Maximize Your Mudroom with an IKEA Cabinet Bench

Transform your home’s busiest entry points with a custom-built mudroom solution! This comprehensive guide reveals how to craft a stylish and highly functional mudroom bench and cabinet system using versatile IKEA Sektion cabinets. Perfect for organizing shoes, coats, bags, and more, this DIY storage solution is ideal for any space, from a compact entryway to a spacious laundry room. Say goodbye to clutter and welcome a beautifully organized home with this clever IKEA mudroom hack.

Looking for more inspiration? You might also enjoy browsing through 100 Inspiring Entryway & Mudroom Ideas, and be sure not to miss these 15 High-Class IKEA Hacks that elevate affordable furniture into custom-look pieces.

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DIY IKEA Mudroom Bench Hack: Crafting Your Custom Entryway Storage

At Remodelaholic, we’re passionate about leveraging IKEA hacks for smart organization and maximizing every inch of our living spaces. Our recent projects include creating a faux built-in entryway storage unit and ingeniously transforming a standard closet into a functional PAX wardrobe system. These projects highlight our philosophy of achieving high-end looks on a budget, and our latest endeavor is no exception.

The opportunity arose when a client desired enhanced storage for their mudroom, conveniently located just off the laundry room. This presented the perfect scenario to design and construct a custom mudroom bench and cabinet system using our trusted and highly adaptable IKEA Sektion cabinets. The goal was to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space where the family could effortlessly store their shoes, coats, and other daily essentials.

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This particular mudroom area was a recent addition to the home, strategically placed to connect the laundry room, garage, and family room. For years, the family had relied on simple laundry baskets to hold their shoes—a functional but inefficient and aesthetically displeasing solution. The homeowner envisioned a more organized, built-in mudroom closet that would elevate the space’s utility and appearance.

Mudroom Before Ikea Hack Mudroom Bench Installation, Remodelaholic

After a few years of makeshift storage, the client was ready for a permanent, organized mudroom closet solution and reached out for my expertise. They had previously explored designs and received a quote from a local cabinet maker for a custom corner mudroom bench and cabinet unit. However, they were looking for a simpler design and a more budget-friendly option. Our IKEA hack mudroom design perfectly met their requirements, delivering a custom look at a fraction of the cost.

How To Build A Mudroom Bench From Ikea Cabinets Remodelaholic

Considering their preferred aesthetic and specific storage needs, I conceptualized this IKEA mudroom design featuring a comfortable bench flanked by two tall, functional storage cabinets. The design incorporated six deep drawers, perfect for neatly stowing away shoes and boots, ensuring everything has its designated place. I will also demonstrate how you can easily modify this design to include tall lockers instead of closed cabinets, offering flexible mudroom storage solutions tailored to your preference.

IKEA Hack vs. Building From Scratch: The Smart Choice for DIYers

A common question we receive is: Why do we often opt for an IKEA hack over building a custom piece from scratch?

Our straightforward answer is always: it comes down to time and money! Every DIY project, regardless of its scale, requires a careful balance of these two crucial resources. While custom-designed and built cabinets or furniture can offer unparalleled personalization, they demand significant investment in time for design, construction, and finishing (like painting or staining), not to mention the higher cost of premium materials. This approach is ideal if you have ample spare time for hands-on work or a generous budget to engage professional services.

However, if you’re seeking that perfect balance between managing your time and budget while still achieving a durable, high-quality finished product, an IKEA hack is your ideal solution. These IKEA mudroom cabinets not only deliver a stunning aesthetic but also provide a significantly more affordable alternative to fully custom-built options. The modular nature and standardized sizes of IKEA cabinets simplify the design process, allowing you to easily visualize and plan various configurations, whether you envision mudroom lockers or cabinets with deep drawers as featured in this project. You can sketch your own ideas or utilize the IKEA kitchen planner to bring your dream mudroom cabinet setup to life.

