Built-in mudroom lockers can totally change your entryway from a cluttered mess into a welcoming, organized space. With these custom storage solutions, each family member gets a spot for their stuff, and the whole area looks neat and polished, which is honestly a relief after a long day.
Remember to repin your favorite images!
The trick to decorating a mudroom with built-in lockers is finding the right balance between functional storage and thoughtful design that actually feels like you. You’ll want to think about everything, from measuring your space to picking out materials and finishes that go with your home’s style.
Creating your dream mudroom goes way beyond just putting in some shelves. You’ll make choices about design features, pick out tough materials, figure out the building process, and add those little personal touches that make your mudroom work for the way your family lives.
Planning Your Mudroom with Built-In Lockers
If you want mudroom lockers that really work for your family, you’ve got to plan ahead. Start by measuring your space carefully and picking dimensions that fit both your room and storage needs.
Assessing Your Space and Needs
First, grab a tape measure and check your mudroom’s width, height, and depth. Jot down those numbers before you start designing anything.
Think about how many people use the space every day. Most folks need about 12-18 inches of locker width each for things not to feel cramped.
Look at what you actually keep in the mudroom. Coats, backpacks, shoes, and sports gear all take up different amounts of space.
Does your mudroom connect to other rooms, like a closet or maybe an office? If so, you might be able to expand your storage options into those areas.
Essential measurements to note:
- Wall length for lockers
- Ceiling height
- Door and window spots
- Where the outlets are
Pay attention to your family’s habits. Do the kids drop backpacks as soon as they come in? Do adults hang coats right away? Design your lockers to match what really happens, not just what you wish would happen.
Choosing the Right Layout
Three main layouts usually work for most mudrooms. Pick the one that matches your space and how many people need storage.
Single-wall layout fits best in narrow mudrooms. You’ll put all the lockers on one wall with a bench underneath, and you need at least 6 feet of wall space for this.
L-shaped layout uses two walls that meet. This setup gives you extra storage but doesn’t eat up the middle of the room, so it’s great for square spaces.
Double-sided layout puts lockers on both sides. Use this if your mudroom is wide and people walk through it to reach other rooms.
Think about how people move through the space. Everyone should be able to walk from the door to the rest of the house without bumping into locker doors or benches.
Leave a good 3 feet of open space in front of the lockers. That way, there’s room to open doors and sit down to tie shoes.
Customizing Locker Dimensions
Standard mudroom locker sizes work for most, but you can tweak them as needed.
Width: 12-18 inches per person is typical. Younger kids might share wider lockers, but adults usually like their own space.
Height: Most lockers are 72-84 inches tall. That’s enough for long coats and gives you a built-in look up to the ceiling.
Depth: 12-15 inches deep holds most things without sticking out too far.
Bench height: 18 inches high makes for comfy sitting. Aim for 12-15 inches deep on the bench.
| Family Member | Recommended Width | Storage Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 15-18 inches | Coats, bags, shoes |
| School-age kids | 12-15 inches | Backpacks, jackets, sports gear |
| Young children | 10-12 inches | Light jackets, small bags |
Add hooks inside each locker at different heights. Put them at 48 inches for kids, 60 inches for adults. Toss a shelf about 12 inches from the top for hats and smaller stuff.
Design Options and Features for Built-In Lockers
Built-in lockers come with a bunch of design options that can really make your mudroom organized. You’ll decide between open or closed storage, whether to add a bench, and if you need special storage spots.
Open Cubbies vs. Closed Lockers
Open cubbies make the mudroom feel light and airy. You can see everything, which is honestly helpful for kids who forget their stuff.
But open storage also means everyone sees the mess. Even if you organize, backpacks and coats can look chaotic.
Closed lockers hide all that behind doors. Your entryway stays looking clean, even if the inside is a little wild.
Benefits of closed lockers:
- Hide clutter and mess
- Give a streamlined look
- Protect stuff from dust
- Work well in formal entryways
If you like things tidy, go for closed doors. If you’re all about convenience and don’t mind some visual clutter, open cubbies might be your thing.
