I love this mudroom idea from Pottery Barn, but it costs about $2,000 for just the 2 bookcases and 2 storage benches.
I found a cheaper way to make it yourself, and it’s super easy.
You simply buy lesser known brands (but good quality) of the bookcases and benches. They look almost identical. You end up saving so much money, that you can get coat racks and throw pillows to complete the look and still have a cost savings of over 75%!
By the way, I’ve included information on cubby fabric drawers, throw pillows and a wall coat rack to complete the look of this stylish and functional mudroom “wall” below.
Cost Breakdown for this DIY Mudroom Idea:
(and keep in mind that prices can slightly change over time):
| 5-Shelf Bookcase (x2) | $82 x 2 = $164 |
| 3-Cubby Storage Bench with Cushion (x2) | $74 x 2 = $148 |
| Fabric Drawers (set of 2) let’s say you want 5 sets… | $13 x 5 = $65 |
| Wall Coat Rack, with 6 hooks (x2) | $20 x 2 = $40 |
| Throw Pillow (4-pack) | $13 |
| Pillow Inserts (4-pack) | $22 |
| Total: | $452 |
Of course, if you don’t want throw pillows or you want 1 bench or 1 bookcase or 1 coatrack, you can adjust the price accordingly. No matter how you slice it, you can save a bunch of money.
The Mudroom Bookcases:
The South Shore 5-Shelf Bookcase is narrower than traditional bookshelves, so you can more easily fit it into your space.
The sizing also works better for cubbies. As you’ll notice below, the fabric drawers fit perfectly into the spaces.
Two of the shelves are fixed while 3 are adjustable. They can support up to 30 lbs each, so you can load a good amount of gear into the cubbies. They are sturdy.
I really like this versatility, because it enables you to remove or adjust some of the shelves and store or display taller items.
Dimensions: 19″ wide x 1.5″ deep x 71.25″ tall
The Storage Benches:
The ClosetMaid Cubeicals Storage Bench features 3 cubbies as well as a fabric cushion on top of the bench. You can also add fabric drawers (see below), which fit perfectly into the spaces.
I like using the benches for shoe cubbies as well as entryway seating. With throw pillows, it really looks like a finished window seat (without the window, of course).
Multi-functional and stylish. That’s my kind of home furnishing.
Bench Dimensions: 18.5″ tall x 35.3″ long x 14″ deep
Inside Dimensions of 1 Cube: 11.25″ tall x 11.25″ wide x 11.75″ deep
Sizing Note & Color Options:
Something I did want to note is that the depth of the bookcases (approx 11″ deep) is different from that of the benches (approx. 14″ deep). It doesn’t really make a significant difference (just 3′), and some people actually like the look better.
You also have the option to choose black or brown (in addition to the white) in the bookcase, bench and/or coat rack. And, you can select from over 40 different colors in the Closetmaid Cubeicals Fabric Drawers. I hope that’s enough for you. =)
Wall Coat Racks for Hanging Storage
You may only need one wall coat rack, since each one has 6 hooks.
However, if your mudroom will have 2 benches, you may find that 2 wall coat racks will even out the space.
Keep in mind that in addition to coats, you can hang scarves, purses, backpacks, umbrellas, hats and other items here as well. Someone at Pottery Barn even hung a pair of binoculars.
Measure your space and see what works best for you.
Dimensions: 27″ long x 3″ wide x 5″ tall
Throw Pillows for the Cubby Benches
I found this pillow cover set (4 covers) that is simple and stylish. Maybe the best part is that all 4 covers cost less than $15.
There are many colors and designs to choose from; it will probably be difficult to make a decision. Browse at your own risk.
Since they are covers, you can change them with the seasons if you want. Also see: pillow inserts.