Shoe Rack In Bedroom: Good Idea Or Clutter?

Whether or not to keep a shoe rack in the bedroom is a topic that has been widely discussed, with various opinions and suggestions. Some sources suggest that shoe racks should not be placed in the bedroom, as it can have a negative impact on one's married life according to Vastu Shastra. Additionally, shoes are believed to attract low-level energies, and storing them in the bedroom might not be energetically beneficial. Instead, it is recommended to have a shoe cupboard near the main entrance or in a separate storage space. However, if keeping shoes in the bedroom is the only option, it is advised to follow certain tips to mitigate the potential negative effects, such as taking shoes off before entering the house, wiping them clean, and storing them inside a closed closet.

Shoe racks in the bedroom: good or bad?

There are many different opinions on whether it is a good or bad idea to keep a shoe rack in the bedroom. Some people believe that it is perfectly fine to keep shoes in the bedroom, provided that they are organised neatly and kept separate from clothing. On the other hand, some cultures believe that keeping shoes in the bedroom can bring negative energy and bad luck.

In terms of interior design, a shoe rack can be a great way to display your shoes and keep them organised. There are various stylish options available, such as floating shelves, bookcases, or even a simple shoe rack. This can be a great way to showcase your favourite pairs of shoes and make use of wall space.

However, from a practical standpoint, keeping shoes in the bedroom may not be the best idea. Shoes can be bulky and take up a lot of space, especially in a small bedroom. Additionally, shoes that are worn outside can track in dirt and grime, which may not be ideal in a space meant for sleeping and relaxation.

In some cultures, such as in Asian cultures, it is considered very important to remove shoes before entering a home. This is because it is believed that low-level energies are picked up by shoes and can be brought into the home if shoes are not removed. In these cultures, it is generally not acceptable to keep shoes in the bedroom, as it is believed to bring negative energy into the space.

According to Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian system of architecture, the placement of a shoe rack is very important. It is recommended that shoe racks be placed in the west or southwest corner of the home and never in the bedroom, kitchen, or prayer room. It is believed that placing a shoe rack in the bedroom can have a negative impact on your married life and attract negative energies.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to keep a shoe rack in the bedroom comes down to personal preference and cultural beliefs. If you do choose to keep a shoe rack in the bedroom, it is important to maintain a level of organisation and cleanliness to prevent any negative impact on the energy and aesthetics of the space.

Shoe rack placement according to Vastu Shastra

According to Vastu Shastra, the placement of shoe racks is not just a matter of convenience but also of spiritual and energetic significance. It is believed that the shoe rack's location can influence the energy flow within a home, bringing good fortune and prosperity to its occupants. Here are some guidelines for placing your shoe rack in accordance with Vastu Shastra:

Directions to Avoid

Avoid placing your shoe rack in the north, northeast, or east directions. These zones are considered inauspicious for shoe racks as they are associated with the elements of water and fire, which can be disrupted by the presence of shoes. Additionally, the east section of the house is believed to generate prosperity and positivity, so it is recommended to keep this area clean and free of any clutter, including shoe racks.

Recommended Directions

The ideal direction to place your shoe rack is in the southwest or west corner of your house. These directions are associated with the element of air, which represents movement and activity. If placing the shoe rack in the southwest or west is not feasible, the northwest direction is another suitable option. These directions help in absorbing and neutralizing any negative energies that shoes might carry, promoting a harmonious living environment.

Practical Considerations

While following Vastu guidelines is important, practical aspects of daily living should also be taken into account. For example, if your home's entrance is in the northeast, placing the shoe rack in the west may not be practical due to the distance and inconvenience. In such cases, placing the shoe rack near the entrance but in the northwest direction can be a good alternative. Additionally, if you have a showcase or decorative unit planned near the entrance, you can integrate the shoe rack into the same unit to maintain the aesthetic appeal while adhering to Vastu principles.

Additional Tips

• Height: Keep the shoe rack below knee level to maintain energy balance and prevent the accumulation of negative energies at higher levels.
• Closed Racks: Opt for closed shoe racks instead of open ones to contain and prevent the spread of negative energies within the home.
• Regular Cleaning: Maintain a clean and organised shoe rack. Clutter and dirt can attract and retain negative energies.
• Separate Spaces: If possible, create separate spaces for daily-use shoes and occasionally used shoes to minimise the accumulation of negative energies.
• Avoid Bedrooms: Do not place the shoe rack in bedrooms to preserve the peace and tranquility of these spaces, keeping them free from the energies carried by shoes.

Shoe storage ideas for small spaces

Keeping shoes in the bedroom is not recommended in most Asian cultures, as it is believed that negative energies get stuck to shoes and can impact your married life. However, if you have no other option, there are several tips to mitigate the effects, such as keeping shoes inside a closed closet, storing them separately from clothing, and creating an organised storage system.

Over-the-Door Shoe Organiser

A hanging shoe organiser that goes over the door is a great, inexpensive, and non-permanent way to store shoes without taking up any extra space. Each shoe gets its own slot, and it can easily hang in your closet or over any door.

Stackable Plastic Shoe Containers

These containers are neat, typically well-ventilated, and can be stacked to save space. They can be placed on a shelf, on the closet floor, or even under the bed.

Wicker or Woven Baskets

Large wicker or woven baskets can be placed in the entryway or on a shelf to store casual shoes. They are sturdy, bring a natural element to the space, and can be used to store shoes for each household member to stay organised.