Explore Some of Our Favorite IKEA Hacks:

  • Faux Built-In IKEA Entryway Shelf: Achieve custom-look storage without the custom price tag.
  • Flip-Top IKEA Desk Hack: A versatile desk for shared kids’ spaces with clever hidden storage.
  • IKEA Cube Shelf to Drawers: Transform simple cube shelving into functional drawer storage.
  • IKEA Platform Bed Using Kallax Shelves: A creative way to build a platform bed with integrated storage.
  • Upgrade: Closet to Built-In Wardrobe: Maximize closet space with a sophisticated IKEA PAX system.
Plus, discover our 6 favorite IKEA furniture pieces perfect for hacking!

Essential IKEA Mudroom Bench Components Used

To recreate this functional and beautiful mudroom storage system, here are the key IKEA Sektion components utilized in our design:

Ikea Mudroom Bench And Cabinets Mockup Supply List DIY Tutorial, Remodelaholic
  • Side Cabinets with Deep Drawers:
    • 2 x Sektion/Maximera high cabinets (each including a door, 2 fronts, 4 drawers, and 1 shelf) – measuring 24″ W x 15″ D x 80″ H. These units provide extensive storage capacity, perfect for larger items.
  • Mudroom Bench:
    • 2 x Sektion wall cabinet frames – 18″W x 14-3/4″D x 15″ H. These form the base for our sturdy mudroom bench.
    • 2 x Maximera drawers – 18″ W x 14 3/4″ D. Integrated into the bench for easy-access shoe storage.
    • 2 x Axstad drawer fronts – 18″ W x 15″ H. Providing a sleek, finished look to the bench drawers.

*Note: Our mockup illustrations sometimes show an IKEA Sektion wall cabinet frame oriented sideways as an alternative material for the wooden shelf/top shelf, offering a different design possibility.

Read More: Our Favorite IKEA Furniture to Hack

Customizing Your Mudroom: How to Create IKEA Mudroom Lockers

If your storage needs lean more towards an open locker style rather than closed cabinets with drawers, IKEA’s modular system offers easy adaptability. You can simply swap the 24″ Sektion high cabinets for 2x 15″ Sektion high cabinets, which are available in both 80″ and 90″ heights. Opting for four narrower high cabinets to create a locker system can actually lead to significant cost savings—potentially cutting your IKEA material expenses by half compared to the original cabinet and drawer configuration!

  • Ikea Mudroom Bench And 80 Inch Lockers Mockup Supply List DIY Tutorial, Remodelaholic
    IKEA mudroom bench and 80″ lockers
  • Ikea Mudroom Bench And 90 Inch Lockers Mockup Supply List DIY Tutorial, Remodelaholic
    IKEA mudroom bench and 90″ lockers with drawer shelf

Each high cabinet can be efficiently divided into two distinct locker spaces (one top, one bottom). You have the flexibility to customize these lockers further by installing shelves, drawers, or both, depending on your specific storage needs. For a tidy appearance, you can choose to leave the lockers open or add doors to conceal coats, bags, and other items, maintaining a clean and organized mudroom aesthetic.

*Note: This mockup shows an IKEA Sektion wall cabinet frame turned sideways in place of the wooden shelf/top shelf, presenting an alternative material option for your design.

DIY IKEA Mudroom Bench Dimensions & Space Planning

Our custom-designed and installed mudroom bench and cabinet built-in measures an impressive 84″ W x 83″ H x 15-1/2″ D. This configuration was specifically tailored for a client’s mudroom, which, despite its modest footprint of 5’x10′ and a 9-foot ceiling, provided the perfect canvas for a streamlined, one-wall small mudroom bench and cabinet setup. It demonstrates that even limited spaces can be transformed into highly functional and attractive storage areas.

IKEA Mudroom Bench And Cabinet DIY Tutorial Dimensions Remodelaholic

Need Smart Shoe Storage Solutions for Small Spaces?

