Have you ever walked into your entryway and tripped over a pile of shoes? Or maybe you’ve spent countless hours searching for a matching pair of shoes because they were scattered all over the place?
It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Well, you’re not alone! We’ve all been there! Shoe storage is a common problem for many people, especially those living in small apartments or homes.
I used to have a real problem with shoe clutter in my small entryway. But after doing some research and trying out a few different storage solutions, I’ve finally found a system that works for me.
And now, I want to share my knowledge with you!
That’s why I’ve put together a list of 29 genius small entryway shoe storage ideas that will transform your cluttered entryway into an organized and stylish space.
These ideas are practical, affordable, and easy to implement, so you can start enjoying a clutter-free entryway in no time.
So, let’s dive in and find the perfect shoe storage solution for you!
29 Small Entryway Shoe Storage Ideas
With these 29 genius ideas, you can make the most out of your space while keeping your shoes organized and easily accessible. From DIY solutions to store-bought options, there is an idea for every style and budget.
1. Step-up Storage With a Shoe Bench With Compartments
A shoe bench with compartments is a great way to maximize storage in a small entryway.
It provides a place to sit while putting on or taking off shoes, and the compartments underneath can be used to store footwear, bags, or other items.
Look for a shoe bench with multiple compartments or shelves to keep your shoes organized and easy to find.
You can even label the compartments to ensure that each pair of shoes has its own designated spot.
Consider a bench with a built-in cushion for added comfort, and choose a material that complements your entryway decor.
2. Dry off Shoes With Over-Door Organizers
If you live in a rainy or snowy climate, you know how important it is to keep your shoes dry.
An over-door shoe organizer with clear pockets is a perfect solution for keeping wet shoes off the floor and allowing them to air out.
Hang the organizer on the back of your entryway door or inside a closet door for easy access.
You can even assign each family member their own row of pockets to keep their shoes separate and organized.
3. Elevate Storage With Floating Shelves Above Bench
Floating shelves are a great way to add extra storage space to a small entryway without taking up valuable floor space.
Install shelves above a shoe bench to create a functional and stylish storage area.
Use the shelves to display decorative items, such as plants or framed photos, as well as to store shoes, bags, or other small items.
Be sure to install the shelves securely to avoid any accidents.
4. Hang Shoes on a Pegboard System
A pegboard system is a versatile storage solution that can be customized to fit your specific needs.
Install a pegboard on the wall of your entryway and use hooks or pegs to hang your shoes.
This not only keeps your shoes off the floor, but it also allows air to circulate around them, helping to prevent odors.
You can also use the pegboard to store other items, such as hats, scarves, or bags.
5. DIY a Shoe Ladder With Wood and Dowels
If you’re feeling crafty, consider building a shoe ladder out of wood and dowels.
This simple DIY project can be customized to fit your space and style, and it provides a unique and functional storage solution for your shoes.
To make the ladder, cut pieces of wood to your desired length and drill holes for the dowels. Insert the dowels into the holes, and you have a stylish and practical way to store your shoes.
6. Keep Shoes Close In Closet Shoe Organizers
If you have a closet in your entryway, consider using a shoe organizer to keep your footwear organized and easy to find.
There are many types of closet shoe organizers available, including hanging organizers, shelf organizers, and cubby organizers.
Choose the type that works best for your space and needs, and be sure to label each compartment for easy access.
7. Lock Shoes Away in a Cabinet With Doors
If you prefer to keep your shoes out of sight, a cabinet with doors is a great storage solution. Look for a cabinet with shelves or cubbies that can be customized to fit your shoe collection.
You can even add hooks or baskets to the doors for additional storage space. Be sure to choose a cabinet that fits your entryway decor and provides enough storage for your needs.
8. Hang Shoes With Hooks or Knobs on Walls
If you’re looking for a quick and easy storage solution that won’t take up any floor space, hanging shoes with hooks or knobs on walls is a great option.
