Figuring out how to add storage to your home can sometimes feel impossible. Do you want to build a shoe rack shelf but don't know how deep it needs to be? Well, we've done plenty of research and have the answer here for you. Let's check it out.
Ideally, a shoe rack shelf should be close to 14 inches deep. Giving your shelf just over a foot of depth will allow most size shoes to fit, which is good if you have bigger feet or plan on storing other people's footwear alongside yours.
That said, even if the rack you're building is just for you, having it be deep enough is essential so you can fit as many shoes as possible.
As we begin, we will cover all things shoe rack shelves and discuss the standard dimensions. Whether you are planning to build a rack yourself or need measurements for your contractor, we're here to offer some help. With that said, let's jump right into this post!
What Is The Standard Size Of A Shoe Rack Shelf?
In general, shoe rack shelves are made to fit 8-inch, 24-inch, and 30-inch-wide spaces. Although a shoe rack shelf will be unique based on the closet or rack you're working with, it's important to choose one that will fit all of your footwear.
You can also upgrade a shoe rack shelf to have pull-out drawers or slides to increase its storage capacity, so that's a good idea for smaller bedrooms and closets. Again, there isn't one way to do this, so that size will come down to your shoe storage needs.
How Do I Choose A Size For My Shoe Rack Shelf?
For those planning their shoe rack, dimensions are super important. Considering that shoes vary in size, height, and depth, you want to make sure the shelves you choose can hold all of your footwear.
For example, heels and boots will typically be 2-6 inches, meaning your rack needs to have enough spacing between each shelf to fit them comfortably. The same goes for flats and sneakers, even though they won't be quite as tall, so we recommend giving the shelving on your rack about a foot of overhead space.
How Wide Should Shoe Shelves Be?
A shoe shelf should be around 30 inches wide. According to ClosetWorks, keeping your shelving at or below 30 inches prevents sagging, which can save you the hassle of repairing or even replacing them later on.
As we mentioned, it's also a good idea to keep your shelves around 14 inches deep, so try to plan for a width that's roughly double the depth of your shelving.
How Tall Should A Shoe Shelf Be?
Although there isn't one correct answer here, we recommend having a shoe shelf be 8-12 inches tall. As we covered, it's a good idea to give each shelf on your shoe rack enough overhead space so that it can store all types of footwear without damaging them, so shoot for about 12 inches of height.
On top of that, you might want to have your shoe rack be long and short, or vice versa, so the actual height in total could be anywhere from 2-6 feet.
How Big Is A Hanging Shoe Rack?
For anyone interested in a hanging shoe rack, expect it to measure around 10 x 12 x 48 inches. Of course, this is just a standard measurement for an eight-shelf shoe rack design, so sizing can vary.
Most times, hanging shoe racks will be better for those living in smaller spaces or people not wanting to build a shelf themselves, so expect a more compact design. That said, it is possible to find a larger hanging option for your shoes, but it won't usually be as spacious as actual shelving.
ROOMTALK 8-Shelf Hanging Shoe Organizer
This hanging shoe rack has eight shelves, measures 9 x 11.8 x 48 inches, is a foldable fabric material, and includes two sturdy metal hooks.
How Much Weight Can A Hanging Shoe Rack Hold?
A hanging shoe rack will usually hold about 50 pounds of shoes. Considering that you will hang your rack on the back of your door or in the closet, it's better to keep the total weight from being too heavy.
For example, the average adult shoe weighs between 2-3 pounds, meaning an eight-shelf organizer will safely hold about 48 pounds [eight pairs] of footwear.
How Many Shoes Can Fit In A Shoe Rack?
Typically, you will be able to fit about 16-24 pairs of shoes in a shoe rack. Of course, this will depend on the size of your organizer, but you should get to store a good amount of footwear in your shoe rack as long as it follows standard measurements.
Estimating that each shelf on your shoe rack is 38 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 6 inches tall, you should have room to store about 20 pairs of shoes inside of it comfortably. Again, every rack will be different, so it's a good idea to create a design that works for your lifestyle.
How Many Shoes Can Fit On A 24-Inch Shelf?
You should be able to fit 2-3 pairs of shoes on a 24-inch shelf. Considering that every shoe is different, you might see your 24-inch shelving only hold two pairs, while some people might squeeze four, so this can vary.
How you store your shoes can also affect how many you're able to get onto a shelf, so you might want to consider stacking.
Can You Add Shelves To An Existing Shoe Rack?
Unless you have space above or below your existing shoe rack, chances are you won't be able to add to it. Typically, shoe racks are built into a closet or freestanding structure, making an addition almost impossible.
That said, if you have enough room for a few more shelves above or below your rack and don't mind paying for the addition, we don't see a problem with creating more footwear storage in your space.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Shoe Rack?
Depending on the size of your shoe rack, you can expect to spend between $200 and $1,000 to get it done. Although this will vary based on the materials and labor required to build your shoe rack, any closet organizer or addition tends to be pricey.
Each shelf in a shoe rack will cost between $15 and $60, meaning an eight-tier organizer could end up being upwards of $500. Of course, there are ways to build a shoe rack without spending hundreds, but that will require you to get creative/DIY.
How Do You Put Shoes On A Shoe Rack?
For those wanting to store their shoes more efficiently, we recommend stacking any flat footwear you have bottom to bottom, which will essentially double each shelf's storage capacity.
You can also try placing multiple pairs of shoes horizontally on each shelf [if they are deep enough], so that's another idea to consider. Furthermore, you may want to keep your flip flops and slippers towards the bottom of your organizer, all stacked into the bottom shelf, which will free up space above for fancier shoes.
What Can I Use Instead Of A Shoe Rack?
If you aren't sold on a traditional shoe rack, there are plenty of alternatives to try. A few of our top ideas include plastic bins, hanging organizers, or even wall shelves.
Like we mentioned earlier, you can also try drawers or pull-out shoe racks hidden in an armoire/dresser, so you don't always need to have it visible in your closet or bedroom.
Is Having A Shoe Rack Necessary?
Although having a shoe rack isn't necessary, it can be a great way to store and protect your footwear. Besides getting your shoes off the floor, shoe racks are great for organizing your items so that you can see what you have without having to dig through an endless pile of footwear.
On top of that, having a shoe organizer is also a nice way to open up space for other items or decor in your house, so we recommend it.
To Wrap It All Up
Whether you want to build a shoe rack from scratch or have someone install it for you, figuring out the correct dimensions is essential. From what we found, a shoe rack shelf should be around 14 inches or just above a foot deep.
It's also a good idea to leave about 8-12 inches of overhead space between each shelf on your shoe rack, so all types of footwear can fit. On top of that, you want to make sure you don't put too much weight on a hanging shoe organizer, so try to stay around 50 pounds.
Regardless, try to find shelving for your shoe rack around 30 inches wide, and don't be afraid to customize your organizer to fit your unique lifestyle.
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