One of the things that immediately spoils the impression of an apartment is scattered shoes, slippers, sandals, and boots. This is why the issue of shoe storage is so important. If you want your house to look neat, install a shoe rack in the hallway: narrow, compact, whatever. And we will tell you how to choose it.
Photo: Instagram @idei.dizajna
Photo: Instagram @mm_baykhan
Photo: Instagram @idei.dizajna
Photo: Instagram @domuyuta66
Popular shoe rack models
As you can see in the photo of the shoe racks in the hallway, such sets according to the type of design are divided into several main groups:
- Open. As a rule, they consist of two side panels on which shelves are attached for storing shoes. The number of shelves may vary. The back can be either open or closed.
- Closed. They are equipped with doors that allow you to hide the contents so that a large number of shoes does not spoil the interior. Thanks to a wide selection of facade designs, you can choose the ideal product to suit the style of the room. Typically, such structures have ventilation holes for air circulation.
- Retractable. The design is similar to a cabinet with drawers. The shoe rack can be combined with a high compartment for storing clothes.
- Narrow. They are distinguished by their small width and, as a rule, large height. A narrow shoe rack in the hallway saves space, which is especially important for compact rooms. Such furniture is often placed in niches.
- Folding. Equipped with a petal mechanism, due to which each shelf can be easily tilted for easy placement of shoes. In such models, shoes are usually stored in a vertical position. They usually take up little space and are produced in a minimalist design.
Combined and transformers. Equipped with additional modules to expand functionality. This could be a shoe rack with a seat, pouf, mirror, hanger or even a chest of drawers.
How to store shoes without boxes?
If there is not enough space for bulky boxes and containers, you should use these space organization tips:
- Knowing how to properly store shoes, you can fit a hundred pairs in the smallest apartment: fasten a pair together with an elastic band, tightly pack it in a hermetically sealed transparent organizer that easily fits on the loggia and under the bed.
- A stepladder is indispensable in the household. It will serve as an ideal practical solution - 1, 2, or even 3 pairs will fit on each step, depending on the width.
- A vintage sideboard can be easily placed in any interior, and neatly stacked pairs will be reliably protected from dust. It is worth taking note of the option for festive shoes, which can be arranged according to colors or seasons.
- Design solutions will suggest how shoes are stored if there is not enough space: hollow furniture will hide shoes and sandals in its compartments, special pockets will allow each to occupy its own niche.
Indoor location
According to the type of location, shoe boots are divided into the following types:
- Wall-mounted. The set is attached to the wall, thanks to which it takes up little space in the room. As a rule, such products are small in size and have a minimalist design.
- Floor-standing. Traditional floor-mounted models. Such furniture can be placed almost anywhere in the room. If necessary, you can move it to another location. Products are often equipped with additional trays to protect the flooring from moisture and dirt.
- Built-in. A shoe rack is an element of other furniture, for example, a closet or wardrobe. This category also includes shoe boots designed to be built into a niche. One of the best solutions for compact spaces.
Types of opening mechanism
The most common 4 types of mechanisms for opening cabinets for shoes:
- Hinged doors with fixed shelves. The cabinet compartments fold down and contain shelves with shoes. Plus - they take up little space, minus - they are poorly ventilated.
- Swing. Furniture doors open outward and are located vertically due to fastenings. Plus - the mechanism is convenient for opening, minus - they require additional free space.
- Sliding. There are two doors, one of which moves to the side when opened. The most inconvenient model due to the way the doors slide, but it takes up little space.
- Pull-out drawers. Inside there are shoes standing on the bottom; when opened, the drawers slide out towards themselves. Placement requires a lot of space, but such models are easy to use.
The cost of the cabinets depends on the door opening mechanism. The most expensive ones are swing and folding ones.
Folding
Hinged Sliding Drawers
Dimensions and shape
Manufacturers offer models of a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Often such products are elements of modular furniture systems for the hallway. For example, Ikea shoe racks, as a rule, are separate components of furniture collections, which include a complete set of furniture for furnishing not only the hallway, but the entire house.
The advantage of modular systems from Ikea and other brands is the ability to furnish a room in the same style.
Shoe racks can be low or high, with one, two or several shelves.
- They can be separated by partitions, which is convenient for storing different types of shoes.
- A fairly tall, narrow model is well suited for a compact room.
- In a narrow corridor, it is advisable to install a small but multi-level shoe rack that takes up little space and allows you to store a lot of shoes.
In the spacious hallway you can place a larger product with additional functional elements. For example, a shoe rack with a mirror and a hanger allows you to conveniently tidy up your appearance before leaving the house.
Combined products benefit from the fact that they eliminate the need to install additional furniture elements in order to save space.
The shape should also be selected according to the shoe size. For example, for high boots you will need a model with fairly large spacious shelves. Such products are similar in design to chests of drawers and cabinets. The product can be equipped with drawers for storing small items and accessories.
- Round rotating models are very popular.
- They provide easier access to shoes and have an attractive design.
- They fit especially well into rooms with modern interiors, decorated in styles such as minimalism, hi-tech, loft and the like.
