23 boot room ideas that seamlessly blend style and function

Boot room ideas are more than just a functional room for your boots, outerwear, and accessories. They've evolved into stylish rooms that showcase your home's style – mixed with a hint of countryside chic.

A good boot room design really nails that balance. It should have all the practical elements that maximize all your storage ideas while still feeling stylish and clutter-free. Think closed storage, hooks for coats, and boot storage that keeps shoes off the floor.

There's a lot to consider when designing this utilitarian room – and a few things you might not even think to consider. To ensure you cover all bases, we've turned to designers to discover their best ideas and tips for designing the perfect space.

30 boot room ideas that are as functional is they are stylish

Whether your boot room is small, large, or merged with a laundry room, there are plenty of ideas here to make the most of it. From freestanding furniture to utilizing awkward nooks in your home, these designer-approved tips will help you to create a space that's as stylish as it is functional.

1. Put up hooks to dry coats easily

There are a few essentials that no boot room would be without – one of them being hooks for your coats and jackets. It's a simple addition that really adds to the functionality of your space and is a must-have for a clutter-free mudroom. Allocate each member of your household (including pets!) their own peg and storage space to keep the area neat and organized.

'Dry stuff can be kept behind cupboard doors, but it's good to have open storage when you're ticking off your boot room ideas, for air circulation and to avoid mildew,' advises interior designer Dee Gibson, of Velvet Orange.

Think about positioning hooks at head height for adults, plus a lower rail that children can reach easily. You might also want to consider designated hooks for wet and dry outerwear, too.

2. Build in shelves and baskets for storage

Shelving is another great way to create additional storage – and perhaps a bit of decor, too. In this boot room, shelves have been utilized for shoes, decor, and baskets filled with miscellaneous items. It's a simple way to keep a mudroom tidy while still feeling lived-in and personalized.

'Shelving can be used for display purposes as well as storage. Shelves can be accessorised with potted succulents or a simple large-scale scent diffuser,' suggests interior designer Jojo Bradley.

'Or for a more country feel, perhaps a riding hat and rustic storage baskets or boxes. The choice of beautiful hardware can elevate simple joinery, we love using Armac Martin for a touch of luxury with antique brass tones for warmth.'

3. Use freestanding furniture

One of this year's biggest furniture trends is freestanding designs, and it's a perfect design style for your boot room. It's particularly effective for small boot rooms that aren't best suited to more built-in storage styles.

Traditional hallway furniture is a fast-track to establishing a small but chic boot room area, providing hanging, seating, and stashing-away space without the need to build in storage.

Position a freestanding piece near the front or back door of your home, wherever you have the space. You can always supplement with additional accessories, such as hooks or an umbrella stand, as needed.

4. Open up with a barn door

Keeping a boot room well aired is essential to ensure clothing and footwear dry out after muddy walks, and items don't become musty or mildewed. While windows or air conditioning will keep air flowing, why not consider a barn door for your boot room, especially if you live in the country?

A barn door was chosen for this boot room, and it makes a huge difference to the overall look of the space. It adds a traditional, characterful detail to your space, keeping pets in – and chickens out – while allowing fresh air to fill the space.

5. Decorate with wallpaper

'A patterned wallpaper works beautifully in a boot room,' says designer Susie Watson. 'It adds interest to an otherwise quite functional room, particularly because you may not have space for many pictures or decorative items.'

Susie opts for a strong red or green wallpaper in many of her boot room projects, but contemporary papers like this gold design will add glamor to the space. Panelling on the lower half of the wall will protect from scuffs and marks, leaving the wallpaper above to draw the eye away from the boots and outerwear.

6. Place coat and boot storage near a radiator

You don't want wet coats and boots sitting in your boot room without getting dry – it's an easy way to damage walls and perhaps even cause mold to form. So, think about the placement of your storage and heaters.

Position a peg rail above a low radiator so the rising heat can gently dry coats and cover-ups. You can also line up wellington boots, garden shoes, and boots along the heater for the same reason.

A radiator by the door can also warm up any draughts entering the house, so your boot room becomes a buffer zone to keep the rest of your home toasty and comfortable.

7. Make space for the dogs

So, you've created a pet-friendly backyard, but can the same be said for your boot room? Giving your pooch its own bed will protect your upholstery and also help to keep fur and fluff contained.

In a boot room, where floors tend to be hard and may be chilly, a raised dog bed will ensure your hound is warm and comfortable. Having a gap to create airflow between the dog bed and the floor will also help to prevent condensation from forming below the mattress, eliminating smells, mildew, and damp.

