41 Genius DIY Shoe Storage Ideas For Small Spaces
Looking for more on how to store your shoes if you have limited space? Maybe you have a small apartment or a small home and you need some brilliant DIY ideas? These DIY shoe storage ideas for small spaces are the perfect solution for you.
These creative ideas will give you ultimate inspiration on how to creatively decorate your home while making it functional enough to store shoes. It’ll instantly make your living space much more put together and organized.
Whether you need more space or less space for your shoes, we have different types of shoe storage cabinet ideas for you.
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DIY Shoe Storage Ideas For Small Spaces
1. DIY Wooden Shoe Rack
Don’t know where to put your shoes? Stick it on the wall!
This is an easy way to save space and also double up as a statement home decor piece. The only downside is it can be a bit tricky to DIY and put together. Here’s a step-by-step DIY guide on how to make this wooden shoe rack.
2. Wooden Crates as Shoe Storage
Using wooden crates for shoes is such a low-effort shoe storage method. We highly recommend it.
And when you add 3 or 4 crates together, it looks very well designed and put together. It almost gives a rustic farmhouse look.
If it’s too hard to DIY a crate, you can buy a few of these and instantly have shoe storage ready.
The wooden crate linked above is created with wood from sustainable forests and is made in the USA.
3. Ladder Shoe Rack
A ladder shoe rack is both functional and beautiful. It doesn’t have to be just for shoes too. The top 1 or 2 shelves can be for decorative items and the rest can be for shoes.
You can DIY this, use an existing ladder bookshelf if you have one, or purchase one.
The ladder shoe rack linked above is actually a bookshelf but it can be easily used as a shoe storage rack as well. The materials used are sustainably sourced and it’s a fair trade product.
It’s also Greenguard Gold Certified meaning it’s been tested safe against 15,000 harmful chemicals.
4. Floating Shoe Rack
A floating shoe rack is a great way to save space and is also very aesthetic if your shoes are organized nicely.
In terms of DIYing these floating shoe wall shelves, it’s much easier than the few above. All you need are some wooden pieces and just screw them into the wall.
5. Shoe Hangers
Shoe hangers are the perfect hack for hanging flats or lightweight shoes. Get some of these stainless steel shoe hangers and put them up in your closet or on your coat rack.
This is a genius hack because it will save you so much more space. Imagine all these shoes lined up in a traditional shoe rack side by side – it’s going to take up a lot of space.
Hanging it also has a perk. It helps air dry the musty smells that can often come from the inside of the shoes.
A must have if you have extra hanging space and want to keep extra organized!
6. Under Bed Shoe Storage
This DIY shoe storage hack is absolutely genius if you have literally zero space to store your shoes – it’s putting them under your bed.
If you have any sort of flat bag or a large flat tray at home, use those to store your shoes under your bed.
If not, use a foldable under bed bag like this one to keep organized. This one specifically is 100% eco-friendly polypropylene nonwoven fabric that is designed to keep everything inside the bag fresh.
7. Shoe Cubbies
Shoe cubbies are probably one of the first things you think about when it comes to shoe storage. But if we’re looking at DIY shoe storage ideas for small spaces, it’s important to choose one or build one that is not very thick.
This kind of shoe rack is great to put by a small entryway. The best part is it fits right into the entryway aesthetic.
8. Turn Bookshelf into Shoe Rack
Have a bookshelf at home that’s no longer in use? Repurpose it into a shoe rack!
If you’re not a fan of the bookshelf color, use a non toxic paint to change it up. Or if you don’t want to completely give up your bookshelf, designate half the space for shoes and the other half for books.
This is a perfect storage solution for reusing things you already have.
9. Shoe Pegboard
Shoe pegboards are commonly seen in shoe stores to display sneakers. But it doesn’t have to only be used in stores – it’s a stylish piece to have in the home as well.
This probably works best for flat-sole shoes like sneakers. You can easily take this on as a DIY project or directly buy it from someone who made it already.
This peg rack on Etsy is a bit small but could be a good option if your shoe collection isn’t huge.
10. Shoe Display Boxes
If you want to show off your collection of shoes, these plastic display boxes are great.
At The Gentle Album, we advocate sustainability whenever possible so if you have clear plastic boxes at home, be sure to use those first before purchasing more.
These boxes are most often seen to display sneakers and not so much other types of shoes like high heels, sandals, or boots.
11. Shoe Rotating Carousel
This is a clever shoe storage hack if you have lots of shoes and want to find the pair of shoes you need right away.
No more need to dig through piles of shoes or create huge piles of mess with a lazy susan shoe storage rack.
