Having a designated spot to store shoes in your entryway is not only practical, but can also be a stylish decorative element.
The entryway is the first thing guests see when entering your home, so making it aesthetically pleasing while keeping it organized is important.
With options ranging from vintage to modern, minimalist to industrial, you’re sure to find a shoe storage solution that matches your home’s style.
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Rustic Wooden Bench with Storage Cubbies
A rustic wooden bench is a charming shoe storage solution for a country, farmhouse, or industrial style entryway.
The simple clean lines and natural wood material create a warm and welcoming first impression.
For this built-in bench design, construct a sturdy frame using 2x4s or 2x6s and top it with a smooth wooden plank made of solid wood.
Pine, acacia, mango wood, or maple all work well for a light and natural look.
For a darker stain, walnut or teak add beautiful contrast.
Cut the plank into a rectangular shape about 16-18” deep to allow enough room for shoe storage cubbies underneath.
Install open cubby storage underneath the bench by cutting plyboard into cube shapes, leaving one side open to slide shoes in and out easily.
Stain or paint the cubbies to match the bench for a cohesive look.
The cubbies can also be left unfinished for an authentic rustic aesthetic.
Place the storage bench in your entryway on any wall with enough space.
Make sure it does not obstruct the opening and closing of doors.
The rustic bench is best paired with decor like woven baskets, aged bronze hooks, and floral or countryside prints.
To soften the look, drape woven blankets or sheepskin throws over the bench.
Pros:
– Rustic and charming farmhouse style
– Lots of shoe storage space
– Doubles as a sitting bench
Cons:
– Exposed storage can look cluttered
– Not a completely tidy solution
Modern Shoe Cabinet
For contemporary homes, a sleek modern shoe cabinet neatly stores footwear out of sight.
This type of enclosed storage keeps entryways looking clean and organized.
Opt for a tall, slender cabinet roughly 20-24” wide and 70-75” tall.
Many designs feature doors that open vertically, maximizing space efficiency.
Choose a cabinet with either shelves or built-in cubbies inside to store shoes of various heights.
When selecting a material, metal and glass ooze modern appeal.
Metal cabinets in stainless steel, aluminum, or powder-coated colors have an edgy, urban vibe.
For a lighter look, glass doors showcase the shoes inside while maintaining privacy.
Place the narrow shoe cabinet against a wall near your entryway doors.
Floating wood or metal shelves above can display decor and keys.
For added function, some cabinets come with a built-in bench.
This creates a designated spot to sit when putting shoes on.
Pros:
– Clean, hidden storage
– Great for small entryways
– Versatile style
Cons:
– Less storage than open cubbies
– More expensive than DIY options
Rustic Wooden Crates
For farmhouse style entryways, wooden crates offer casual rustic shoe storage.
The vintage vibe suits modern country homes and apartments with repurposed decor.
Sturdy wooden shipping crates or wine crates can be repurposed, or you can easily make customized crates using new lumber.
Nail or screw wooden boards together in square shapes with one side open.
Sand edges and finish with clear polyurethane for protection.
Stack the wooden crates in a stepped shape against any entryway wall.
For decor, set flower pots, baskets, or candle lanterns on top of the crates.
You can also stain the wood different colors for a bright accent.
Leave the crates open for breezy storage or add small curtains to conceal the contents.
Include labels or stenciled text on the front of each crate naming who it belongs to.
A vintage rug underneath pulls the rustic look together.
Pros:
– Inexpensive DIY project
– Lots of character and charm
– Easy to customize
Cons:
– Not as tidy looking as contained storage
– Durability depends on crate quality
Entryway Coat Rack with Shoe Shelves
Maximize vertical storage space in a narrow entryway with a floor-to-ceiling coat rack complete with shelves for shoe storage.
This all-in-one organizer keeps everything accessible but neat.
For the rack itself, select a metal design with hooks along one side to hang coats and bags.
On the other side, install 4-5 shelves staggered at different heights for shoe storage.
Opt for an open metal rack or wooden shelves.
Mount the shelved coat rack securely to the wall.
Make sure installed hooks align at a convenient height for coats and bags.
Place a decorative rug or tray underneath to catch dirt from shoes.