Choose a design that complements your boot room decor – a woven dog bed will match a boot room's traditional basket storage.

8. Consider overhead lockers

'For easy access to coats and other belongings, open storage is a favorable choice,' says Alex Main, Director, The Main Company. 'However, if you prefer to keep everything neatly stored away, we would recommend a closed storage solution.'

Classic overhead lockers are perfect boot room ideas, combining concealed storage with the best use of space as they extend upwards to the ceiling. It's a great way to maximize vertical space with thoughtful storage ideas.

Store away items that are used less frequently, such as camping and hiking gear. Or swap the contents seasonally, packing cold-weather kit away in winter, or stashing summer hats and sun umbrellas during fall and winter.

9. Build storage around a window

This attractive set-up has all the attributes of a classic boot room – shoe and hat storage, baskets, and a pet bed, even a bench – but building the shelving around a large window changes the perspective and creates a charming window seat idea.

Instead of looking at the boot room contents, the eye is drawn to the pretty blue bench and the view beyond. This is an ideal option when you need to incorporate a boot room in a hallway at the front of the house but don't want it to take over the space.

10. Create an inviting space for every member of the household

The best way to encourage the whole family to use a boot room is to make it feel warm and welcoming. This isn't just about the decor, but ensuring everyone feels as if they have their own allocated space.

'Pretty racks for hats and bags dedicated to each person in the family, with their initials on if possible, really personalise a boot room,' suggests Dee Gibson, of Velvet Orange interior design.

'Install attractive wooden coat hooks and use baskets for any dry shoes or items you change out of. Finally, put cushions on a bench in removable, washable fabric to add a touch of warmth and coziness to the space.'

11. Utilize available space for your boot room ideas

When you don't have the space for a separate boot room, consider how you can fit its functions into the areas you do have available.

Tall cupboards in an entryway can hold coats and boots, for example. While a column of shelving can be fitted neatly into a narrow space beside a door or window. Fabric liners will prevent clothing from snagging on wicker baskets, while handy labels can name the contents so you don't have to rummage through to find what's inside.

12. Create a garden boot room

While most boot rooms sit within a home, keen gardeners may consider dedicating a space in the shed or greenhouse for boots, coats, and aprons.

Shoe racks that allow you to store boots upside down will mean they dry more quickly and you're less likely to be surprised by creepy-crawlies. A boot scraper and a simple line to peg wet gloves onto dry are brilliant in-the-know boot room ideas for the green-fingered brigade.

13. Put the boot room in a porch

The transitional space of a front porch is the perfect boot room option if you don't have a separate space.

Whether at the front or rear of your property, keep the area neat and organised with hooks for coats, hats, leads, and riding tackle. And line boots up neatly to avoid an unsightly jumble. A coir mat will prevent mud and dirt from being traipsed into the house.

14. Introduce vintage pieces

For a change from fitted storage pieces, include antique furniture to give your boot room character and charm. A chest of drawers will provide storage for hats, gloves, and scarves, with hooks for coats.

'Vintage wooden cubby or parcel storage is worth hunting down on eBay or in antiques shops as this can be repurposed for shoes and looks good too,' suggests Susie Watson. 'An umbrella stand is an essential for me and this is something you can go quite decorative on.'

15. Choose surfaces with care

'Boot rooms need to be hardwearing to cope with day-to-day family life, as well as muddy boots and paws,' says interior designer Jojo Bradley.

For flooring, consider brick, flagstone, or concrete. 'Or opt for a matt porcelain tile that can be easily cleaned and stand the test of time,' Bradley suggests.

'For countertops, use quality granite or quartz, keeping them light and bright. Marble effect can give an air of luxury in this small space.'

16. Add a farmhouse sink

The classic farmhouse sink has the depth needed in a boot room, whether you're cleaning football boots, trimming cut flowers, or even washing down your pet.

If space allows, consider an extra-wide version for versatility. A tap with a flexible hose can also be useful when it comes to quick clean-ups.

It's also worth considering the storage around your sink. If you're washing pets in your boot room sink, make sure the supplies you need are within easy reach.

17. Paint cabinets for a pop of color

Light-toned colors can brighten a dark space, particularly if a boot room is small or tucked away in a shady corner of the house. But painting cabinets in a bold tone will give character to this functional space.

'Boot rooms tend to be on the smaller size, so soft neutrals work beautifully to give a light and breezy feel,' suggests interior designer Jojo Bradley. 'But I also like to paint walls and joinery in strong blue and green hues to create a rich and inviting feel.'

Pick hardwearing, wipeable paint that's specifically designed for high-use spaces such as boot rooms, where knocks and scuffs are common.