Incorporating a Bench Seat
A built-in bench turns your lockers into a full seating and storage setup. Aim for a bench that’s 22 inches deep and 18 inches high for comfy sitting.
Wood benches last the longest. Maple with a stain finish can handle daily wear from shoes and bags. Make the seat 1.5 inches thick so it doesn’t sag.
Put the bench where someone can sit and still open the locker doors. That way, family members can get to their stuff while putting on shoes.
Popular bench features:
- Storage underneath
- Cushions for comfort
- Hooks on the back
- Shoe cubbies below
The bench usually ends up being the spot where everyone sits to change shoes and grab things before heading out.
Adding Shelves and Cubbies
Upper shelves above the lockers use up that vertical space you’d otherwise waste. Put shelves about 15 inches from the ceiling for baskets and seasonal items.
Inside each locker, add shelves that you can move around. That way, each family member can adjust their space as needed.
Shelf placement ideas:
- Top shelf: 12 inches from ceiling
- Middle shelf: 36 inches from floor
- Bottom shelf: 12 inches from floor
Small cubbies are great for gloves, hats, and sunglasses. Make these about 6 inches wide by 8 inches tall.
Crown molding at the top gives your lockers a built-in, custom look. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference.
Built-In Shoe Storage Solutions
Standard shoe drawers are usually too small for most families. Custom shoe storage should be about 19.5 inches high and 20 inches wide.
Big drawers hold a bunch of shoes for each person, so you don’t end up with a pile on the floor.
Shoe storage options:
- Pull-out drawers with dividers
- Angled shoe shelves
- Cubbies with air holes
- Toe-kick drawers at the bottom
Keep shoe storage at the bottom of each locker for easy grabbing. Use cup pulls instead of long handles—they’re just easier to use when your hands are full.
Let air flow through closed shoe storage to avoid funky smells. Add some holes or slats for ventilation.
Material Choices and Essential Tools for Construction
Your built-in mudroom lockers will only last if you pick the right materials and use good tools. Smart choices here mean your lockers will look great and hold up for years.
Selecting Materials: MDF, Plywood, and More
MDF is a solid pick for mudroom lockers because it’s smooth and takes paint well. It’s also cheaper than solid wood.
But MDF sags if you put too much weight on it and doesn’t love moisture. Go for 3/4-inch thick pieces for the main structure.
Plywood is stronger and stands up better to moisture than MDF. Baltic birch plywood is top-notch—no voids and a nice finish.
If you’re watching your budget, cabinet-grade plywood works for the main parts. Use 1/2-inch for backs, 3/4-inch for sides, shelves, and the face frame.
Solid wood like maple or oak looks the most high-end, but it’s pricey. Pine gives you real wood grain at a better price.
Wood glue matters for all the joints, no matter what material you use. Titebond III is a good choice since it’s waterproof.
Must-Have Tools for Locker Installation
A table saw is essential for cutting big panels straight. It makes everything look more professional.
Your drill needs a few different bits for pilot holes and screws. Cordless drills make things easier, especially in tight spaces.
Clamps hold everything together while the glue dries. Get at least six bar clamps, some 24-inch and some 36-inch.
A level keeps your lockers straight and true. A 4-foot level works best for checking both up-and-down and side-to-side.
A brad nailer speeds up trim and face frame work. It gives you clean joints without splitting the wood.
Keep a router handy for making nice edges and cutting grooves for shelves.
Fasteners and Joinery Techniques
Pocket holes make strong, hidden joints—great for face frames. A pocket hole jig makes it easy, even if you’re not a pro.
Use 1-1/4 inch pocket screws for 3/4-inch material, 2-1/2 inch screws for joining face frames to cabinet boxes.
Wood screws in 1-5/8 inch and 2-1/2 inch sizes handle most of the job. Use coarse thread for solid wood, fine thread for plywood.
