these beauties, and the key is balancing practical storage with that lived-in charm. We installed open wooden shelving above the washer and dryer, perfect for displaying cute baskets that actually hide all the cleaning supplies. Who says bleach bottles can’t be stylish when they’re tucked inside a weathered wicker basket?

The best part about going rustic? You can get away with imperfections. That slightly crooked shelf you installed? It’s not a mistake – it’s character, baby!

Storage Solutions That Actually Work

• Vintage crates mounted on walls for shoe storage
• Repurposed barn wood hooks that hold everything from backpacks to dog leashes
• Wire basket systems underneath benches for each family member
• Mason jar wall organizers for small items like coins and buttons

Minimalist Monochrome Laundry Mudroom

Now, if farmhouse isn’t your jam, let’s talk about the complete opposite – the minimalist monochrome approach. This style screams “I have my life together” even when you absolutely don’t.

Black and white creates such a crisp, clean aesthetic that even your messiest days feel organized. I’ve seen these spaces transform chaos into calm just through color choice alone. The trick here is keeping everything streamlined and clutter-free, which means built-in storage is your best friend.

Think floor-to-ceiling white cabinets with sleek black hardware. Your washer and dryer? They better be black or white too – none of that stainless steel business breaking up your monochrome magic.

Making Monochrome Work

The secret to nailing this look lies in texture variation. Mix matte and glossy finishes to add depth without breaking your color scheme. A matte black faucet paired with glossy white subway tiles? Chef’s kiss.

Hide everything behind cabinet doors. Seriously, everything. The minimalist aesthetic falls apart the second you see a rainbow of detergent bottles. IMO, this style requires the most discipline, but the payoff is huge.

Space-Saving Corner Laundry Mudroom

Got a weird corner that’s basically been collecting dust bunnies since you moved in? Time to turn that awkward angle into your new favorite spot.

Corner installations maximize every square inch, and stackable washer-dryer units are absolute game-changers for these tight spaces. I squeezed one of these setups into a 5×5 corner, and suddenly had room for hooks, shelves, and even a small bench.

The key is thinking vertically. Can’t go out? Go up! Wall-mounted drying racks that fold flat when not in use, ceiling-mounted storage nets for seasonal items, and hooks at varying heights for different family members all make this work.

Corner Storage Hacks

• Lazy Susan systems in corner cabinets for easy access
• Triangular shelving units that fit perfectly into corners
• Rotating hook systems that swing out when needed
• Corner benches with lift-up storage underneath

Also Read: 10 Stylish Mudroom Laundry Room Ideas for Perfect Organization

Bright & Airy Mudroom Laundry Loft

If you’re blessed with high ceilings or a loft space, why not create something that feels less like a chore zone and more like a breath of fresh air?

Natural light transforms these combo rooms from dungeons to destinations. Install a skylight if you can – doing laundry under natural light actually makes it less depressing. Who knew?

Paint everything white or soft pastels, add some plants (pothos survives everything, trust me), and suddenly you’re not avoiding this room anymore. I added a small window seat to mine, and now I actually enjoy folding laundry there. Well, “enjoy” might be strong, but I definitely hate it less 🙂

Maximizing Light and Space

Keep window treatments minimal – think sheer curtains or simple blinds. Mirrors strategically placed across from windows double your natural light without the contractor bills.

Choose light-colored storage baskets and bins. Dark colors absorb light and make the space feel smaller, which defeats the whole bright and airy vibe you’re going for.

Built-In Bench Mudroom Laundry Combo

This might be my favorite solution because it’s just so dang practical. A built-in bench serves triple duty: seating for putting on shoes, storage underneath, and a folding station on top.

The bench becomes the star of the show here. Make it deep enough to be useful but not so deep it eats your entire room. Around 18 inches deep hits that sweet spot. Add some cushions on top, and boom – you’ve got a spot where kids can actually sit still long enough to tie their shoes.

