Finding enough space for your shoe storage can simply mean utilizing the space available, knowing the products you’ll need to use, and using your creativity. Or to put it simply, it’s “thinking outside of a shoe box”.
How much space do you got?
Good measurement of your entryway or closet is required. When it comes to closet products, these are generally in size intervals of 12 inches. Closets usually measure to a depth of 24 inches however the entrance can be wide enough to accommodate your storage bench. It could also be narrow enough even for a shoe storage thus getting good measurements is advised.
How many shoes do you need to store?
When storing shoes, you should know which of the shoes in your posession do you often wear and which are usually stored away? Usually we only wear or use about 20 percent of the shoes we have thus it is always a given that some of the footwear you own are those that are often used and these items must always be readily accessible. All the others can be put in the storage.
Products for shoe storage
A. Boxes: These are suitable storage for the shoes you don’t frequently use. Choosing clear plastic type of boxes can help you easily identify which of your shoes are inside. Make sure to use the same type of shoe storage boxes for you to be able to stack them together.
B. Shoe racks: These can be made from metal with plastic coating, particle board with melamine cover, or even the real cedar. Choosing shoe racks that have stackable components can help you utilize your closet’s vertical space. You can try raising your closet rod up to at least 72 inches then positioning your shoe rack down the floor. Such type of arrangement can provide shoe storage space while at the same time allowing plenty of vertical space just above the shoes where you can hung other items or garments. About 8 to 9 inches for every shoe pair is required so a lineal space of 24 inches on your shoe rack will be able to accommodate storage of 3 shoe pairs placed on each side. In general, shoe racks of this type are manufactured with a width of 24 inches.
C. Underbed footwear storage: There are now products that can fit the space under your bed, which is usually unused or wasted. With underbed units, these are either made of soft plastic boxes or boxes of rigid plastic with lids that are hinged. This can be another idea for storing footwear you do not often use. You can also raise your bed to a couple of inches if you still need more space under your bed as storage unit. Products called the “bed risers” are available, which you can definitely use to lift your bed some inches higher to convert the unused horizontal surface area under your bed into a space for storage. One can also visit a big box type of store to buy bed casters, which can be adjusted to various heights and might also provide the needed extra inches.
Other ways to store your shoes
When storing shoes, you don’t necessarily have to use products designed and created for storage of shoes. You can also make use of other furniture when storing your loose shoes such as book cases, metal lockers, storage baskets, or even the laundry baskets.
For your shoe storage there are at least three ideas where you can make use of items or products that are designed for other purposes and these can include the following:
A. Do you own a large decorative type of clay pot? Why not use it in storing your shoes by the entrance way instead of using it for your plants and having to deal with the dirt as well as the constant watering?
B. If you own a vertical type CD holder, you can also use them for your shoe storage.
C. Another creative idea of storing shoes is by using the entertainment unit and placing it at the foot of your king size type of bed. Finding a bench, which spans the bed’s entire king size width can be difficult however this unit will perfectly fit and you can also use “cubbies” for your shoe storage. This can also be an ideal area to sit down while donning your shoes.
In coming up with a new or original idea of storing your shoes, try thinking outside of a shoe box and come up with a more creative idea.
Shoe Storage Furniture
Having the furniture where you can store your shoes is necessary in a household, whether you’ll be using it in your bedroom, utility room, or in the hallway. It does not matter whether you love shoes, you like collecting shoes, or you only buy shoes out of necessity, you still need a proper shoe storage where you can keep your shoes.
Whether there is available space or none at all, you can still purchase the furniture that you can utilize for footwear storage and this is available in different styles and shapes. You can have the bench type that doubles as chair, the underbed storage type, or the type similar to a cabinet. The furniture comes in several materials like metal, plastic, or wood. But how will you be able to know which type of furniture to pick?
No sweat! Choose the wood storage type if you like having a piece of furniture that can also add to the overall décor of your home. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even find one vintage piece with beautiful shoe carvings in it. When it comes to the metal type of storage, it is considered fuss-free and definitely the ideal choice if you’re looking for something durable. It is also handy especially if you happen to live in an area where rain always occurs such as in Seattle. You can place it near the door area so you don’t have to bring your wet muddy boots inside the house. The plastic shoe storage is light in weight and is easy to clean. If you’re always busy and don’t have enough time to clean the furniture where you store the shoes you own, then having this type is the appropriate one for you.
Should you choose the closed door cabinet or the open cabinet? A lot of people prefer the open style so their footwear can breathe and odor problems in the future can be prevented. Plus they can enjoy showing off their impressive collection of shoes to whoever visits them.
