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An underused, wood-paneled bar room became a working mudroom for a family of five when coats, shoes, bags and everyday accessories began piling up at the entrance. The homeowners removed the bar cabinetry and closet, repaired the paneling they wanted to keep, and built a storage wall with a closet, bench, hooks and shoe space.
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Kristen Mosier described the room as “a collection spot where we dropped our belongings as we entered the house.” Her account, updated March 1, 2021, is a project feature rather than a current price guide: it does not report a total cost or identify the cabinet model. Its lasting value is the sequence of decisions that turned an awkward room into useful entry storage.
Why the bar room had to change
The room was close to the entrance, but its original purpose no longer matched how the family lived. Instead of preserving a rarely used bar, the homeowners prioritized a place for everyday coats and bags. For five people, that meant accommodating jackets, shoes and smaller accessories without making the entry itself the drop zone.
#1 Best Overall
- More Comfortable Shoe Change Cabinet: With a 25 mm sponge cushion on the bench top, you can change shoes by sitting on the bench more comfortable without bending down or squatting
- Keep Your Shoes Organized: The depth of bench is 13.8 inches, which makes it easily to put in your shoes, meanwhile shoes of various heights can be placed by adjusting middle movable boards. The bench doors design ensures not only your privacy, but also a tidy space
- Match Your Room Style: Classic barn-door design is quite suitable for different home decoration styles. You can put it at various places in your home such as entrance, corridor, bedrooms, etc
- Stable & Long-lasting: Made of EPA-Certified board, the product is stable with a static load of up to 300 lbs. The zipper design of cushion can help you remove and clean cover easily. What are you hesitating about? Now preparing a shoe bench for your home
- Easy Installation: You will finish assembly easily in a short time with detailed installation diagram and numbered parts
The conversion also had a practical constraint: the family wanted to retain as much of the existing wood paneling and ceiling as possible. Keeping those surfaces reduced demolition and preserved some of the room’s character, but it required careful patching and a finish that could unify old and new materials.
Demolition with a plan for salvage
The bar cabinets and the closet were removed. During demolition, some wall paneling was damaged. Rather than replace every panel, the homeowners salvaged wood from the former closet and used it to patch the affected areas. This approach works when the replacement boards have a compatible thickness and grain direction; it also limits the amount of new material needed.
After the repairs, the paneling was scuffed and sanded. The goal was not to erase every sign of the old room, but to create a sound, dull surface that primer could grip. Sanding also softened transitions between the original boards and the salvaged patches.
How the paneling was prepared and painted
- Patch the damage. Cut salvaged closet wood to fit missing or broken sections, fastening it securely and making the seams as flush as practical.
- Scuff the existing finish. Sand the paneling to remove gloss and loose material. Clean away dust before priming.
- Prime thoroughly. The homeowners applied three coats of primer. Multiple coats are especially useful when covering dark wood and when patched areas absorb paint differently from the surrounding boards.
- Apply the finish color. Two coats of semi-gloss white paint produced a brighter, wipeable surface suited to an entry where hands, bags and outerwear regularly touch the walls.
That five-coat system—three primer coats followed by two finish coats—was specific to this makeover. It should not be treated as a universal prescription: coverage depends on the original finish, primer opacity, color and the condition of each wall. The important principle is to seal both the old paneling and the salvaged patches before applying the final color.
The storage layout: closet, bench and hooks
A modular closet fitted to the corner
The family assembled a modular closet cabinet and configured it for the available corner. The source names IKEA as the cabinet source but gives no model or current price. Because the system was assembled rather than built entirely from scratch, its dimensions could be arranged around the room’s constraints.