Bench Design Tips

What makes these benches really sing? Cubbies underneath sized for standard storage baskets. Each family member gets their own basket, and suddenly the “where’s my [insert lost item here]?” game ends.

• Include at least one drawer for those items you need but don’t want to see
• Add hooks on the sides of the bench for bags and leashes
• Install a cushion with washable fabric because, let’s be real, it’s going to get dirty
• Create individual compartments so everyone’s stuff stays separate

Modern Open Shelving Laundry Mudroom

Open shelving – you either love it or you think people who love it are insane. But hear me out: when done right, open shelving in a mudroom-laundry combo actually makes total sense.

You can see everything at a glance, which means no more buying duplicate cleaning supplies because you forgot you had three bottles of fabric softener hiding in the back of a cabinet. The visibility factor alone saves money and time.

The modern approach means clean lines, industrial brackets, and maybe some wood shelves if you’re feeling fancy. Mix in some attractive storage containers, and suddenly your laundry supplies look like decor.

Open Shelving Do’s and Don’ts

Do invest in matching containers. Nothing kills the modern vibe faster than a hodgepodge of mismatched bottles and boxes. Decant your detergents into glass containers if you really want to commit to the aesthetic.

Don’t forget about dust. Open shelving means more cleaning, but a quick weekly wipe-down keeps things looking fresh. Also, rotate your pretty containers to the front and hide the ugly stuff in baskets on higher shelves.

Also Read: 15 Modern Laundry Room Cabinets Ideas and Trendy Storage Styles

Vintage Chic Mudroom with Laundry Station

Vintage chic brings personality to what could be a boring utility space. Think antique washboards as wall art, vintage laundry signs, and maybe an old school drying rack that actually works.

I scored an antique postal sorting cabinet at a flea market, and it’s now the perfect mail and key organizer in my mudroom. Each little cubby holds something different, and guests always comment on it.

Creating Authentic Vintage Charm

The beauty of vintage style? You can mix periods without anyone batting an eye. Combine 1950s mint green with 1920s brass hardware – in vintage world, anything goes.

• Hunt for authentic vintage hooks and hardware at estate sales
• Repurpose old lockers for seriously cool storage
• Install beadboard or tongue-and-groove paneling for instant vintage vibes
• Use vintage suitcases stacked as storage and decor

Remember, vintage doesn’t mean cluttered. Edit your finds carefully, displaying only the best pieces while the rest do actual storage duty behind closed doors.

Compact Laundry-Mudroom Entryway

Living in a small space? Join the club. We’re making miracles happen in closet-sized areas, and honestly, constraint breeds creativity.

My first apartment had a “mudroom” that was literally a 3×6 foot entryway. But with some creative thinking, I fit a stackable washer-dryer unit, coat hooks, and even a tiny bench in there. Was it tight? Sure. Did it work? Absolutely.

Small Space, Big Impact

Every single inch counts in a compact setup. Use the back of the door for hanging organizers, install hooks at multiple heights, and consider a fold-down bench that tucks away when not in use.

The washer and dryer should be your smallest available models – and yes, they make apartment-sized units that still handle a decent load. Don’t let anyone tell you different; I’ve washed king-size comforters in mine.

Scandinavian-Inspired Laundry Mudroom

Scandinavian design makes everything feel calm and collected, which is exactly what you need when you’re dealing with the chaos of daily life. Think light woods, white walls, and pops of soft gray or blue.

The Scandi secret? Function always comes first, but it still looks Instagram-worthy. Every item has a purpose and a place, and there’s something deeply satisfying about that level of organization.

Hygge Meets Utility

Creating that cozy Scandinavian vibe means adding soft textiles where you can. A sheepskin rug by the bench, linen baskets for storage, and maybe even some string lights for ambiance during those dark winter evenings.

• Choose light oak or birch for any wood elements
• Install simple, streamlined hardware in matte black or brass
• Add one or two plants for life and color
• Include a few cozy textiles to soften the space

FYI, Scandinavian doesn’t mean stark. Add personality through carefully chosen accessories, just keep the overall palette neutral and calming.

