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New closet q: how do you store shoes?

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

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In our new place (we are 90% moved, yay) there is a lovely walk in closet in the master bedroom, which is awesome. But! The existing hanging rails are those metal mesh ones, with no solid surface on top. And the bulk of the closet is filled with those ikea wardrobes, with various configurations of rails, shelves and baskets. In previous places I've always had a wood shelf above the hanging rail which is where I've put my shoes. Do I try to reconfigure a wardrobe for shoes? Or get a shoe rack and replace one of the wardrobes with it?

This is possibly the dumbest question ever; maybe my brain has been stunned by the great 'shutters or blinds' dilemma. But I would love some suggestions or tales of how you store shoes, purses, etc.

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14 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

carter

Veteran

Ikea will sell extra shelves for the wardrobes. They'll be super cheap. I would get enough to have a shelf every 6-8" in one of the wardrobes. Perfect for shoes!

April

Veteran

I agree with Carter.

I currently have mine in a shoe bag that hangs off the back of a door. Not ideal. It prevents the door from being completely closed. I have also had shoe racks in my closet and didn't love those either -- something was always falling off.

Solid shelves seem like the perfect solution, and you have the perfect place for those in the wardrobes.

ElleH

Veteran

If you do prefer to store them above you could buy clear plastic shoeboxes from Bed Bath & Beyond & stack them above, however I prefer Carter's idea if you can spare the space in the wardrobe. That way they are not stacked on top of each other.

AnnieMouse

Veteran

Congrats on the new place and fancy swanky closet!

I think it depends on your shoe wardrobe. I have an array of solutions because I have a lot of shoes (like, A LOT a lot). I keep my flats and oxfords in over-the-door pockets, but have, at different times, used baskets for my ballet flats/ sandals. I like shoe racks for most anything with a heel (including most loafers and pumps), and my boots all live to the side, with pool noodles in for boot stands.

It sounds like you prefer to have yours at eye height - I look forward to your solution!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

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Thanks, all. A trip to Ikea to see what accessories for the wardrobes they have, as far as shelves, baskets etc is a good idea. They are a little deep for shoes - and I don't think two rows deep would be a good idea. If I put the shelves fairly often vertically, I wouldn't be able to see the back row.

And of course I was so brain dead yesterday that it didn't occur to me that I can put my flats and sneaks on the wire shelves as is if I want; it's just the heels that won't work there.

doubleh

Veteran

I've had those shelves in rentals before and just bought a cheap piece of plywood to lay on top of the wire shelf to keep heels, etc slipping through. And then stacked shoe shelves on top of that.

gardenchick

Veteran

Interesting question and good to see the responses!
At our house we take off our shoes at the front door, so my (small) shoe collection is in the front closet. The details of this could be improved, though...

Gracie

Veteran

I had a shelf like that – to make the top solid I trimmed a carpet runner (heavy vinyl, clear) and laid it on top of the wire mesh. This way you won't get dirt from your shoes dropping on your hanging clothes.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Vinyl is a brilliant idea, Gracie, thanks! I was nervous about wood being too heavy, but vinyl or thin plywood is probably fine, as long as I avoid solid wood or MDF.

I looked at BB&B at the shoe rack options and was underwhelmed. Not to mention that I wear a size 10 and in the past I've found them and shoe boxes too small. Much like the double hung rods in this closet - the last people living here must have been petite!

deb

Veteran

Laura, I use shelving and store the shoes at an angle, heel of one next to the arch of the other.

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unfrumped

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I use shoe stacker shelves I got at K- Mart years ago. I like them at eye level and above. Agree with lining your wire shelf.

Vicki

(website)

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Laura, I have shelves and do stack a few in clear boxes since I have a lot of shoes and this helps me to double up on space. I also have a plastic hanging one (I use the same style for scarves, too!). All my shoes and boots are pointed out in the same direction. Your closet looks great.

Anonymous

This is not a dumb question. When I first moved in my townhouse, I tore out everything that was in the closets because what was there did not suit me or my wardrobe needs. I did this myself and I AM NOT HANDY. Once that was done, I installed the appropriate closet fixtures that suit me.

I am not suggesting this to you. I am only pointing out that people that like clothes, purses, shoes, need appropriate spaces for them. There are so many organizational methods out there. I like my shoes to be placed on firm surfaces (not those pocket things that hang over doors).

For out of season shoes, I store them in their original boxes on the top shelf of a closet that is rarely used. For in season shoes, I place them on stacked wooden shelves in the main closet. I can instantly see each and everyone of them. Hope this helps.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

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Sterling, your point is well made. The nice thing, I suppose, is that this is the first house I've ever owned as opposed to rented, so if I want to clear out what's there and put something new in, I can. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the possibilities at the moment (and I miss my old wooden closet rods, to be honest - when did those go out of fashion?).

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. For now, I've got all of my in-season hanging stuff on the wire hangers, and the shoes in two of the Ikea wardrobes. It's a huge waste of space but I haven't yet got the chance to go to Ikea and see what shelves, baskets etc. I could put in.

A side note: the people who lived in this house before must have been tiny, because all of the double-hung rods are very close together. Won't work for a lot of my separates, and as for my 6'6" husband's stuff, forget about it!