The IKEA Shelves That Are Perfect For Organized Shoe Storage

When it comes to closet organization, it always seems like there is never a great way to organize all of your shoes. While shoe racks are the go-to for many, having them at the bottom of your closet makes it difficult to see your selection. And let's be honest, unless you're paying triple the usual cost for a consistently sold out brand like Open Spaces, they're not particularly the most aesthetic storage pieces in the world. Luckily, there is a simpler and also more attractive way to organize your shoes, and it involves an unexpected IKEA product: the LACK wall shelf.

These shelves, which come in black-brown, oak effect, and white, are intended to be floating decorative shelves, perfect for arranging everything from family photos to knick-knacks to small plants. But since almost every item at the Swedish retailer is hackable, people have found a way to convert them into a design-forward shoe display. If you have a large walk-in closet and an extensive shoe collection, this trick may be just what you need to keep your pairs tidy. 

To begin this easy shoe storage hack, you'll need to choose the right shelves for your space. If you want to make the most of some dead space in your small walk-in closet, opt for the shorter option, which is about 43 inches in length and costs $24.99 each. But if you have a whole wall you want to cover in your bedroom or dedicated changing room, then opt for the larger option, which is a little over 74 inches and costs $29.99 each.

Whether you have a walk-in closet or want to display your most impressive kicks in your bedroom, you can use the LACK shelves to create an eye-catching shoe wall. Rather than storing your kicks low to the ground, you can take up an entire wall with them, making them easier to see, and thus, organize. This will also save you some major closet space since you're going vertical with your solution. However, first ensure that your shoes will fit on the shelves — they are just over 10 inches deep. If your shoes are longer than this, you may want to look for another organizational solution.

To decide how many shelves to get, look at how much available space you have. If you want a full wall, aim to get around five shelves. If you want something a little less impactful — or simply don't have that large of a collection — consider getting two or three. To further customize the look, you can change the color of the shelves. If white, black, or oak veneer doesn't suit your style, you can try wrapping it in wood peel-and-stick wallpaper or painting it a vibrant color that matches your aesthetic. 

Once you have your shelves and they are customized to your liking, hang them on the wall per the instructions from IKEA. Begin with the lowest shelf and then install additional shelves above it, ensuring that the spacing between them is consistent. Also make sure every shelf is perfectly level. Finally, arrange all your pairs and admire your collection.