Mini-blinds are an affordable choice for a multi-functional mudroom

A mudroom doesn't have to be just a place to wash the dog, store the children's sports equipment and hang the family's heavy jackets.


A bank of wall cabinets with both closed-door spaces and open shelving takes storage off the floor, while serving as a small home office. "The mix of open and closed spaces allows you to organize paperwork behind doors while putting pretty stationery and journals in plain sight," according to CountryHome magazine.
 

For a casual look and affordable price, aluminum mini-blinds are a good choice for multi-task areas and come in a variety of colors and finishes. They also solve the problem of computer glare from nearby windows and are easy to clean.
 

If the mudroom also serves as a laundry area, a different set up - with a freestanding table instead of a desk - can do double-duty as a folding area when laundry is under way or as a workplace when home and school projects require space to spread out.


"[A mudroom] is the ultimate drop zone, a catchall room for paying bills, crafting, doing laundry and so much more," states the magazine.