You just need to spin the storage rack to get to the shoe you need.
12. Shoe Ottoman
Who doesn’t love a 2-in-1 product? Some ottomans come with a built-in shoe rack or built-in storage area. This is the perfect way to hide your shoes without taking any extra space.
13. Under Bench Shoe Storage
Already have a bench near your entryway? Store your shoes underneath!
Just don’t overcrowd it or else it’ll look messy and disorganized. Since you can see all your shoes at once, this is a good idea to get easy access to your shoes.
Don’t have a bench? That can be DIY’ed too.
14. Hanging Wall Baskets
If you have a few pairs of shoes you always reach for, you can put them in hanging wall baskets near the entryway.
These baskets won’t be able to fit much but they can be super convenient for shoes you wear frequently.
Plus, don’t they look really nice as wall decor?
15. Corner Shoe Shelves
Don’t waste any corner or nook of your home! If you have a corner in your home that’s gone unused, try adding some DIY floating corner shelves to store some shoes.
These wooden corner shelves are made with 100% solid oak wood and it’s easy to assemble. Get a few of these shelves to fill up your corner.
16. Shoe Trolley
Shoe trolleys are one of the best shoe storage ideas if you have limited space. Since you can easily move it with the wheels, it can move to any room that has more space.
Plus, the simple design looks amazing to have in your home.
17. Shoe Storage Tubes
Have extra cardboard tubes at home? Turn them into shoe storage mounted on the wall as an easy DIY project!
To make these shoe storage tubes:
- Cut the cardboard tubes so they’re all the same sizes.
- Paint the cardboard tubes. (optional)
- Use non-toxic glue like the Weldbound Multi-Surface Glue to glue all the cardboard pieces together.
- You’re done!
18. Hide In Coat Closet
If you have a small closet by the entryway, hide your shoes in there.
Put it directly on the floor under your coats or DIY some shelves underneath your coats to create more space for your shoes.
This is a great way to keep your shoes out of sight which means less clutter!
19. Install Floor to Ceiling Shelves In Your Coat Closet
This is for those who have lots of shoes. If a small section under your hanging coats is not enough space, try installing floor to ceiling shelves to have some space for your shoes.
This way, you can still hide your shoes and create less clutter.
20. Behind the Door Shoe Organizer
Alright, another great idea for utilizing your coat closet. And this is a great shoe storage idea for small spaces if your closet is running out of room.
Add a behind the closet door shoe organizer. This won’t take up much space in your closet. But look at how many shoes it can hold.
DIY this shoe organizer or just purchase this behind the door shoe rack to use it right away.
21. Store Shoes In Garage
Have some extra space in your garage? Store your shoes there!
There are so many ways you can go about this – store them in boxes, shoe racks, or even just leave them out if you only have a few pairs.
This is a great way if you are running out of space inside of your home.
22. Coat Hooks For Shoes
Have some extra coat hooks at home that you’re not using? Instead of leaving them empty, add some shoes on there!
I know this can’t hold a lot but it can be perfect for the few of your favorite pairs you wear often.
And if the coat hooks are installed near the entryway, it’ll be convenient to grab your shoes and leave the house.
Don’t have extra coat hooks at home? These wooden coat hooks are a good option. It’s made with 100% high quality natural oak wood and is easy to install.
23. Under the Stairs Shoe Storage
If you have stairs, you can consider adding under the stair shoe storage. This is a genius way to store your shoes and hide them away without taking up extra space in your home.
This is a fairly hard DIY project but it’s doable. Here’s a step-by-step full tutorial on how to make an under the stairs shoe organizer.
You’ll feel so accomplished after building this.
24. Shoe Cubbies Plus Extra Storage
You can add shoe cubbies to your shoe rack to add more space for more shoes.
This lets you have 2 levels to fit in more shoes without cramping the shoes together.
25. Metal Shoe Rack
Have some extra space on your walls? Get a metal shoe rack and screw it into the wall.
You can see all your shoes at once, making it easier to grab the pair you want and get out the door faster.
This metal rack can be for all types of shoes including sneakers, dress shoes, tall boots, and more.
26. Shoe Triangle Shelf
This shoe storage hack is kind of like the ladder idea in #3 but looks more refined.
This triangle storage shelf lets you keep your shoes there as a shoe rack and also adds some other decorations to the top of the shelf.
This can also be DIY’ed with this tutorial.
27. Wire Shoe Baskets
This is a clever shoe storage hack for small spaces. Add a few metal crates side by side to store your shoes.
You can lay these wire baskets against the wall or even underneath a bench you already have at home. It’ll take up some floor space but not a lot.