Rank #2
- More Comfortable Shoe Change Cabinet: With a 2-inch thickened padded sponge cushion on the bench top, you can change shoes by sitting on the bench more comfortable without bending down or squatting
- Keep Your Shoes Organized: The depth of bench is 13.8 inches, which makes it easily to put in your shoes, meanwhile shoes of various heights can be placed by adjusting middle movable boards. The bench doors design ensures not only your privacy, but also a tidy space
- Match Your Home Style: Enhance your home decor with the bench's modern style, featuring clean lines and a sophisticated finish that complements any contemporary interior. You can put it at various places in your home such as entryways, corridor, living rooms, bedrooms, etc
- Stable & Long-lasting: Made of EPA-Certified board, the product is built to last and with a static load of up to 300 lbs. The zipper design of cushion can help you remove and clean cover easily. What are you hesitating about? Now preparing a shoe bench for your home
- Easy Assembly: Designed for quick and hassle-free assembly with clear instructions and all necessary hardware included. Set up your bench in no time and enjoy its benefits immediately
A wood platform raised the cabinet off the floor. That base established a consistent height and created a visual foundation for the unit. Decorative fronts and hardware made the lower portion read like drawers, even though the underlying storage was part of the modular cabinet system.
Making a factory cabinet look built in
Several finish details changed the cabinet’s appearance:
- Platform: The raised wood base lifted the cabinet and gave it a furniture-like stance.
- Decorative fronts and hardware: These details disguised the utilitarian look of the modular doors and made the lower section appear more customized.
- Crown molding: Molding at the top visually connected the cabinet to the room.
- Base molding: Trim at the bottom helped the cabinet meet the floor line cleanly.
- Paintable caulk: Caulk closed small gaps at trim and joints so the painted installation read as one piece.
Paint is what unified these additions. A platform, molding and caulk can look like separate add-ons when left unfinished; coating them together creates the built-in impression without requiring a fully custom cabinet carcass.
A floating bench with shoe storage
The bench was constructed from a wood frame anchored to wall studs and to one side of the closet. Anchoring to studs matters because a bench must carry a seated person as well as bags, coats or baskets placed on it. The frame was covered with plywood, finished with a narrow bench front, and fitted with a lower shelf for shoes.
Because the bench was floating, the floor remained visible beneath it. That makes sweeping easier than it would be around a collection of legs and provides a clear place for footwear. The lower shelf keeps shoes close to the entry while leaving the seat available for putting them on and taking them off.
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- More Comfortable Shoe Change Cabinet: With a 2-inch thickened padded sponge cushion on the bench top, you can change shoes by sitting on the bench more comfortable without bending down or squatting
- Keep Your Shoes Organized: The depth of bench is 13.8 inches, which makes it easily to put in your shoes, meanwhile shoes of various heights can be placed by adjusting middle movable boards. The bench doors design ensures not only your privacy, but also a tidy space
- Match Your Home Style: Enhance your home decor with the bench's modern style, featuring clean lines and a sophisticated finish that complements any contemporary interior. You can put it at various places in your home such as entryways, corridor, living rooms, bedrooms, etc
- Stable & Long-lasting: Made of EPA-Certified board, the product is built to last and with a static load of up to 300 lbs. The zipper design of cushion can help you remove and clean cover easily. What are you hesitating about? Now preparing a shoe bench for your home
- Easy Assembly: Designed for quick and hassle-free assembly with clear instructions and all necessary hardware included. Set up your bench in no time and enjoy its benefits immediately
Hooks and an upper shelf
Gold hooks above the bench supplied quick-access hanging space for everyday coats and bags. A shelf above the hooks added room for display items or less frequently used accessories. This three-level arrangement—closed closet storage, open hooks and an upper shelf—separates bulky or seasonal items from the things the family reaches for each day.
The light-switch problem the layout created
The closet projected far enough into the wall to cover the existing light switch. Mosier wrote, “The closet came out just far enough to cover the light switch, so it had to be relocated onto the cabinet.” This was an unplanned consequence of fitting storage into the corner.
Any switch relocation involves electrical work, not merely a trim adjustment. Before fastening a cabinet in place, locate switches, receptacles and wiring paths. If a new cabinet blocks a device, stop and have the circuit evaluated by a qualified electrician; local rules may require a permitted alteration. Planning the switch location before the cabinet is installed avoids cutting into finished molding or rebuilding the cabinet surround.
