Let’s face it: We all tend to accumulate a variety of shoes over time. Whether they’re sneakers for everyday wear, boots for winter, or sandals for summer, our footwear collections can quickly become overwhelming. Disorganized shoes can create a cluttered mess in your closet, making it difficult to find the pair you need while also wasting valuable storage space.
You might be asking yourself, “What’s the best way to store shoes in a closet?” This article will explore various shoe storage ideas, including what type of shoe organizer for your closet is best based on your circumstances. These shoe storage solutions will help you whether you have a small closet or a walk-in one—there’s always a storage solution out there to maximize your space and keep your favorite pairs of shoes easy to find!
Shoe Storage Ideas for Every Closet
Here are 25 creative shoe storage solutions to help you find out the best way to store shoes in a closet.
1. Shoe Shelf Storage
Shoe shelves are a classic and versatile option for shoe rack ideas. Freestanding shelves offer flexibility and can be placed anywhere in your closet, while built-in shelves provide a custom look. Shoe shelves can be adjusted to accommodate different heights of shoes and can be used to store a variety of pairs.
2. Cubby Storage
Cubby storage units offer individual compartments for each pair of shoes. This helps to keep shoes organized and prevents them from getting crushed or toppled over. Cubbies come in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can find a unit that matches your needs and style.
3. Nook Shoe Storage
If you have an unused nook or alcove in your closet, you can create a custom shoe storage area. Build shelves or cubbies into the nook, or add a hanging shoe organizer. This is a great way to maximize unused space and create a designated spot for your shoes.
4. Shoe Cabinet
Shoe cabinets are freestanding units with doors that hide your shoes away. This is a great option for those who prefer a more polished look or who want to keep their shoes out of sight. Shoe cabinets come in a variety of sizes and styles so you can find one that fits your needs and taste.
5. Shoe Rack
Shoe racks are a simple and affordable way to store shoes. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from over-the-door racks to multi-tiered freestanding units. Shoe racks are a great option for small spaces or for storing shoes that you wear frequently.
6. Lazy Susan
A Lazy Susan is a rotating carousel that can be used to store shoes in a corner in your closet. This is a great space-saving option when you’re looking for shoe rack ideas, as it allows you to access all of your shoes easily.
7. Decorative Baskets on a Shelf
Woven baskets add a touch of style and texture to your closet while also providing one of the most functional shoe storage solutions you’ll find. Use baskets in different sizes to accommodate different types of shoes, and line them with fabric to help protect your shoes from dust.
8. Under-the-Bed Storage
If you have limited closet space, consider using under-the-bed storage containers for shoes you don’t wear often. Look for stackable containers or under-the-bed, compartmentalized shoe boxes to maximize the space you have!
9. Stackable Shoe Organizers
Stackable shoe organizers are a great way to add vertical storage space to your closet. They come in a variety of sizes and configurations, so you should easily be able to find one that fits your needs. Stackable shoe organizers are a good option for storing off-season or infrequently worn shoes.
10. DIY Shoe Organizer
For the crafty homeowner, a DIY shoe organizer can be a fun and creative way to store shoes. There are many different DIY shoe organizer ideas available online, so you can have fun diving into all the options, whether it’s a wooden storage bench, a customized IKEA KALLAX unit making use of cubbies, or even a mounted wall rack.
11. Hanging Shoe Organizer
Hanging shoe organizers are a great space-saving option for closets with limited closet floor space. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and can be hung over the door or on a closet rod. Hanging shoe organizers are a good option for storing flats, sandals, and other lightweight shoes vs. high heels or other delicate shoes.
12. Shoe Boxes
Shoe boxes are a classic way to store shoes, and they can be a good option for keeping shoes dust-free and protected. That said, shoe boxes can take up a lot of space, especially if you have a large shoe collection. They’re also typically not transparent, which means you’ll either have to label them or open them one-by-one when searching for shoes. Consider using clear shoe boxes so you can easily see what’s inside!
13. Repurposed Furniture
Think that old dresser needs to be hauled out to the curb? Think again! You can get creative and think outside the box with your old furniture items and repurpose them for shoe storage. If you don’t have an item with shelves or drawers, an old ladder, crate, or bench can be repurposed into a unique, stylish, and creative shoe storage solution. Paint your repurposed furniture to match your closet décor, and voila! You’re all set.
14. Wall-Mounted Shoe Holders
Wall-mounted shoe holders are a great way to add shoe storage to a blank wall in your closet. They come in a variety of styles, from individual cubbies to shelves. Wall-mounted shoe holders are a good option for displaying your favorite shoes or for storing shoes that you wear frequently.
15. Boot Rack
Tall boots can be difficult to store in a closet. A boot rack is a free-standing unit that allows you to store boots upright, which helps prevent them from getting crushed or creased.
16. Mudroom Storage
If you have a mudroom, it’s the perfect place to store shoes. Install cubbies, shoe racks, or a shoe cabinet to keep your shoes organized and out of the way.
17. Tension Rod Shoe Organizer
A tension rod shoe organizer is a simple and affordable way to add shoe storage to a small closet. Simply install a tension rod between two walls in your closet and hang shoe pockets from the rod. Just make sure you have enough tension on both ends of the rod to keep it mounted with the weight of your shoes, which will ultimately vary based on the shoes you have.
18. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
Similar to hanging shoe organizers, over-the-door shoe organizers use wasted space on the back of your closet door. Closet door shoe storage solutions give you a great space-saving option for storing flats, flip-flops, sandals, and other lightweight shoes!
19. Decorative Shoe Storage Ottomans
Shoe storage ottomans combine style and function, providing a comfortable place to sit while also offering storage spaces for shoes inside. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, with hinged lids or pull-out drawers. If you have a walk-in closet, they can be an ultra-chic way to both store your shoes and have a sitting space when you’re getting ready for your day.
20. Stackable Shoe Trays
Stackable shoe trays are similar to stackable shoe organizers but offer a slightly lower profile. This can be a good option if you have limited vertical space in your closet or entryway. Just make sure to seek out stackable shoe trays with a lip to prevent shoes from falling out.
21. Floating Shelves
Floating shelves add a modern look to your closet while also providing a platform for shoe storage. They can be installed at various heights to accommodate different types of shoes, from sneakers to boots.
22. Magazine Holders
If you want to get really DIY with items you can buy on Amazon, consider using magazine holders or decorative boxes to create unique storage compartments for your shoes. This is a great option for storing flats, sneakers, or other low-profile shoes.
23. Shoe Risers
Shoe risers are a space-saving hack that allows you to double the storage capacity of your existing shoe shelves. They come in different heights to accommodate various shoe types, so pick the ones that work best, and get ready to display your closet organization in style!
24. Under-Shelf Shoe Baskets
Maximize unused space between closet shelves with under-shelf shoe baskets that you can buy at The Container Store. These hanging baskets are a great option for storing off-season shoes or shoes that you don’t wear frequently.
25. PVC Pipe Shoe Organizer
If you’re still asking “What’s the best way to store shoes in a closet?” and coming up short, here’s the most DIY option of all: PVC-pipe shoe organizers! Large PVC pipes cut to size and mounted to the wall can create fun, circular cubbies for your shoes on a shoestring budget. It’s one of the more unique types of shoe organizer for your closet, and you can find tutorials online to match your specific needs and closet layout.
Hire a Tasker to Organize your Closet
Sometimes, the best shoe storage solution is to enlist the help of someone else. Taskrabbit can connect you with skilled Taskers who can help you declutter your closet, install shoe storage solutions, and give your shoes the organization they need. Hire a Tasker today!
