With the IKEA Pax cabinets installed, it was time to make the mudroom look truly custom. This is where the bench, trim, and finishing details came in.
These final touches are what turn basic cabinets into a built-in mudroom.
Building the Mudroom Bench (Optional)
Our mudroom has 9-foot ceilings, so I added a bench at the bottom to maximize storage.
Full transparency: the bench was built with drawers in mind, but I haven’t installed them yet.
How I Built the Bench:
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Cut plywood to size
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Created a box-style base
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Used pocket holes for vertical supports
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Secured everything with wood glue and screws
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Added a back support for stability
Even without drawers, the bench provides great storage.
Installing Cabinets Over the Bench
Once the bench was complete, the cabinets were installed on top and secured into studs to prevent tipping.
Adding Trim for a Built-In Look
Trim makes all the difference when you want to give the appearance of a custom built feature.
What I Did:
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Cut doors to size (painter’s tape helps prevent cracking)
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Added trim using liquid nails
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Caulked all seams
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Filled corners with wood filler
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Applied edge banding to raw edges
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Used 1x2s to frame each locker section
These steps give the cabinets an inset, custom appearance.
Custom Cabinet for Dog Bowls
I also customized a stock cabinet for our dog bowls. This help give them a designated space out of the way but still accessible for our pup!
Steps:
- Drill holes into the four corners of your desired opening
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Cut holes using a jigsaw (start in one of the holes you drilled)
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Tiled the surface for easy cleaning
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Added a plywood top for keys and mail
This small detail made the mudroom even more functional.
Final Finishing Touches
To complete the space, I added:
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Contact paper for a stone-look surface
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Shiplap on the side walls
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Wallpaper and tile (added later)
Each layer added character and warmth.
Final Results: Before & After
Before: A dark, cramped hallway with wasted space
After: A functional, stylish mudroom with storage and a built-in look
Helpful Tips Before You Start
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Uneven walls: Use shims
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Misaligned doors: Adjust hinges
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Paint peeling: Use shellac-based primer and sand between coats
FAQs
Q: Is a built-in mudroom bench necessary?
A: No, but a bench adds both function and style. It provides a place to sit while putting on shoes and creates additional storage opportunities.
Q: Can I add drawers to a mudroom bench later?
A: Yes. If you build the bench with future drawers in mind, you can easily add them later when time or budget allows.
Q: What trim gives cabinets a built-in look?
A: Using 1×2 boards, edge banding, caulk, and wood filler helps hide seams and gives cabinets a custom, inset appearance.
Q: How do I handle uneven walls when installing cabinets?
A: Uneven walls are common. Use shims to level cabinets and fill gaps with trim or caulk for a seamless finish.
Q: What are easy finishing touches that make a big impact?
A: Simple upgrades like contact paper, shiplap, wallpaper, and decorative trim can dramatically elevate a mudroom without a large budget. Also check out Amazon for some budget friendly, statement hardware for your cabinet doors and drawers!
Materials:
- Trim
- Brad Nailer
- Table Saw
- Miter Saw
- Jig Saw
- Edge Banding
- Liquid Nails
- Caulk Gun
- Wood Filler
- Contact Paper
- IKEA Doors
- Plywood
- Shiplap
- 1x2s