This entryway fixture works well in long, narrow spaces like a mudroom or hallway.
Pros:
– Consolidates coat and shoe storage
– Makes use of vertical wall space
– Streamlined look
Cons:
– Fixed shelves may not fit all shoe sizes
– Not as much storage as cabinetry
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Wall-Mounted Shoe Racks
Shoe racks mounted on the wall provide simple and affordable storage.
The open air design allows shoes to breathe while neatly organizing them.
Sturdy racks come in a range of sizes, shapes, and finishes to suit your entryway.
Opt for galvanized metal, black powder-coated, or chrome racks to match your decor.
Mount racks at staggered heights for multi-row storage capacity.
Position wall-mounted racks near your entryway door.
Install them at a height easily reachable by all household members.
Consider combining a few racks to create fun geometric arrangements.
Pros:
– Inexpensive solution
– Good ventilation and visibility
– Takes up minimal floor space
Cons:
– Less storage than cabinetry
– Open racks look messy if overcrowded
Freestanding Hall Tree
For traditional and shabby chic style entryways, a hall tree storage piece provides charming vintage flair.
The coat hooks, shoe bench, and shelves consolidate storage needs in one decorative furnishing.
Seek out an wood hall tree with intricate carvings and details for added character.
Many feature built-in mirrors, which visually expand smaller spaces.
The shoe storage bench typically has three cubbies underneath.
Position the hall tree near your entrance where it can be easily accessed.
Angle it slightly toward the door so the storage is convenient when arriving and leaving.
Decorate the shelves with art, plants, baskets, or decor pieces for a personalized touch.
Pros:
– Eye-catching focal point
– Lots of storage for small footprint
– Vintage character
Cons:
– Bulky footprint in smaller entryways
– Storage is visible rather than concealed
Hanging Boot Rack
Bring country charm to your entryway with a hanging wooden rack designed specifically for boots.
This fun and functional option gets them off the floor and stores them neatly.
Choose a wall-mounted rack with multiple rows of wooden pegs sticking out to slide boots onto.
Opt for unfinished wood or brightly painted colors to suit your style.
Position it near your entry door around eye level.
On the rack, arrange boots heel-down with toes pointing out for optimal space-saving capacity.
Only keep boots you wear regularly on the rack for clutter control.
Add cute boot caddies on the floor underneath to store additional pairs out of the way.
Pros:
– Made for tall boots
– Air circulation to reduce odors
– Cute country style
Cons:
– Only fits certain shoe styles
– Boots are exposed rather than concealed
Reclaimed Wood Shoe Shelf
For environmentally friendly homes, shoe racks made from reclaimed wood have rustic warehouse appeal.
The eco-friendly storage makes use of recycled materials creatively.
Use reclaimed wood planks from old barns, houses, or pallets.
Sand and finish them to create a flat shelf.
Screw the wood shelf directly to the wall studs for secure mounting.
Add small wood trim pieces along the edges for a polished look.
Stagger floating shelves at different heights on your entryway wall to double the storage capacity.
Leave the wood unfinished or use a clear coat to preserve the natural patina.
The neutral reclaimed wood pairs well with houseplants, baskets, and artwork above.
Pros:
– Sustainable DIY project
– Rusticwarehouse character
– Low cost
Cons:
– Heavy compared to wire racks
– Not as tidy looking as contained storage
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Entryway Shoe Cabinet with Drawers
For clean concealed storage, an entryway shoe cabinet with drawers hides footwear neatly away.
The combination of drawers and cabinet creates lots of storage space.
Seek out an all-wood cabinet approx.
3-4 feet wide and 4 feet tall.
Inside, incorporate 2-3 drawers for small items like gloves and scarves above shoe cubbies.
Full extension wooden drawers allow easy access.
Flanking the drawers, install deep open cubbies to stack multiple pairs of shoes.
Extra tall cabinets accommodate boots.
Opt for enclosed cabinets or open shelving above for hats and bags.
Place the entryway shoe cabinet on an interior wall near your door
Floating wall shelves can be installed above to utilize vertical space.
The concealed storage results in a tidy appearance.
