Custom Mudroom Cabinets For a Tidy Entryway
- Josh Klein
- Jan 14
- 5 min read
When Your Entryway Looks Like a Yard Sale… Every Single Day
Be honest—how many times have you walked through your front or garage door, looked at the explosion of shoes, backpacks, rain jackets, and “mystery items,” and thought:
“I cannot live like this anymore.”
At Closet & Cabinet Experts, we hear that a lot. And honestly? We get it. Your entryway is the very first part of your home you see at the end of a long day… yet somehow, it’s the space that gets the least love and the most abuse.
But here’s the good news: You do not have to accept a chaotic mudroom.
Whether it’s a tiny nook, a wide hallway, or a fully separate room. With custom mudroom cabinets, you can have an entryway that’s tidy, calm, and dare we say… downright enjoyable to walk through!
Yes. Enjoyable.
Even during soccer season. Even after a beach trip. Even with kids. Even with pets.
Let’s break it all down.
Why Custom Mudroom Cabinets Change Everything
If we had a dollar for every homeowner who tried to “fix” their mudroom with a flimsy bench and a basket system from a big-box store… well, let’s just say we’d be installing entryway cabinets on our own private island.
The truth is, “one-size-fits-all” storage doesn’t fit most people’s lives.
Your home, your family, your habits—they’re all unique.
And that’s why custom mudroom storage works so well. It’s built around you, not around whatever happened to be in aisle 12 at the store.
Picture this: You walk in the door, and every single thing has a spot:
Shoes slide neatly into cubbies (not into a random pile by the door).
Coats hang at the right height—no more “chair coat monsters.”
Backpacks, work bags, and purses disappear into their own hooks or lockers.
Seasonal gear tucks away until it’s needed again.
Mail, keys, leashes, and dog-walking gear? Organized. Accessible. Sane.
Clarity. Calm. Function. That’s the magic of custom mudroom cabinets. An actual designed system, not a collection of “solutions” that never solved anything.
Smart Ways to Use Custom Mudroom Cabinets (Without Feeling Like You Live in a Locker Room)
Let’s talk strategy.
Because great mudrooms don’t happen by accident. They happen with intention. And a little professional planning. And maybe one or two “Ah-ha, why didn’t we do this sooner?” moments.
Here are some of the best mudroom entryway ideas we incorporate into our designs.
1. Shoe Storage That Actually Works (And Doesn’t Smell Like a Gym Bag)
We’ve seen every type of shoe storage under the sun:
The overflowing basket
The too-small bench
The “line them up against the wall and pray” method
None actually work long-term.
And instead, we design built-in mudroom cabinets with:
Ventilated cubbies so shoes can air out naturally
Pull-out drawers for flip-flops, slides, and sandals
Tall vertical slots for boots (yes, even muddy ones)
A lot of our Coastal Georgia and Low Country homes deal with humidity, so our materials are chosen to handle moisture without warping or smelling like a mossy forest.
2. Upper Cabinet Storage for Seasonal Chaos
You know that moment every fall when your family suddenly becomes a collection of scarves, gloves, hats, and “Where did my other mitten go?”
Well, upper cabinets solve that!
They’re ideal for storing seasonal categories:
Winter accessories
Summer beach towels
Sunscreen, bug spray, and boating gear
Holiday items
Pet supplies
“Mom drawer” or “Dad drawer” (yes, they’re real)
Out of sight, but not out of mind. And unlike plastic totes in the garage, these cabinets are sealed, clean, and designed to last decades.
3. Lockers for Every Family Member (AKA: No More Blaming Each Other)
Individual lockers are one of the most popular mudroom organization cabinets we build.
Lockers can include:
Hooks at custom heights
Adjustable shelves
Charging stations
Drawers for “tiny-but-important things”
Message boards or name plates
Hidden shoe storage beneath the bench
One of our favorite things? Watching kids beam with pride when they see their locker. And suddenly, putting things away becomes fun.
4. A Bench That’s Actually Comfortable (Not the Decorative Kind No One Sits On)
A real entryway bench matters. Not just a “pretty but useless” bench.
A sturdy, well-built bench that helps you:
Tie shoes
Put on rain boots
Drop your bags for a moment
Unpack groceries
Give the dog treats
We build ours into the cabinetry so it looks intentional—not like an afterthought.
And yes, you can also add:
Soft-close drawers underneath
Tilt-out compartments for sweaty sneakers
Pull-out boot trays (lifesavers in muddy seasons)
5. Hidden Storage for “The Stuff You Don’t Want Guests to See”
Every home has those random items that don’t belong anywhere else:
Umbrellas
Reusable grocery bags
Return packages
Sports gear
Dog toys
“Mail we don’t want to deal with yet.”
Here, we create custom entryway storage that hides these beautifully, including:
Tall broom/utility closets
Extra-deep cabinets
Sliding trays
Pull-out baskets
Charging drawers for devices
No more clutter. No more “just put it here for now.” Now it all has a home.
Material Choices That Can Handle Southern Weather (And Southern Families)
Savannah humidity is a thing. Hilton Head hurricanes are a thing.
Kids coming in from the marsh, dripping wet? Also a thing.
Entryways take a beating. So your mudroom cabinets have to take a beating too!
Here’s what we typically recommend:
High-pressure laminate or thermally fused laminate (TFL): Looks like real wood but laughs in the face of moisture.
Durable melamine interiors: Wipes clean. Doesn't stain. Doesn't warp!
PVC edge banding: Protects the corners from moisture, rough housing, and the occasional soccer cleat.
Stain-resistant finishes: Great for sunscreen, muddy paws, and mystery smudges that everyone swears they “didn’t make.”
You get beauty and durability—without the upkeep headaches.
Design Ideas That Make Your Mudroom Actually Feel Good to Walk Through
A tidy mudroom isn’t just about storage; it’s about how the space makes you feel.
So here are some simple tricks we love including in custom mudroom storage:
Warm, coastal-inspired colors: Soft grays, driftwood tones, whites, and blues feel right at home near the coast.
Hooks that don’t look cheap: Bronze, matte black, brushed nickel—choose what feels like you.
Beadboard or shiplap backing: Adds character without clutter.
Open shelves up top: Perfect for your baskets, blankets, or décor.
Integrated lighting: Because finding your keys in the dark should not be a daily puzzle.
All about creating a space that feels like an exhale every time you walk in.
Ready For a Tidy, Beautiful Entryway? Let’s Create It Together.
If you’ve been dreaming about a mudroom that’s clean, organized, and actually pleasant to come home to… this is your sign.
You don’t have to tackle it alone. And you definitely don’t have to settle for a storage system that “almost works.”
This is what we do. This is what we love. And as your neighbors in Coastal Georgia and the Low Country, we’d be honored to help you bring order, ease, and beauty into your home!
Let’s make coming home feel good again.
Comments