Metal or Wooden Shoe Racks

A metal or wooden shoe rack is a good option for an entryway or closet. They are often narrow and take up little space but can store multiple pairs of shoes.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves offer flexibility and can be positioned exactly as you like. They can be hung in your closet or bedroom to store heels, sandals, and other lightweight shoes.

Shoe Benches

Combine storage and seating with a shoe bench. The top provides a spot to sit and tie your shoes, while the bottom drawers or shelves offer space for regularly worn shoes.

Custom Shoe Shelves

Custom shoe shelves allow you to create a storage system that suits your specific needs and the space you have available. You can dedicate an area of your closet to shoes and install shelves to fit your collection.

Boot Racks

A metal or wooden boot rack is designed to hold rain, hiking, and snow boots. Boots hang on the rack, helping them dry faster. Keep the rack in a space where you don't mind the floor getting wet, such as the garage, mudroom, or entryway.

Under-the-Bed Storage

Utilise the space under your bed with storage boxes or containers designed to fit in this space. Some options include clear plastic boxes, allowing you to easily see and access your shoes.

Multi-Purpose Cabinets and Baskets

Supplement multi-purpose entryway cabinets with wicker baskets to add a textural element and an inexpensive storage option for everyday shoes.

Industrial Shelving

Industrial shelves are solid, sturdy, and easily adjustable. They are a good option for renters who can't install custom closets or built-in shelving.

Space-Saving Hacks

Some other space-saving hacks include using a metal grid panel or a towel rack to hang heels, placing shoes in pretty woven baskets, and using S-hooks to hang strappy sandals and heels from a closet rod.

How to keep shoes off the floor

Keeping shoes off the floor is a great way to keep your home clean and tidy, and there are several ways to achieve this. Firstly, it is important to establish a designated shoe area just inside the door. This could be a shoe rack, shelf, basket, or even a simple mat where people can leave their shoes when they enter. You could also provide a sign by the door, politely asking guests to remove their shoes, and perhaps offering them slippers or socks to change into.

If you are concerned about shoes cluttering up your home, there are several storage solutions you can consider. One option is to create a "shoe closet" near the entrance of your home, where shoes can be neatly stored and hidden from view. Alternatively, if space is limited, you could use hanging organisers, floating shelves, or baskets to store shoes in your bedroom or closet. It is generally not recommended to store shoes in the kitchen, bedroom, or prayer room, as this can attract negative energies and create a messy appearance.

To maintain a clean and organised shoe area, it is a good idea to wipe your shoes before putting them away and to have a designated spot for each pair. Regularly clearing out unworn shoes will also help to keep the area tidy. Additionally, if you are transitioning to a "no shoes" policy in your home, it is important to communicate this to your family and guests beforehand to avoid any confusion or discomfort.

How to organise shoes in a closet

While it is not recommended to keep shoes in the bedroom, there are several ways to organise shoes in a closet. Here are some tips to help you maximise your closet space and keep your shoes tidy and accessible:

Declutter Your Shoe Collection

Before organising, it is a good idea to go through your shoes and decide which pairs you no longer need. This will give you a clearer idea of how much space you require and help you make more informed decisions about where and how to store your shoes. Donate or dispose of shoes that no longer fit, are uncomfortable, or are beyond repair.

Sort Shoes into Categories

Separate your remaining shoes by type. Group together sneakers, sandals, heels, boots, and so on. This will help you identify the best storage solutions for each type of shoe. Also, sort your shoes by season, casual versus formal, and daily use versus special occasion.

Assess Your Storage Space

Take a look at your available storage space and get creative, especially if you are working with limited space. While it is ideal to store all your shoes together, you may need to divide them into various areas. Try to keep like kinds of shoes together so that you can easily find the pair you need.

Everyday Shoes

Allocate a designated spot for the shoes you wear daily. A spot by the front door, in the mudroom, or garage is ideal for easy access. A simple solution is a standard two- or three-tier shoe rack. Alternatively, install a standing shoe cubby with individual slots for each pair of shoes. If you have limited space and mostly wear slim shoes, an over-the-door shoe organiser in your coat closet can work well for flat shoes.

Formal Shoes

Special occasion shoes do not need to take up prime real estate in your entryway. Store these shoes in your primary closet or on a shelf in the spare bedroom closet. If you wear formal shoes daily, treat them as everyday shoes and store them somewhere easily accessible. For high heels, install rows of shallow picture shelves on a blank bedroom or walk-in closet wall and hang them off the edge.

Seasonal Shoes

If you don't have room to keep all your shoes in the closet year-round, find alternative storage options and rotate your shoes out seasonally. For example, store winter boots under the bed during the summer, and when the seasons change, swap them out for flip-flops and sandals. Under-bed storage containers or drawstring bags placed in labelled totes are great options for shoes you won't need for several months.

Choose the Best Shoe Organisers

Once you've set your shoe categories and identified your storage spots, it's time to organise each designated shoe storage area. Here are some ideas:

• Use a hanging shoe cubby if you have wiggle room on your closet rod.
• Place decorative baskets on a shelf to store casual shoes.
• Purchase a storage bench or ottoman with hidden storage, which also provides a place to sit while tying your laces.
• Install roll-out shelves in your closet for a stylish, functional, and space-efficient solution.
• Use plastic drawers as an inexpensive and quick fix for adding drawer storage to any closet floor.
• Invest in an under-bed shoe storage organiser, such as a rolling tray or a DIY bed platform with built-in storage.
• Hang boots upside down on a DIY boot rack to help them dry out quicker.
• Utilise behind-the-door storage solutions, such as over-the-door shoe storage pockets.

Frequently asked questions