A funky way to contain your shoe obstacle course (Argos Understairs Storage Unit)

Member Name: MarieHHH

Product:	Argos Understairs Storage Unit
Date:	02/11/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Modern appearence, easy to build, houses shoes well

Disadvantages: not the cheapest, only really designed for 15 pairs of shoes

Introduction

I'd finally had enough of our hallway being an obstacle course of stilettos, trainers and boots so I reached for my trusty Argos catalog in an urgent quest for a shoe rack. After looking at a few conventional shoe racks I was attracted to the understairs storage unit, not because I wanted to fit it under some stairs (I live in a flat so don't even have any stairs) but because it looked quite funky. So off I went to Argos, parted with just under £35 and struggled back to my car with a flat pack labeled 'understairs storage unit'....

Test 1: Assembly

Practical skills have never been my strong suit so I settled down to look at the instruction paper for assembly with a degree of trepidation. Fortunately it was printed clearly, and only a screwdriver was required (even I own one of them.) Within 30 minutes, and without any tears or temper tantrums, I had a new shoe rack. I therefore estimate that a 'normal' person could probably build it in around ten minutes.


Test 2: Would I still like it in 'real life' outside the catalog photo?

Flush from my success at building it I felt a bit disappointed that it wasn't as big as I imaged it would be, although since Argos clearly gave the dimensions ((H)87.5, (W)81.5, (D)24cm) this was the fault of my own expectations rather than misleading advertising. The finish of it was fairly good, and the beech effect managed to avoid appearing too 'cheap'. Once I'd arranged some of my shoes on it (15 pairs initially, the 20 when I doubled up some of the ballet-pump style ones) I decided it did look rather modern and funky, and happily I did quite like it. The sizes of the shelves were perfect for shoes.


Test 3: Endurance

So, having had it for over 3 months, how is it standing up to daily abuse? I'm pleased to report its actually doing rather well, still looking as good as the day I proudly built it.

In summary: a good alternative to a conventional shoe rack.

Summary: A good alternative to a conventional shoe rack