How Do You Store Shoes in Small Spaces?
There are a variety of ways to store shoes in small spaces, including over-the-door storage, shoe racks and more. We’ve outlined those options below to help you decide which type of shoe storage may be best for your needs. In addition to storage solutions, you can also designate an area outside of your closet if space is limited there to put footwear. Entryways, mudrooms and living rooms are all great options to add shoe storage. Coupling the right kind of storage with where you plan to use it can really help you make the most of tight spaces.
1. Shoe Racks
Shoe racks take advantage of vertical space, making them great options for smaller closets or in other potential shoe storage areas, like mudrooms, where space might be limited. Whether you need a shoe rack for 6 pairs or 40, you can find storage for your needs. Stackable options not only give you additional tiers as your shoe collection grows but lets you to customize the racks as space allows.
They come in different materials, including wood and metal, so you can choose the one that works best with your style. If your shoes will be out on display instead of concealed in a closet, consider a more stylish option so the shoe rack can also double as décor.
2. Shoe Storage Furniture
For a more versatile approach to shoe storage, consider shoe storage furniture, like a bench or a cabinet. A shoe storage bench is an ideal solution for entryways or mudrooms, creating a place to sit to take shoes on and off, and a place to tuck them away when they aren’t being worn. If you need storage for a lot of footwear, opt for a shoe storage cabinet. They create a designated location to keep shoes organized and out of sight, with multiple shelves or flip-out drawers to stow heels, sneakers, flip-flops and more — some with space for up to 30 pairs of shoes. And if this piece of furniture is placed out in an open space, like a bedroom or living room, the top doubles as a surface to hold accessories like bags, or to display pictures, house plants and other home décor items.
3. Under-bed Storage
When space is limited, efficiently using any available space is key, so why not opt for under-bed shoe storage? These organizers can be great for keeping seasonal footwear tucked away until needed, or simply to house overflow that won’t fit in the closet. Usually fabric and designed with individual compartments for shoes, you can easily slide them under your bed for safe keeping.
4. Over-the-Door Storage
The back of your closet door is the perfect candidate for over-the-door shoe storage, once again taking advantage of unused vertical space. These options mount with hooks that slide over the top of the door, instantly creating a home for your shoes. You can even add it to a bedroom door or mudroom door — wherever you need extra storage.
5. Do Hanging Shoe Racks Save Space?
Hanging shoe racks are a great way to enhance organization without sacrificing floor space. They easily attach to closet rods, with pockets for stashing your footwear. These can also double as a place to keep clothes or accessories if needed.
Should Shoes Be Left in Their Original Shoe Boxes?
There are some benefits to keeping the original shoe boxes for your shoes. If you’re a shoe enthusiast, you may appreciate having the box to maintain authenticity. Or if they’re shoes you don’t wear often, keeping the box can help keep them in good condition. But the choice ultimately comes down to preference, and whether or not you’ve got room to store shoe boxes. If you like the idea of shoe boxes but want to keep things more uniform, consider shoe cases. These clear plastic boxes offer the same benefits as the original shoe box but allow you to see which shoes are stored inside for easier selection. You can find options with lids or drop-front doors that allow you to slide shoes inside. Most are designed with ventilation to help keep shoes aired out, and they can stack for convenient storage.