Where an unnecessary shoe rack can come in handy: top 7 different options

Often, things that have not yet served their useful life and look quite decent simply become boring, or a more original and modern version of the product appears in their place. It also happens: you were given something completely unnecessary. The shoe shoe is no exception. A natural question arises: where can an unnecessary shoe rack come in handy?

We propose to consider several options for the unusual use of shoe racks (let’s look at the example of the shoe racks of the famous Swedish brand TROENS). It turns out that they are exceptionally multifunctional with small sizes, 52 cm wide and 18 cm high.

In addition to their direct purpose - a locker for storing shoes, scarves and gloves, shoe racks are perfect for storing magazines, keys and other small items. The versatility of shoe boots lies in the fact that they can be placed anywhere and in any configuration.

Cleanliness is the key to health

Such a piece of furniture is especially useful where several generations of the same family live at the same time or there are many children.

Thanks to it, the problem of sneakers and shoes randomly scattered in the hallway will be completely solved. Sand and dirt that appears first under the threshold, and then throughout the apartment, will also remain in the past.

Well, pets will no longer be able to test the strength of expensive genuine leather boots with their teeth and claws.

Preparing shoes for long-term storage

Before storing shoes, they must be thoroughly cleaned. To do this, you need to use soft rags and shoe polish. Also, before sending your shoes to the mezzanine, you should wipe them with a rag soaked in castor oil.

White shoes should be wiped with a damp foam sponge and lubricated with colorless shoe polish. Winter boots and boots must be thoroughly washed to remove adhering dirt and dust, including the soles. Then treat with special compounds for leather or suede. You can use bags or cardboard boxes for storage. Do not put shoes on shelves without packaging. This will cause dust to appear on it, which will significantly shorten the lifespan of the shoes and can ruin their appearance.

Black leather shoes are treated with shoe polish or emulsion. To prevent shoes from changing their shape, it is better to store them on special lasts. If there are none, you can put a paper ball inside the shoe, as is done in production. If your shoes have insoles, they should be taken out, washed and dried separately. It is not recommended to dry insoles and shoes near a radiator or other heat sources, as this may ruin their shape.

Solar ultraviolet light acts as an accelerator for the oxidation reaction of polymer materials, for example, artificial rubber can harden much faster. Rubber elements may become cracked, and plastic may lose its hardness and strength. Synthetic rubber deteriorates in a humid environment. It loses its elasticity. The properties of natural leather also change. That is why it is necessary to store shoes in a dry and ventilated area, where there are no insects and rodents, which can also irreversibly damage your favorite winter boots or shoes.

For seasonal storage, closets, closed mezzanines, and dry storage rooms in a house or apartment are well suited. By ensuring good storage conditions for shoes, you can significantly extend their lifespan and maintain their original appearance. This is especially true for expensive and high-quality shoes, which may well last for several seasons, but can be damaged by improper storage.

All standard living space sizes are taken into account

Judging by the numerous photos of the shoe rack in the hallway, a suitable option can be found for an apartment of any size and layout.

Below are useful recommendations for choosing the appropriate model for each specific family and the room in which it lives.

Open and closed structures

Depending on the storage method, shoe racks are

open, in which the boots dry at room temperature and at the same time are ventilated from the smell of sweat;
closed, looking like a medium-sized chest of drawers. In some cases, they include a soft seat. Because this storage method prevents natural drying, the furniture must have holes for constant ventilation.

Unusual storage methods

A few ideas for organizing space for storing shoe stocks:

An original way to store boots with long tops is using hangers on a bar. The edge of the boot is attached with a clothespin to a special device or to a trouser hanger.
The space under the stairs can be converted into retractable shoe shelves. The result will be a complete system for folding boxes, drawers, and covers.
For low boots, sneakers, and flip-flops, it is convenient to use a niche in the pouf. The space is divided into sections by cardboard or plastic partitions.

Organizing neat sections for shoes in your closet is easy. The choice of storage system depends on the size and content of the cabinet. If you have a large number of shoes, you will need additional shoe racks and auxiliary devices to fill the space of shelves and drawers.

Thin and round

In many cases, standard options are completely unsuitable for specific needs. Models have been developed for such cases

"slim" type - this is the name of a tall and narrow shoe rack in the hallway, produced for one-room and cramped apartments;
in the form of a carousel counter with partitions, they are most suitable for families of five or more people.

How to choose a shoe rack?

