Finding boot room ideas is often challenging, a small space that needs to fit lots of storage options whilst still looking stylish can be trick for even the most seasoned designer! First we’ll talk about the essential design elements of any boot room, then look at how we can adjust for small boot room ideas, and finally we’ll look through some styling inspiration and tips!

What do we mean by ‘boot room’?

A boot room, traditionally found in British homes, serves as a transition space between the outdoors and the interior. Originally designed to store muddy boots and wet outerwear, modern boot rooms have evolved into multi-functional spaces, combining practical storage with stylish design elements.

We typically see boot rooms in homes outside of cities – where you are more likely to be strolling through muddy fields in your wellies! And because of this, boot room styles often lean into the slightly rustic theme, with beautiful muted blues and greens and country-inspired patterns – if this is not your style though do not fear! We have plenty of examples with different design tastes further on in this blog post.

Boot room design essentials

• Storage Solutions: The absolute key to any decent boot room ideas will always be storage. Incorporate ample storage options such as built-in cabinets, shelves, and hooks to keep footwear, coats, and accessories organized and helps to keep the space clean and clutter free so you’re not tripping over shoes every time you enter your home!

Photo by Great Rooms Building Group

• Durable Flooring: Muddy boots and shoes means no carpets allowed! Opt for resilient flooring materials that can withstand dirt and moisture, making it easy to clean and maintain. Tile and durable laminates work particularly well here.

Photo by Tucker Thomas Interior Design

• Seating: When you think of boot room ideas, seating usually has a large part to play. Most of us don’t want to be doing yoga poses as we put our shoes on, so nearby seating is absolutely essential. This can be a bench with storage underneath or even a built-in seating nook.

Photo by Jula Cole Design

• Lighting: Ensure proper lighting with a combination of natural and artificial light sources to create a welcoming ambiance while maintaining functionality. This can include pendant lights and table lamps for extra layers of lighting. You can check out our post on ideal porch lights here, for more information.

Designing for a small boot room

To start, when looking for small boot room ideas there will be different perspectives on what ‘small’ actually means. For boot rooms that are more than 1.5 meters in width, and 2 meters in length, you’ll be able to be a lot more flexible with your boot room ideas.

If your boot room is smaller than 1.5 x 1.5 meter then you won’t be able to store half as much in the space, and will be better off purchasing a narrow shoe closet like the one below from Ikea, and putting that alongside some coat hooks for 3 or 4 coats. You will be unlikely to fit seating into the space, perhaps at best a small stool, and will need to store bags and other essentials elsewhere, or add some narrow shelving higher up the wall.

• Space Optimization: Make the most of limited space by utilizing vertical storage options, like wall-mounted shelves or tall cabinets. The smartest advice for smaller spaces is to use as much of the vertical space up as you can, as leaving the upper walls empty is such a waste of space when you’re dealing with room with limited floor space. Built-ins are preferable for boot room ideas but you can also find great quality, adjustable storage solutions from sellers on places like Etsy, for example.

• Space for bits and bobs: Depending on where in your home the boot room is (front or back) you’ll also want to include dedicated spaces for things like keys, letters, brollies, dog leashes – the list goes on! This can either be through dedicated drawers in your storage solutions or wall mounted organisers like the one below.

• Multi-Functional Furniture: The key – particularly for small boot room ideas – is to invest in furniture that serves dual purposes, such as a bench with hidden storage or a wall-mounted coat rack with a built-in mirror. This will help you to maximise space without compromising on functionality.

• Colour Palette: Choose muted colours to visually expand the space. Whilst neutrals are always welcomed, you want to ensure that the space is welcoming and maintains personality through use of colours, art and accents. Mirrors can also be strategically placed to create an illusion of a larger area.

• Smart Layout: Carefully plan the layout to ensure efficient traffic flow. Avoid overcrowding and tripping hazards by keeping a clear walkway. Maintain an open feel by strategically placing furniture and storage units, along the walls and incorporating closed storage solutions for a less cluttered feel.

Small boot room ideas & design inspo

1. Nature inspired walls: As the room that acts as the connection between outdoors and indoors, why not bring the outdoors inside with nature inspired colours and wallpaper designs. We love small boot room ideas that incorporate muted greens and blues for a countryside feel!

• Classic Elegance: Embrace timeless design with a combination of closed storage cabinets, clean lines, minimalist baskets, and a sleek bench for a classic and sophisticated look.

• Vintage Charm: Most boot room ideas and inspiration tend to lean on the vintage theme -but how so? Introduce warmth with natural wood elements, rustic hooks, and vintage-inspired accessories to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

• Matching Panelling: Matching panelling with your storage solutions can bring a sense of cohesion and balance into your space, particularly where some walls are covered in storage whilst others are bare. This can be done either through introducing wooden panels, or by using panel effect wallpapers.

• Eclectic Mix: Combine various styles, colors, and textures to create a personalized and eclectic boot room that reflects your unique taste and personality.

In conclusion, designing a small boot room is all about balancing functionality and style. With thoughtful planning and creative solutions, even the most compact spaces can be transformed into efficient and aesthetically pleasing entryways.