Ryan Johnson
Table of Contents
As a professional organizer who’s helped hundreds of clients declutter and utilize their space more efficiently, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to store shoes when you’re dealing with a small closet, entryway, or apartment layout. But with some creative thinking and the right DIY solutions, you can take control of the shoe chaos!
In this article, I’ll share my favorite inexpensive, rental-friendly shoe storage hacks that I’ve recommended over the years. They provide smart ways to keep lots of footwear neat and accessible – even in the tightest spaces.
Top Priorities for Small Space Shoe Storage
When evaluating DIY shoe storage ideas for your small home, keep these key principles in mind:
Optimize Vertical Space
Look for ways to store shoes vertically – on racks, shelves, or hooks – to take advantage of all available wall space.
Prioritize Visibility & Accessibility
Use open storage or transparent bins so you can easily see and grab the pair you need. No more digging!
Get Creative with Furniture
Repurpose furniture pieces like ladders, nightstands, and bookcases to hold shoes. Dual-purpose furniture saves space.
Consider Modular & Stackable
Modular cubes, stackable crates, and adjustable shelves make it easy to customize storage as your needs change.
Follow these guidelines as we explore cheap and crafty DIY small space shoe storage solutions!
Hanging Shoe Racks
Wall-mounted hanging racks are ideal for small spaces. They keep shoes visible and within reach without taking up precious floor space. Here are some of my favorite DIY options:
1. Over-the-Door Hanging Racks
These handy pre-made racks hook right over your door to hold shoes. Look for mesh, canvas, or clear plastic styles. Just be sure the door can still fully open/close!
2. Repurposed Ladder Shoe Rack
Secure an old wooden ladder horizontally on the wall. Insert dowels or hooks on the rungs to hang heels, sandals, etc. Use the ladder’s built-in shelves to hold shoe boxes, bags, and accessories too.
3. PVC Pipe Shoe Rack
Glue, screw, or zip tie PVC pipes cut to various lengths onto a board. Hang the board securely and slide your shoes right onto the pipes by the heels. Customize the pipe lengths to fit all your footwear.
4. Floating Wall Ledges
Install inexpensive floating ledges or wall-mounted standards with brackets. Set shoes sideways or heels-down across the ledges for an artistic, space-saving display.
Vertical Shoe Shelves
Vertical shelving units make the most of high wall space while keeping shoes visible and retrievable.
5. Stackable Modular Shelves
Mix and match cube-style fabric bins and modular shelves to build a custom tower. Most systems have snap-together or hook-and-loop connections and come in different sizes to accommodate all types of footwear.
6. Adjustable Wall Shelves
Buy (or DIY) basic floating shelves with adjustable brackets. Position the shelves at varying heights to create vertical rows for shoes.
7. Ladder Bookcase Shoe Organizer
A traditional wooden ladder bookcase leaned against the wall becomes shoe storage. Angle the “rungs” to keep pairs from sliding out. Use the lower shelves for shoe boxes.
8. Repurposed Crate Shoe Shelves
Stack vintage wooden crates or milk crates to make an informal shelving unit. Crates are perfectly sized for shoes. Leave them unfinished for a rustic, industrial look.
Cubby & Cabinet Solutions
Built-in cubbies and cabinets allow you to conceal some or all of your shoe inventory.
9. Entryway Bench with Shoe Storage
An entryway bench with lift-up lid or slide-out drawers camouflages shoes. Use for seasonal shoes or overflow that you access less often.
10. Under-Bed Shoe Storage
Clear under-bed bins on caster wheels roll out to reveal the contents while keeping shoes hidden. Use in bedrooms, dorms, or any room with under-utilized space beneath the bed.
11. Repurposed Cabinet Shoe Organizer
Install shelves or cube storage bins inside an old cabinet or armoire to neatly organize your shoes behind closed doors. Pick a piece with doors or open shelving based on your preferences.
12. Custom Built-In Cubbies
Have carpenters construct built-in cubbies to hold shoes along an entryway wall or in the closet. Include shelves, drawers, and rods for ultimate customization.
Creative Shoe Storage Furniture
Let’s explore how basic furniture pieces can pull double duty for shoe storage in small spaces:
13. Storage Ottomans
Square cube ottomans with lift-off lids or slide-out drawers offer hidden storage to control shoe clutter. Use in living rooms, bedrooms, entryways.
14. Repurposed Nightstands
Flank an entryway or spot along the wall with matching nightstands placed horizontally. Install cubbies or shelves inside the table tops to organize shoes.