  • Consider building this vertical shoe cubby shelf, an ingenious design inspired by vintage mail sorters.
  • Alternatively, craft your own versatile rolling shoe storage bench for flexible organization.
  • Utilize reclaimed materials to build a unique ladder for heeled shoe storage.
  • Maximize your closet space by adding clever shoe storage directly to the wall.
Explore 10 more innovative shoe storage ideas designed for small spaces!

DIY IKEA Mudroom Bench & Cabinet Cost Breakdown

One of the most compelling advantages of an IKEA hack is the significant cost savings it offers without compromising on a custom aesthetic. For this particular IKEA mudroom bench with built-in cabinets, the total material cost was impressively affordable. The IKEA components amounted to approximately $2000, providing the foundational structure and drawer systems. An additional $300 was spent at a local home improvement store like Home Depot for supplementary lumber, shiplap, paint, stain, and the melamine top shelf. Since the client already possessed the necessary hardware, the grand total for all materials came in under $2500. This is a remarkable value, especially when compared to the initial quote of around $4500 received from a professional cabinet maker for a similar custom mudroom solution. This IKEA hack truly delivers tons of storage at an accessible price point.

See More: 25 High-Class IKEA Hacks That Look Custom

DIY IKEA Mudroom Bench: Time to Build and Install

The entire process of designing, preparing, and installing this IKEA mudroom bench and cabinet combination spanned approximately 32 hours, distributed over 5-6 working days. To minimize disruption at the client’s home, I dedicated about 16 hours to prep work in my workshop, focusing on building and staining components. This off-site work significantly streamlined the on-site installation. Subsequently, I spent another 16-20 hours over several days at the client’s house assembling the IKEA cabinets and drawers, and meticulously installing the built-in unit. For those undertaking this project in their own home, the total time might be slightly less, as you have the flexibility to build components directly in place, rather than transporting them.

Ikea Mudroom Bench DIY With Storage Cabinet Drawers, Remodelaholic
hidden drawers inside the cabinet doors provide plenty of storage

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build a Mudroom Bench with Drawers using IKEA Cabinets

Ready to create your own organized oasis with a mudroom bench featuring convenient storage drawers? Follow this detailed guide to replicate the materials and process used for this successful IKEA mudroom hack. This design creates a mudroom bench with six deep drawers, flanked by two large cabinets, each thoughtfully equipped with two additional drawers and a shelf inside for maximum utility.

IKEA Mudroom Bench Materials List

To construct this custom mudroom bench and locker storage unit (approx. 7 feet wide), capable of accommodating 6 deep shoe drawers and providing extensive cabinet storage, you will need the following:

  • Side Cabinets (QTY 2): 24″ x 80″ SEKTION/MAXIMERA high cabinets with door/4 drawers/2 fronts/1 shelf (IKEA 393.536.56). Each cabinet includes:
    • (1) 24″ x 14-3/4 x 80″ SEKTION High Cabinet Frame (IKEA 402.654.37)
    • (1) 24″ x 50” AXSTAD Door (IKEA 604.260.81)
    • (2) 24″ x 15″ AXSTAD Drawer Fronts (IKEA 304.260.68)
    • (4) 24″ x 14-3/4″ MAXIMERA Medium Drawers (IKEA 402.656.68)
    • (2) UTRUSTA 153° Hinges w/Built-In Damper (IKEA 104.272.62)
    • (2) 24″ UTRUSTA Medium Drawer Front (IKEA 202.656.31) (for internal drawers)
    • (1) 24″ x 14-3/4″ UTRUSTA Shelf (IKEA 102.655.23) (for internal shelf)
  • Bench Cabinet Frames (QTY 2): 18″ x 14 3/4″ x 40″ SEKTION Wall Cabinet Frames (IKEA 602.654.55)
  • Bench Drawers (QTY 2): 18″ x 14-3/4″ MAXIMERA Medium Drawers (IKEA 202.656.74)
  • Bench Drawer Fronts (QTY 2): 18″ x 15″ AXSTAD Drawer Fronts (IKEA 904.260.65)
  • Optional: (1) 84″ SEKTION suspension rail (IKEA 602.615.27). Instead of the rail, I securely anchored the cabinets directly to the drywall using (4) 3/16 in. x 2 in. Toggle Bolts Round Head Spring Wing.
  • Wood & Finishing Materials:
    • (1) 8′ – 3/4″ x 15-3/4″ white melamine shelf board (for the top shelf)
    • (1) roll 3/4″ white iron-on edge tape (to finish exposed edges of the melamine board)
    • (3) 8′ – 2×6 boards (for the bench top and the upper open shelf)
    • (3) 8’ – 2×4 boards (for the sturdy base frame)
    • (1) 8’ – 1×4 MDF board (for base trim to match existing baseboards)
    • (7) 8′ – 6″ primed MDF shiplap boards (for the stylish backing)
    • (9 feet) 1/2″ x 4″ cove crown molding (for a polished top finish)
    • (32 feet) 7/16 in. x 1-1/4 in. prefinished MDF stop molding (for additional trim details)
    • (1) 8′ – 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ primed MDF board (for top cabinet shelf support)
  • Hardware & Accessories:
    • (8) decorative hardware pulls (client provided their own)
    • (3) double coat hooks (for convenient hanging storage)
  • Fasteners & Adhesives:
    • 3-inch wood screws (for assembling the base frame and attaching to wall studs)
    • 1 1/4″ wood screws (to securely join IKEA cabinets; screws included with cabinets can be used)
    • (16) 1 1/2″ pocket hole screws (for strong, concealed wood joints)
  • Paint & Stain:
    • (2) cans white satin spray paint (Rustoleum Blossom White offers an almost perfect match to IKEA white)
    • (1) 8 oz interior wood stain (Espresso shade for rich contrast)
    • 1 quart satin polyurethane (for durable protection and a smooth finish)
    • (2) 1-inch disposable foam paint brushes (for stain and poly application)

Tools Needed for Your IKEA Mudroom Bench Project

Gathering the right tools before you begin will ensure a smooth and efficient building process. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Table Saw or Circular Saw with Edge Guide (for precise cuts on larger boards)
  • Compound Miter Saw (for accurate angle cuts on trim and shiplap)
  • Hammer (for general carpentry tasks)
  • Drill (essential for pre-drilling holes and driving screws)
  • Brad Nailer (for attaching shiplap and trim with minimal visible fasteners)
  • Pin Nailer (for delicate trim work and preventing splits)
  • Paint tray, paint brushes, and a foam roller (for efficient and smooth paint application)
  • Kreg Jig pocket hole jig (for creating strong, hidden joints in your wooden bench components)
  • Long bar clamps (essential for holding glued wood pieces securely while drying)

Note: For client projects, I often meticulously measure, pre-build the cabinet base, mudroom bench top, and shelf, and pre-paint all trim in my workshop to minimize on-site time and disruption. For DIYers working in their own homes, the following steps are presented in a sequence that allows for building in place, which can often be more convenient and efficient.

Step 1: Construct the Robust Cabinet Base

The foundation of any successful built-in unit is a sturdy and level base. For this IKEA mudroom bench cabinet, we begin by constructing a base frame using 2×4 lumber. This approach ensures the entire unit is level, provides substantial support for the cabinets, and creates a seamless transition for extending existing baseboard trim—a detail crucial for achieving a professional, built-in appearance. We utilized a similar technique with 2x6s for our faux IKEA built-in in the entryway.

When designing your mudroom bench, meticulously consider the optimal seating height. A bench that is either too tall or too short will not offer comfortable seating for putting on or taking off shoes. If you plan to incorporate a cushion, remember to factor its thickness into your overall height calculations. A comfortable, standard bench height typically ranges from 18 to 20 inches.