Also Read: 15 Practical Tiny Laundry Room Ideas for Stylish Storage

Hidden Appliance Mudroom Design

Want your mudroom to look like, well, not a laundry room? Hidden appliances are your answer, and they’re easier to achieve than you might think.

Custom cabinetry that conceals your washer and dryer transforms the space into what looks like a regular mudroom. Guests would never know there’s a full laundry setup behind those innocent-looking cabinet doors.

The Art of Concealment

I’ve seen some genius solutions here – bifold doors that tuck away completely when you’re doing laundry, pocket doors that slide into the wall, and even curtains on ceiling tracks for a budget-friendly option.

The trick is ensuring proper ventilation when the doors are closed. Your dryer needs to breathe, so don’t seal it up completely. Louvered doors or ventilation gaps at the top and bottom keep air flowing while maintaining the hidden aesthetic.

Industrial Style Laundry Mudroom

Industrial style brings that cool, urban edge to suburban homes. We’re talking exposed pipes (on purpose this time), metal shelving, concrete floors, and enough black metal to make your teenager think you’re actually cool.

Raw materials are the star here – unfinished wood, galvanized steel, and concrete create a space that’s both tough and trendy. Plus, industrial materials stand up to serious wear and tear, which makes total sense for a mudroom.

Industrial Elements That Work

• Pipe shelving systems that you can actually DIY
• Metal lockers for that authentic industrial vibe
• Concrete countertops over your washer and dryer
• Wire mesh panels for hanging storage

The best part? Industrial style forgives a lot of sins. That exposed plumbing? It’s not lazy; it’s aesthetic. The concrete floor you haven’t gotten around to finishing? That’s the look you were going for anyway.

Multi-Functional Family Mudroom Laundry

When you’ve got kids, pets, and general chaos, you need a space that can handle it all. The multi-functional family mudroom laundry combo becomes command central for your entire household.

Think zones for each family member, complete with their own hooks, baskets, and cubbies. Color-coding helps – trust me, even teenagers can follow a color system when their stuff is in the blue basket and their sibling’s is in the green.

Family-Friendly Features

Ever wondered why some families seem to have it together while you’re drowning in backpacks and soccer cleats? They’ve probably figured out the zone system.

Create a drop zone right by the door where everything lands first. Include a charging station for devices (because apparently kids need seventeen devices charged at all times), a message board for family communications, and maybe even a small homework station if space allows.

• Install lower hooks for younger kids so they can actually reach
• Add a sports equipment organizer for all those balls and bats
• Include a pet station with leash hooks and food storage
• Create a lost and found basket for random items

Label everything – and I mean everything. When everyone knows exactly where things go, there’s at least a fighting chance they’ll put stuff away. Sometimes.

Making It All Work Together

So there you have it – twelve ways to turn that mudroom-laundry combo from necessary evil into the hardest working space in your house. Whether you’re going full farmhouse or keeping it minimal, the key is making it work for your specific needs.

Remember, the best design is the one that actually functions for your family. Sure, that all-white minimalist mudroom looks amazing on Pinterest, but if you’ve got three kids and two dogs, maybe lean toward something a bit more forgiving.

The beauty of combining these spaces lies in the efficiency. Dirty clothes go straight from bodies to washer. Wet coats dry where the dryer’s heat naturally helps. And everything you need for coming and going lives in one smart, organized space.

Take what works from each style and make it your own. Mix industrial shelving with farmhouse charm if that’s what speaks to you. 

Your mudroom-laundry combo should make your life easier, not give you another space to stress about keeping Instagram-perfect.

Start with one small change – maybe just adding some hooks or a single shelf – and build from there. Before you know it, you’ll have a space that not only stores all your stuff but actually makes your daily routine smoother.

And honestly, in our chaotic world, isn’t that the real goal? Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some laundry to fold on my vintage farmhouse bench while pretending I’m in a Scandinavian spa. A girl can dream, right?