The last time I talked about progress in the mudroom I said I thought my next step would be painting the doors to the driveway and garage black. But I decided to dive into the building of the mudroom bench and lockers instead and I am so excited about how they’re turning out. I spent a lot of time measuring and planning this unit to make it as big as possible without interfering with the doorways on either side.
The bench fits so the door to the driveway (to the right) can still swing all the way open, and I mirrored that setback on the left side that leads into the kitchen. The locker sides come out 7 1/4″, which still leaves an open line of sight through the room, but gives enough visual division that it will neaten the look when coats and bags are hung.
My favorite detail so far is the wrapped edges – it’s done with simple 1x3s but I love the chunky, finished look it gives the unit. Little details like this make the difference between a really polished final piece and one that looks a bit amateur.
I still need to add some 1×2 trim pieces along all the skinny exposed edges, and a few 1×3 pieces along the tops of the lockers to cover where I removed existing trim. I also need to center the hooks in the lockers and add a few additional hooks for extra hanging in each one. And then the most dreaded task in this whole process…priming and painting. I am really, really torn about whether to paint these white (like I’d always planned) or green (like in the photo I shared yesterday).
Here’s a side-by-side look at how much these lockers and bench have changed the look of the mudroom already.
What’s your opinion on the color for the lockers and bench? Classic white? Or a rich, deep green? My biggest temptation with the green is how much better it will be at hiding the dirt and scuffs. And I really do love the look of the painted mudroom lockers I shared yesterday. You can see the whole post here:
Jennifer, I LOVE your new locker. It is going to be so good in that space. White or green. Hmmm. I would start out making it green and then after a few years, or months I might go white. That is my usual MO. Start out colorful, then tone it down after I get it out of my system :) I would LOVE to see it in Green :) – Katja
Ha! That is totally me too – I am so drawn to color and then tend to neutralize down the road :) I’m going to look at paints today!
White, please.
I am really struggling with the decision! So many people have told me how scuffed and dirty their white mudroom benches and such have gotten, but then I have always loved that look. I’m usually a quick decision maker around the house but this one has me stumped. Thanks for putting your two cents in!
You’re welcome!
This looks so great Jennifer. I have to send this post to a client I’m working with….this would be perfect for their space and I love all that space underneath for boots for those of us lucky enough to have months of New England winter! Can’t wait to see this all done! Fun project.
It was a tricky spot to work with because of the shallow depth and not wanting to block either doorway but so far this low-profile layout is working great for us! Thanks, Lisa!
So good! You’re so talented and I say white…I know they can show stuff but go with oil based and I think you won’t regret it!
Ahhh, I haven’t stressed over a paint decision this much in a long time. I think because I know it’s going to be a pain to paint so I only want to do it once. I got a dusty green sample this weekend and burgundy one too that reminded me a bit of the color on your library shelves, need to try them out and see what I think. I love white mudrooms but dirty white is not as nice and my housekeeping skills are not awesome ;)
understandable! good luck!
Gwen Hefner
The Makerista
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