To ensure our new baseboards aligned perfectly with the existing 4″ baseboards in the room, I carefully ripped 1/2″ off the 2x4s using a table saw. This reduced the base height from 3 1/2″ to 3″, achieving a precise match. The base itself is a simple 2×4 frame designed with strategic supports where the cabinet edges will rest. For this particular setup, the base measured 84″ x 14.5”. I cut two long sides at 84″ and five support pieces at 12″. Position one support at each end of the frame. Then, center additional supports in the middle and at 24″ in from each end. These precisely placed supports will ensure maximum stability and proper alignment for your IKEA cabinets.

Build Cabinet Base For Mudroom Bench Ikea Cabinets, Remodelaholic
My table saw workbench makes a great work surface for projects like this, providing a stable platform for precise cuts!

Step 2: Install and Level the Cabinet Base

Before positioning your newly constructed cabinet base, carefully remove any existing baseboards from the wall area where your built-in unit will be installed. If you manage to remove them without damage, you might even be able to reuse them later, saving both time and material. Once the area is clear, gently set the base frame in its intended location. Ensure it is perfectly square with the walls, remembering that most walls are rarely perfectly straight. This might require slight adjustments and the strategic use of shims. Use a level extensively to verify that the base is perfectly horizontal. Once leveled, secure the base firmly to the wall using 3″ wood screws, driving them into upright wall studs wherever possible. If studs are not accessible in certain areas, you can anchor the base directly to the bottom plate of the wall studs, ensuring a rock-solid foundation for your mudroom system.

Install Cabinet Base For Ikea Mudroom Bench Cabinets Drawers, Remodelaholic

Step 3: Assemble and Secure Cabinet Frames

With the base securely in place, proceed to assemble the IKEA cabinet frames. This includes the two Sektion high cabinet frames that will flank the bench, and the two Sektion wall cabinet frames that will form the core of the mudroom bench itself. Carefully follow the detailed instructions provided by IKEA for each component. While optional, you may choose to reinforce the dowel connections with a small amount of wood glue for added durability, though this step was omitted in this particular project. Once assembled, position one high cabinet frame at each end of your prepared base frame. Carefully place the two wall cabinet frames between the high cabinets, which will define the seating area of your mudroom bench. It is crucial to ensure that all cabinets are perfectly level (horizontally), plumb (vertically), and square. Achieve squareness by measuring the diagonal lengths of the open space—adjust until both diagonals are identical. Finally, secure the cabinets to the wooden base frame using 2-3″ screws, placed in areas that will be concealed by the drawers. Attach the cabinets to each other with the 1 1/4″ screws provided by IKEA, and fasten them to the wall using toggle bolts for robust anchoring (or to the cabinet suspension rail if you opted to use one).

Assemble And Install Ikea Cabinet Frames For Mudroom Bench With Storage, Remodelaholic

Step 4: Install the Upper Melamine Shelf

Begin by cutting your white melamine shelf board to the precise length required for your mudroom unit. If any edges of the melamine board are unfinished (typically the shorter ends), apply white iron-on edge banding. This step is crucial for two reasons: it neatly conceals the particle board core, providing a clean, finished appearance, and it adds stability, making it easier to attach the crown molding later without risking damage to the particle board. Once prepared, carefully place the melamine shelf on top of the two upper cabinets. Secure it in place by driving 1 1/2″ screws upwards through the melamine and into the upright sides of the cabinet frames. Ensure the shelf is perfectly aligned and level before fastening it permanently, creating a solid and visually appealing top for your mudroom system.

