So I could not disappoint readers and fail to pass along this clever gem from ShelvesBlog. Isn't this a super clever use of space?!! There are great instructions for so many different types of shelves at this blog in case you are at all handy.
Showing posts with label shoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shoes. Show all posts
Clever shoe storage under the stairs
According to stats, the most popular topic on my blog universally has been shoe storage.
So I could not disappoint readers and fail to pass along this clever gem from ShelvesBlog. Isn't this a super clever use of space?!! There are great instructions for so many different types of shelves at this blog in case you are at all handy.
So I could not disappoint readers and fail to pass along this clever gem from ShelvesBlog. Isn't this a super clever use of space?!! There are great instructions for so many different types of shelves at this blog in case you are at all handy.
Ikea hack shoe rack
This idea came via the "Ikea hacker" blogs and the the "Ikea hacker" section of the "Instructables" blog. These "hackers" repurpose products from Ikea.
In this hack, Ansleybleu turned this Ikea Akurum kitchen wall cabinet into a shoe storage cabinet with a few modifications.
In this hack, Ansleybleu turned this Ikea Akurum kitchen wall cabinet into a shoe storage cabinet with a few modifications.
Here's the breakdown:
- AKURUM top cabinet to refrigerator - $41 (30" x 24" in Arliq white as shown with doors; Without doors: $17 for base frame and $10 for 2 pack of 30" x 12" shelves)
- CAPITA legs - $10 (4 pack, 4" legs)
- LANSA Handles - $6.99 (2 pack, 6" handles)
- (Other sizes and styles of cabinets, legs, handles available)
TOTALS for 7.5 linear feet of storage, plus 2.5 linear feet on top
- Option 1: Shelves with doors, handles, and legs: $57.99
- Option 2: No doors: $37.00
Still more shoe storage ideas
The never ending search for the perfect shoe storage continues...
Revisiting our Priorities:
(1) Visually appealing (we have to stare at these from the dining room table)
(2) Maximizes space (allows 3 pairs of men's shoes per row)
(3) Sturdy (Waterproof, rustproof, easy to clean, not wobbly)
(4) Cost effective (less than $2/linear foot)
(5) Allows for storage above for coats, keys, etc.
3 Tier Mesh Shoe rack ($39.99 for three 25" shelves)
4 Tier Wire Rack ($19.99 for four 25" shelves)
Revisiting our Priorities:
(1) Visually appealing (we have to stare at these from the dining room table)
(2) Maximizes space (allows 3 pairs of men's shoes per row)
(3) Sturdy (Waterproof, rustproof, easy to clean, not wobbly)
(4) Cost effective (less than $2/linear foot)
(5) Allows for storage above for coats, keys, etc.
3 Tier Mesh Shoe rack ($39.99 for three 25" shelves)
4 Tier Wire Rack ($19.99 for four 25" shelves)
Stackable storage closet shelf ($9.99 for one 18" shelf)
Stackable Chrome Rack ($29.99 for two 30" shelves)
Shoe drawer ($6.99 for one 12 7/8" L x 8 7/8" W x 6" H container) by Sterilite
6 quart storage tote ($19.99 for twelve 13 1/2”L x 8 1/4”W x 4 3/4”H that tapers approx. 1" down from top to bottom) by Sterilite
Cool tool for designing shelving spaces
For quite a while now we've been trying to configure a "mud room" that is in our dining room. Gotta love those 70's ranches with no entry rooms!I've used several online tools to configure closet spaces. Most have been clunky, limited, and not flexible enough to deal with open wall spaces.
But I've really liked using the "Interactive Closet Designer" for Rubbermaid's "Configuration Series." (It does have a couple of quirks with the vertical spacing though.)
And I've liked this product the best for our particular application. Based on reviews, the "Configuration Series" seems more sturdy, more adjustable, and is easier to install than their "Selectives" series.
This is an example of one of the configurations we were considering for our "mud room" (basically a wall in the dining room next to the entry door). It allows for ample shoe storage, a place for in season coats, and a few backpacks, sports bags, and briefcases.
Still in search of efficient shoe storage...It's the Goldilocks problem
True confessions. We still haven't solved the shoe (and lack of coat closet) problem that I wrote about this past winter.
