Most typical modern apartments do not have spacious hallways, which leads to a pressing problem for many: organizing shoe storage. The constant change of seasons requires the purchase of more and more new pairs: boots, boots, shoes, sandals - the list can get very long. To maintain cleanliness and order, you can put a special shoe cabinet in the hallway - comfortable, roomy, it will prevent clutter in the area near the front door. Such designs will help create coziness and perfectly complement any interior. The variety of existing models provides ample opportunities for choosing a product in accordance with individual preferences and room parameters.
Features and benefits of use
A shoe cabinet is a storage system thought out to the smallest detail. Ideally, the design contains at least two compartments: one contains pairs of shoes for everyday wear, the other contains items that are suitable for subsequent seasons. Furniture for placing boots, sandals, sneakers, shoes can be open or closed. The second option will not only allow you to arrange your shoes compactly, but will also protect them from dust and other contaminants, and protect them from encroachments by pets.
Arguments in favor of installing a shoe cabinet in the hallway:
- Such furniture serves not only as a place to store shoes, boots and sandals. There is a place for shoe horns, brushes, sprays, creams, and other shoe care products. You can also put your bag, gloves or keys here. For convenient storage of useful little things, the closet has various pull-out shelves and drawers.
- You can hang a mirror on the front panel of the shoe closet, which you simply cannot do without in the hallway.
- This design often involves the presence of a place to sit, which is very convenient when putting on shoes.
- Thanks to the original design, the product can become an accent detail of the entrance room. A hand-made or custom-made shoe rack will be the subject of admiration for visiting guests.
The closet in the hallway simultaneously performs several functions: it provides storage for shoes, serves as a support for placing a mirror, is used as a bench, and decorates the interior.
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.
Varieties
Shoe storage can look like a modest miniature chest of drawers, where only a few pairs can fit, or it can be a full-fledged large wardrobe. The shape, internal structure, and design of products also differ. A modern manufacturer takes into account all the preferences of potential furniture owners as much as possible, offering a wide variety of models to choose from:
- Bona is a capacious product in the form of an elongated cabinet of an open or closed type (in this case there are vertical hinged doors). Inside (usually at an angle) there are solid or perforated shelves at different heights. The dimensions of the cabinet can vary, as can the number of doors. The furniture allows you to store low and high shoes for children or adults, provides good ventilation, and prevents deformation of shoes.
- Slim. A very narrow wardrobe for hallways of modest size, takes up little space, but can accommodate a large number of shoes. Shoes, boots, sneakers are placed for storage in special cassette boxes that are attached to the doors. This is a folding design: to get your shoes, you need to pull the door towards you (the tilt angle is 45–90 degrees). To ventilate the contents, the cabinet must be kept open. Other disadvantages: it is not possible to store tall shoes here; it is also not advisable to place dirty, wet boots or shoes here.
- Coupe. Shoe rack with sliding doors. The shelves in it can be pulled out, located straight or at an angle; some models have provisions for placing high boots. Here you can store various accessories and useful little things. The closet is large enough to accommodate shoes of different styles and sizes. Even clothing can be stored in combined products. Sometimes the furniture is complemented by a mirror and lighting.
- Cabinet. Usually this is a small cabinet, it is used for shoes that are worn every day. It will not be possible to store pairs for different seasons here at the same time - there is not enough space. The bedside table is equipped with only a few shelves; it can be open or with doors. The main advantage: such furniture can be used as a bench for putting on shoes.
- Galoshnitsa. Design without doors, all shelves are open, their number may vary. This is a narrow, compact model of varying heights. Shoes for every day are stored here, which do not require frequent wet cleaning. You can use a closet in the hallway as a drying rack. It is very easy to make such furniture yourself.
Functionality of cabinets in the corridor, features and varieties
The shoe rack can be located along the wall (linear models) or fit organically into a suitable niche (corner, built-in products). There are floor-standing options and wall-mounted cabinets that are attached to the wall in any order, at different heights. Many people will like the original, yet very convenient rotating designs that can be installed in a corner to save space. A compact, assembled transforming wardrobe can easily turn into a multifunctional, spacious dressing room, where it is convenient to store everything you need - from shoes to accessories, there is also room for clothes. It has many mobile sections that can be arranged at your discretion.
Bona
Galoshnitsa
Slim
Cabinet
Closet
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.
