7 Smart Ideas for Taming Your Shoe-nado ...

By Jessica

Most of us are guilty of owning one too many pairs of shoes. That usually means a huge uncontrollable shoenado! Guest contributor Jessica Johnson shares some clever ideas on how to tame your shoenado.

Have you had to toss your favorite flats because they became permanently flattened under a pile of messy pairs? Do you regularly find yourself down on all fours scrounging for a missing heel? Have you ever walked out the front door only to realize you were sporting a mismatched right and left?

If you answered yes to any of these scenarios, perhaps it's time you took steps to implement a smart shoe storage plan. De-cluttering your kicks can be a tricky business, but custom approaches to organization -- whether DIY solutions or clever products -- can help you put your best foot forward. Here, I've gathered seven bright ideas (all a step above the basic over-the-door pocket hanger) for kicking your shoe closet coordination up a notch.

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1

Artistic Sole

Artistic Sole Turn your prettiest pairs into an elegant art installation by mounting lengths of crown molding horizontally along an open wall of your closet or bedroom using a small bead of Liquid Nails and a few finishing nails. (Be sure the upper edge of the molding is wide enough to support a high heel.) For extra panache, paint the trim in a fabulous color, and then hook your pumps over the lip for a unique and edgy storage solution. A small piece of molding installed above the closet door also makes an ideal perch for pairs that aren't often worn.

2

Showcasing Them in Style

Showcasing Them in Style Think outside the closeted box and opt for a glass-fronted bedroom furniture piece such as a china or curio cabinet. Arrange swoon-worthy slides and sandals on the shelves for a functional yet fanciful display case that adds pizzazz to any bedroom.

3

Like Magic

Like Magic Install a set of floating or bracketed wire shelves along a blank wall in your closet or bedroom, then line your footwear up side by side. Alternatively, you can also use tension rods to hang up your shoes. Or, if you're feeling a little more creative, check out this tutorial for crafting shoe hooks from wire hangers for your simple flip flops, flats and more flimsy footwear. Not only is it functional, it looks pretty cool too!

4

Crafty Ties

Crafty Ties For a playful place to stow your stompers, create a stack of storage cubbies using foot-long lengths of 150mm PVC pipe. Be sure to sand the edges smooth and paint the pieces before cementing them together. The unit makes a modern addition to a front hallway, mudroom, kid's bedroom, or closet.

5

Gettin' Boxy

Gettin' Boxy Rather than try to balance mountains of manufacturer shoe boxes -- which can end up feeling like a game of Tetris, given the wide variety of widths, heights, and depths in which these packages come -- utilize several uniform plastic storage boxes or canvas bins sized to hold a single pair each. Stack your boxes neatly on an open shelf, and then attach labels to the front end of each box with a photograph or description of the shoes inside for easy access to the set you seek.

Famous Quotes

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.

Albert Schweitzer
6

Making It Clear

Making It Clear If you're looking for more visual storage, consider purchasing boxes with clear plastic windows or ones made of clear material for a quick peek. Alternately, you can also find similar storage constructs on the cheap from places such as Ikea, which offers a Hemnes four-compartment shoe cabinet with slim tilt-out units for maximum storage in minimum space.

7

Marketplace Footprints

Marketplace Footprints Seek out multifunctional furnishings such as the Lilly Pulitzer "Rousseau" ottoman or the Safavieh shoe ottoman, which both contain concealed compartments for several pairs of shoes, as well as bonus storage space in the center.

Do you have a well-heeled closet? Share your smart ideas for stowing shoes.

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