When we moved into our home, our mudroom was a major problem. This small hallway off our garage should have been the perfect drop zone for shoes, coats, bags, and daily essentials. Instead, it was full of dead space. The original closet was tiny and dark, with no light inside, making it almost impossible to see anything. To make matters worse, the closet door opened right into the powder room door, which made it even less functional. Naturally, it became a dumping ground we never used.

I knew something had to change.

So I decided to create a DIY mudroom bench with storage using IKEA Pax cabinets. The goal was to maximize storage, make the space functional, and give it a polished, built-in look — all on a budget.

Before: A Space That Wasn’t Working

Before the makeover, the mudroom had a small bump-out closet and a coat rack/bench from Target. While the coat rack was functional, the layout was not.

Because we and our guests enter through the garage, this space was the first thing people saw — and it wasn’t a great first impression.

The closet was small and dark, and the door configuration made it even less usable. It became a cluttered dumping ground instead of a functional entryway.

The Big Change: Removing the Closet

Before installing the cabinets, we had to open up the space. I removed the wall and closet studs to create a more functional layout.

And honestly? I couldn’t believe the difference.

Why I Removed the Closet

Removing the closet gave us room for a custom built-in look and allowed us to maximize the mudroom’s full potential. If your mudroom has a similar layout, this is the step that will change everything.

Step-by-Step Demolition

Disclaimer: I am not a professional, but here are the steps I used. Always consult a professional if you’re unsure about structural changes.

Step 1: Remove Drywall

I started with a multitool to cut into the drywall. While this worked, a reciprocating saw (Sawzall) made the process much faster. Pull off larger pieces as you go.

Pro Tip: Save larger pieces of drywall for patching later — no need to buy new drywall for small repairs!

Step 2: Remove Studs

Removing the studs was the most challenging part. I used a Sawzall with a wood blade and cut the 2x4s into manageable pieces. I went through about 8–10 blades, using nail embedded wood blades that could tackle both the wood and nails all at once.

Pro Tip: Always wear safety gear — mask, safety glasses, and noise-canceling headphones.

Step 3: Patch the Walls

Once the closet was removed, I patched the ceiling and wall next to the bathroom door using the saved drywall and 2x4s. I skipped patching the wall that would be covered by the cabinets.

Preparing the IKEA Cabinets

I’ve used IKEA Pax cabinets before in our playroom/office makeover, so I knew they would be perfect for this project.

Step 1: Add Extra Strength

I always use wood glue when assembling IKEA cabinets. It adds stability, especially for high-use spaces like mudrooms.

Step 2: Prime Before Painting

Proper prep is key. I used Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer to ensure the paint adhered properly. Standard primers won’t stick as well to IKEA surfaces.

I painted my cabinets SW Carnelian, a rich maroon-brown that elevated the space.

Step 3: Sand Between Coats

Lightly sand between primer and paint layers for a smooth finish.

Step 4: Assemble

Follow IKEA’s instructions to assemble the cabinets after painting.

Building the Bench (Optional)

To maximize storage in our 9-foot ceiling mudroom, I added a bench at the bottom. Full transparency: the bench isn’t fully functional yet — it was built for drawers, but I haven’t finished that part.

Here’s how I built the bench:

Cut plywood to size for a box-like bench.
Used pocket holes for vertical pieces (future drawer dividers).
Secured vertical pieces to the top with pocket screws and wood glue.
Added wood at the back for stability so the structure doesn’t shift over time.

Cabinets, Doors & Trim

After the bench was complete, I installed the cabinets on top and customized the doors.

Key Steps

Screw cabinets into studs to prevent tipping.
Separate top and bottom cabinets using a coordinating shelf.
Cut doors to size with painter’s tape to prevent cracking.
Elevate doors by adding trim with liquid nails.
Caulk seams and fill corners with wood filler.
Apply edge banding to cover raw cut edges.
Attach doors and frame lockers with 1x2s.

The white pieces you see are where I trimmed out the cabinets to give them an inset look.

Customized Cabinet for Dog Bowls

Custom Cabinet for Dog Bowls

To make the space even more functional, I customized a stock cabinet from Home Depot for our dog bowls.

Steps Included

Drill holes and use a jigsaw to create cutouts.
Tile the area for easy cleaning (you can also paint or stain). Check out my easy, go-to tile tutorial!
Add a plywood top to create a small drop zone for keys, mail, and essentials as you enter.

Finishing Touches

Finally, I finished the mudroom with:

Contact paper from Amazon for a granite/soapstone look (you can also paint or stain wood)
Shiplap on sidewalls for character
Wallpaper and floor tiles added later (check those posts too!)

The result is a functional, stylish mudroom bench with storage and a polished finish — perfect for daily use and welcoming guests.

I added the wallpaper (tutorial here) and floor tiles later on. Check out those posts as well!

Estimated Cost + Timeline

Estimated Cost: $700–$1,200 (depending on cabinet size, trim, and finishes)
Estimated Time: 2–3 weekends (including demolition, painting, and installation)

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cabinets don’t sit flush:
Check your wall for unevenness and use shims to level the cabinets.

If your doors don’t align:
Adjust the hinges and make sure the cabinet is square.

If the paint is peeling:
Make sure you used a shellac-based primer and sanded between coats.

Products Used:

FAQ

Q: What tools do I need for this IKEA Pax mudroom bench project?
A: You’ll need basic demolition tools (multitool or reciprocating saw), woodworking tools (table saw, miter saw, jigsaw), and assembly tools (drill, brad nailer, caulk gun). Safety gear like a mask, safety glasses, and hearing protection is also essential.

Q: Do I need to remove the closet to build this mudroom bench?
A: Not necessarily — removing the closet is what allowed you to maximize space in your specific layout. If your mudroom already has usable space, you can skip demolition and simply build the bench and install the Pax cabinets.

Q: Can I build this mudroom bench without a table saw?
A: Yes. You can purchase pre-cut plywood or have the pieces cut at Home Depot or Lowe’s. You can also use a circular saw or track saw as an alternative.

Q: Why did you use wood glue when assembling the IKEA cabinets?
A: Wood glue strengthens the cabinets and prevents wobbling, which is especially important in a high-traffic area like a mudroom. It also helps the cabinets feel more “built-in.”

Q: Can I paint IKEA cabinets without priming?
A: It’s possible, but not recommended. Standard primers often don’t adhere well to IKEA cabinet surfaces. We recommend a shellac-based primer (like Zinsser BIN) for long-lasting paint adhesion.

Q: Can I use different cabinet sizes instead of IKEA Pax?
A: Absolutely. IKEA Pax is a great option because of its customization and affordability, but any cabinet system can work as long as it fits your space and is properly secured to studs.

Q: How do I keep the mudroom organized once it’s built?
A: Add labeled baskets or bins, hooks for backpacks and coats, and a small tray or bowl for keys and mail. This helps keep clutter from building up again. Ikea also has SO many good options for organizational items that fit perfectly with the Pax Units.

DIY Mudroom Bench with Storage Using IKEA Pax Hack