Internal filling
When choosing a shoe closet for the hallway, you should pay attention to the organization of the internal space. As a rule, furniture is equipped with shelves of different types. They can be solid, where you can place all the shoes side by side, or they look like individual containers in which pairs are stored separately from each other.
There are products with stationary shelves, as well as with retractable or folding compartments. The crossbars for shoes are located at an angle or horizontally. A convenient option is perforated (lattice) shelves - they provide constant access of air.
In addition to shoes, various accessories can be stored in such a cabinet: umbrellas, bags, gloves, brushes, horns, sponges, protective spray or tinting cream. There are also special drawers and sections of different sizes for them.
Sometimes the closet is supplemented with ultraviolet lamps to treat shoes against fungal infections.
Rack
The peculiarity of this design is the complete absence of shelves. Shoes are hung on blade holders, which ensures their ventilation and drying. Extended holders allow you to place even ladies' boots in the design.
The undoubted advantage of racks is their visual appeal and airiness, combined with large capacity.
Manufacturing materials
The shoe cabinet is made from durable materials that are resistant to dirt and moisture. Combination models that combine plastic, wood, metal, and textile elements are not uncommon. The cost and care features depend on the type and quality of the material.
- MDF, chipboard, fiberboard are raw materials for budget products. They are affordable for people with average incomes, have a variety of designs, and imitate real wood well. Suitable for styling a hallway like a classic.
- Natural wood is considered a very expensive option. Such furniture looks luxurious, is of unsurpassed quality and emphasizes the good taste of the owner. But she needs decent care.
- Solid metal structures fit well into the trends of minimalism, hi-tech, and loft. Sometimes only individual furniture elements are made of metal. Shelves made of this material are easy to clean. Often, forged cabinets are available in open type - overshoes.
- A rattan shoe rack is a beautiful, elegant wicker product, very popular, despite the high cost of the material. The cabinet is made from natural raw materials or its high-quality artificial substitute. The furniture will emphasize the individuality and originality of the interior; it is quite strong and durable, but requires proper care.
- Plastic cabinets belong to the category of cheap furniture. Modern models are distinguished by their beautiful design, richness of colors and shapes. With careful handling, high-quality material will last a long time. Caring for it is not difficult.
- Products made from high-strength glass look very stylish and elegant, giving the interior an airiness and weightlessness. Due to the fact that the material is quite massive, it is resistant to damage and shock. Doors or shelves are made of durable glass. Such a cabinet requires careful care, since all dirt will be immediately visible. Most often they use frosted opaque glass of any color. An excellent option is a mirror facade, which is placed on the cabinet door.
- Textile. An inexpensive and not very durable material, it gets dirty quickly and is inconvenient to clean. But the fabric allows air to pass through well, it can be washed, and the product itself is portable, as it weighs little. The design is often complemented by a zipper, which allows you to store shoes closed, protecting them from dust. This shoe rack is more suitable for temporary use in a rented apartment.
Variety of shoe cabinets, good location options
When choosing a material, it is important to focus on the design style of the hallway: the product should not stand out from the overall interior and look like an awkward “spot” against the background of the rest of the furniture.
Tree
Chipboard
MDF
Plastic
Rattan
Textile
Shoe cabinet fronts
The choice of facade should be given special attention, since this is the front part of the cabinet, which will always be visible.
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The facade can be made of the following materials:
- MDF. Durable material, can be decorated with PVC film or painted. There is also framed MDF;
- natural wood. Quite expensive, but durable and environmentally friendly material. Decorating methods are practically unlimited (painting, varnishing, carving, film coating, applying patterns, etc.);
- Chipboard. Laminated chipboard. More durable and moisture resistant than conventional chipboard. It looks quite attractive, the best solution in terms of price-quality ratio.
Glass elements can also be used in cabinet facades, including mirrors, all kinds of designs, patterns, etc. It is even possible to apply photo printing to the facade.
Sizes and shapes
The dimensions of the cabinet correspond to the number of future users and the parameters of the entrance room. If a spacious hallway can accommodate large voluminous furniture for shoes of any shape, then narrow compact models are suitable for small areas. Despite their modest size, they can be quite roomy. Such cabinets are located along the wall (rectangular options) or in a niche (corner models). If you need to store a lot of shoes in a cramped room, you can choose narrow but high furniture, right up to the ceiling. In addition to those mentioned, there are also square or rounded products that will decorate any hallway.