And now with summer it is much easier to ignore the problem...bare feet, flip flops, and the lack of winter apparel don't really need too much space at this time of year.
But this year I'm determined to tackle this problem before summer ends!!!
What is stopping us? It's probably the fact that we need a custom solution;
Adjustable Shoe Cubbies. These seemed like a good idea since they are customizable. But some reviewers have complained they are too small and too difficult to assemble. The 6" x 6" openings are probably too small for even one men's shoe. Bummer.
Shoe and Boot Pods. These "pods" act like drawers so you can pull one out container without disturbing the rests. They are designed for shoes and boots, although they have to lay on their side to fit. The #4 boot size pod would allow adult size shoes to sit side by side.
Sterilite Clearview Storage Drawer. We have these around the house for organizing office supplies, but I'm thinking now that these might be just the right size to stack in the most efficient manner. There are different sizes to accomodate different shoes, boots, and accesories. But I'm not sure how many you could stack before the weight is too much.
And now with summer it is much easier to ignore the problem...bare feet, flip flops, and the lack of winter apparel don't really need too much space at this time of year.
But this year I'm determined to tackle this problem before summer ends!!!
What is stopping us? It's probably the fact that we need a custom solution;
- The "mud room" is also the "dining room" so we don't want to eat inside a closet of dirty boots and coats hanging in view.
- The space is small and oddly shaped with 6 openings in the room.
- And being an Asian family, we keep all our shoes at the front door which is also extremely practical.
- To get the storage we need we have to optimize every single inch. Too many pre-fab shoe storage options waste space and are inefficient.
- Each shoe, boot, backpack, sports bag, coat, and roller skate needs a cubby that is designed for just it's size....not too big, not too small.
Adjustable Shoe Cubbies. These seemed like a good idea since they are customizable. But some reviewers have complained they are too small and too difficult to assemble. The 6" x 6" openings are probably too small for even one men's shoe. Bummer.
Shoe and Boot Pods. These "pods" act like drawers so you can pull one out container without disturbing the rests. They are designed for shoes and boots, although they have to lay on their side to fit. The #4 boot size pod would allow adult size shoes to sit side by side.
Sterilite Clearview Storage Drawer. We have these around the house for organizing office supplies, but I'm thinking now that these might be just the right size to stack in the most efficient manner. There are different sizes to accomodate different shoes, boots, and accesories. But I'm not sure how many you could stack before the weight is too much.
Nifty Storage & Organization Ideas
Here are some super cool products that actually relate to the great suggestions offered by Rebecca when she assessed our home's storage and organizational needs.
Art & Creativity Center and Storage
This Elfa Kids Workstation allows maximum flexibility for keeping puzzles, art supplies, and other inspirational objects close at hand while providing adjustable height table tops for different size kids.
Vertical Storage for Entryway
These free-standing components from The Container Store starting from left to right can create an instant mudroom where none exists. Like at our house.
Underbed storage
Art & Creativity Center and Storage
This Elfa Kids Workstation allows maximum flexibility for keeping puzzles, art supplies, and other inspirational objects close at hand while providing adjustable height table tops for different size kids.
These free-standing components from The Container Store starting from left to right can create an instant mudroom where none exists. Like at our house.
Underbed storage
Providing way more underbed storage than those tiny risers, these rackraisers are just one of the many space-saving ideas from dormbuys.
Enhanced lighting without rewiring
This handy switch allows you to add convenient light switches wherever you need them.
Yet another way to stack and store shoes
These stacking see-through Shoebby's have drawers so you can pull out just one pair of shoes without having to unstack the boxes.
DIY Shoe Storage
I was ready to get the economical shoe storage racks yesterday, but I convinced myself I could save that money for other storage projects.
So I've got to deconstruct those free MSU salvage hutches and rebuild them. Of course, the outdoors is the only place large enough to work on that project.
So today's sunshine and spring-like weather is nudging me to consider this project a real possibility in the near future. Too bad it's supposed to rain all weekend :(
Basic DIY
Here are some great tips from builder, Tim Carter, on building a cubby with pigeon holes:
Cubby hole sizes:
So I've got to deconstruct those free MSU salvage hutches and rebuild them. Of course, the outdoors is the only place large enough to work on that project.
