Everyone has to deal with this sooner or later. You’re looking for your shoes in the entryway, and you trip over a few others before you find them. You ask your kids to put on their shoes, and they get stuck searching through the pile. And all the while, your entryway looks a fright when visitors walk through the door. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to solve this problem. By considering these smart shoe storage ideas, you can keep your shoes together, minimize clutter in your entryway, and be able to leave the home with ease.
8 Smart Shoe Storage Ideas
If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s safety, it’s smart to not have clutter anywhere that is meant for walking. Shoes are notorious for being “left around” and that’s not helpful. So let’s take a look at these eight smart shoe storage ideas that can help you correct this problem.
1. Shelving
If you have several shoes that you need to keep neat and tidy, it’s hard to go wrong with shelving. Shelves come in a variety of styles and colors. You can find options that have a fairly narrow profile, which is ideal for small entryways.
If you decide that you need to add another row, you can usually do so with ease. The best part is that you’re not using an inch of floor space, which makes it easier to get in and out during the day.
2. Racks
If you’re looking for the simplest shoe storage option, all you have to do is get a rack. Racks feature a relatively basic construction, are easy to put together, and fit in with almost any décor. You can buy shoe racks in a variety of sizes, some with multiple tiers or adjustable rows so that you can fit boots and slippers on the same rack.
3. Hidden Benches
It’s so nice to sit down and take off your shoes when you get home, and a bench makes that a possibility. Benches require some space, so that you aren’t barking your shins or knees on the corner as you slide through the entryway. But if you can spare the room, benches provide an ideal spot to tuck your shoes underneath. You can also find plenty of options with hidden storage, to keep your entryway looking neat as a pin.
Related: The Hidden Cost of Clutter: How It Impacts Your Space and Finances
4. Drawers
If you decide that you do want to install a bench, you might consider putting some drawers underneath. Drawers provide additional functions for your entryway that allow you to customize. You can designate a drawer for each member of the family or categorize them by the type of outerwear. Drawers also come in customizable sizes, so you can have a wide one for boots and a narrow one for hats, gloves, or slippers.
5. Stackable Bins
Not sure how much space you’re going to need for shoes? You’re not alone. People with growing families or needs that change throughout the year might get more benefit from using stackable bins.
Bins are one of those ideal shoe storage ideas because unlike drawers or baskets, they can close. You can get them in opaque colors to reduce visual clutter, or clear plastic so you can easily see what’s inside. Modular options allow you to build up as you go or swap out winter boots for summer sandals.
6. Vertical Shoe Cabinets
If you don’t have a lot of space in your entryway, vertical shoe cabinets make all the difference. These cabinets feature tilt-out doors that store your shoes vertically. This design ensures that the cabinets can keep a very low profile, only a few inches in some cases.
If you have shoes of varying sizes, consider custom cabinetry to get the perfect depth. That way, you can fit women’s clogs, men’s sneakers, and the kids’ boots all at once.
7. Baskets or Cubbies
Tired of tripping over everyone’s piles of shoes and bags? Baskets or cubbies come to the rescue.
You can designate cubbies for each member of the household, including the dog. Feel free to take advantage of floor space if you have it or install divided compartments to the wall to keep the floor free. Use baskets as a way to keep everything confined and make it easier for small children to get their shoes or put them away.
8. Shoe Trays
For the seasons when you expect some rain or snow, you may want to add shoe trays to the mix. Shoe trays provide a space to put your wet or muddy shoes, to avoid tracking in the dirt and water.
Look for a spot next to the door for the tray, so that everyone can remove their shoes while they stand on the doormat. The tray will contain the mess until the shoes dry or you can clean them up.
Keeping your entryway clear of shoes and clutter may feel like a never-ending battle, but we’ve given you eight shoe storage ideas to choose from. Measure your space, consider what you need to store, and browse through these ideas. You’ll find a shoe storage option that accommodates all your shoes, while making the entryway a comfortable and neat place.
