Not Shelves, Not Cabinets: Store Shoes With A Solution That Looks Tidy And Futuristic
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If you're someone who loves to buy new shoes, then you'll be intimately familiar with the storage problems a large collection creates. As the pairs accumulate, you may find your closet shrinking. At some point, you'll realize that you need a creative DIY to keep shoe clutter organized at home. There's a smart way to store shoes without baskets or shelves, one with a stylish flair that beats any traditional cabinet. Enter the wall-mounted magazine rack. While few people these days have a need to showcase print magazines, a rack can be repurposed for other uses — like a shoe organizer, as YouTube channel Simple Decor Ideas shared. We're here for it!
It turns out the same space-saving design that makes these racks great for organizing reading material also makes them perfect for footwear, especially in areas with limited floor space. They boast a thin, compact profile and angled slots just wide enough for almost any type of shoe. A sleek, modern magazine rack made of plastic or metal looks good in any room, too.
Simple Decor Ideas used a vintage IKEA Skrissel magazine rack, designed by Per Ivar Ledang and released in 1999. If you're lucky, you may be able to find this exact product second hand on Facebook marketplace, eBay, and Etsy. Otherwise, any wall-mountable metal rack with pockets should do the job. Check out your local thrift stores or buy one new. This five-pocket Safco Black Mesh Magazine Holder costs almost $82, while this two-pocket Designstyles Wood and Metal Wall-Mounted Magazine Rack goes for about $35. Choose your mounting location and measure the space before shopping to get the dimensions right. Closet and bedroom walls are perfect spots.
How to install your magazine rack turned shoe storage and different ways to use it
Once you have your new-to-you (or brand new) magazine rack, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust, grime, or lingering odors. Next, use a pencil to mark out your drill spots on the wall. Ideally, you'll affix the rack to a stud, but if you don't have one in the area, use drywall anchors. Shoes are generally much heavier than magazines, so the extra security won't go amiss. Once your pilot holes and anchors are in the wall, you can mount the rack. Got a large shoe collection? Place several racks — ideally matching designs — side by side. Slot your shoes into the pockets, with the toe down and heel or sole facing outward. Tall shoes, such as work boots, stilettos, and knee-high boots, won't fit in this style of magazine rack. You'll need to find another simple DIY that keeps boots neat and organized.
Beyond your closet or bedroom wall, there are plenty of other spots in your home to set up a magazine rack for small-footprint shoe organization. You could, for example, install a few racks in your mudroom, entryway, or in the garage. Take advantage of any small pocket of space you can squeeze this slimline product into. It's a far better option than a bulky shoe shelf or cabinet. Do you collect rare sneakers or designer heels? Use this idea to create a dedicated shoe wall that displays your passion properly. Alternatively, make your own modular, open closet by pairing the magazine racks with other storage options — for example, wall-mounted metal milk crates for a modern farmhouse vibe or sleek organizer cubes for something more contemporary.