Storing a Large Shoe Collection in a Period Property: A Mirrored Shoe Cabinet Guide

A mirrored shoe cabinet is one of the most effective ways to store a large shoe collection in a period property, because it uses the generous ceiling height of Victorian and Edwardian hallways, holds many pairs in a shallow depth, and reflects light along corridors that are often long and dim. The key is to choose a tall cabinet with tilting or adjustable compartments, position it where it will not clash with original features such as cornicing, dado rails and tiled floors, and fix it securely to walls that may be lath and plaster rather than modern plasterboard. Here we look at how to plan storage for a big collection, how to divide shoes between the hallway and other rooms, how mirrors interact with period details, and which finishes sit comfortably alongside original woodwork. We also cover practical concerns such as uneven floors, sloping walls, draughty front doors and how to look after mirrored surfaces in a busy entrance....