A mudroom is common in traditional homes. It is a secondary entrance dedicated to removing muddy boots and wet clothing. A mudroom bench is an essential piece of furniture for a mudroom.
It allows you to sit down and pull off your boots. Plus, it can also provide storage space. When you’re building a mudroom bench, you need to know its standard dimensions. That way, you can ensure that it will fit in the room. So, what is the standard dimension of a mudroom bench?
What is a Mudroom Bench?
A mudroom bench is used to sit while you put on or take off your shoes. A mudroom bench has several forms. A common form is a hall tree, which has hooks for your coats, umbrellas, and hats. Additionally, it also has cubbies, shelves, or drawers below the bench for your boots and shoes.
Mudroom Bench Dimensions
Ideally, a mudroom bench should have a height of 18 inches. As for the width, mudroom benches come in various widths, but the most common width is 36 to 48 inches. Lastly, this piece of furniture has a depth of around 14 to 17 inches.
Keep in mind that a mudroom bench is also used as a storage space. You can also place a hall tree in your mudroom, which is similar to a mudroom bench.
The difference is that it has a tall back that has a height of about 66 inches to 78 inches. Additionally, the back piece has hooks that allow you to hang hats and coats. Some models also have built-in storage areas.
Factors to Consider When Placing a Mudroom Bench
Space in Front of the Mudroom Bench
It is recommended that you set at least 20 inches of clearance in front of your mudroom bench to ensure that you have ample space to access all your items. This space is sufficient enough so that a person can sit on the bench while he put on or take off his shoes. Aside from that, the space will also allow someone to bend and get something out of the mudroom bench.
The recommended 20-inch clearance space is enough; however, it would be better if you could set more space. That way, you can put on or take off your coat with ease. Also, having more space in front of the bench will ensure that you can move comfortably around the room.
Space Above the Mudroom Bench
As mentioned, a mudroom bench can also provide storage space. As such, most mudroom benches are designed with a shelf or hooks above the bench.
Ideally, the space between the top of the bench to the bottom of the shelf should be 48 inches. This height is enough so that you can hang short coats. However, if you’re planning to hang long coats, you can position the hooks a bit higher. Another option is to hang some hooks on the wall. By doing this, you can prevent the coats from occupying the seating area.
Space Below the Mudroom Bench
In most cases, the area underneath the bench is used as a storage space for shoes. A boot tray is available in various sizes, including 20 inches by 15 inches, 34 inches by 16 inches, and 30 inches by 16 inches. Ideally, the boot tray should be able to fit below the mudroom bench.
One important note to remember is that you have to measure the depth from the front of your mudroom bench to the wall. By doing this, you can make sure that you’ll be able to hide the whole tray. If there is any trim or baseboard molding, you should also include them in your measurement.
Aside from that, it is also vital to consider the space between the bottom of the bench to the floor. That way, you can ensure that you have ample space for your boots and other shoes. Thus, it is also vital to measure your shoes before buying or building a mudroom bench. Typically, the average height of a work boot is about eight inches tall, while a tennis shoe has a height of around five inches.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Average Size of a Mudroom?
Typically, the average size of a mudroom is about six feet by six feet. Some homes may have a bigger room with a dimension of about seven feet by nine feet.
A mudroom can either be small or large, depending on your space. However, it has to be near an entryway so that it can serve its purpose. When designing a mudroom, you have to consider your lifestyle.
Aside from that, you also have to consider the things that you will bring when you go in and out of your home. As much as possible, there should be enough space for your belongings.
Can You Place a Mudroom Bench in a Closet?
If you have a closet close to your entryway, you can convert the closet into a mudroom. You can do this by removing the closet door and patching up the holes. You can also place a mudroom bench, depending on the size of your closet.
Ideally, you will need about three to four feet of space for the bench. Also, you need to follow the clearance dimensions so that you can move comfortably in the room.
Conclusion
When designing a mudroom, always remember that the dimensions are only part of the equation. Remember, your mudroom bench can’t function if it can’t accommodate all your belongings. As such, you also have to consider your belongings. Additionally, you also have to think about how you will organize your items.
For instance, you should consider what items you will put above, under, and near the mudroom bench. By doing this, you can ensure that there will be sufficient space for all the items in your mudroom.
