How to tackle shoe clutter at the front door : Annie Elliott Design

In doing some research for a writing project, I asked several friends what their greatest decorating challenge is.

“Clutter.”

“Lighting. And clutter.”

“Choosing paint colors, and what to do with shoes when you get home.”

“My husband.”

About that last one, I can do precious little. But clutter! I admit that I hadn’t thought about that as an interior design issue, but of course it is! And each of these women (both apartment- and house-dwellers) mentioned it without any leading questions.

Blue lacquered hallway — A busy – but not cluttered – front hallway by a famous designer whose name I can’t find!

One can define ”clutter” in many ways, of course. Clutter on tabletops, on bookshelves, in a playroom…but when pressed, my friends said they primarily were referring to shoes near the front door.

Front hall with storage ideas — Pottery Barn

More and more people are removing their shoes upon entering a house. That’s excellent from a cleanliness perspective. (Less so from a fashion perspective if your trousers depend on heels to lift the hem from the floor. Ask me how I know this.) Some hosts even encourage it; one friend keeps a basket of leather slippers by the front door, which I think is extremely thoughtful.

The most obvious solution is a multi-level shoe shelf. I hadn’t looked for one in a while, so I was surprised at the variety available!

Contemporary green shoe shelf — Open Spaces

The ones that have a bench on top are particularly appealing, although for 3 pairs of shoes, is it worth it? Maybe.

Wooden bench with shoe rack — Pottery Barn

There’s always the basket-or-bin option, but I find this works best for one person with shoes that can withstand the wear and tear of being on top of each other. E.g. the basket of sneakers in the picture below.

Bohemian living room and entryway — The boots on the little table are just for show. Photo by Angie Seckinger

Organized front hall — I *assume* the basket is for shoes? From the blog Haute Homebody

Shoe cabinets are another idea, but I haven’t found a really attractive one. This one is ok – with a bonus drawer and bench-like top:

White shoe rack and bench — Zipong. I’d never heard of it either!

But the tall shoe cabinets…no. I just hate them. They’re too tall for the top surface to be useful, and they’re just so massive. If you really find that it’s your ONLY option and you can find one you can stomach, great. But please try to avoid ones like this:

Now, a normal, short cabinet…that’s definitely an option if you have room.

Red dining room with mirrored cabinet — Mirrored cabinet from Century Furniture

Watch the depth of the cabinet; 18” or even 16” may be too deep for small spaces, even though a cabinet of that depth would accommodate shoes nicely.

Black and brass cerused wood cabinet — Mr. Brown London

For narrow hallways, of course you must look for cabinets that are 11” or 12” deep. They’re difficult to find, but they exist. It’s not a ridiculous idea have one built; Etsy is terrific for finding people who can build things.

Living room with blue grasscloth — Matching cabinets from Century Furniture. They are the PERFECT size…I’ve used them several times in different finishes. Even painted! Photo by Angie Seckinger

I understand that the effort it takes to open a cabinet door, place shoes on an interior shelf, and close the door is simply too much for some. But it’s worth trying.

Colorful painted Chinoiserie cabinet — Society 6

Here’s what you do not want to hear, Gentle Readers, but I’m afraid it’s the awful truth: only the shoes you wear the most often should live near the front door. Perhaps your slides for walking the dog, your workout sneakers, and the flats you wear four workdays out of five.

For the other shoes, I’m afraid we must develop a new habit. We come in through the front door, remove our shoes, and carry them into your bedroom closet immediately. (Or wherever most of your shoes reside.)

With practice – and serious training-slash-bribes for kids – you can do it. I know you can.

Bright front hall — Inspiration: client’s decidedly UNcluttered front hall. There are shoes in that cabinet., for sure ;) Photo by Angie Seckinger

Annie Elliott Design is based in Washington, D.C., but we’ll take on fun projects almost anywhere. Except California. It’s really tricky to work in California.