So today's sunshine and spring-like weather is nudging me to consider this project a real possibility in the near future. Too bad it's supposed to rain all weekend :(
Basic DIY
Here are some great tips from builder, Tim Carter, on building a cubby with pigeon holes:
Cubby hole sizes:
- 9" wide x 6" high x 11.5" deep (works for shoes, slippers, etc.)
- 10" wide x 12" high x 11.5" deep (works for work boots, roller skates, etc. though they may stick out of the front)
Materials:
- 3/4" plywood
- 3/4" wide x 1/4" thick screen stop molding to hide the coarse plywood edge of each divider
DIY for everyone!
Here are more DIY ideas from Domino magazine depending on your level:
(Get it quick! March 2009 is their last issue!)
Shoe storage options
Ikea shoe cabinet -Not as polished as other cabinets but functional and less expensive. ($49.99 for 76" shelf space - 66 cents per inch)
2-Shelf Storage Stacker - Seems to have all the qualities I'm looking for. ($14.99 for 62" total length of shelves - 24 cents per inch)
White Mesh Stacking Shoe Shelf - This could work if it doesn't rust. I would want to put a cleanable solid surface on the mesh to prevent dirt from falling down on the shoes below. ($14.99 for 31" total length of shelves - 48 cents per inch)
2-Shelf Storage Stacker - Seems to have all the qualities I'm looking for. ($14.99 for 62" total length of shelves - 24 cents per inch)
White Mesh Stacking Shoe Shelf - This could work if it doesn't rust. I would want to put a cleanable solid surface on the mesh to prevent dirt from falling down on the shoes below. ($14.99 for 31" total length of shelves - 48 cents per inch)
Closet shoe organizer slots - Seems efficient but I'm not sure about the sturdiness factor. They are made from polystyrene. ($83.99 for 56" shelf space - $1.50 per inch)
Tall plastic/metal rack - This is the size/dimension that I want, but this one has terrible reviews since it falls apart easily. ($38.99 for 29' shelf space - $1.34 per inch)
25 Slots with doors - Very compact and concealed, but you have to squish two shoes in one slot. Not practical. We would end up putting one shoe in a cubby, making this a 12.5 pair shoe holder. ($199 for 12.5 feet shelf space - $1.33 per inch)
Shoe rack with casters - It has nice solid surfaces so small shoes and dirt don't slip through to the level below. It somewhat conceals the shoes. ($64.99 for 6 feet shelf space - 90 cents per inch)
2 Tier Shoe Cabinet - This might work. Each family member would need one tier. I wonder if kids' sized shoes fit or if it holds shoes without heels. I don't think it accomodates taller shoes/boots though. ($94.99 for 15 feet shelf space - 53 cents per inch)
3-Tier Shoe Cabinet - Same as above with one extra tier. ($125 for 22.5 feet of shelf space - 46 cents per inch)
Finding the perfect shoe rack
With the phone crossed off the list, the next organizing item is a shoe rack. It could also be a unit that also has room for our accessories that end up by the door.
With Sam's Asian background and my germophobia we're both happily accustomed to having shoes left at the door. It also makes sense...no one would ever get their shoes back into their closet anyway.
Data analyst geek that I am, I've measured our shoe collections to find out how to store the most amount of shoes in the least amount of space.
Being Michigan, it never seems to work to rotate coats, shoes, or accessories by season. It can be any season at any given moment.
So considering, shoes, boots, rollerskates, sandals, water shoes, backpacks, briefcases, sports bags, gloves, hats, keys here's what I'm looking for:
- 24 feet of storage with 7" height between shelves
- 14 feet of storage with 14" height between shelves
- Sturdy construction
- Makes use of vertical space
- Concealed if at all possible!
The stand-alone shoe storage can fit in an area that is 3 feet wide. The shoe + accessory unit can span an area that is 8 feet wide.
Remember those great free hutches from MSU surplus that I was going to use for this project? Well, it turns out that there is too much wasted space between shelves to be efficient. I'm thinking of dismantling 8 of them and reconstructing them into the configuration I need.
I would love to work on that project, but just keeping up with laundry is more than enough of a project in this phase of my life.
So, let's see what existing products might do the trick!
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