Install Top Shelf Of Ikea Mudroom Bench Cabinets, Remodelaholic

Step 5: Craft the Mudroom Bench Top and Upper Shelf from Wood

For a durable and aesthetically pleasing mudroom bench top and upper shelf, we chose to construct them from 2×6 lumber, joined together using pocket holes to form solid slabs. An alternative method, if you prefer not to use a table saw, would be to use two layers of plywood glued together and finished with edge banding, requiring only a circular saw for cuts. To start, use a table saw to meticulously trim off the rounded factory edges from all the 2×6 boards. Cut six boards to a length of 36 inches. Then, drill four pocket holes along one long edge of two of the three boards for each slab. Apply wood glue generously along the edges to be joined, then connect the boards using the pocket holes and 1 1/2″ pocket hole screws. This creates a strong, concealed joint for your bench and shelf surfaces.

Assemble DIY Mudroom Bench Top And Shelf From Boards, Remodelaholic

While the wood glue cures, utilize long bar clamps to hold the joined boards perfectly square and tight. As shown in the video, placing a thin piece of scrap wood between the clamps and the front edges of your boards can prevent denting and preserve a pristine finish. Once the glue has completely dried, meticulously sand the bench top and shelf to achieve a smooth surface, preparing them for finishing. Apply two coats of Espresso stain for a rich, deep color, allowing adequate drying time between coats. Finally, seal the stained wood with a satin polyurethane finish, providing both protection and a beautiful, subtle sheen. After the stain has dried and the sealer has fully cured, dry-fit both the bench top and the shelf in their respective positions. Use clamps and scrap wood pieces to temporarily hold the upper shelf in place, verifying a perfect fit. Trim the depth of the shelf if necessary to ensure it aligns with the cabinet fronts, allowing for a slight overhang. At this stage, do not permanently install the bench top or shelf; they will be secured in a later step after the shiplap and trim are in place.

Glue And Clamp Edge Join Boards For Mudroom Bench Seat Top And Shelf, Remodelaholic
You can see in the video that when I clamped the pieces together, I used a thin piece of wood to protect the front edges from being dented by the clamps.
Stain Mudroom Bench Seat And Shelf Between Cabinets, Remodelaholic

Step 6: Install Shiplap Backing and Trim

While optional, integrating a shiplap backing significantly enhances the built-in unit’s aesthetic appeal, lending it a more custom and less “cabinet-stuck-on-the-wall” look. Begin by measuring and precisely cutting your shiplap boards to a length of 36 inches. Paint the shiplap boards to your desired color and allow them to dry thoroughly. Once dry, install the shiplap panels above the mudroom bench area. Start from the bottom, ensuring the first board is perfectly level, then work your way upwards, continuously checking for levelness with each successive board. For this project, the first shiplap board was strategically placed behind the bench top for a cohesive finish. However, you can opt to start above the bench if preferred, but remember to account for this choice in the depth of your bench top and the required height of your shiplap boards. We securely attached each shiplap board using a pin nailer into the wall studs; a brad nailer would also be suitable. Lastly, use a table saw to carefully trim the uppermost shiplap board to ensure it fits snugly and precisely beneath the top shelf, completing the seamless appearance of your mudroom’s focal point.

Install Shiplap Behind Ikea Cabinet Mudroom Bench, Remodelaholic

Step 7: Add Elegant Crown Molding

To give your built-in mudroom unit a refined and finished appearance, the addition of crown molding is key. Begin by carefully cutting the crown molding pieces to fit along the top edge of the upper shelf and down the exposed side of the cabinet unit. For best results, pre-paint the trim before installation. Once painted and dry, install the crown molding securely around the front and the one visible side of the built-in cabinets. Use a brad nailer for clean fastening, ensuring the nails are set just below the surface. After the molding is installed, use wood filler to meticulously fill any visible nail holes, then sand smooth. Finally, touch up any painted areas on the shiplap or trim as needed, making sure all surfaces are immaculate and professionally finished.

Install Crown Molding On Ikea Mudroom Bench Cabinets, Remodelaholic

Use wood filler to meticulously fill any visible nail holes, creating a seamless surface, and then touch up any paint on the shiplap or trim for a flawless finish.

