Keeping shoes organized in an entryway can be a challenge, especially if it’s a high-traffic area and space is limited. Fortunately, there are many clever storage solutions that can corral messy piles of shoes and keep your entry looking neat. From simple shoe racks to built-in cabinetry, here are 16 fantastic entryway shoe storage ideas to inspire you.
Use Vertical Space with Wall-Mounted Racks
Wall-mounted racks are a great way to take advantage of vertical space for shoe storage in an entryway. Look for sturdy metal or wood racks with multiple shelves or rungs to hold shoes. Position them near the front door at a comfortable height for easy access.
Wall-mounted racks help keep shoes up off the floor so the space stays tidy. They also provide plenty of ventilation so shoes can dry out between wears. For a custom look, have a rack designed and built to perfectly fit the wall space.
Keep Shoes Hidden with a Storage Bench
Entryway benches pull double duty, providing both seating and discreet shoe storage. Look for bench styles with lift-up lids or doors to conceal shoe cubbies or shelves within. You can find readymade storage benches, or have one custom built to your specifications.
Position an entryway bench near the front door to provide a place for slipping shoes on and off. The storage inside keeps spare shoes, boots, and other items out of sight but within easy reach. Upholstered bench tops lend a polished, decorative touch.
Stack Them Up with Cube Storage
Plastic, wood, or fabric cube storage units offer a versatile storage solution for entryways. The simple square cubes can be stacked up against a wall and configured to fit your space. Use them to neatly stow shoes of all types on their sides or standing upright.
Look for cube units with openings or ventilation so shoes can air out to prevent odors. Baskets or cubbies of various sizes allow you to separate and organize different pairs. Labeling the cubes makes finding shoes even easier.
Keep Shoes in Their Place with Designated Zones
Give every family member a designated spot for their shoes with labeled storage cubes, lockers, or shelves. This prevents piles of shoes accumulating haphazardly. It also teaches kids to take responsibility for putting their shoes away properly.
Consider placing “zones” for adult shoes up high, and lower cubbies for kids’ shoes where they can access them easily. Dividers or baskets for each zone help differentiate storage areas.
Add Interest with Pretty Bins and Baskets
Wicker baskets and fabric bins are an attractive way to conceal shoe piles in an entry. They contain clutter while adding warmth and texture. Look for bins and baskets in different sizes to neatly accommodate shoes.
Group bins and baskets together on the floor or stack them on shelves. Opt for lidded bins to fully enclose shoes. Neutral colors blend seamlessly with any decor. Use baskets and bins alongside open shelving for a balanced look.
Get Creative with Repurposed Storage
Before buying new storage pieces, look around for repurposed items that could double as clever shoe storage. For example, vintage lockers or wall cubbies provide divided compartments. Sturdy wooden crates stacked up can replace store-bought units.
An old bookcase flipped on its back with the shelves running horizontally creates shoe cubbies. Make use of the space under entryway benches and tables too. There are lots of ways to think outside the box for inexpensive storage solutions.
Hang Shoes on Rack Ledgers
Installing a row of wooden ledger boards along the entryway wall creates instant shoe storage. Add metal pegs or hooks in varying sizes to hang different types of footwear by their heels or straps.
Ledger boards take up minimal floor space while holding plenty of shoes. They also keep shoes visible and within easy access. For a unified look, stain or paint the boards to match the wall color. Use ledger strips, or mount full boards.
Opt for Slanted Shelves
Slanted shelves and cubbies are ideal for storing shoes as they prevent them from toppling over. The angled design nudges shoes back and makes the most of small spaces.
Built-in angled cubbies recessed into the wall look sleek and customized. Free-standing slanted shelves bring convenience. Mix closed cubbies with open shelves to conceal some shoes while displaying others.
Make It Multifunctional with a Storage Ottoman
Ottomans pull triple duty in an entryway by providing seating, concealed storage, and an area to put shoes on. Look for rectangular ottomans with hinged lids to access the spacious interior. Place a cushion on top for comfort.
Use the storage space inside the ottoman for spare shoes, bags, gloves, scarves, and other accessories. The upholstered top creates a place to sit down while putting shoes on. Some ottomans feature slide-out trays to hold footwear.
Get Organized with Shoe Cabinets
Free-standing shoe cabinets offer a tidy storage solution for entryways. They are typically tall and thin to fit alongside an entry door or in a corner. Most feature rows of cubbies, shelves, or slide-out trays to hold footwear.
Shoe cabinets corral messy piles and keep pairs together. Baskets or dividers further organize them. Transparent cabinet doors allow you to see contents at a glance. For easy access, position cabinets near the entry door.
Show off Shoes in a Glass Case
For those who want to proudly display their shoe collection, glass-door shoe cabinets make an eye-catching statement. The clear glass front puts shoes on full display while protecting them from dust and dirt.
