7 ingenious ways to organise shoes by the front door

A shoe rack is the go-to solution for scattered shoes. Even if you're neat enough to line them up single file, whether under a bench or next to the stairs, a shoe rack doubles the storage space (and gets them off your floor, too).

They come in handy in the wardrobe, too; I have two of these racks stacked on top of each other to accommodate shoes I wear less often.

A shoe bench is brilliant for storing everyday footwear – you just take a seat and pick out what you need below.

Eight dedicated compartments keep each pair of shoes together, doubling the available space compared with the floor. And with a padded seat cushion, it’s much more comfortable than sitting on the stairs!

These shoe organisers are fantastic for making the most of limited space and they’re cheap enough that you can buy as many as you need. Each one holds one pair of shoes, which effectively saves you half the space.

I’ve actually combined these with the shoe rack at the top of the list to create even more space in my wardrobe. However, while these are brilliant for trainers, kitten heels and sandals, it’s worth noting that they struggle to fit boots and high heels. But where you can use them, they really make a difference.

If your shoe cupboard spills out each time you open it, a hanging rack, such as this one, will come to the rescue.

It holds up to 12 pairs of shoes, which is more than sufficient for what you need to keep by the front door. Plus, it stays hidden behind closed doors.

For those lacking space, this cabinet is just 24cm deep but has three pull-down drawers, each with two shelves that hold up to 18 pairs in total. It’s deceptively spacious.

The adjustable shelving in the drawers is particularly handy if you’re storing taller boots alongside something smaller, such as pumps.

If you’re proud to have your shoes on show and you generally do wear all of them, there’s a solution. It’s an expensive option, but this multiple-tiered shoe rack is rotatable (taking its inspiration from the lazy Susan turntable) and can hold up to a staggering 21 pairs (seven-tier model).

If that’s a few too many to store near your door, there’s a five-tier option available, too, and you can use some of the extra compartments to store your bags as well.

Shoes can easily clutter your back door as well as your front. This boot rack will keep boots together, while preserving their shape. Plus, if they’re wet and muddy from a hard day’s gardening, it allows them to dry while letting them air at the same time. What’s more, if you choose to store your boots indoors, it keeps the mud off your floor.

The rack is designed to fit two pairs of Wellington boots and two pairs of walking boots.