Ditch Basic Shoe Racks: The Multifunctional Alternative From Amazon That Doubles As A Storage Bench

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Many of us regularly make style statements with our shoes, but the racks we store them on usually have about as much personality as the cardboard box they were shipped in. A bulky or unsightly rack can also create more organizational and aesthetic problems than it solves. If you can't find a shoe rack to fit your small space or suit your existing home design vibe, the Vasagle Shoe Storage Bench with Cushion is one potential solution. It looks good, has a small footprint, and offers flexible storage for more than just shoes.

This particular shoe rack by Vasagle has two open shelves which can each hold three standard pairs of shoes. Above them, a comfortable padded bench seat conceals an additional 3-inch-deep storage compartment. You can use this multipurpose compartment to store winter accessories, pet supplies, umbrellas, or even more shoes. "Extra hidden storage under seat cushion is great for hats, scarves, etc.," wrote one reviewer on the Amazon listing.

Currently, the Vasagle shoe storage bench costs about $60 and has a rating of 4.5 stars across more than 1,100 reviews. "I have a very small entryway and needed something compact yet functional," wrote one reviewer. "This does the trick. It doesn't overwhelm the entryway and keeps it nice and tidy." Customers particularly appreciate that the bench provides a comfortable spot to sit while putting on their shoes and that the product is easy to assemble.

With its clean lines, white and gray or brown and gray color schemes, and minimalist design, the Vasagle shoe rack should easily integrate into any decor style. It measures just under 12 inches deep, 17³⁄₁₀ inches tall, and 23⅗ inches long, making it compact enough to fit into petite closets or revamp entryways without taking up space. Plus, with a 300-pound weight capacity, it's sturdy enough to serve as a daily place to get ready even when it's filled with shoes and accessories. The 2-inch-thick foam cushion is covered in vinyl, which is easy to wipe clean — a big bonus considering shoes can track dirt and mud into a home.

If you decide to buy this shoe bench for your home, you'll ideally need a top-rated drill to tackle this home project. Being prepared with the right tools will speed up the assembly process — for example, you'll be able to really tighten those screws for added stability. While reviewers generally praise the shoe rack's storage capacity, some customers found that each shelf, which is a little over 5 inches tall, could only comfortably accommodate two pairs of shoes. Similarly, if members of your household have large feet or wear bulky boots, they may need to store their shoes elsewhere. "If you have boots or high-tops, they will be too tall to fit in the shelves," wrote one reviewer.