Optimal Shoe Storage & Organization: Shoe Rack for Closet/Types of Closet Shoe Shelves

Should I Choose a Built-In Shoe Rack or Closet Shoe Shelves?
Shoes are expensive and investing in good organization and storage solutions for your shoe and boot collection is the price you pay for being a shoe collector! Finding the perfect solution to storing an extensive collection of footwear is a goal of every shoe lover. Whether you are lucky enough to be able to set aside an entirely separate shoe closet, have a corner in a large walk-in closet that can hold a rotating shoe rack, or simply need to organize a few shelves in a small reach-in, there are a number of tricks to organizing shoes that are common to every shoe storage system:

Whatever type of closet you have, maximize the space to make every inch functional. From utilizing ceiling and wall space, to the floor, nothing is off limits to ensure storing all things in the most efficient way. *Source Chaos to Order
Adjustable shelves are best because you can store like-heighted shoes together. For example, boots in one large section and flats in a small section. Being able to adjust the shelves according to the height of the shoe definitely helps maximize storage space. In the summer, it's easy to fit lots of flat shoes and flip flops in a space, but then it gets tricky when having to squeeze boots into that same space. *Source Chaos to Order
If your shelf is just a bit tight to fit all the shoes facing the same way, try turning one, this will save on the width they take up. *Source Chaos to Order
Make use of depth. Usually the shelves are deeper than the shoes, giving some additional storage space at the back of the shelf. Placing one shoe behind the other will allow more shoes to fit on the shelf. *Source Chaos to Order
Additionally, custom shoe organizers can make the job of keeping your closet organized quicker and easier. Several types are available to aide in getting the job done:
- If you have a 40" square floor space to devote to shoes, consider a rotating shoe organizer like the 360 Organizer® Shoe Spinner by Lazy Lee. It holds up to 200 pairs of your favorite footwear depending on shoe size and style and keeps them all visible at all times. Shelves are adjustable.
- Wine cubbies can work great for organizing shoes and they can be custom built to fit any size space.
- Pull-out racks are a nice way to keep the collection organized and accessible but hidden from immediate view. Standard shoe racks are designed to fit 18-inch, 24-inch and 30-inch-wide spaces.
- Standard shelves can be upgraded with slides, creating your own pull-out shoe organizers. The advantage of this over standard shoe racks is that they can be built to fit any dimensions needed.
Pull-out shelves can be made to fit any size space or opening. They work very well for shoe organization and can be used with or without the addition of shoe fences. See Project > - If you decide to organize your shoes with shelves, consider adding vertical lighting on the sides of your shoe shelves. They make things easier to find — thus aiding in organization, and add drama to your closet by creating a nice, soft lighting effect.
Vertical closet lighting strips work well to highlight the shoe collection. See Project >
The ultimate in shoe storage room can become a reality for every shoe lover — even those on a budget. With a little upfront effort at organization and an investment in some basic shoe organization products, your dreams of being artfully surrounded by the wardrobe accessory you love most can become a reality.