I am always on the lookout for storage inspiration for my small, packed home and during a recent stay in a stunning Spanish Airbnb, one clever piece of furniture completely changed the way I thought about shoe storage.
Instead of a bulky rack or a messy pile by the door, this slim, compact unit tucked neatly against the wall while still holding multiple pairs. It instantly made the rental feel tidier, proving that smart design doesn’t need to take up valuable space.
And at just $60, this clever shoe storage gem from The Container Store is now at the top of my future home storage ideas wishlist.
Why I love this vertical storage hack
The Elfa Utility Shoe Wall-Mounted Rack is a customizable storage solution that can hold up to 12 pairs of shoes. It can be mounted straight to your wall, or inside a cabinet to conceal clutter.
In my current home, we keep shoes in a slimline shoe cabinet from Wayfair. While it is useful for keeping everyday pairs out of sight in my small rental space, it fills up quickly, and I find that some larger shoes (especially winter boots) simply do not fit.
As a result, shoe clutter still ends up all over my entryway and dining room floors.
The Spanish Airbnb was even smaller – but they approached shoe storage differently. In the bedroom, hidden in a slim floor-to-ceiling mirrored cabinet, was a vertical shoe rack, designed for pairs of shoes to be slotted in place, using vertical storage to save space.
Not only did it keep shoes hidden, but the metal inserts helped the shoes keep their shape and held them open, allowing them to air out, helping to remove shoe odor. Better yet, because each pair was evenly spaced out, it was easy to see every shoe at a glance, making putting outfits together simple.
It barely took up any space in the bedroom, and doubled, as mentioned, as a full-length mirror, perfect for getting ready for a day exploring.
It's simple enough that putting shoes away isn’t a chore, plus the sheer amount of space it offers means there are no overflow pairs lingering on floors, helping to prevent 'clutter creep' in the rest of a home.
It isn’t just me who loves this space-saving approach to shoe storage, either. Verified Container Store shopper Susan gave the rack five stars, commenting, ‘This Elfa shoe rack fits neatly in the small space between the Elfa shelving and the corner of my closet, and stores 12 pairs of shoes displayed so I can make decisions quickly while putting together the day's outfit. It's sturdy, stable, and like all Elfa components, versatile!’
Shoe essentials
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This adjustable shoe storage system is ideal for small spaces, and is made with quality epoxy-bonded steel to withstand any style or weight of shoe.
Although not having the same breathability as the rack, this over door pocket organizer can work in a pinch for storing shoes out of the way in rental homes.
This single pair adhesive shoe holder is ideal for small spaces where you only have a couple of pairs of shoes that need storing, such as near a back door.
This smaller shoe rack has a designated bottom rack for larger boots, making it idea for homes in cooler or wetter climates.
If, like my household, you have lots of seasonal shoes that you switch out throughout the year, consider using an underbed shoe storage bags to keep the pairs you are not currently using out of the way.
The last thing anybody wants when walking into a home is to be hit by the musty scent of sweat. Treat odors before they set in with this simple shoe refresher spray.
While I don’t have the capacity to add one to my rental home at the moment, this small storage-less home solution is at the top of my wishlist for my future home, whenever that may be.
