Ditch The Traditional Cabinet: The Thrift Store Find That Doubles As Fun Shoe Storage

When shoes aren't organized, they can end up cluttering multiple different areas in your home such as entryways, bedrooms, and closets. But, if you'd rather not opt for a bulky cabinet to put all your spare pairs in, why not go for something a little more unusual? Believe it or not, you can actually repurpose a forgotten thrift store find into a statement piece and clever shoe storage that offers plenty of charm as well as practicality.

Quilt racks may not be commonly found in homes these days due to the rise of machine-made blankets and throws. However, you might just want to grab one from your local thrift store or antique shop anyway because they can make a great item to store your shoes. Many quilt stands come with a lower shelf or rail which allows you to place multiple pairs of shoes along it, enabling you to see which options you have while still keeping them out of the way. In addition, secondhand quilt racks tend to have plenty of charm themselves due to the various quirks they have picked up over time such as old-fashioned designs or hand painted details. It is a creative way to upcycle vintage quilt racks. Plus, these pieces are perfect for cultivating an elegant, historic feel in your entryway, bedroom, or mudroom.

Quilt racks can be found either in person at thrift stores and antique shops or online on various secondhand marketplaces. When thrifting these racks, make sure to look for a shape you like. Any painted details you don't fancy can be stripped or simply painted over, but the overall structure serves as the permanent basis for the piece. For example, if you like cottagecore aesthetics, keep an eye out for a classic 1990s quilt stand that features some charming heart cutouts. If looking for one online, keep in mind that they are known by a few different names — notably "quilt rack" or "quilt stand" — so you may want to try a few different search terms in order to check out all the options.

Then, once you have found one you like, you can begin to work out where to place it and how to style it. It is a good idea to think about where you tend to leave your shoes, whether it is by your bed, near the front door, or along a hallway. Placing the rack in that spot will make it a more natural addition to store your most-used pairs. Remember that you can also utilize the top bars — originally designed to hold quilts — to store other items you tend to hang such as clothes, jewelry, sunglasses, or purses. It's even an affordable shoe storage solution you can DIY to meet your personalized needs. Opt to store more shoes on the upper rack by hanging them on simple S-hooks or add a wooden plank on top to form a second shelf for even more pairs.