The face frame gives strength and a finished look. Join the pieces with pocket holes, then screw the frame to the cabinet box from the inside.
Dados in the side panels make shelves strong and sag-proof. Cut 1/4-inch deep grooves for the shelves to sit in.
Recess back panels into rabbets for a custom, built-in look. This also stiffens up the whole unit so it won’t rack or wobble.
Constructing and Installing Built-In Mudroom Lockers
You’ll want precise measurements and quality materials such as MDF or plywood. Building on a stable foundation keeps your lockers strong enough for heavy, daily use.
Building the Locker Frame
Cut your MDF panels to the exact size for each locker. Use a level to mark your lines and double-check them.
Spread wood glue on every joint before putting things together. Strong glue bonds make a big difference.
Clamp the side panels to the top and bottom pieces. Pre-drill holes so you don’t split the MDF.
Drive in 2.5-inch wood screws through the pilot holes to secure each joint. Wipe off any extra glue right away with a damp rag.
| Component | MDF Thickness | Typical Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Side panels | 3/4 inch | 12″ x 72″ |
| Top/bottom | 3/4 inch | 12″ x 15″ |
| Back panel | 1/4 inch | 15″ x 72″ |
Build each locker frame one at a time, then connect them. Check that everything is square by measuring diagonally.
Creating a Stable Base and Platform
Take off the baseboard trim where the lockers will go. Save it so you can put it back later.
Find the wall studs using a stud finder. You’ll need to anchor your lockers into at least two studs for solid support.
Cut a base platform from 3/4-inch MDF to span the locker width. The platform should be 4 inches deep and perfectly level.
Attach the platform to the floor with construction adhesive and 3-inch screws into the joists. Use shims to level it if your floor isn’t flat.
Install blocking between wall studs at the height where the lockers will mount. This gives you extra anchor points for heavy stuff.
Check the platform with a level in a few directions. Shim any gap bigger than 1/8 inch before you move on.
Assembling and Securing Sections
Set the first locker frame onto the base platform, pushing it against the wall. Grab a level and check that it sits plumb.
Drive 3-inch screws through the back of the frame right into the wall studs and blocking. Space those screws every 16 inches going up.
Add more locker frames by spreading wood glue on the joining surfaces, then clamp them together.
Install a face frame around each locker opening using 1×2 boards. Attach these with a brad nailer and 1.25-inch brad nails.
Drill shelf pin holes using a pegboard jig so the spacing stays consistent. This way, you can change shelf height later if you want.
Secure the whole unit to the wall with extra screws through the top rail. Give different sections a firm push to test stability.
Cut and install new baseboard trim around the bottom, shaping it to fit the locker structure.
Finishing Touches: Trim, Paint, and Hardware
These last details really turn basic built-in lockers into something special for your mudroom. Good trim work, tough paint finishes, and the right hardware pull everything together so it fits your home’s vibe.
Applying Baseboard and Crown Molding
Install baseboard along the bottom of your lockers for a clean transition to the floor. Cut the pieces with a miter saw at 45 degrees for corners.
Nail the baseboard to wall studs with 2-inch finishing nails. Place nails every 16 inches and sink them just below the surface.
Add crown molding to the top of your lockers for an upscale finish. Measure and cut carefully—those angles can be a pain.
Use a compound miter saw set to your room’s angles. Most inside corners need 45-degree cuts, but double-check before cutting.
Nail crown molding into both the wall studs and the top plate of the frame. This keeps the molding from sagging over time.
Priming and Painting for Durability
Cover all trim pieces with primer before painting. Pick a high-quality bonding primer for wood.
Primer helps paint stick and blocks wood tannins from bleeding through. Let it dry completely—don’t rush this step.
Go for semi-gloss or satin paint on mudroom built-ins. These finishes stand up to moisture and wipe clean with little effort.