Main selection criteria:

First of all, you need to pay attention to the height and size of the shoes intended for storage.
The features and size of the hallway are also taken into account. In a small room it would be better to use a thin slim model or a stand-up shoe rack.
For a large corridor, a modular design combined with a wardrobe, bench or mirror is suitable.
In a large family, it is appropriate to use a shoe shoe rack in the form of a rack under the ceiling or, if there is free space, to install a separate shoe structure for each family member.

Combination with hanger

Models that allow you to change the width of the gaps between the shelves seem more convenient. Understanding well that in many modern hallways there is no room for additional furniture, the designers developed a shoe rack combined with a clothes hanger.

There are also models with equipment for drying and disinfection, which are carried out using ultraviolet lamps.

Location in the hallway

Several placement methods:

Wall-mounted. The mounted model is quite practical, stylish and original. These designs can be used both in single and multiple versions with a chaotic or ordered arrangement on the wall.
Floor-standing. It is distinguished by its mobility, which allows you to move it and place it in any part of the corridor, thereby freeing up space. In addition, these products are often equipped with special trays for wet shoes, which helps protect them from dirt.
Built into furniture. Such overshoes can be combined with other furniture or built into a niche or wardrobe. With this solution, it is possible to achieve significant space savings.

The photo shows the interior of a hallway with a wall-mounted shoe rack.

Thanks to the wide variety of designs, you can complement the interior of any corridor with a beautiful, functional and convenient element for storing shoes.

The photo shows a shoe rack combined with a hanger and a mirror in the hallway interior.

Wide cabinet with open shelves

One of the simplest and most convenient options for shoe racks are designs in the form of a cabinet with several tiers of open shelves. These cabinets consist of two strong sidewalls, between which there are horizontal bars, on which shoes are placed.

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Expensive and easily damaged shoes can be placed flat in trays that are installed on the top shelf. There, luxurious boots will be inaccessible to cats and dogs, who love to explore different corners of the apartment and scratch or tear with their teeth everything they find.

Types of shoe racks

The following varieties are distinguished:

Open. It may be distinguished by the presence of two side walls with shoe shelves attached to them, or it may be a frame in the form of an open box with the back part closed by a panel.
Closed. Products with doors not only allow you to hide the contents of the shoebox, but also, due to the specific design of the facade, harmoniously complement the appearance of the hallway. This model has additional holes that create additional ventilation to keep shoes clean and fresh.
Retractable. Such a design can be low, quite high, or even combined with a wardrobe.
Folding. This model, equipped with a petal mechanism, is distinguished by large folding inclined shelves with divisions, suggesting a vertical arrangement of shoes. These fan shoe boots have a very stylish design, neat design and shallow depth.
Transformer. It is a modular design that can be combined with a chest of drawers, ottoman, hanger or bench.

The photo shows a three-section folding white shoe rack in the hallway interior.

Material

For the manufacture of overshoes, materials are used that are no different from the raw materials from which cabinet furniture is produced:

Metal. It is not subject to deformation and getting wet, and due to treatment with anti-corrosion compounds, it does not imply the appearance of rust. Iron structures are highly durable and can be designed in the form of forged elements, which undoubtedly become the main interior decoration.
Plastic. It is lightweight, portable and easy to maintain, is moisture resistant and has an affordable price. However, plastic does not allow air to pass through well, so it is better to choose open-type models like this.
Made of wood. Aesthetic, environmentally friendly and versatile solid wood structures have a fairly expensive price, which is justified by their long service life.
Glass. For its manufacture, especially strong glass is used, which has a lot of weight. Such overshoes have an original appearance, but are considered not very practical, since dirt quickly appears on the glass surface.
Chipboard. It is a fairly inexpensive option that is not afraid of moisture and can have a different color scheme that will complement any hallway.

In the photo there is a corridor with a compact white shoe rack made of plastic.

When choosing material for a shoe rack, you take into account your budget, interior style and personal taste preferences.

Light version

Some similar models have shoe cubbies that look like wire stands or plastic paddles. This design is most suitable for placing light, mainly spring and summer shoes and sandals.

If you want to store high boots on such a structure, then you should find a shoe rack of appropriate size and strength.

Preparing shoes

Before you start laying out your shoes and hiding them in all possible places, as long as they don’t get in the way, you need to prepare them for long-term storage, even if they are seasonal, or just shoes that you use now, but also in need of care and proper placement.

So, everything in order:

Divide into seasonal: summer, winter, autumn-spring;
In need of repair - repair;
Remove laces and insoles;
Clean shoes: wash fabric shoes, wipe leather shoes with a damp cloth, suede shoes with a dry brush or wrung-out sponge;
Dry. All types of shoes should be dried only naturally; sun rays, heaters or radiators are not allowed;
Treat the surface with special creams or sprays, give time for impregnation;
It is advisable to fill boots and shoes with paper lumps or spacers to avoid deformation;
Fold without bending the boot;
Prepare a storage space.

