A Small Household Problem with Many Decisions:
I would like to purchase a wooden shoe box. There are two options: hire a carpenter or buy it pre-made.
One fine day, when I was checking the readymade Shoe Boxes in the mall, I found one that cost 20K. It was good, nice and looked more like a small table with cabinet doors and two drawers.
What struck me the most about it is the size. Though enormous when compared to other shoe boxes, it was tall and looked very sturdy.
I did see a few online. But they were not to my liking.
When the design is unique, it screams customisation! Usually, you bring the design to your local carpenter for them to create it.
Buying furniture online looks like an open-and-shut case. You see what you’re looking for, like what you saw, and buy what you liked. It seems easy, but for many others like me, feeling it and checking the display product goes a long way in trusting your sense of sight and touch.
I have discussed it with my mom and wife; however, other priorities took precedence. The house I live in requires minor restoration, expected to take 15 days. It costs more than the shoe box. So, yes, this will take time.
Why am I looking for a show box? My family had long wanted a new Shoe Box to resolve our temporary storage problem.
My story begins in 2020, when COVID struck. I had a home aquarium and took very good care of my fish: a few goldfish and a couple of angel fish.
Mom and I had ordered a customised special stand just for keeping the home aquarium.
The trouble began with our existing shoe rack’s small width and okayish height. We had to keep a separate carton box for temporarily storing our frequently used shoes, sandals and slippers. We have a shoe storage issue. And, I aim to resolve it by purchasing a larger one that serves two purposes.
1) to store our shoes
2) a stand for my home aquarium
I would love to see how it goes when we decide to buy it. The question is not if but when.
Home first, furniture later! Oh Boy!
Choosing the right shoe box is a different story altogether! Subject to requirements, personal preferences and tastes, choosing becomes a challenge. Not everyone in the family is guaranteed to like it. Some compromises should be considered; I am the one who compromises the most because functionality is my core focus. And, I don’t mean drastic. It could be a little.
Some practical people like me wouldn’t mind as long as it does not compromise the space. In other words, it does the job that it’s meant for.
There are plenty of easy-to-assemble soft and hard materials that make up the shoe rack. These racks are made of soft fabric material and plastic in some instances. They come as closed or open. Hardwood is sturdier and denser than the above materials. Shifting it around the house does take effort. If the shifting occurs frequently, adding wheels to the bottom will significantly reduce the effort.
I remember the time when my mom wanted to invest in a wardrobe. A large four-door one. So, we went to the place where these things were available substantially cheaper. Despite the cost-effectiveness, we were not fully satisfied. The cost is what enticed us to order in the first place!
More than ten years later, the wardrobe, chest of drawers, and bed are still intact. When I consider the situation, I would prefer to stay local instead of going the distance.
Plastic and fabric compared to Wood: Plastic and fabrics are easy to clean. If they can be assembled and disassembled, you can make modifications to the shelves if the design permits. They are extremely lightweight, making shifting a breeze.
Wood offers additional durability compared to the cost-effectiveness of plastics and fabrics. It is significantly stronger, denser, and, with its added durability, can last for years. My Computer Trolley is over 20+ years old!
It is important to know your wood and choose the right one for your shoe rack. Choices include MDF or Engineered Wood, Sheesham, Teak, etc. Carpenters better understand the purpose of different wood types. It is advisable to seek their advice before commissioning custom-designed furniture.
If you water the trees outside, you must refrain from doing the same to your wooden furniture. When water or moisture falls on any wooden surface, I wipe it with a clean cloth. I ensure there is enough space for the air to circulate.
Small practices like this will go a long way to lengthen your wooden furniture. The keyword here is basic care. From time to time, I encourage regular polishing and varnishing to keep your wooden furniture looking brand new.