Simply screw a few hooks or knobs into the wall, and voila! You’ve got instant shoe storage.
This method works especially well for small or lightweight shoes like flats or sandals, and it can also be a fun way to display your favorite shoes as wall art.
9. Save Space With Over-Door Shoe Racks
Over-door shoe racks are a lifesaver when it comes to saving space in a small entryway. These racks hang over the back of a door, allowing you to store your shoes vertically without taking up any floor space.
Some over-door shoe racks even come with clear pockets, making it easy to see and access your shoes.
10. Create Custom Storage With PVC Pipes
If you’re feeling crafty, PVC pipes can be a surprisingly versatile material for creating custom shoe storage solutions.
Cut the pipes into short sections, and stack them on top of each other to create a unique shoe tower.
Alternatively, you can glue the pipes together in a grid pattern to create a shoe shelf that fits perfectly in your entryway.
11. Use Bookshelves for Literary Flair
Bookshelves aren’t just for books! They can also make great shoe storage solutions, especially if you’re going for a rustic or eclectic look in your entryway.
Simply remove a few shelves to create enough space for your shoes, and style the rest of the shelves with your favorite decor items.
12. Air Out Shoes With Wire Mesh Racks
Wire mesh racks are a great option for storing shoes that need to air out, like gym shoes or sneakers.
The open design allows for maximum ventilation, which can help prevent odors and keep your shoes fresh. Plus, wire mesh racks are typically very lightweight and easy to install, making them a great choice for renters or anyone who wants a temporary storage solution.
13. Lock Shoes in Cabinet With a Drawer
This type of storage typically looks like a regular shoe cabinet from the outside but has a hidden drawer that locks with a key or combination.
This can be a great option for expensive or sentimental shoes that you want to keep safe and secure.
14. Roll Shoes Around on a Cart With Shelves
A rolling cart with shelves can be a great way to store shoes in a small entryway, especially if you have a lot of shoes to organize.
Simply load up the shelves with your shoes, and then roll the cart to wherever you need it.
This can be especially helpful if you have guests coming over and need to quickly clear up some floor space.
15. Hide Shoes With an Ottoman That Has Storage
An ottoman is a perfect piece of furniture for a small entryway because it can serve multiple purposes.
With a storage compartment underneath the cushion, you can keep your shoes hidden and your entryway looking neat and tidy.
Ottomans come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you’re sure to find one that fits your entryway decor.
Plus, you’ll have a comfortable place to sit while you put on your shoes!
16. Keep Shoes Organized With Removable Tray Cubbies
Removable tray cubbies are a versatile storage option that helps keep shoes organized and accessible.
These cubbies are perfect for small entryways as they take up minimal floor space while providing ample storage for shoes.
Removable trays make it easy to clean and organize shoes, while the cubbies can be stacked to create more storage space.
17. Build Rustic Storage With Crates or Pallets
If you want to add a touch of rustic charm to your entryway while keeping your shoes organized, consider building shoe storage with crates or pallets.
This DIY project is a great way to upcycle old crates or pallets and turn them into functional shoe storage.
Simply stack the crates or pallets and secure them together, and you have a unique shoe storage solution that can hold multiple pairs of shoes.
You can even add wheels to the bottom for easy mobility.
18. Keep Shoes in a Wooden Crate
If you have limited space in your entryway, keeping your shoes in a wooden crate is a great storage solution.
You can stack the crates vertically or horizontally to create a shoe storage tower or place them side by side to create a shoe storage bench.
If you want to make the crates look more stylish, you can paint or stain them to match your decor.
19. Hang Shoes With a Tension Rod
Using a tension rod to hang shoes is a simple yet effective storage solution for small entryways.
All you need is a tension rod and some S-hooks to hang the shoes on. This storage method keeps shoes off the floor and allows you to utilize wall space.
You can also adjust the height of the tension rod to accommodate different types of shoes, such as heels or sneakers.
20. Climb the Ladder to Success With Ladder Shelves
These shelves take up minimal floor space while providing ample storage for shoes.
