Snow can make the dirtiest street look like a Norman Rockwell scene and transform even a turnpike into a winter wonderland. Snow indoors, though? That’s a whole different story. Inside, the snow melt from you boots can wreak havoc on your floors, turning hardwood and tiled floors into a Slip ‘n Slide and light-colored rugs into unwanted Rorschach tests. Here’s how to ensure the inevitable puddles are contained and stay off your floors.
N.B.: Featured photograph by David Prince, courtesy of Kate McCann of Grey Dove Design, from Reader Rehab: A Country House Makeover Courtesy of White Paint.
1. Make a DIY pebble tray.
Here’s a solution for small-space dwellers: a rolling metal tray filled with beach stones where wet shoes can drain without making a mess. When you no longer need its services, simply roll it out of sight.
2. Repurpose a jelly roll pan.
In a pinch and in need of a boot tray right away? Relax, you have what you need in the kitchen: Simply repurpose a jelly roll pan or rimmed baking sheet to do the dirty work. The rim guarantees that the mess that melts off your boots never seeps onto the floor; just wash the pan when everything dries. See Aha! Hack: Baking Sheet as a Boot Tray for details.
3. Buy a boot tray.
L.L. Bean, Smith & Hawken (via Target), Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel all stock boot trays we like. Their rugged good looks would fit right in in a mudroom.
4. Consider a welly rack.
Take a page from the Brits, who know a thing or two about wet weather, and source a wooden boot rack. (Extra points for referring to it as a “welly rack.”) See 10 Easy Pieces: Wooden Boot Racks for some great-looking options.
5. Try an absorbent mat.
Here’s another solution for those living in small spaces: On snowy days, put an absorbent door mat down. Once snow boots aren’t necessary anymore, simply roll up the mat and stow it away until the next storm.
For more entryway storage solutions, see:
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