This Is a Simple, Budget-Friendly Substitution for Fancy Shoe Storage in an Entryway

Shoes aren’t always easy to store in a way that complements your decor. Sleek shoe racks and smart shelving solutions do exist, but those options don’t work for every home or budget. If you’re looking for a truly simple way to have your shoes easily accessible in your entryway — without a built-in or spending more than $50 — it’s possible, and you can thank Hilton Carter, Apartment Therapy’s resident Plant Therapist, for the inspiration.

Carter lives in a sunny, 3200-square-foot home in Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife and daughter. When it comes to design, Carter’s approach is definitely art- and plant-forward; in fact, his home has over 300 living green babies, and you’ll find a handful of standout paintings and prints given pride of place throughout his spaces. That said, he doesn’t aim for a maximalist look when it comes to decorative accessories, textiles, or even furniture. “My biggest challenge is editing myself so that I don’t over style a room,” he says. One spot in particular that’s minimalist but still super-chic is the nook at the bottom of the stairs in the entryway. Instead of a stashing shoes (which often collect in an entry) in an elaborate built-in or a bulky, freestanding piece of furniture, the Carters simply toss their most-worn pairs in a tall, woven basket.

When asked about his absolute best piece of decorating advice, Carter simply says, “Less is more,” and this little corner of his home is the perfect example of that philosophy. He took a $36 Target decorative basket and uses it to hold shoes that he and his family wear on repeat. Rounding out this spot, you’ll find a little end table and a comfy-looking leather accent chair partially on wheels, which come together as an ideal place to stop, take a load off, and put on (or remove!) your shoes.

You’ve probably seen this kind of piece as a storage solution for throw blankets, pillows, or even kid toys, but personally, I’ve never seen shoes in one of these containers before. Sure, you may have to search a bit to find a shoe’s mate in one of these baskets, but they’re great for corralling footwear — and at $36, they’re likely fairly cheaper (and smaller space-friendly!) than any rack or shelf that’s out there. So maybe give one a chance in your entry or mudroom.