15. Side Table or End Table
Small side tables like Parsons tables or end tables with a shelf below create a surface for shoes plus storage for accessories or shoe care items.
16. Bookcase Turned Shoe Rack
A standard square bookcase makes a great shoe organizer. Lay the open unit sideways along the floor. The shelves become vertical shoe cubbies.
Shoe Storage Accessories
Finally, incorporating some key shoe storage accessories can help maximize space:
17. Clear Stackable Shoe Boxes
Clear stacking boxes protect shoes while keeping them visible. Label the boxes to stay organized. Use on shelves, in cabinets, or under beds.
18. Space-Saving Shoe Slot Racks
Slots or trays that hang shoes by the heels are great for tight spaces like hallways and inside closet doors. Hang on walls or install under shelves.
19. Multi-Tiered Hanging Shoe Bag
Hang an over-the-door shoe bag on the back of the closet door or on a hook along any wall. Themultiple mesh pockets provide vertical storage outside the main space.
20. Adjustable Closet Rod Shelving
Install an adjustable closet rod below your existing hanging rod. The lower rod creates space to store shoes lined up & stored on their sides.
Tips for Maximizing Small Space Shoe Storage
Follow these guidelines to make the most of your DIY shoe organizers:
- Store less frequently worn shoes under beds, in cabinets, or up high
- Keep everyday shoes handy near your entryway
- Label clear bins so you can identify contents easily
- Mix closed and open storage designs based on your preferences
- Incorporate lighting inside cabinets or above open shelves for visibility
- Pair shelves and hanging storage to utilize all wall space from top to bottom
With some creativity and dual-purpose furniture, you can take control of even the tiniest entryway, closet, or apartment layout and enjoy a well-ordered shoe collection!
FAQs about Small Space Shoe Storage
What is the best shoe storage for small closets?
Vertical solutions like hanging racks, stacking crates, and adjustable wall shelves maximize closet space. Also consider over-the-door racks, under-bed bins, and storage ottomans to keep shoes neat but out of the main closet.
How do you organize shoes in a small apartment?
Look for vertical storage on walls, hanging racks over doors, under bed bins, and furniture converted for shoe storage. Multi-tiered racks, stackable cubes, and shelving ensure you have a spot for every pair, even in tight apartments.
Where should I put shoes in a small entryway?
Install modular cube shelves, floating ledges, or a low console table with storage in the entryway to keep shoes handy but organized. Use baskets or trays to corral shoes so the space still looks clean.
What to do with extra shoes in a small closet?
Once you’ve maximized the closet’s primary shoe storage, utilize under-bed bins, over-the-door racks, and other secondary storage options for shoes worn only occasionally or in certain seasons.
How can I hide shoes in a small space?
Look for storage ottomans, lift-top benches, cabinets, and other furniture with concealed storage. These keep excess shoes out of sight but still easily accessible when needed. Built in cubbies are another great option.
Where should I put rain boots in a small apartment?
Save prime real estate for your everyday shoes and store snow boots, rain boots, and other seasonal pairs under the bed, on a high closet shelf, or in a storage chest or cabinet. Pull them out only as needed.
What are easy DIY shoe storage solutions?
Over-the-door racks, ladders turned sideways to hold shoes, repurposed bookcases and nightstands laid horizontally, and PVC pipe racks offer easy DIY possibilities. Floating ledges and modular cubes are also great starter projects.
Where should I store shoes beside the front door?
Try a wooden bench with lift-up storage, a narrow console table, cube storage shelves, or simple coat hooks on the wall. These allow quick grab-and-go access in a slim area next to the entryway.
How can I store shoes if I don’t have a closet?
Standalone options like clothing racks, repurposed ladders, bookcases, and nightstands used creatively can hold plenty of shoes even with no closet. Door or wall hooks also help maximize vertical space when floor space is very limited.
What are good space saving shoes racks?
Vertical racks, hanging shelves, stackable modular cubes, multi-tiered expandable racks, and over-the-door hanging racks maximize every inch. Slotted racks that store shoes on their sides are also very compact.
Conclusion
With some clever DIY tricks, small space dwellers can enjoy organized shoe storage that best fits their unique layout and needs. Just focus on creating vertical storage, repurposing furniture, and taking advantage of every last bit of unused real estate. You’ll be amazed how many shoes you can neatly tuck away, even in tight quarters!