Pros:
– Lots of storage capacity
– Both open and concealed storage
– Customizable cabinet configurations
Cons:
– More expensive than DIY options
– Drawer hardware can break over time
Repurposed Ladder Shoe Rack
Ladders make for fun repurposed shoe racks in modern rustic spaces.
The unique shape provides angled storage ideal for entryways.
Look for an old wooden ladder at a garage sale or flea market and clean thoroughly.
Sand and seal the wood if needed, but nicks and paint chips add character.
Affordable new ladders work as well.
Securely attach one side of the ladder to your entryway wall near the door.
T
his creates angled shelves perfect for slide-on slip-on shoes.
Arrange booties and heels on lower rungs and sandals towards the top.
Decorate the ladder rungs with small succulents or decorative objects.
Lean the ladder ladder slightly away from the wall for easier access.
This eye-catching rack adds lots of vintage personality.
Pros:
– Affordable vintage find
– Angled design for entryway
– Lots of character and charm
Cons:
– Not as much storage as cabinetry
– Not securely contained
Built-In Bench with Shoe Cubbies
For a polished custom look, build fixed bench seating into your entryway with shoe cubbies underneath.
This luxurious built-in combines form and function.
Start by constructing a stable bench frame from 2x4s.
Top with a smooth wooden plank made of oak, maple, or engineered wood.
For the cubbies, cut and join wood to create customized compartments.
Integrate the storage bench seamlessly into your entryway by mounting it to the wall and floor permanently.
Consider open cubbies, enclosed cabinetry, or a combination of both.
The storage can extend the full length of the wall.
Finish the bench with cushion seating for comfort.
Add wainscoting, baseboard trim, and crown molding to the built-in for a flawless finished look.
This high-end entryway storage belongs in formal spaces.
Pros:
– Fully customized
– Luxurious built-in look
– Comfortable bench seating
Cons:
– More expensive solution
– Permanent installation
DIY Concrete Block Shoe Shelf
Urban loft and industrial spaces can utilize concrete blocks as an edgy shoe storage solution.
While low cost, the neat grid arrangement looks designer.
Concrete blocks are inexpensive and available at hardware stores.
Arrange them in a staggered grid on the floor against a wall.
Space rows 8-12 inches apart to store shoes.
Smooth and seal the concrete blocks for a cleaned up appearance.
Incorporate wooden shelves above the blocks for additional storage.
Floating shelves or wall-mounted racks work well for bags and accessories.
Pegboard provides a spot to hang keys and coats using hooks.
Paint the concrete blocks matte black or charcoal for a modern look.
For added decor, set succulents and ceramic trays on the block steps.
This affordable DIY storage suits unfinished basements too.
Pros:
– Inexpensive DIY project
– Urban industrial vibe
– Lots of open storage
Cons:
– Exposed loose storage
– Concrete absorbs odors
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Entryway Chest with Drawers
For a refined farmhouse feel, an all-wood entryway chest offers closed storage with drawer organizers.
This entryway piece combines beauty and function.
Look for a classic wood chest approx.
3 feet wide and 4 feet tall.
Details like carved legs, molded trim, and metal hardware add character.
Stain the chest in a light natural wood tone or crisp white paint.
The chest should feature organizing drawers to neatly store shoes and accessories
Consider tall cubbies for shoe storage and small divided drawers for scarves, gloves, and hats.
Place the chest near your entry door for handy access.
Style the chest with a tray on top to hold keys and mail.
Flanking sconces provide lighting, while art and mirrors visually expand the space.
The clean lines blend in any traditional or contemporary home.
Pros:
– Concealed storage
– Lots of organizational drawers
– Sophisticated furniture piece
Cons:
– More expensive than DIY
– Drawer space less flexible than open cubbies
With so many options for stylish shoe storage, you can finally kick clutter to the curb.
Find a solution that best suits your interior design style, whether you prefer charming vintage or sleek modern designs.
Not only will organized entryway storage make your mornings run smoother, but it will also impress guests with a tidy first impression.
For more shoe storage inspiration, observe how your footwear accumulates after coming and going.
This will reveal optimal placement in your own unique entryway.
With an organized start to your home, getting out the door will be a breeze.
