30 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 boot room 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

'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 each easily.

2. Build in shelves and baskets for storage

'Shelving can be used for display purposes as well as storage,' suggests Jojo Bradley of Jojo Bradley Interior Design.

'Shelves can be accessorised with potted succulents or a simple large-scale scent diffuser. 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

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 dries 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? It can keep 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, who creates fabric, wallpaper and furniture designs, as well as offering interior design consultations. 'It adds interest to an otherwise quite functional room, particularly because you may not have space for many pictures or decorative items.'

Watson 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

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

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 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 best use of space as they extend upwards to the ceiling.

Stow 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.

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

'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 a hallway 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 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 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 from mud and dirt 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, founder of Susie Watson Designs. '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 worktops, 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 butler's sink

The classic butler's 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.

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, including Lifestyle Floor’s Love Aqua range of water-resistant laminate.

'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,' Morris-Blincoe 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 front porch ideas 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 a hallway or entrance, so you'll want to add style as well a substance. A distinctive floor, such as chequerboard 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.

'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. Include the basics

A small boot room idea can be as simple as a bench with cubby holes for shoes in the hallway, with a peg rail above for coats, bags and hats.

Allocate each member of your household (including pets!) their own peg and storage space to keep the area neat and organized.

23. Put up paneling for a streamlined look

'Paneling is a highly practical wall covering for boot rooms,' says Melanie Griffiths, Editor, Period Living.

'Originally conceived as a way to add insulation to walls, paneling was soon embraced for its decorative charm, and today is available in a wide range of styles to suit both period and contemporary homes.

'Paneling stands up brilliantly to a boot room's daily knocks and scrapes, and as long as it is painted in a good-quality eggshell or gloss finish, can easily be cleaned.'

Wrapping paneling around two walls and building in a storage bench as part of your design will turn a corner into a small but perfectly formed boot room space.

24. 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 small 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,' suggests Sara Bird, Assistant Editor, Country Homes & Interiors.

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.

25. 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.

26. Add decorative details

'The choice of beautiful hardware, or a decorative wallpaper, can elevate even the smallest boot room,' suggests interior designer Jojo Bradley.

Don't be afraid to have fun with these design details. Animal-head hooks, metallic wallpaper motifs, or pretty accessories that reflect your decor DNA will help to give this practical space a character all its own.

27. Keep pieces neat and petite

While we're used to seeing long benches, rows of hooks and stacks of shoe space in larger spaces, you can scale back the concept – and still get all the functionality you need – by downsizing for small boot room ideas.

The key is to take out your measuring tape and ensure that any furniture fits your space precisely. And be realistic about what you really need and what you have the space to include.

Keeping the decor in line with your kitchen cabinetry or the decor in adjacent rooms will also create a more streamlined, spacious effect.

'For color, you can continue the theme of your main kitchen when painting cupboards and furniture,' suggests Adrian Bergman, Design Manager at British Standard by Plain English. 'Painting bottom cabinets up to above the countertops in a durable gloss will help protect from inevitable wear and tear.'

28. Include retro details

By their nature, vintage hooks can be difficult to source in large quantities. That means they're a great idea for small boot rooms, where just a couple of stylish retro pieces can become a talking point as guests arrive and hang their coats.

Online auction sites, sale rooms and flea markets are excellent sources for interesting hangers, hooks, baskets and other accessories. Brass and other metals can be restored and polished to add a unique look to your boot room and entryway.

29. Remove a cupboard door

While being able to shut the door on coats and clobber can keep a small boot room looking neat and tidy, a door that opens outwards renders valuable floorspace out of bounds.

If you're able to commission bespoke cabinetry, a pocket or folding door can provide a neat boot room cover-up. When that's not an option, consider simply removing the cupboard door to create open but recessed storage for coats, boots and shoes.

30. Get your doorstep essentials in place

If you're looking for the simplest, easiest, small boot room ideas, it begins at the back door.

Ultimately, a coir mat for cleaning muddy boots and shoes; a basket for hats, scarves, gloves and dog leads; and a broom for sweep-ups can be all you need.

Interior designer Susie Watson also swears by an antique umbrella stand for keeping brollies and walking sticks in order. We love this ensemble by Garden Trading.

Boot room FAQs

Boot room ideas – the essential ingredients

'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.'

How do I get the most of a small boot room?

The key to getting the most of a small boot room is often the storage – with built-in systems that provide everything from hanging to drawer to shoe space included. Fitted small boot room furniture will help you make the most of every inch of space really efficiently, and it will look more streamlined, too.

For more guidance, see our what do you put in a boot room guide.

How do you decorate a boot room?

'Pale sage greens or soft blues look wonderful on panelling and joinery,' says interior designer Dee Gibson of Velvet Orange. 'I'd then either continue the color on to the walls. Or for a lighter look, paint the walls and ceiling off-white. A dark floor is a great boot room idea when you want to hide any footprints and paw prints.'

If your boot room is next to your kitchen, consider painting your cabinets in a complementary color to create a natural flow between the spaces.

You could also pick up on other decorative elements, such as blinds, soft furnishings and even wallpaper, to create a cohesive look.

What do you put in a boot room?

Storage is key as this is where you will keep outerwear, boots and shoes, and all manner of other essential items that you need close to hand but you don't want cluttering up your kitchen and other rooms.

'Opt for units made with reclaimed wood,' suggests Alex Main, Director, The Main Company. 'The natural beauty of the boards will create visual interest and pair nicely alongside a neutral wall.'

Ideally, you'll find space for open and closed storage, including cubby holes; hooks or a peg rail; baskets for smaller items; and shoe racks or shelves. A sink is useful, especially if you have pets that will need rubbed down and dried off before entering the main part of the house.

A bench will give you a space to sit while removing or putting on boots.

For more information, see our what do you put in a boot room guide.

What flooring is best for a boot room?

'Boot rooms are designed to be the entrance point for your home, which inevitably means they will get muddy and bear the brunt of rainy umbrellas, pushchairs and muddy trainers. For this reason, your main focus when choosing a floor should be on practicality,' says Inga Morris-Blincoe, General Manger at Lifestyle Floors.

To be mud resistant, your floor needs to be waterproof and easy to clean. Choices include stone, tiles and concrete, or engineered wood that's specially designed to withstand wear and tear.

'Luxury vinyl tiles, traditional sheet vinyl and even specialist water-resistant laminate are also good options,' suggests Morris-Blincoe. 'These are available in gorgeous wood, tile and even abstract designs to complement your boot room decorating scheme.'

A boot room is a great addition to your home – it adds a wonderfully functional element that creates 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.