It can be hard to justify including certain rooms in a house when space is at a premium and, despite their usefulness, boot rooms are still often viewed as a luxury rather than a must-have. However, with the right small boot room ideas it should be possible to squeeze in all the essentials without sacrificing style or encroaching on the rest of your home.
When designing your boot room ideas, in order to get the very most of the space you do have available, it is crucial that you think through what you need from the space, be that somewhere to dry off muddy dogs or as a spot to store soggy outwear.
If you are struggling for space but desperately need a boot room to make life run smoother, take a look at our round-up of clever ideas.
1. Take a bespoke approach to maximise storage
Whether you are looking for small utility room ideas or are limited on kitchen space, the best route to getting the most out of your available square footage usually involves taking a made-to-measure approach.
"To maximise space in areas often overlooked such as the hallway, entrance or utility, you should consider made-to-measure units," agrees Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr. "Aside from creating a place to hang coats and shoes, it will provide ample amounts of storage to house those everyday items such as umbrellas, hats and other accessories.
"Consider the addition of a bench to break up the cupboard space and to create an area to perch while removing shoes and wellies," continues Al. "A wooden bench is easy to keep clean from mucky paws but for added comfort consider adding in a padded cushion."
Founder of Olive & Barr Al Bruce began his illustrious career 25 years ago studying to be a cabinet maker at college. With a natural flair for design and a deep passion for the industry, Al finally opened his own Shaker kitchen company, Olive & Barr in 2018.
2. Use timber cladding for a characterful space
In any small space, the materials and colours you use will play a huge role in how open and airy it feels.
"If colour isn’t for you, perhaps opt for reclaimed wall panelling as this can provide an impactful feature which exudes character," suggests Alex Main, director at Main, although he goes on to explain how colour can help create a visual sense of space.
"Colour is a key consideration and often the final touch," says Alex. "We often recommend homeowners opt for cabinetry painted in the same colour finish as their kitchen to retain a level of cohesion and to create flow – this can be easily changed or altered without a complete remodel in the future."
Alex Main is director of Main, a family-run company that has been creating highly individual bespoke kitchens that are full of personality and unique style since the 1970s. The family business has built up its knowledge from the vast experience gained from trading within the national and international markets
3. Create boot room storage within a hallway
If you really don't have the space to create an entirely separate boot room, there are ways of incorporating boot room storage into your hallway ideas instead.
Be sure to choose practical finishes, such as hardwearing and easy-to-clean flooring, scrubbable paint and don't forget plenty of storage to keep the entrance clutter-free.
"A well organised area is a real game changer when rushing to get out of the door," points out Al Bruce. "Make sure everything is in order with handy wicker baskets and easy-to-access hooks. Not only will everything have its place, but it will also always look tidy and presentable for guests’ arrival.”
4. Find space for a handy dog washing station
Boot rooms make life with pets so much easier – a way of containing the associated mess and equipment that goes hand-in-hand with sharing your home with a four-legged friend.
"One of the benefits of a bespoke bootility design is that it can be completely customised to suit your every need," explains Alex Main. "Floor-to-ceiling cupboards provide helpful storage space, ideal for busy family households, whereas a second sink or dog washing station with shower handset is perfect for those with pets to avoid trampling mud through the home.
"Hooks, hardware and bespoke shelving can also be added to create a completely unique and practical space that can accommodate all of your belongings.”
5. Use the full height of the space for storage
Just as when developing small kitchen ideas – or working with any kind of small room for that matter – it pays to look up, using the full height of the space in order to get the most out of it. And don't forget, in your quest to create a practical space, to include some colourful, fun touches.
"Vertical storage that not only maximises floor space in smaller areas, but is also vibrant and joyful, is the perfect way to get the space organised while giving it a more considered feel," advises Becca Stern, co-founder and creative director of Mustard Made.
"Make use of smaller pieces too, like storage baskets and wall mounted shelves to help reduce visual overwhelm and clutter while creating instant zones for cleaning and storage.”
Shop small boot room storage essentials
Perfect for keeping on display as well as for housing all kinds of boot room clutter, from wellies to hats and gloves. Their handles make them easier to manoeuvre down from high shelves too.
Featuring six handy pegs as well as a shelf above, this solid birch hanging rail is perfect keeping coats, scarfs and dog leads organised.
Store up to four pairs of boots on this stylish bamboo boot rack and reduce the risk of tripping up a rogue pair of Wellingtons when you walk through the door.
Becca is creative director and co-founder of Mustard Made, along with sister Jess. Mustard Made specialises in metal lockers in all kinds of styles and colours and is the result of the sisters' meticulous research into creating perfect products.
6. Tailor the space to your exact needs
Early on in the planning stages of your boot room, think through what you want from it. Do you want to use it solely to store coats and footwear, or are you planning on using it as a space for your laundry room ideas, to wash off pets or even to act like the main entrance to your home?
"Before you begin designing your dream boot room it’s important to understand exactly what you need," says Natalie Mudd, co-founder and creative director of Knot & Grain. "Is storage at the top of your list? If so, consider where cupboards or built-in units may fit best. Do you need a cosy space to sit and remove shoes and coats or will simple, well-placed hooks do the trick?
"A planned boot room isn’t just a place to store your outdoor essentials, it’s a space that can make everyday life feel a little more organised and stress-free," continues Natalie. "With a few clever additions, it can even become a laundry room for maximum efficiency."
Natalie co-founded Knot & Grain with the aim of offering customers high-quality flooring options to suit both classic and contemporary interior schemes, making Natalie perfectly placed to advise on the latest flooring trends.