- These shoe racks are often equipped with wheels for easy movement.
Preparing shoes for long-term storage
Before storing shoes, they must be thoroughly cleaned. To do this, you need to use soft rags and shoe polish. Also, before sending your shoes to the mezzanine, you should wipe them with a rag soaked in castor oil.
White shoes should be wiped with a damp foam sponge and lubricated with colorless shoe polish. Winter boots and boots must be thoroughly washed to remove adhering dirt and dust, including the soles. Then treat with special compounds for leather or suede. You can use bags or cardboard boxes for storage. Do not put shoes on shelves without packaging. This will cause dust to appear on it, which will significantly shorten the lifespan of the shoes and can ruin their appearance.
Black leather shoes are treated with shoe polish or emulsion. To prevent shoes from changing their shape, it is better to store them on special lasts. If there are none, you can put a paper ball inside the shoe, as is done in production. If your shoes have insoles, they should be taken out, washed and dried separately. It is not recommended to dry insoles and shoes near a radiator or other heat sources, as this may ruin their shape.
Solar ultraviolet light acts as an accelerator for the oxidation reaction of polymer materials, for example, artificial rubber can harden much faster. Rubber elements may become cracked, and plastic may lose its hardness and strength. Synthetic rubber deteriorates in a humid environment. It loses its elasticity. The properties of natural leather also change. That is why it is necessary to store shoes in a dry and ventilated area, where there are no insects and rodents, which can also irreversibly damage your favorite winter boots or shoes.
For seasonal storage, closets, closed mezzanines, and dry storage rooms in a house or apartment are well suited. By ensuring good storage conditions for shoes, you can significantly extend their lifespan and maintain their original appearance. This is especially true for expensive and high-quality shoes, which may well last for several seasons, but can be damaged by improper storage.
Manufacturing materials
To produce shoe racks, manufacturers use the following materials:
- Metal. Durable, durable and reliable models. They can have decor in the form of forged elements; such models fit especially well into luxurious classic interiors.
- Plastic. Lightweight, mobile, moisture resistant and low maintenance. Quite inexpensive, but less durable due to the relatively low strength of the plastic.
- Tree. Wooden shoe racks look very beautiful, last a long time and can withstand high loads. But they are quite expensive.
- Glass. Shelves can be made of special tempered impact-resistant glass. Original furniture that will decorate a modern minimalist interior. But these are not the most practical products, since even the slightest dirt is very noticeable on the glass.
- Chipboard, chipboard and MDF. Products made from wood panels are very popular due to their affordable cost, wide variety of designs and fairly long service life. The most popular shoe racks are made from laminated chipboard (chipboard), since the material is resistant to moisture.
Galoshnitsa
This model is a completely open structure in the form of several shelves that are located directly on top of each other. Typically used as a temporary solution.
It will be suitable if you have a suitable cabinet in your hallway, which will allow you to turn an open structure into a closed one.
DIY shoe rack
If you have carpentry skills and tools, you can make a shoe rack for your hallway with your own hands. For production in a home workshop, wood boards, solid wood and metal are usually used.
The simplest design can be made in the form of a small rack with 2-3 shelves.
The distance between the shelves should be selected according to the shoe size.
- If you make a shoe rack from wood or metal, the material must be protected from moisture and other negative factors. Wood can be coated with several layers of varnish. The metal is coated with enamel to protect against corrosion. The coating performs not only a protective, but also a decorative function.
- A simple shoe rack for a summer house or country house can even be made from old wooden boxes. In fact, they are already shaped to allow you to store shoes. It is enough to cover the products with paint and varnish, and then fix them on the wall with a suitable spacing between the shelves.
If you have the skills to work with a welding machine, you can make a shoe rack with a metal frame. A profile square pipe of small cross-section is suitable for making the frame. Shelves can be made from sheets of chipboard, chipboard, OSB or wooden slats.
What to look for when choosing
- First of all, evaluate the dimensions of the entrance area. As a rule, in Russian layouts it does not have an impressive footage, so it is worth taking a closer look at small, multifunctional or corner options that will not take up much space.
- Consider which storage method suits you best. A shoe rack can be part of a massive storage system (if there is enough space for it) or a separate item if, for example, you welcome the minimalist style.
- By the way, about styles. The model should be in harmony with the chosen design - even the most beautiful, but not suitable in style, will stand out from the overall picture and spoil the impression.
- Also decide on the decorative function of this item. It can be bright, unusual, acting as an accent, or, on the contrary, laconic, almost invisible, solving exclusively functional problems.
Photo of a shoe rack in the hallway
Furniture from leading manufacturers
IKEA products are successful in this market. Having Swedish roots, the company has been successfully developing around the world for a long time.
It is notable for its demands of asceticism on its employees. They are prohibited from driving expensive cars to work, flying business class on business trips, and staying in hotels larger than three stars.
Furniture names are determined by local landmarks. This is probably why the company’s furniture is functional, simple and reliable. In the catalog of its products you can choose an IKEA shoe rack.