The standard depth of a shoe chest for average apartments is approximately 45 cm.
In small rooms, cabinets with dimensions of 60 × 30 × 100 cm (slim model) are installed. For a large hallway, furniture with the following dimensions is suitable: 100 × 40 × 140 cm.
Varieties of corner cabinets in the hallway, photos in the interior
For a narrow corridor
For owners of apartments with narrow hallways, slim-model wardrobes with shelves for shoes are suitable. This term translated from English into Russian means “thin, thin.” Such cabinets take up little space, and beautiful facades become an interior decoration.
The secret of the large internal volume lies in the placement of the shelves inside the cabinet at an acute angle.
It is difficult to assemble such products on your own. You can order figured doors in a workshop, but the cost for them may be higher than purchasing finished products.
Colors and design
The external decoration of the cabinet should be in harmony with the design of the other elements of the hallway: furniture, floors, walls. The classic rule: for narrow and dark rooms you should prefer a light option; for well-lit and spacious rooms, black and brown shades are suitable. When choosing color and design, be sure to rely on the features of the interior.
To decorate a hallway in a modern style (art deco, minimalism, hi-tech, loft), you can give preference to a shoe rack made of metal (or with individual metal inclusions), plastic, MDF, glass, or choose a combined model. Colors can be very diverse - from bright and catchy to muted and dull. You can also experiment with shapes - cabinets can be triangular, corner, round and oval, with different curves of the lines. Paintings, stickers, and unusual drawings are often used.
For country, Provence, and Scandinavian style, wicker furniture made of bamboo and rattan, textiles or leather products are suitable. An aging effect is often used to give a vintage look to a shoe rack. Plant and animal prints, carvings, and natural colors are used.
Classics require rigor and adherence to traditions. Wood finishes, calm colors (black, white, all shades of brown, gray) are suitable here; furniture can be decorated with stucco or carved elements, or floral patterns. There are clear lines, massive structures, measured decor, glass or mirror inserts are allowed.
Dressers
In this type of retractable shoe cabinets, a folding panel is installed. The products have an attractive appearance and can accommodate a significant amount of things.
They can be installed not only in corridors or dressing rooms, but also in other rooms of the apartment. Only a professional armed with the necessary tools can make such a piece of furniture.
Posting rules
Perhaps the only universal rule that must be followed when placing a shoe rack in the hallway is the maximum proximity of the furniture to the entrance to the room. You need to take off your shoes when entering the apartment; the distance of the shoe closet from the door will contribute to the spread of dirt. Other recommendations for furniture arrangement depend on the size and shape of the hallway:
- For a narrow, elongated space, cabinets of a compartment design located along the wall are suitable. If you have a niche, a built-in model would be a good option. You can put a shoe rack in the corner by the front door.
- In a square-type hallway, install a cabinet of the same shape or a rectangular model. As a standard, the furniture is located against the wall, although a corner option would also be convenient.
- A shoe rack for a large hallway can be located depending on the owner’s preferences; there are no restrictions on the choice of location. Even a voluminous design will fit into a spacious room without much difficulty.
When placing a shoe cabinet in the hallway at the entrance, it is important to consider where the door will swing open - to the right or left, inward or outward. Furniture should not interfere with opening. If positioned incorrectly, the door and cabinet walls will hit each other and be damaged.
A shoe storage system should be in every home. Shoes, boots, and boots randomly piled up in a heap will not decorate the hallway and will block the entrance. The owner decides which closet to choose, taking into account several nuances: the layout and dimensions of the hallway, the potential number of shoes and, of course, the general style of the room.
Cabinets
This is a series of shelves placed in small and low cabinets. Designed for storing everyday shoes. They are usually installed in the corner of the hallway. In this case, they do not take up significant space, and the upper part plays the role of a small table on which you can keep various small things like keys, combs, notebooks and lighters.
Dryer
When returning home in inclement weather, you need to take care of drying your shoes. A common mistake is placing wet items in front of radiators or electrical appliances.
Temperature changes have an extremely negative effect on wet shoes, causing their deformation, leading to individual parts peeling off and cracking of the leather.
The simplest way out of this situation is to build a simple dryer. Anyone can make it.
- A tray is placed in a small cabinet (preferably with a door).
- Sand, pebbles, and crushed stone are poured.
- Shoes that are cleaned and wiped on the outside are placed.
Boots, shoes, boots will dry naturally and will not lose their shape or original appearance.