Step 8: Secure the Mudroom Bench Top

Now it’s time to permanently install the beautifully stained bench top. Carefully place the bench top onto the top of the Sektion wall cabinet frames. It should fit snugly between the two flanking high cabinet frames, creating a unified and robust seating area. To ensure maximum stability and durability, secure the bench top in place using 2″ screws. Drive these screws upwards from beneath, through the top panel of the wall cabinet frames and into the bottom of the bench top. This method creates strong, invisible fasteners that will keep your bench top firmly in place for years of use.

Mudroom Bench Shelf DIY From Ikea Cabinets, Remodelaholic
The beautifully finished mudroom bench top, ready for daily use.

Step 9: Install the Upper Shelf Above the Bench

To install the upper shelf, first determine your preferred height. Use clamps and scrap wood pieces (or repurposed materials, like leftover pieces from a vinyl deck porch railing, as was done in this project) to temporarily hold the shelf at the desired height. This particular shelf was positioned about 15″ below the top melamine shelf, providing ample clearance for easily accessible baskets while maintaining approximately 50″ of head clearance for comfortable seating on the bench below. Once the shelf is perfectly positioned and level, secure it using 3″ screws, driving them through the sides of the adjacent high cabinet frames and into the edges of the stained shelf. Predrill holes to prevent wood splitting. For enhanced durability and peace of mind regarding the shelf’s strength, you might consider adding a painted 1×2 support piece directly beneath the back edge of the shelf. This extra support will significantly increase its stability and weight-bearing capacity.

Trim And Install 2x6 Shelf In Ikea Mudroom Bench Cabinet Unit, Remodelaholic

Step 10: Assemble Drawers and Install Cabinet Shelves

With the main cabinet structure firmly in place, it’s time to focus on the heart of your mudroom’s organization: the drawers. Refer back to your IKEA assembly instructions for each drawer component. You will assemble a total of 10 drawers, configuring them as follows: four 24″ Maximera drawers fitted with 24″ Utrusta drawer fronts (these will be the hidden drawers located inside the tall cabinets, behind the doors); four 24″ Maximera drawers paired with 24″ Axstad drawer fronts (these are the visible, deep drawers in the side cabinets, ideal for shoes); and two 18″ Maximera drawers with 18″ Axstad drawer fronts (these form the convenient pull-out storage within the mudroom bench itself). Install each drawer system according to the provided IKEA instructions, ensuring smooth operation. A helpful tip: consider leaving the protective film on the drawer fronts until you are completely ready to install the hardware. This will prevent scratches and smudges during the assembly process, keeping your new mudroom looking pristine.

Install Drawers In Ikea Cabinets For Mudroom Bench With Shoe Storage Drawers, Remodelaholic

Step 11: Install Cabinet Doors for a Clean Look

Once your internal drawers and shelves are in place, attach the Utrusta hinges to the cabinet doors. Carefully install the doors onto the tall Sektion cabinets. Take the time to adjust the hinges as needed, ensuring that each door hangs perfectly straight and level. This attention to detail will significantly contribute to the professional, built-in appearance of your mudroom. Just as with the drawer fronts, it’s a good practice to keep the protective film on the cabinet doors until you are ready to install the hardware. This safeguards the surfaces from any accidental marks or damage during installation and adjustment. After installation, we opted to slightly trim the depth of the upper shelf and reinstall it, ensuring it didn’t protrude beyond the new cabinet doors for a flush, integrated finish.

Install Mudroom Bench Shelf, Remodelaholic
After installing the doors, we decided to trim the shelf and re-install it so it didn’t stick out past the cabinet doors, achieving a perfectly flush finish.

