Call it an entryway or a hall, but we've always liked the casual, laid-back connotation of the word mudroom. It implies that you might have children, a pet, or just an ability to deal with a little dirt tracked into your home. Here are some of our favorite sources for hardworking and affordable mudroom essentials.

• TubTrugs.us: These started out in England as garden buckets, but they've found their way into the American market as multi-purpose pieces that can be used as laundry baskets or storage bins. Made from colored plastic in 15 colors, tub trugs start around $10.
• Gardener's Supply Company: This online shop specializes in tools for gardeners, but they've got an extensive selection of affordable indoor items made to withstand heavy wear. Their washable rugs and runners start around $20.
• CB2: The rounded edges on CB2's Clip 9-Hook Coat Rack make it stylish and kid-friendly at the same time. The double-stacked design holds more bags and coats, while the simple powdercoated steel construction keeps it inexpensive at $30.
• Kikkerland: They sell their home organization products through retail partner shops and an online store, where you can find a nice selection of coat hooks, clocks, and home organizers. A few of these Recycle Logo Wastebaskets ($15) would make a cute home recycling station.
• Container Store: They have so much stuff that shopping there can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Go prepared with a list, or you can end up with a bunch of stuff that'll end up in the donation pile next year. We like their mesh metal bins, like the $40 rolling bin, shown left.
• MUJI : This Japanese megastore is a good source for a minimalist entryway. Think lucite boxes, white bins, and linen bags. Prices are affordable, and with locations in New York and a US website, they're more accessible than they've been in the past.
• Shaker Workshops: Shaker peg rail looks good, you can wrap it around a room, and it works for hanging coats, shopping bags, or anything you can put on a peg. This Massachusetts-based store sells peg rail by the linear foot, and you buy it pre-assembled or save money by purchasing a DIY kit.
• IKEA: It's kind of an obvious store to add to the list, but it's a great source for affordable storage bins, shoe racks, and coat hangers. Scan the hallway section of their site for ideas. The rack shown left is the $40 Tjusig.
• RubberMaid: Apartment Therapy editor Aaron Able's guide to cheap closets offers information on RubberMaid, IKEA, ClosetMaid, Easy Track, and Martha Stewart systems — almost all of these are affordable and available through big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.
• G.U.S. Great Useful Stuff: This webshop carries home organizers and cell phone charging stations by Kangaroom Storage, Alice Supply Company, and other affordable modern brands. The Cell Phone Charging Station shown here is a basic design that sells for $18.

Photo: IKEA Hallway