I’ll admit it: I have a lot of shoes. Like, so many pairs that I was running out of floor space in my walk-in closet because footwear was overflowing from my multi-tier shoe rack to, well, basically any other space I could find. While I’m not sorry for being a bit of a footwear hoarder (my fashionista heart wants what it wants, OK?), I did need to find a more functional solution for storing my collection of sneakers, boots, sandals, and beyond.
This Baggy Dad style from Levi’s is a tried-and-true favorite our team swears by, made famous by an effortlessly cool fit and PJ-like comfort.
Upon brainstorming other areas of my house that would make sense for shoe storage, I decided the entryway would be the best spot. However, I wanted a chicer storage option than a traditional shoe rack. So what did I do? I took my savvy online shopping skills to Amazon, and after sleuthing around for an option that was both affordable and aesthetically pleasing, I stumbled across this stunning shoe cabinet for just $120. A few weeks after assembling it myself (humble brag: girl power edition) and putting it to the test, I can confirm that it’s not only a brilliant way to store a TON of shoes, but it’s also created an eye-catching nook right inside my front door. Read on to learn how I used this Amazon shoe cabinet to add storage and style to my entryway.
Why I Love My Entryway Shoe Cabinet
It holds A LOT of shoes
With two flip drawers and open shelves along the top and bottom, this storage cabinet fits nearly two dozen pairs of shoes. The online description lists 20 shoes as the average fit, but I managed to squeeze in a couple more pairs by stacking my sandals. I also allotted my husband some space for his (far fewer) pairs of shoes—very generous of me, I know—but I wouldn’t be surprised if I could fit in a few additional pairs if it were only storing smaller-sized women’s shoes.
You can customize the compartments
Each of the flip drawers comes with an adjustable insert that divides the interior into two compartments. That means you can separate the compartments evenly or adjust the insert so one compartment is slightly wider than the other. I opted for the latter, placing sneakers and bulkier sandals in the larger space and slimmer sandals in the other. As I mentioned above, stacking my sandals was a game-changing move that allowed me to fit many more shoes in the cabinet than if I had laid each individual shoe side-by-side.
It lends a cleaner look
I wanted to avoid a traditional shoe rack because, in my opinion, they tend to look cluttered when full. I wanted a storage option that would hold plenty of shoes while hiding the footwear from sight—ergo, a shoe cabinet. The gorgeous rattan and wood exterior of this unit looks extra clean and chic, and most people probably wouldn’t realize at a glance that the cabinet is made for storing shoes. It looks just like a regular cabinet with drawers, and I appreciate the innovative mix of functionality and aesthetics.
The cabinet offers another place to display decor
I love styling any and all furniture in my home, from cabinets to couches. Accessorizing furniture with decor just adds so much character to a space. Keeping that in mind while searching for shoe cabinets, I scouted out options that offered shelf space in addition to interior shoe storage. All shoe cabinets offer styling space atop the unit, but I was drawn to this piece in particular because it has an open cubby above the drawers. Thanks to that additional space, I could double up on the amount of decor—and I took further advantage of the cubby as a display and storage space for additional grab-and-go fashion accessories.
How to Decorate with a Shoe Cabinet
Don’t over-think it
A shoe cabinet is a pretty unique piece of furniture, and if you’re stuck on how exactly to style one, my best advice is to avoid overthinking it. Style the cabinet as you would a buffet table, bookshelf, or entertainment center. Include a fun mix of accessories—a small lamp, a stack of books, some vases and decorative objects, and a few pops of greenery are among the pieces I chose. Be sure to vary the heights of your objects to create dimension and flow, and keep color contrast in mind when placing your pieces as well. Have fun with it and test out different setups until you’re pleased with the final look!
Include small handbags and sunglasses for easy, on-the-go access
In addition to providing convenient storage, stashing a few small handbags on the open shelf offered another way to accessorize my shoe cabinet. I lined up a few purses that would fit in the cubby space, staggering them based on color for contrast, and the idea was handy for both storage and adding a unique, fashion-themed decor element. I often forget to rotate my handbags—I tend to only switch my purses seasonally—but by having a few options conveniently available by my front door, I anticipate that it’ll help me put all of my bags to better use.
Additionally, you could lay out a few pairs of sunglasses or include a trinket dish with your go-to jewelry for the same effect. Putting your accessories on display is such a simple way to show your wardrobe some extra love as well!