Details that made the installation believable
Small decisions prevented the makeover from looking like a cabinet placed in front of a wall.
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- Trim alignment: Crown and base molding tied the storage to the room’s architectural lines.
- Caulked seams: Paintable caulk hid hairline gaps that would otherwise cast shadows.
- Consistent paint: White semi-gloss on the paneling and storage components created a continuous visual field.
- Hardware with a purpose: Most pulls served a functional role, but one pull was decorative because the door opened from the opposite side and could only be opened when the adjacent door was open.
The decorative pull is a useful reminder to test door swings before drilling hardware. A symmetrical row of pulls may look right, yet one position can be inaccessible in actual use.
Rank #4
- Multifunctional Shoe Cubby Bench: Are your shoes are piled up all over your entryway? This entryway cabinet will be the perfect solution for you. This storage bench with 12 compartments is able to store the daily shoes of your whole family. The hooks in 2 rows hold jackets and accessories
- Removable Padded Seat: Soft sponge cushion is covered with breathable cotton and linen fabric, and it comes with sticky back fastener to prevent the cushion from slipping when sitting on it. You can also use it as a window seat or bed-end stool for storing blankets, books and toys
- Entryway Bench with Coat Rack: The hooks in 2 rows with a large storage bench offer enough space to hang your coats and keep your shoes organized, giving a new look to your entryway. Coat hooks on the wall hold coats, bags and other items for you and your guests. It is the right-hand furniture for keeping your hallway tidy
- Sturdy Shoe Bench: This multifunctional storage bench is made of sturdy particleboard, it is strong enough to support up to 330 lb. Family members or guests can change shoes in a comfortable position while sitting on the soft padded stool
- Easy Assembly: Our shoe organizer comes with numbered parts and includes all necessary tools and a detailed step-by-step graphic instruction manual, allowing you to effortlessly assemble the coat rack shoe bench for ready to use in no time
What to measure before attempting a similar conversion
- Record the room envelope. Measure wall width, ceiling height, door openings and the depth available for a closet and bench.
- Mark circulation. Leave a clear path from the entrance and check that open cabinet doors do not collide with the room door or the bench.
- Locate utilities. Identify switches, receptacles, vents and any plumbing before choosing cabinet depth or bench width.
- Check stud positions. Mark studs for the floating bench frame and for any wall-mounted hooks that will carry heavy coats or bags.
- Mock up heights. Use painter’s tape to outline the bench seat, hooks, shelf and cabinet top. Sit on the taped bench line and test whether the hook height is comfortable for adults and children.
- Plan trim thickness. Account for the platform, crown molding and base molding so the finished cabinet does not crowd a doorway or cover a switch.
Custom bench or modular cabinet?
The featured makeover combined both approaches: a modular closet for enclosed storage and a custom-framed bench for seating and shoes. A small or unusually shaped room may favor one approach over the other.
| Approach | Best fit | Storage result | Installation considerations | Finish considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom bench | Short walls, odd corners or a need for exact seat dimensions | Open shoe shelf and a seat sized to the room | Requires framing, stud anchoring, plywood work and trim fitting | Can be painted to match the wall and customized around baseboards |
| Modular or discounted cabinet | Rooms that can accept standard cabinet depths and widths | Enclosed storage for coats and accessories, with optional decorative fronts | Faster assembly, but platforms, fillers and trim may be needed for a built-in appearance | Caulk, molding and coordinated paint conceal gaps between components |
Moisture is another differentiator. A bench near an exterior door may encounter wet shoes and umbrellas, so use a durable paint system and seal exposed plywood edges. Closed cabinets protect folded items from splashes, while open shelves dry faster but collect dirt. The right balance depends on whether the room is a primary entry, a side entrance or a garage transition.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What published budget examples actually show
The word “budget” is relative. The Bob Vila account does not publish a project total, so its makeover cannot be converted into a current price estimate. Two other published makeovers illustrate how different scopes produce different tallies.
