A mudroom creates a functional space to store outdoor gear and get ready to leave the house. If your home doesn't have a dedicated mudroom, an unused closet is an option for the space. A regular coat closet gives you an option for a mudroom center with storage and a small bench. Some modifications are needed to make the closet a functional space as a mudroom. Adapt the plans for the mudroom to match your own home's available space. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the door from the hinges by using a screwdriver or chisel to pry up the pin holding the door onto the hinge. Unscrew the hinges and remove them from the door frame.
2. Remove the door trim and frame if the closet is wide enough to expand the opening and the closet door is not on a load-bearing wall. Remove the drywall or plaster from either side of the door where you plan to expand. Cut away the studs in the area where you want to expand the entrance. Create a new frame for the doorway with studs and add trim around the door to make create a finished look.
3. Remove the fixtures from the closet, including the closet rod. Leave the upper shelf in the closet to use for storage.
4. Paint the walls with a high-gloss paint that will resist moisture and clean up well. Another option is to hang vinyl wallpaper in the closet to protect the walls and allow for easy cleaning.
5. Install a lighting fixture in the closet if there isn't one in the space. Hire a licensed electrician if you don't have experience in wiring.
6. Install a bench along the back wall of the closet. Measure the width of the closet so you are able to cut the wood to fit into the closet. Mount the bench between 15 inches and 22 inches high to create a comfortable sitting area for getting ready.
7. Slide short drawers underneath the bench for storage of small items like gloves and hats. Plastic drawers are an inexpensive option for the space. Another option is to mount wire shelving beneath the benches a few inches of the floor to hold shoes and boots.
8. Mount wire drawers on the bottom side of the top shelf. Place baskets on top of the shelf for additional storage.
9. Predrill holes to install pegs or hooks along the wall above the bench to create spots for hanging coats. Screw the pegs or hooks onto the wall.
10. Mount short wire shelves along the shorter walls of the closet for additional storage space. Hang one for each family member to provide dedicated space for personal belongings.
11. Lay a low-pile rug that is easy to clean in the bottom of the closet to protect the floor from wetness of shoes. Choose a nonskid rug that you are able to throw in the washing machine to clean.
Tags: additional storage, Another option, closet protect, functional space, option space