You can also use the shelves to display decorative items, such as plants or photos, to add a personal touch to your entryway.
Ladder shelves are available in different materials such as wood or metal, so you can choose the one that best fits your decor.
21. Float on Air With a Minimalist Floating Shoe Rack
A floating shoe rack is a modern and minimalist storage solution for small entryways. This type of shoe rack is mounted on the wall, which saves floor space while providing ample storage for shoes.
22. Hang Shoes From the Ceiling With a Ceiling Rack
If you have limited wall space in your entryway, consider using a ceiling rack to hang your shoes.
This storage method keeps shoes off the floor and utilizes ceiling space to maximize storage.
Ceiling racks are available in different materials and can be adjusted to fit any ceiling height.
23. Adjust Shelves With a Customizable Shoe Rack
A customizable shoe rack is a versatile storage solution that can be adjusted to fit any size and type of shoe.
You can also add or remove shelves to create more or less storage space as needed. Customizable shoe racks are perfect for small entryways as they take up minimal floor space while offering sufficient shoe storage.
24. Roll Shoes Around With a Wheeled Shoe Rack
If you’re tight on space, a wheeled shoe rack could be the solution you’re looking for.
With wheels on the bottom, you can easily move it around wherever you need it most. And with multiple tiers, you’ll have plenty of room to store your shoes.
Just make sure to choose a rack that fits your shoes properly and has sturdy wheels that won’t break easily.
25. Mount a Shoe Rack on the Wall for Sleek Storage
Whether you prefer a freestanding shoe rack or one that’s mounted on the wall, there are plenty of options available to fit your small entryway.
A wall-mounted rack can help you save floor space and create a streamlined look, while a freestanding rack can add a touch of style and provide a unique storage solution.
Just make sure to choose a rack that fits your shoe collection and complements your personal style.
26. Change Things up With an Interchangeable Shoe Rack
An interchangeable shoe rack is a fun and unique storage solution that allows you to switch up the design whenever you want.
With different-sized and shaped compartments, you can arrange your shoes in a variety of ways, keeping your entryway looking fresh and exciting.
And with the ability to add or remove compartments as needed, this is a storage solution that can grow with you and your shoe collection.
27. Stand Tall With a Shoe Tree for Vertical Storage
A shoe tree is a great way to store your shoes vertically, saving you valuable floor space.
With multiple tiers, you can store many pairs of shoes in a compact and organized way.
28. Pull Out Shoe Trays From a Storage Bench
A storage bench with pull-out shoe trays is a great way to keep your shoes organized and hidden away.
With a cushioned top, it provides a comfortable seating option for putting on and taking off your shoes.
And with the added bonus of pull-out trays, you can easily access your shoes without having to dig through a pile.
29. Find Shoes Easily With Angled Shoe Racks
An angled shoe rack is a simple but effective way to keep your shoes organized and easily accessible.
By tilting the shelves at an angle, you can see all of your shoes at once and quickly grab the pair you need.
And with the option to mount it on the wall or place it on the floor, you can customize it to fit your space.
Final Thoughts
Small entryways can be challenging to organize, especially when it comes to shoe storage. However, with the right tools and ideas, you can transform your cluttered entryway into a functional and stylish space.
It’s important to remember that organizing your shoes is not just about making your entryway look neat and tidy, it’s also about taking care of your shoes and extending their lifespan. Proper storage can prevent damage, wear and tear, and keep them looking new for longer.
But beyond the practical benefits of small entryway shoe storage, it’s also an opportunity to express your personal style and creativity.
Whether you opt for a minimalist floating shoe rack or a rustic wooden crate, your shoe storage can reflect your unique taste and personality.
Organizing your shoes may seem like a small task, but it can make a big difference in your daily life. With the right storage solution, you can save time and energy while keeping your home clutter-free.
So, get creative, have fun, and enjoy the benefits of a tidy and stylish entryway.