| Published project | Published tally | Items included | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|---|
| This Old House, “Mudroom Makeover for $95,” updated June 30, 2026 | $95 | Custom bench $65; yard-sale coatrack $10; cotton rug $20; paint already on hand | A compact project using reused materials and existing paint; the tally is project-specific, not a current estimate. |
| This Old House, “Mudroom Area for $388,” updated June 25, 2026 | $388 | Bench, discounted cabinets, paint, a DIY clothes rack, hooks and pulls | A broader storage installation with cabinetry and more hardware; the total is not directly comparable to the $95 project. |
| Apartment Therapy, “Before and After: A Mini $30 Entry Makeover with Big Results,” published November 8, 2019 | $30 | Plywood and paint for a built-in effect, repurposed hooks painted gold, an existing bench and baskets | A small entry refresh that relied heavily on items already owned; it is not a quotation for a full mudroom conversion. |
These examples are useful for scope decisions, not for predicting a contractor’s bill. Lumber, trim, primer, paint, cabinet hardware, electrical work and local labor rates can change the total substantially. The featured bar-room project also includes more cabinetry and finish carpentry than the $30 example.
Painting and finishing choices for a working entry
Primer selection
Dark paneling, glossy varnish and patched wood can all interfere with adhesion or coverage. Scuff sanding removes the slickest surface, while primer creates a consistent base. Apply primer to repaired sections and surrounding paneling rather than treating each patch as a separate island; differences in sheen can telegraph through the finish coat.
Best Value
- Claim Your Boho Vibes: Part of the ELLAN Collection, this shoe bench combines a woven rattan look, rounded corners, and slim pulls for a cozy, relaxed boho feel. Pair it with the matching storage cabinets to create a unified, inviting space
- Customizable & Versatile: This 4-door storage bench with cabinet has 2 adjustable shelves with 5 height options each, holding various types of family footwear—from heels to sneakers to ankle boots. It fits easily in your entryway, bedroom, or mudroom
- Sturdy & Durable: Built with 1.2" thick panels, this shoe storage bench offers a solid structure and a top that supports up to 300 lb; the synthetic rattan surface is water- and stain-resistant, making cleanup easy and ensuring long-lasting use
- Comfortable Cushion: This entryway storage bench boasts a high-density foam-padded cushion that offers a softer, more supportive seat, so changing shoes feels easier and more relaxing
- Simple, Guided Assembly: Clearly labeled parts and illustrated instructions walk you through each step, so you can put this entryway bench with storage together with confidence and minimal effort
Why semi-gloss was practical
Semi-gloss reflects more light than a flat finish and generally withstands wiping better. In an entry, that helps with fingerprints and marks from bags. The trade-off is that semi-gloss reveals dents, uneven joints and sanding scratches more readily, so surface preparation must be thorough.
Caulk before the final paint
Use paintable caulk where trim meets the wall, platform or cabinet. Tool the bead smoothly, allow it to cure according to the product directions, and then apply the finish coat. Caulk is for small gaps; it should not be used to bridge large structural openings or compensate for a poorly fitted panel.
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The finished room assigns each category of clutter a place. Coats and accessories can go inside the closet, frequently worn jackets can hang from the hooks, shoes can sit on the lower bench shelf, and the bench provides a landing point for changing footwear. That division is more important than whether every component is custom-made.
Retaining and repainting the paneling also demonstrates a useful renovation principle: a room does not need to be stripped to its studs to feel new. Repairing what can be saved, then using primer, paint, trim and hardware to unify the result, can deliver a substantial functional change with less demolition.
Quick Recap
Key lessons for a budget mudroom conversion
- Start with the entry problem—coats, shoes, bags and accessories—not with a cabinet catalog.
- Survey switches and outlets before finalizing cabinet depth or bench placement.
- Reuse sound material from demolition for patches, but match thickness and secure every repair.
- Use a platform, molding and caulk to make modular storage appear integrated.
- Anchor a floating bench to wall studs and the adjacent cabinet; decorative attachment alone is not enough.
- Test door swings before installing pulls, since a symmetrical hardware layout may not be functional.
- Treat published totals as examples tied to a date and scope, not as promises for a new project.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