Inexpensive and practical structures

For people who are accustomed to furnishing an apartment based not on emotions, but on practical reasons, an IKEA shoe rack will probably suit them. This retail chain offers a wide selection of models made in the spirit of minimalism.

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There you can find a shoe shoe to match the color of the hallway or wallpaper. Some original and functional models are sold at very affordable prices.

Possibility of increasing the number of storeys

It makes sense for especially thrifty buyers to pay attention to a model costing less than two thousand rubles. A wooden shoe shoe from this series will easily fit in a compact hallway or at the entrance to a living room. Its almost meter-long shelves made of round slats have enough space for a dozen pairs of shoes.

If necessary, this number can be doubled by placing exactly the same model on top. Even after the “second floor” appears, such a shoe rack will not clutter up a cramped apartment.

You can quickly do it yourself

If even the low price seems too high or the model offered in the store fundamentally does not suit the design or size, then a DIY shoe rack for the hallway would be a reasonable solution.

A particularly easy-to-manufacture option is a model in the form of three hexagons connected by partitions. Even those who last picked up a hammer at school during labor lessons can assemble it.

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Shelf for kitchen items

If such a shelf is not suitable for the living room, then in the kitchen it will become a necessary item. You can store a variety of kitchen utensils in it, which should always be at hand. Using creativity and imagination, an ordinary shoe shoe can be turned into a unique designer shelf for the kitchen.

A fashionable minimalist solution will emphasize the individuality and refined taste of its owners.

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Inspiring process

More complex models of shoe racks can be easily found on the Internet on video hosting sites, on social networks or on home crafts forums. There you can not only find all the necessary drawings, but also get detailed manufacturing instructions from experts.

It has long been noted that any household work brings not only savings, but also a lot of pleasant emotions associated with creative search and creation.

By the way, the material benefit in this case will be really noticeable, so with the money saved you can buy another pair of winter ankle boots.

Shoe storage

For everyday shoe storage, it is recommended to allocate a small wardrobe. The room should have good ventilation and shelves. If you do not have the opportunity to allocate space, use wardrobes and shoe boxes.

To store seasonal shoes without consequences, you can use cardboard boxes, organizers or special containers. When choosing, be sure to look for the presence of ventilation holes, absence of odor and sufficient volume.

Organizer

Box

Boxes are convenient and practical for storing any shoes. The only downside is that you won’t see what product is there. However, you can sign. Modern models have a viewing window. You can buy it online.

Containers

A plastic container has a number of advantages over a classic cardboard box. This product has sufficient strength and transparency.

Make sure you have containers or boxes for each pair of shoes in advance. In this case, it is unacceptable to put sneakers, demi-season shoes, going out shoes and work boots “in a pile.” Otherwise, scratches and other damage will appear on the surface of the products.

For lovely ladies

If there are many women living in the apartment, then a shoe rack with a mirror is most suitable for her. The most convenient option in this case seems to be a model with a mirror mounted not above the shoe stand itself, but to the left or right of it.

This design will allow the fair sex to approach the mirror closely, rather than trying to look at themselves from a distance of half a meter.

Size matters

As a rule, even under a bright lamp, women do not have enough light in the hallway to appreciate the subtleties of morning or evening makeup.

To somewhat mitigate this drawback caused by the lack of a window, you need to opt for a shoe rack not with a narrow and high-hanging mirror, but with a wide vertical mirror. It will allow ladies to clearly see themselves even in light twilight or in the dim light of the lampshade.

How to store winter shoes

Shoes can be stored in hanging bags that do not take up much space on the walls.

In the summer, you have to hide bulky ankle boots, boots and over-the-knee boots to make room for bright flip-flops and high heels. Storing winter shoes does not require using the perimeter of the entire room; it is enough to apply the following tips:

take an ordinary clothesline, stretch it in a closet or dressing room and secure a pair with a clothespin (up to 7 pairs can fit on 1 m); knowing how to properly store winter shoes in a dressing room or closet, you can avoid damage and creases in the material, so it is important to maintain its shape by placing a pair on a shelf or rack at an angle; fold each pair into a textile bag, first filling the boots with crumpled paper, hang them in any room or fold them on mezzanines; Just don’t send your shoes to the balcony or garage (high humidity will easily ruin any material).

Photo of a shoe rack in the hallway

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TOP 7 crazy, but very useful ideas where an unnecessary shoe rack can come in handy