As I walk into my home after a long day, kicking off my shoes is the first thing I want to do. However, with four people in my family, shoes end up scattered all over the entryway. I’d love to implement some type of storage solution to corral all the footwear.
After doing some research, I discovered lots of clever ideas to organize shoes in the entryway. From open shelving to standalone storage furniture, there are plenty of options to suit any home’s style and budget.
1. Keep It Open
Open shelving allows easy visibility of all your footwear options. I prefer open storage solutions in my home because it prevents items from getting buried and lost.
An open shoe rack is great for small households that don’t have tons of shoes to store. However, it may not suit those looking to completely conceal their stuff.
2. Add Extra Bench Space
Incorporating ample seating into your storage furniture makes putting on and taking off shoes a breeze. Look for storage benches or a coat rack with a built-in seat.
Not only does it provide a spot to sit while lacing up shoes, but it’s also super kid-friendly so little ones can dress themselves independently.
3. Be Practical
When designing your storage, think about how you actually use your space. Display the larger, bulkier shoes openly for easy access. Boots and other frequently worn shoes should be readily available.
For seasonal footwear, consider implementing closed storage to tuck those pairs out of sight. Find the right balance of aesthetics and practicality.
4. Create Open Cubbies
Individual open cubbies designate personalized storage areas for each family member. Incorporate a couple pullout drawers for items you don’t necessarily want on display.
The cubbies also work well combined with other closed storage to give you the best of both worlds.
5. Try a Standalone Armoire
Repurposing a vintage armoire creates a makeshift entryway or mudroom, even in an open floor plan. The doors conceal all the clutter, keeping your foyer looking neat.
A fresh coat of paint gives it a modern farmhouse vibe. Use the cabinet shelves for hats, gloves, and other accessories.
6. Add Corner Shelving
Take advantage of wasted space by installing custom corner shelves. This is a great solution for tiny or awkward entryways. Angle the shelves to maximize vertical storage.
You can essentially create a DIY hall closet to organize coats and shoes in one area.
7. Keep Things Laid Back
Large woven baskets offer casual, toss-and-go storage. Simply throw shoes inside when you walk through the door. The relaxed style is best for households with just a few pairs of shoes.
But the baskets can also incorporate closed storage cabinets for a complete solution.
8. Try Dividers
Adding dividers to a shelf neatly organizes shoes by category or family member. Consider implementing a “two pair minimum” rule to avoid clutter.
This approach is best for big families who need lots of storage. The separate sections prevent shoes from getting jumbled together.
9. Set Up a Coat Rack
Serving double duty, a coat rack with integrated shoe storage is a space-saving option for small entryways. Use the lower shelf specifically for shoes and the hooks for hanging outerwear.
This keeps items organized but easily accessible as you head out the door.
10. Add Cane-Front Doors
Sometimes a simple upgrade can make basic storage look luxe. Take an inexpensive IKEA shoe cabinet and give the doors a cane detailing.
This little detail instantly gives it a high-end look and adds nice texture to the entryway. The closed storage keeps items concealed but handy.
11. Fill Dead Space
Often the area between the stairwell and front door turns into wasted real estate. Transform this unused space into a mini mudroom.
Incorporate hooks, cubbies, shelves and a bench to hold shoes, bags, coats—anything you need to grab on your way out.
12. Give Kids Their Own Spot
Prevent chaos by giving kids and adults separate storage areas. A coat rack with a cabinet, drawers or lower shelving dedicates spaces for each family member’s belongings. Making specific zones establishes order and teaches kids responsibility.
13. Be Playful
Incorporate whimsical elements like patterned wallpaper or netted cabinet doors to showcase your lively personality.
The decorative details dress up basic storage furniture to make mundane tasks like putting away shoes a little more enjoyable.
14. Hack an IKEA Piece
With a little creativity, you can transform an inexpensive IKEA shoe cabinet into a custom built-in look. Add trim details to help it blend seamlessly with your home’s architecture.
The closed storage keeps piles of shoes out of sight, and assembly is super simple.
15. Or Camouflage Your Storage
For a subtle approach, choose a storage furniture piece that blends into your home’s color scheme, like an all-white or gray palette. Incorporate cubbies or a bench with shoe storage that fits unassumingly into your existing layout and decor.
16. Build a Bench
Maximize functionality by custom-building a storage bench suited exactly for your entryway’s dimensions. Incorporate the desired cubbies, cabinets and hooks that meet your family’s needs.
The bench provides a spot to sit while removing shoes.
17. Add a Sneaker Crate
Use the area under a bench by rolling in a vintage crate for storing casual sneakers. The movable storage allows flexibility to pull it out when you need to access the shoes inside.
Pair it with more open shoe storage for a combo solution.
18. Play to a Theme
Enhance your entryway’s style by selecting storage solutions that coordinate with your overall aesthetic. For coastal decor, woven baskets work perfectly.
Or modern farmhouse designs could incorporate a galvanized tin locker for closed storage.
19. Bust Out Some Bins
A locker storage system helps corral out-of-season shoes. Supplement with some sleek bins for everyday footwear. Having both long-term deep storage and easily accessible options ensures you can adapt as your family’s needs change.
20. Repurpose Wooden Crates
Wooden crates offer an inexpensive, DIY-friendly storage option. Stack them vertically to fit narrow spaces or align horizontally for boot storage. A fresh coat of paint makes them pop. Mixing colors and sizes adds visual interest while serving functional needs.