Built-in illuminated cabinets create a dazzling focal point. Freestanding cabinets with adjustable shelving flexibly store shoes of different sizes. Place open shelves or cubbies alongside glass doors for a mix of hidden and displayed storage.
Utilize Wall Cubbies or Niches
Built-in wall cubbies or recessed niches built into the entryway architecture are great for tucking away shoes. You can have custom cabinetry designed with desired dimensions. Or easily add readymade cubbies that mount to the wall.
Mix closed cubbies and open shelving. Adding doors or curtains to some openings allows hiding shoes that you don’t want on display. Wall cubbies keep shoes organized and make efficient use of available space.
Double up with Corner Racks
Make use of unused corner nooks by installing corner-mounted racks. Their angular triangular design perfectly fits and takes advantage of wasted space. Corner shelves can hold shoes as well as bags, hats, and other gear.
Look for corner racks and shelving sets made of sturdy metal or wood. They range from simple three-shelf designs to multi-tier racks. Some feature hooks for hanging items on top. Maximize your square footage with these.
Add Shoe Drawers Underneath
Many console tables or entryway benches have empty space underneath that’s perfect for stashing shoe storage drawers. Pull-out drawer units slide out when you need to access shoes. Then tuck them out of sight when not in use.
Opt for stackable plastic drawers that can be configured to fit the space. Or install custom built-in drawers for a seamless look. Drawers allow you to organize shoes neatly and keep pairs together. Just don’t overload them causing drawers to jam.
Create Customized Cabinetry
For the ultimate customized storage, have cabinetry built into the entryway specifically designed for shoes. Built-ins make the best use of every inch of available space. Incorporate any combination of cubbies, shelves, drawers, and other storage solutions.
Built-in cabinets can be designed around architectural elements like stairs, moldings, and hallways. They provide concealed storage that keeps clutter out of sight. Integrated lighting illuminates contents when doors are opened.
Get Crafty with DIY Storage
Don’t overlook crafty DIY solutions for entryway shoe storage. All it takes is a little creativity! For instance, a section of gutter mounted horizontally to the wall creates budget shelving. Paint or stencil the gutter to match decor.
Use pieces of PVC pipe, cinder blocks, crates, and salvaged wood in inventive ways. Add hooks, pegs, or shelves for holding shoes. There are also plenty of free DIY plans online for making customized storage on any budget.
Maintain with Easy Access and Labels
No matter which entryway shoe storage solutions you choose, a few organizational tips will keep the space running smoothly:
- Position storage near the entry door for convenient access when coming and going. Avoid forcing people to walk deep into the home to put shoes away.
- Label each cubby and bin to designate whose shoes belong where. This helps avoid jumbled piles.
- Frequently tidy and wipe down storage units to prevent dirt and dust buildup. Don’t allow clutter to accumulate.
- Periodically purge seldom-worn shoes to free up more storage space. Donate gently used pairs to charity.
Entryway Shoe Storage FAQ
What is the best entryway shoe storage?
The best shoe storage solutions for your entryway depend on your space, needs, and style. Built-ins like cabinets and cubbies maximize storage and look seamless. Freestanding options like racks, ottomans, and cabinets provide flexible convenience.
How do you organize shoes in an entryway?
Keep shoes organized in an entryway by giving each family member a designated storage space like a cubby. Bins and baskets to corral pairs also prevent jumbled piles. Position storage near the door for easy access. Frequently tidy up the space.
Where should you put shoes in an entryway?
The best place to store shoes in an entryway is near the front door for convenient access when coming and going. Wall-mounted racks, storage benches, cabinets, and cubbies located by the entry keep shoes handy but out of the high-traffic walkway area.
What to put in entryway besides shoes?
Entryways are also great spots to store items besides just shoes. Utilize your storage solutions to also hold hats, gloves, scarves, purses, umbrellas, keys, dog leashes, and other accessories needed when entering and exiting your home.
Keep Your Entry Organized with Shoe Storage Solutions
An organized entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home. The key is selecting storage solutions that neatly contain all those shoes that tend to accumulate. Wall racks, under-bench units, cabinets, baskets, and other smart ideas conquer clutter while fitting your space beautifully. Implement a couple of these clever shoe storage tricks to maintain a welcoming and orderly entry.
So in summary, here are some key takeaways for organizing entryway shoe storage:
- Use vertical space with wall-mounted racks and high shelves
- Conceal shoes in storage benches, cabinets, and baskets
- Assign personalized storage zones for each family member’s shoes
- Repurpose vintage furniture like lockers as budget-friendly storage
- Display favorites in glass-door cabinets while hiding others in cubbies
- Install space-saving solutions like corner racks, slanted shelves, and wall niches
- Maintain organization with easy access, labels, and frequent tidying
- Add customized cabinetry or DIY projects for the ultimate storage
With a little creativity, you can implement storage solutions that both keep your entryway tidy and reflect your personal style. Your whole household will appreciate arriving home to a clutter-free space that encourages sticking to an organized shoe storage system.