I need to see the whole space and understand where the closet is and why it cannot be used for shoes . We take our shoes off and take them to the bedroom, coats go in the closet back packs go with shoes and if the closet is big enough maybe a way to handle some shoes there . I lived in house with not entry closet for a very long time with 3 kids and us we all just took our stuff to the bedroom.Ikea does a show storage cabinet that at least hides the shoes .

Perhaps a store bought hall tree with bench. it will cover the stair railing, but with the need for storage, that is wasted space at this point.

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The shoe cubby is functional for shoes. Please show the closet with doors open and lights on.

In cold climates, a hall closet is often used with a clothes tree and boot tray. The tree and tray get put away after spring mud season is over. Another alternative is a row of coat hooks at kid height with space for boots below. Heated boot trays with built in fans work well.

The thing that first strikes my eye is that that cubby does not match the cream walls and warm wood of the trim. Nor does it really fit the space. It just looks plunked down. I see that you have a bench or chest next to it. A high bench with room for shoes under it might work.

Here is a better picture of my awful entry. I know the cubby doesn't fit. I tried million other things but we are drowning in extra stuff. I even bought more racks for the garage but cannot manage it. I know that cubby looks just out of place, but gotta change it before the winter. Thank you all for your comments and approval

You have 2 boys and I just counted 10 pairs of shoes. You have too much stuff. You already said it - “drowning in too much stuff.” Sports gear and shoes get stored in the garage. Daily shoes in the closet. Extra shoes in the bedroom. Backpacks in the bedroom. Get rid of all the stuff. You truly don’t need it. That’s a big closet and should function fine for you.

I’d start with a shoe storage system that goes on the pony wall. Do any of the ikea shoe cabinets for there? And a boot tray on the stair wall.

And for a long term solution, transform the closet space into mudroom cubbies. Because even I wouldn’t open a closet door to put my shoes and coat in.

Very good ideas. My closet is definitely big. I have a hard time keeping things organized and neat and since the Entryway opens up to my kitchen, it has been my biggest problem. Thank you all for your feedback

How about placing the storage cabinet against the pony wall so that you don't see all the shoes in the cubicles. Place a cushion and accent pillows on the bench that you can move towards the cabinet so that it doesn't extend beyond the staircase railing. Something like this...

That is a great idea! Thank you