Living in New York has turned me into a shoes-immediately-off-at-the-door kind of person. The last thing I want to do is trek dirt and city grime into the space I work so hard to keep clean. However, New York has also turned me into a studio apartment dweller; the entryway is tiny, and my shoes end up stacked by the door like a tumbling tower on the verge of collapse.
I considered the simple solution of a large basket, but I know this would end up full to the brim and I'd spend too long trying to pair together random shoes. A storage bench would be ideal, but it would likely take up more square footage than I have. My small entryway needed something really clever that could hide shoes away but not take up a lot of space. I found the winner at Wayfair: this Narrow Hidden Shoe Storage Cabinet.
78.4" tall, 31.5" wide, 9.5" deep
Measuring less than 10" in depth, this storage cabinet is ideal for even the smallest entryway spaces. It's built with three flip-down drawers that can hold two rows of shoes each. Plus, its upper shelf can act as a grab-and-go spot for your keys, wallet, and phone. This furnishing is slim yet very durably made to ensure safe and sturdy storage for your essentials.
This clever entryway storage idea is just what my apartment needs to feel organized from the moment I walk in. No longer will there be a pile of dirty shoes on the floor by the door – each pair will have a proper home within this cabinet. Despite its slim frame (it measures less than 10" in depth), this cabinet can house anywhere from 18 to 24 pairs of shoes thanks to its spacious pull-down drawers. Plus, its two top shelves act as the perfect valet table for your keys, wallet, or even a tasteful entryway vignette.
Practicality aside, this storage cabinet is chic. Its grainy exterior and fluted cabinet drawers give off a modern farmhouse look – which is so much more visually appealing than the precarious shoe pile I was staring at before.
The Narrow Hidden Shoe Storage Cabinet also comes highly rated on Wayfair's site. 'This is so amazing,' one reviewer remarks. 'I love the look of it, and I LOVE having the shoes hidden but still accessible.' Another comments on how, despite its slim size, it takes up a lot of visual space – making the entryway feel both considered and complete.
Entryways, especially small ones, can be tricky spaces to design. However, with storage furniture as clever, space-maximizing, and stylish as Wayfair's Narrow Hidden Shoe Storage Cabinet, your entryway will feel as intentionally designed and organized as any other room in your home.
How I'd Style Wayfair's Narrow Hidden Shoe Storage Cabinet
Although the drawers on Wayfair's shoe cabinet come with knobs, I'd swap those standard styles for something more charming. The vintage-inspired design of this knob would pair really well with the modern farmhouse look of the cabinet.
Just because Wayfair's shoe cabinet is a practicality-first furnishing doesn't mean it can't be beautifully styled. I'd put this vintage-inspired vase on one of its shelves and fill it with some seasonal stems.
Just as Wayfair's cabinet gives your shoes a proper storage space, this catchall tray can do the same for your wallet, keys, and phone. It's a simple yet useful detail that you can style on the shelf of your shoe storage cabinet to complete the vignette and give your small necessities a home of their own.
Shop More Entryway Storage Ideas
If my apartment's entryway had room for a bench, I'd choose this one. Its design is so practical for the space. Not only does it have baskets for shoes, but it also has drawers for secure storage. Plus, its bench design gives you a place to sit down while putting on or taking off shoes.
Measuring just 6.75" in depth, this storage cabinet is slim. However, reviewers rave about how practical it is for entryway shoe storage. Each of its pull-down drawers can hold up to three pairs of shoes so that your entryway can stay clutter-free. Plus, its light wood design makes for a chic furnishing.
This entryway storage set up does it all. Its two bottom drawers offer plenty of space for shoes, while its frame has space to hang coats and two upper shelves for even more storage. If your entryway has the room for something a bit more substantial, this storage unit is definitely the one to choose.
Wayfair's Narrow Hidden Shoe Storage Cabinet has made my apartment's slim entryway look and feel so much more organized. It takes up hardly any floor space, but it stores so much – helping me maximize every square inch of my apartment.
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Once your shoes are taken care of, it's time to think about your jackets and coats (especially now that winter is on its way). I've been using this IKEA kitchen rail to hang everything in my entryway, and I couldn't be more impressed with how effective it is. No need for a coat tree or even a closet – this wall-mounted solution is the perfect alternative.
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