Laura Sharrad was raised in an Italian household where shoes never entered past the front door. Outdoor footwear stayed outside, and slippers were always waiting inside. She described the rule on The Edit podcast: “Take your shoes off outside and bring your slippers. Those outside shoes never touched the inside of the house.”
Sharrad, who won MasterChef, still follows the same practice at home. For families like hers, entryways often become cluttered zones where coats, keys, and bags accumulate. Shoes add another layer of disorganization to manage.
Consoles and hall trees: slim storage for tight spaces
Hallway consoles fit snugly against walls without consuming much floor space. Models with low shelves or open space underneath allow baskets or chests to slide in, converting unused areas into shoe storage. If the console lacks built-in storage, woven boxes or decorative bins can hold pairs while maintaining a cohesive look.
A hall tree, also called a hall stand, provides a larger solution. These units combine seating, hooks, and shelves, making them ideal for country or classic-style homes. They accommodate shoes, coats, and hats in one piece but require more room than a console.
Closed storage options, such as sideboards and buffets, keep shoes hidden. However, dimensions are critical. A unit that’s too deep may overwhelm a narrow entryway, while one that’s too shallow won’t hold enough pairs. For a modern aesthetic, locker-style cabinets offer a practical alternative.
From baskets to built-ins: flexible options for every budget
Shoe racks provide open shelving for easy access but need regular upkeep to avoid looking messy. Wooden racks suit traditional homes, while metal or acrylic designs work well in contemporary spaces. Some racks fold flat when not in use, which is useful for renters or small apartments.
Benches serve two purposes: a spot to sit while removing shoes and storage underneath. Timber benches complement farmhouse or Hamptons styles, while velvet or minimalist designs align with Scandinavian tastes. Wall hooks above the bench can hold coats or bags, reducing floor clutter.
A large woven basket offers an affordable way to contain shoes. Deeper baskets work better than shallow ones, preventing pairs from spilling out. They blend into farmhouse, coastal, or eclectic interiors and can be repositioned as needed.
Built-in storage provides the most polished appearance. Mudrooms or linen closets near the entryway can be modified with shelves, over-the-door organizers, or cubbies. If a full renovation isn’t possible, wall-mounted cabinets or freestanding closets offer a compromise.
Shoes will always come off at the door. The right setup simply makes it easier to prevent them from piling up.
