I Use a Magazine Rack for Shoe Storage, and It’s Been a Game-Changer

I’ve been going through a series of small home improvements lately, and I’m happy to say each addition has been gradually making my space feel far more “me” as well as more functional. One of the areas I was most keen to tackle was my entryway, which, in complete honesty, had been entirely neglected since I moved into my new apartment.

My shoes sat on a little doormat that came with the property, as they had no other home, and had stayed that way for months. The way it looked irked me, and there’s just something about seeing items on the floor without somewhere to go back to that lessens the feeling of items being cared for and having a sense of purpose. During one of my thrifting trips, though, I found just what I needed to tackle this problem: a spacious vintage magazine rack that cost only $5.

The magazine rack consists of a basket and a flat top, which could double up as a surface. It’s the kind that would sit beside a bed or sofa, with books tidily tucked into the rack below and a steaming cup of coffee sat on top to accompany each read.

I typically use the basket to store my least worn pairs of shoes or those that are off-season, and the top to sit my pair of boots and everyday trainers for going on walks. The top is perfect for grab-and-go shoes, as you don’t need to bend down to the floor to get them, as well as for storing boots so they don’t get crushed.

The bottom basket is a great way to remind you that you own other footwear too, as using this rack as a shoe storage solution also doubles as a way to display your shoes. If you have a lot of pairs of shoes I recommend only storing your most-used in a magazine rack to make the most out of the space, or to trial a week or two of wearing your least-worn footwear by only filling it with the pairs you wish to wear more often.

My favorite thing about using this magazine rack to hold my shoes, though, has to be the visual aspect. I’ve never seen a shoe rack that looks like mine, and I’ve always loved old furniture that’s been pre-loved. I’d definitely recommend keeping an eye out at your local thrift store for a spacious one like mine. But if you’re unable to find one, Wayfair carries this option with a fuller basket.

Buy: Preas End Table, $159.99