How to Organize Shoes: 8 Entryway Shoe Storage Ideas

Mudrooms (hallway entryways that generally have closets or storage space) are a great place to stow those extra pairs of shoes. But since not everyone has a mudroom in his or her home, you might have to get creative when looking for a way to keep your footwear organized. (That is, at least until you move out of your old home and into your dream house, which will ideally be equipped with walk-in bedroom closets.) 

Thankfully, there are plenty of other alternatives that will help you keep your shoes organized and easily available. As you think through which storage option is right for you, consider the following:

• Do you prefer to display your shoes or keep them hidden? This will inform you which kind of shoe storage solution is right for you. 
• Do you prefer to create a DIY option or purchase something that is ready to be displayed in your home? 
• How many pairs of shoes do you have? How many do you plan to add to your collection in the coming months? Are there shoes (such as winter boots or summer sneakers) that you only wear seasonally?

Thinking through these details will help you make the most of the storage space you do have, without needing to get rid of any of your shoes.

If you live in a very small house or apartment, it’s important to make sure every inch of your place is set up for maximum efficiency. Purchasing furniture that doubles as storage is a great way to ensure your home is both fashionable and functional. To start, consider buying a shoe storage bench for the entryway. 

The shoes will be easily accessible but kept out of sight, which can make your entryway look nicer. Best of all, you’ll also have a place to sit while you lace up your shoes. You can even hang hooks on the wall behind the storage bench so you can keep backpacks, scarves and coats there. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a shoe storage solution that is both convenient and clutter-free.

If you’re looking for a low-cost option, you can buy some wooden crates or apple boxes, paint them, and stack them one on top of the other. And if you’re especially artsy, you might even want to paint a mural or stencil a saying onto the crates to customize them. You can then store several pairs of shoes in this stackable shoe organizer. This is a great solution if you want to personalize your entryway shoe storage to fit your desired style.

Listen up, DIYers: this one's for you. Consider upcycling an old dresser into a hall tree so you can store shoes and other items inside. You can sand and paint the dresser to give it a fresh new look and then put shoes on the bottom shelves. Like the option above, this one is great for people who want to design their own product. And because the dresser will have plenty of room for shoes, you won’t have to worry about running out of storage space anytime soon.

When in doubt, get a basket for your entryway and call it a day! You can buy baskets of all different sizes, depending on how many shoes you need to keep in them. You can also buy baskets with lids if you prefer to keep everything under wraps. Whether you like large wicker baskets or smaller woven ones, it’s an aesthetically pleasing way to put away your shoes. You can also buy baskets in whichever color you prefer–from white to dark brown to red–to match the rest of your home decor.

Over-the-door shoe racks have long been an ideal solution for those who are short on space. You can hang them over a closet door or even over your bathroom or bedroom door. If you have extra storage compartments, you can keep jewelry, scarves and other belongings there alongside your shoes. This is a great option for those who want to maximize space while also keeping their shoes right by the door for ultimate convenience.

Another great way to keep your shoes accessible and organized is by purchasing a shoe cubby. Many shoe cubbies come with a bench-like surface that you can sit on as you put on your shoes, and you can also hang some shelves or hooks above the cubby and keep keys and other items there. Consider putting a throw or blanket on top of the cubby to make it look like a hallway statement piece. This is a great option if you’re trying to figure out how to store shoes in an entryway without taking up too much floor space.

If you’re looking for an “out of sight, out of mind” option, consider buying a storage armoire. These furniture pieces look sleek and sophisticated, so they can easily liven up any living space. Best of all, they give your entryway or mudroom an elevated look while hiding your shoes and other items from public view. Consider putting a plant or lamp on the armoire to tie the whole look together.

On the flip side, if you’d like to keep all of your favorite footwear in full view, you can purchase a wall-mounted shoe rack like this one. This easy-to-install rack can be mounted to one of your walls or hung from a door. Bonus points: You’ll never have to dig through a drawer looking for the right shoes because they will be immediately visible.