I Don’t Have a Mudroom — So I Started Storing Shoes Here Instead

In my house, shoes are a constant challenge. Between my two sons (who rotate through flag football, basketball, track, baseball, and plenty of muddy outdoor adventures) footwear piles up fast. We’ve actually made great progress in the basement, where a dedicated shoe organizer keeps sports shoes visible, contained, and ready to grab on the way out the door. But everyday shoes are another story. 

Our daily footwear (such as school sneakers and slides, plus any visiting friends’ shoes) inevitably ends up kicked off wherever they land — in the corner of our small dining room, at the base of the stairs, or scattered in a way that’s equal parts eyesore and tripping hazard. Without a mudroom or coat closet on our main level, the clutter kept creeping back. So when I came across an Apartment Therapy article about storing shoes in a completely unexpected place, I decided to try it for myself.

The idea came from TikTok creator Kate Barlett, who uses pantry and kitchen cabinets to stash shoes. The logic immediately clicked for me: What I needed was hidden storage that was still incredibly easy to access — right where shoes were already being dropped. I briefly considered buying another shoe organizer, but I didn’t want one taking up visual space in the dining room. I scanned the area for other options: the bottom shelf of a bookcase, under an entry table, or somewhere that would keep shoes out of sight entirely.

That’s when I realized the answer was already in the room. Our dining room buffet (used mostly for serving pieces and extra glassware) had an underutilized cabinet that was practically empty. With just one small shelf and a door that closed easily, it offered the perfect combination of concealed storage and everyday accessibility.

The moment I opened the cabinet closest to the basement stairs, I knew it would work. The bottom shelf wasn’t being used for anything essential (just a few photo frames tucked away that I could easily relocate elsewhere). Best of all, I didn’t have to buy a single thing.

I loaded the cabinet with everyday shoes, and they fit perfectly — with room to spare. Instantly the dining room felt calmer. Is it unconventional to store shoes in a dining room buffet? Absolutely. But unconventional spaces often call for unconventional solutions. So far, this hidden shoe cabinet has kept footwear contained, my dining room tidier, and two high-traffic areas of my home noticeably less cluttered — and that’s a win I’ll happily take.