Step 12: Add Final Trim Details

The final touches of trim work are essential for achieving that polished, built-in aesthetic. Begin by cutting the baseboard trim to precisely fit the front and any exposed side of your new mudroom cabinet unit, including any corner wall sections. Pre-paint the trim if necessary to match your existing décor or the cabinet finish. To install the bottom trim, you will need to temporarily remove the lowest drawers from the cabinet unit. Once the baseboard is in place, you can re-install the drawers. Next, cut and install stop molding to fit neatly behind the cabinet door, flush against the wall. This small detail helps to seal the gap and enhances the built-in feel. After all trim pieces are installed, meticulously touch up any nail holes with wood filler and paint as needed. The final, crucial step is to caulk all seams where trim meets the wall or other trim pieces. Caulking creates a seamless transition, hiding imperfections and making your mudroom unit truly look like it was custom-built into the space.

Add Doors And Baseboard Trim To Ikea Cabinets For Mudroom Storage Bench, Remodelaholic

Step 13: Install Door and Drawer Hardware and Hooks

The final step in completing your DIY IKEA mudroom bench is adding the hardware and hooks that bring both functionality and style. Measure and accurately mark the precise locations for all door and drawer pulls. Using a specialized jig for hardware installation can make this step remarkably quick and ensure consistent placement. It’s highly recommended to keep the protective film on the drawer and door fronts during the marking and drilling process. This precaution helps prevent any accidental scratches or damage. Once all holes are drilled, carefully remove the protective film before attaching the hardware. Install all drawer pulls and cabinet pulls, ensuring they are tightly secured. Finally, measure and mark the positions for the coat hooks above the mudroom bench. For this project, the hooks were installed 8-9 inches below the upper shelf, with one hook centered and the others evenly spaced approximately 8-9 inches apart to each side. These details transform your assembled cabinets into a fully functional and beautifully finished mudroom drop zone.

Install Custom Hardware On Ikea Mudroom Bench Cabinets Drawers, Remodelaholic
Install Mudroom Hooks Above Bench Made From Ikea Cabinets, Remodelaholic

And with that, your custom-built IKEA mudroom bench and cabinets are complete! You can now move in your family’s shoes, coats, and other accessories, enjoying the newfound organization. The deep drawers from IKEA are incredibly spacious, perfect for accommodating both kids’ and adult shoes, as well as purses and tote bags. The cleverly integrated inner hidden shelves and drawers offer dedicated spots for gloves, mittens, and all those miscellaneous items that often accumulate in a busy mudroom drop zone.

DIY IKEA Hack Mudroom Bench Cabinets With Storage Drawers, Remodelaholic

This DIY IKEA hack has not only transformed a cluttered space into an organized haven but has also added significant value and style to the home. The seamless integration and custom feel make it indistinguishable from a high-end, professionally installed system.

DIY Ikea Hack Built In Mudroom Bench Cabinets, Remodelaholic

What are your thoughts on this IKEA hack mudroom bench? Do you envision a similar custom storage solution in your home’s future? We’d love to hear your questions and comments below!

More Creative DIY Mudroom Organizing Ideas

Whether you’re blessed with a spacious dedicated mudroom, a compact closet, or just a corner in your entryway, we have a wealth of innovative ideas to help you conquer clutter and achieve perfect organization:

  • DIY Hall Tree Coat Rack: Build a stylish and functional hall tree featuring a double row of hooks for maximum hanging storage.
  • Creating a Mudroom + Bench in Our Small Entryway: Discover how to transform even the smallest entry space into a functional mudroom with integrated seating.
  • DIY Entryway Mudroom Locker Plans: Get detailed plans to build individual mudroom cubbies, perfect for assigning personal storage spaces.
  • Build a Corner Mudroom Bench + Shelf: Maximize awkward corner spaces with a clever built-in bench and shelf combo.
  • Upcycled Dresser into Mudroom Bench: Learn how to repurpose an old dresser into a charming and practical mudroom bench with storage.
  • 45 Mudroom Benches to Buy or DIY: Explore a vast collection of mudroom bench ideas, from ready-to-buy options to inspiring DIY projects.
How To Build A Mudroom Bench From Ikea Cabinets And Drawers For Shoe Storage, Remodelaholic