A Mini-Mudroom

Ah, you caught me! Last time we chatted about crafting that charming rustic bench, I got a little ahead of myself. You saw the before, a quick "POW," and then the after. While I was thrilled to show off the finished product, I realize I skipped over a crucial step: creating a welcoming entryway to actually use that bench!

If your garage, like mine, often feels like a chaotic drop zone for shoes, backpacks, and all the paraphernalia of daily life, you're in the right place. Today, we're tackling that very issue by diving into how to create a functional and stylish mini-mudroom right in your garage.

Think of it: no more tripping over muddy boots the moment you step inside. Instead, imagine a designated space for everything, keeping your home cleaner and your sanity intact. And the best part? You don't need a massive renovation or a huge budget to make it happen.

This post will guide you through the steps to design and implement your own garage mini-mudroom, focusing on easy DIY solutions and budget-friendly ideas. We'll cover everything from organizing garage clutter to selecting the right storage solutions, and even how to add those personal touches that make the space truly your own.

So, if you're ready to transform that often-neglected corner of your garage into an organized and inviting transition space, keep reading! 

Let's first start with the finish on that bench!

I wanted a bench with a rustic feel, other layers of paint showing through, and some spots where I could see the wood. Considering that, the next step after caulking and sanding was applying two coats of stain. 

I also wanted dark tones underneath the paint, so I used Thompson's WaterSeal Wood Stain. That's what I had on hand, and I love that it's a sprayed stain that dries really fast. I love the color, too.

Then a coat of my white homemade chalk paint was applied...

Followed by two coats of ASCP Emperor's Silk. The best part was I had a helper, though not for long :/ 

The second coat was all mine. Only one of those small samples was enough, and I got leftovers.

Once the paint dried, I looked for the wood tones before applying clear and dark wax.

A MINI-MUDROOM

The bench was the starting point for creating a mini-mudroom in our garage. :) You can see the before picture below, and I'm glad I forgot to take the before picture because this looks neat compared to how it looked at the end of Winter this year.

The entrance to the house is up the steps, right there, following the green arrow. I didn't have a place to sit down to take off my shoes before getting into the house. 

The first room you'll find is the laundry room, and that's not even a room—it's a passageway between the kitchen and garage. Having a bench in this little area was a necessity.

I still need to resolve the shoes piling up, but the comfy part is done for now!

Three key points for a mini-mudroom:

1. Seating solution

2. Hooks to hang coats, jackets, etc.

3. Storage space - Shelves for miscellaneous items.

I haven't finished organizing tools and other things that I was too lazy to put in their proper place all Winter long.

As of right now, this tiny bit of space in the garage makes me smile every time I get home, especially the bench. Every time I build something like this, I feel like... Wow, I built that!?! I wouldn't have believed it just five years ago!

I know you can also build this bench if you have the proper tools! 

Give it a try. The complete details are right HERE.





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My uncommon Slice of Suburbia, A Stroll Thru Life,  Savvy Southern Style,  Stone Gable,  French Country Cottage, Thrifty Decor Chick ,  Between Naps on the Porch,  Home Stories A to Z, Uncommon, The 36th Avenue, Tatertotandjello,