7. Be bold with your decor choices
All too often, rooms with a practical purpose get a little neglected in the style stakes, but getting creative with your decor choices is a great way to make everyday chores a bit more enjoyable.
“When built-in storage is visually appealing, people are far more likely to maintain order whether that’s in their home or extending to the outdoors," says Becca Stern. "Turning a boot room into a design led, colourful space rather than a purely functional room is easy enough with the right tools."
This space, designed by Barnes of Ashburton, feels warm and welcoming thanks to the combination of moody blue paintwork, quirky peacock feather wallpaper and a bold fabric-covered storage bench.
8. Coordinate colours to give the illusion of space
In order to avoid colour from overwhelming a small boot room it is a good idea to stick to a palette limited to just one or two shades.
That doesn't mean you can't introduce some bolder colours – some of the best small downstairs toilet ideas feature some very bright colour combos – but choose those with a clean aesthetic and take care with your pairing choices.
This space, by Main, combines full-height cupboards with a run of base units, both in a deep navy to match the exterior door. Crisp white on the walls and worktops provides the perfect partner to this shade.
9. Create a multitasking boot room
Not everyone has space for separate boot and utility rooms as well as to realise their walk-in pantry ideas, so why not combine all three instead? That way you will have a really hardworking room that takes care of all your practical needs.
A full-height larder unit can be designed to slide in seamlessly alongside boot room storage, such as benches with space for boots beneath and will provide the ideal place to keep all those dried goods and lesser-used appliances neat and tidy.
This space also features hooks for coats and bags as well as high level shelving.
10. Use a one-wall layout in a narrow space
Just as when looking at kitchen layouts, certain designs work better than others in small boot rooms.
Both galley and one-wall layouts make sense when working out where to place your storage units within a compact boot room, keeping as much floor space free as possible.
In this narrow room, one wall has been kitted out with a range of base and full-height units, along with a generously-sized sink, while the other side of the room has been used for a handy bench with storage below.
11. Combine utility room and boot room into one
By now the term 'bootility room' has become pretty mainstream and this is a concept that just makes so much sense, particularly where space is limited.
If you are planning on combining your boot and utility room into one, make sure you locate the boot room section next to the door from outside to provide that essential 'decompression zone' to keep mud under control.
"Boot rooms are about controlling clutter at the threshold of the home," explains Emily Newmarch, design consultant at Kitchens by Holloways. "With the right joinery and storage, they create a practical buffer that protects the kitchen and living spaces beyond."
12. Get creative with your boot storage
Rather than just leaning your boots and outdoor footwear up against a wall, look at more creative ways to keep them stowed away when not in use. Just as with small kitchen storage ideas, this kind of organisation is more important than ever in a small room in order to prevent it from feeling cluttered.
This ultra-smart boot room by Barnes of Ashburton, features clever pull-out boot storage along with a range of other solutions to keep the space neat and tidy.
Kim Whinnett, managing director of the company, explains which essentials she suggests including in a boot room. "Some sensible bench seating, plenty of storage where possible, some lovely coat hooks, umbrella rack and, of course, shoe and boot storage."
Kim Whinnett has been managing director of Barnes of Ashburton since 2005 where she oversees the day to day running of the company and project management. She loves walking her dog with friends in the beautiful countryside in her wellies.
13. Give everyone their own storage station
Just as when it comes to entrance hallway design, it is important to remember that boot rooms can become busy places at certain times of the day. To keep chaos to a minimum, it is a good idea to create distinct areas for each member of the household.
"When designing a boot room, practicality and organisation are key," explains Charlotte Tilby, head of marketing at Woodstock Trading Co, parent company of LochAnna Kitchens. "Plenty of hooks for coats, along with shelves and cubbies for boots, help keep everything in order, while a bench provides a convenient place for putting shoes on or taking them off.
"Built-in storage for bags, dog leads and umbrellas keeps everyday essentials neatly stowed away and helps minimise clutter," continues Charlotte. "Making use of vertical space is particularly effective, allowing for generous storage without overwhelming the room."
As head of marketing for Woodstock Co., the parent company for LochAnna Kitchens, Calypso and Veldeau bathroom brands, Charlotte has her finger on the pulse for the latest design solutions for any kitchen and bathroom space. Championing the company’s brands gives her a wealth of knowledge on new and innovative products hitting the market.
14. Don't waste space behind the door
In a small boot room, it is important that no space gets wasted – even that awkward spot behind the door.
Choose tall, slimline storage furniture, add hooks to the wall and include some high-level utility room shelving ideas to store items you don't need to access on a daily basis.
"Adding a doormat or integrated boot brush at the entrance also helps reduce mud and dirt being tracked through the house," adds Charlotte Tilby.
FAQs
What is the minimum size for a boot room?
While there is no legal minimum size for a boot room, you do need enough space for the room to function well. So what do the experts suggest?
"For a functional boot room, a minimum size of 210cm wide by 190cm high is recommended, ideally with doors leading to the outside and either the kitchen or hallway," says Charlotte Tilby.
That said, it is possible to go smaller than this, according to Kim Whinnett.
"We have a tiny display in our showroom which still works incredibly hard," says Kim. "Having furniture designed and custom made allows you maximise even the tightest of spaces – our current display can’t be anymore than 1 metre x 1 metre and all of the basics are included."
Whatever kind of space you have to work with, this needs to be a practical room so be sure to research the best boot room flooring options when designing this area of your home.