18. Go cozy with underfloor heating

'You may wish to add a touch of luxury to your boot room and consider underfloor heating,' suggests Inga Morris-Blincoe, General Manger at Lifestyle Floors. 'There’s nothing better than coming in from a long, cold walk, slipping off your shoes and feeling the underfloor heating warm you through.'

It’s always best to check with the flooring manufacturer about suitability if you are looking to install underfloor heating, but most dryback luxury vinyl tiles are suitable for underfloor heating.

'In addition to being waterproof and easy to clean, you should look for a floor with a long wear warranty, to ensure it can cope with the demands of a busy family boot room,' Inga recommends.

19. Double up with the utility room

Of course, not everyone has space for both, but you can get the best of both worlds by combining boot room and utility room ideas, as in this design from B.Styled Interiors using cabinetry from Life Kitchens.

'Boot rooms and utilities have evolved to become multifunctional spaces,' says Graeme Smith, Head of Retail and Commercial Design at Life Kitchens.

'With the addition of pantry cupboards and open shelving, a boot room can be more than a place to store wellies, shoes, umbrellas, and pet baskets. It can also house additional dry goods and laundry products.'

20. Make use of one wall

Keeping a small boot room defined within one wall of made-to-measure storage is ideal when you have a limited or shared space – perhaps you're incorporating yours into your kitchen or back porch, or want to reduce the area a small boot room takes up within your home.

Factor in the elements you need, including shoe and boot racks, hanging rails or pegs for coats, and additional shelving or baskets – you might even find room to squeeze in a dog bed.

Opting for closed cabinets will keep the look neat and streamlined, so it doesn't overwhelm the space, while painting it in a dark, block color, as above, will hide dirt and give it a smart, zoned look.

21. Add wow factor with stylish flooring

A small boot room is often incorporated into a larger space such as an entryway or entrance, so you'll want to add style as well a substance. A distinctive floor, such as checkerboard floor tiles or beautiful stone flags, will do the trick – and will be practical, too.

'A practical, hardwearing floor is necessary,' explains Adrian Bergman, design manager at British Standard by Plain English. 'Make sure it’s easy to clean and ready for muddy boots. And consider underfloor heating. After a cold walk in the rain, the warmth under feet is an indulgence, but it also aids drying wet boots, shoes, or dogs!'

22. Tuck a small boot room under the stairs

The nook created by the turn of a staircase may not be large enough to house a powder room, but you will usually find sufficient square footage to create a miniature boot room.

For under-stair boot room ideas, make the best use of space by fitting shelving as high as possible. Even the most awkward corner will create a space to tuck hats or scarves.

Add hooks or pegs for coats and shoe racks (or simply neatly arranged footwear) beneath, and you'll have a small boot room in what otherwise would have been wasted space.

23. Suspend a rack from the ceiling

Tall and narrow boot rooms create their own challenges – ideal for a bench and shelf but limited on drying space, especially if you're a keen walker or dog owner who is likely to be outdoors in rain or shine.

Simply hanging a coat on a hook won't allow thorough drying and can risk mildew forming. The solution is to utilize vertical space and suspend a laundry drying rack for damp clothing.

It will allow air to circulate (warm air rises), and the rack can be pulled up and out of the way until needed. Again, underfloor heating, natural ventilation and/or a dehumidifier will help keep the space dry.

What should you put in a boot room?

'When I'm working through boot room ideas with clients, I always recommend tiled floors with dark grout to hide dirt,' explains Dee Gibson, founder of interior design service, Velvet Orange.

'The essentials will depend upon your needs and space available, but consider a large coir mat in the entrance, a dog bath and/or a sink to hose off muddy clothes or soak a few items, built-in cabinets for storage, and hooks with plenty of space around them for bulky outdoor coats.

'A boot room is a good spot for skinny shelves for any tools that need a home, such as screwdrivers. Plus a bench for pulling on and off the wellies/shoes. A radiator is ideal to keep the space warm in winter, and will help dry off any towel you use when you come in.

'Paint using an eggshell or washable paint, and tile any backsplashes if you have a sink in there. Spotlights are ideal for good light distribution. And if you have soft furnishings, choose washable cushion covers, ideally in moisture-resistant fabric.

'Finally, a few lavender pouches will keep clothing smelling fresh and help to make your home smell nice.'

A boot room is a great addition to your home – it adds a wonderfully functional element that creates a designated space for outerwear that you don't want to traipse through the house. If you're updating an existing space, start by decluttering your mudroom or boot room, so you know exactly how much storage space you need.