Paint in thin, even coats using a good brush or small roller. Move with the wood grain for the smoothest look.
| Paint Finish | Durability | Cleanability | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-gloss | High | Excellent | Trim, doors |
| Satin | Medium-high | Very good | Walls, shelving |
| Eggshell | Medium | Good | Low-traffic areas |
Let each coat dry fully before adding another. Two thin coats usually look much better than one thick one.
Installing Hardware and Hooks
Mount hooks at heights that make sense for everyone in the family. Adult hooks go 60-65 inches from the floor, while kids’ hooks sit 36-48 inches up.
Use wall anchors or drive screws into studs for heavy-duty hooks that can handle winter coats. Mark each hook location with a level before drilling.
Install drawer pulls and cabinet knobs with the manufacturer’s template. Try to pick hardware that matches your home’s other fixtures.
Double-hook designs shine in mudrooms since they hold more in the same spot. Keep hooks 6-8 inches apart so things don’t get crowded.
Think about adding a small shelf above each hook area for hats and gloves. Secure these shelves with brackets so they can handle daily use.
Sealing and Caulking for a Professional Look
Run caulk along every seam where trim meets walls or other surfaces. Use paintable acrylic caulk for inside jobs.
Cut the caulk tube tip at a 45-degree angle for smoother lines. Keep the bead small and steady as you go.
Smooth caulk lines with your finger or a caulk tool right after applying. Wipe away extra caulk with a damp cloth before it dries.
Fill nail holes in trim with wood filler that matches your paint. Sand smooth after it dries, then touch up with paint.
Pay close attention to corners where trim pieces meet. Good caulking here makes the joints look seamless.
Decorating and Personalizing Your Mudroom Lockers
Your built-in lockers give you a solid base for a functional, good-looking entryway. Now it’s about picking the right storage, adding a bit of lighting, and keeping things working through the seasons.
Styling with Baskets and Decorative Accessories
Woven baskets instantly make your mudroom lockers feel organized and stylish. Pick baskets that fit your cubbies with about an inch of wiggle room on each side.
Natural materials like rattan and seagrass fit most homes nicely. Label each basket with names or contents—like “scarves” or “dog supplies.”
Metal bins give you a more industrial look and clean up easily. Wire baskets let you see what’s inside while keeping things tidy.
Show some personality with decorative hooks that match your home’s style. You could go with:
- Brass hooks for a traditional feel
- Black iron hooks for modern spaces
- Colorful ceramic hooks for kid-friendly areas
Put a small potted plant on upper shelves to bring some life to your lockers. Succulents and snake plants do well in low-light entryways.
Incorporating Lighting and Wall Decor
Good lighting makes your lockers both useful and inviting. Install LED strip lights inside the upper cubbies to light up what’s inside and give a custom touch.
A flush mount ceiling light gives you general brightness. Pick fixtures that go with your home’s style and provide even coverage.
Hang wall decor above your lockers for visual interest without getting in the way. A big mirror can make the space feel larger and helps with last-minute appearance checks.
Seasonal artwork keeps your entryway looking fresh year-round. Choose pieces that go with your locker colors and swap them out as you like.
Set up a command center on the wall nearby with a family calendar, mail sorter, and key hooks. Keep these extras simple so they don’t clash with your lockers’ clean lines.
Keeping Your Mudroom Organized Year-Round
Try switching things up with the seasons—rotate what goes in your mudroom lockers as the weather changes. During summer, just toss those heavy winter coats up in the top cubbies and forget about them for a while.
Grab some clear storage boxes for things like swim goggles or winter gloves. Honestly, labeling everything makes life so much easier—everyone can actually find what they need and, hopefully, put it back where it belongs.
If you can, do a little weekly maintenance. Maybe let each family member take a turn organizing their own locker space, so it doesn’t get out of hand.
Set up a donation bin for stuff that doesn’t fit anymore. That way, your lockers won’t get crammed with things nobody uses.
Give a home to those things that always seem to vanish, like keys or charging cables. You could just put up a couple of small hooks inside each locker—problem solved.