Look how minimalist they look but also how functional!
28. Big Statement Wicker Basket
Speaking of minimalist design, adding one of these statement wicker baskets by your entryway is both a nice design choice and great for storing shoes.
Place these near the front door or even in the living room.
There are many designs to choose from and lots of handmade options on Etsy.
29. Slat Wall With Shoe Rack
We’re taking floating shelves up a notch. Try adding a slat wall behind your floating shelves to create a statement in your home.
Wood is the most common material for slat walls and it looks amazing. You can DIY this slat wall by:
- Measure how long you want the slat wall to be. Many slat walls have wood panels of the same length but if you want uneven panels like the one pictured, measure accordingly.
- Cut the slats to your desired length.
- Sand the wood slats.
- Paint or stain the wood slats.
- Attach the wood slats to the wall.
30. Traditional Wood Shoe Rack
Have a lot of shoes? You can DIY a wooden shoe rack like the one pictured. This DIY shoe rack looks like a bookshelf but is great for shoes.
This one does take up more space in your home though.
31. Plastic Crates as Shoe Storage Cases
Like color? Then, these colorful crates are a great shoe organizer idea.
They’re stackable which helps save space. You can mix and match the colors so it’ll look more like a statement design piece in your home rather than a shoe storage rack.
32. Triangle Cubbies
Here’s another DIY project for you. Take some extra cardboard you have at home and fold them into triangles and tape them.
Create a ton of these and glue them together to create them beautiful geometric shoe rack.
33. Hang Crates On The Wall
This is a shoe storage space idea that adds functionality and design to your home.
DIY or buy a few wooden crates of different sizes and attach them to the wall. This creates an accent wall that looks like wall art while being useful for a shoe storage solution.
34. Soft Shoe Hanging Shelves In Closet
Have some extra space in your closet and want to be super organized? Add a soft and lightweight shoe hanging shelf.
This already has sectioned out areas for each shoe so it’ll keep everything organized.
And since it’s vertical space, it takes up less room.
35. Wooden Cabinet
Have an existing wooden cabinet that’s no longer in use? Use it as a shoe drawer!
If you don’t have one, this can be DIY’ed or purchased. The cover is able to hide everything and not expose any clutter.
36. Metal Baskets
Add a tiered metal basket to hold your shoes. Since it’s tiered, it takes up less space in your home.
Quite similar to the metal basket idea in idea #27 but takes up less space.
37. Wooden Boot Rack
A wooden boot rack is a modern yet stylish way to display your shoes! Especially if you have a ton of boots, this is one of the most genius DIY shoe storage ideas for small spaces.
You can purchase this or create a DIY boot rack with this tutorial.
38. Grid Shoe Rack
A grid rack is often used for hanging jewelry or sunglasses, but it can also work for shoes as one of the DIY shoe storage ideas for small spaces.
This only works for shoes with a heel on them. It’s a clever way to display your nicest shoes.
39. Shoe Drying Mat
Just have a few pairs of shoes to put by the front door? The simplest way to store them is to use a door mat or shoe drying mat.
This L.L. Bean mat is made with 90% recycled polyester and it’s naturally stain-resistant and resists mildew.
40. Hexagon Shoe Rack
If you like geometric shapes, this is one of the best DIY shoe storage ideas for small spaces is for you.
Stack hexagon shapes together to create a shoe cabinet. Now, each shoe has its own little cubby!
41. Keep In Shoe Boxes
When in doubt, use your old shoe boxes as extra storage. Especially if they’re nicely designed, they’ll look great in the home.
You can even paint the boxes so they all have a certain color scheme and design.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Shoe Storage Ideas
How do you store shoes without a box?
To store shoes without a box, you can place them on shoe rack shelves, shoe cubbies, floating shelves, and under the bed.
Where should shoes be stored in the house?
Shoes typically should be stored near the entryway, closet, garage, mudroom, under the stairs, or in the bedroom.
What’s the best way to store shoes in a closet?
The best way to store shoes in a closet is to first declutter the closet space before adding any shoes inside. An organized closet is easier to work with.
After the closet is decluttered, you can choose between storing shoes on shelves, hanging shoe organizers, or behind-the-door shoe racks.
If you don’t have much space in the closet, it’s best to use a behind-the-door shoe rack. That way, it takes up as little space as possible in your closet.
That’s a wrap for this post on the best DIY shoe storage ideas for small spaces! You can easily get DIY materials from Home Depot, The Container Store, or Amazon. We hope this guide helped you find inspiration for storing your shoes or your next DIY project!
For more organization and storage tips, check out these posts!
