Hosting in a Shoe-Free Home: Tips from Luvons’ Founder

As someone who values a clean home and loves hosting, I know the delicate balance between keeping your floors spotless and ensuring your guests feel at ease. Running a shoe-free home can make the question, “Should I ask my guests to take off their shoes?” feel tricky—especially during the busy holiday season.

Here’s how I manage it in my own home, along with a few options you can try to find the right fit for your household.

1. The Friendly Ask

For smaller, casual gatherings, I like to keep it simple. I’ll say, “Would you mind taking off your shoes? We keep it shoe-free here.”

It’s a friendly, low-pressure approach, and most guests are totally understanding. In fact, according to a CBS News Poll, 63% of Americans already keep their homes shoe-free, and 90% of adults consider it a reasonable request.

If this approach feels a little daunting, remember: it’s your home! Framing the request as part of your household norms, paired with warmth and kindness, helps it feel natural.

2. Provide Cozy Alternatives

Not everyone loves going barefoot—so I keep a stash of clean, comfy slippers and socks at the ready. Offering guests a pair of Luvons slippers (yes, machine-washable!) is an easy way to make them feel welcome while protecting my floors.

It’s a thoughtful touch that shows I value their comfort too. Most guests love slipping into something cozy, and this small gesture makes the no-shoes request feel less like a rule and more like hospitality.

3. Create a Guest-Friendly Entryway

Having a well-organized entryway can make your shoe-free policy seamless.

Here’s what I’ve found helpful:

• Shoe Rack: A visible place for shoes encourages guests to follow suit.
• Basket for Small Items: Providing a spot for purses or accessories keeps things tidy.
• Signage or a Mat: A subtle sign or cute doormat can let guests know your home is shoe-free—without you needing to say a word.

The goal is to make it easy and intuitive for guests to adapt to your household routine.

4. Make Exceptions When It Makes Sense

While I love a clean home, I know it’s not always practical to ask guests to remove their shoes—especially for larger events.

During big gatherings, I relax the rule and focus on enjoying the event. Guests keep their outfit-coordinated shoes on, and I plan for a post-event clean-up. This compromise lets me host stress-free while ensuring everyone feels comfortable.

Finding Your Balance

At the end of the day, hosting is about making everyone feel welcome—yourself included! A mix of warmth, flexibility, and thoughtful details can go a long way in maintaining a clean, inviting home.

What’s your go-to hosting strategy for a shoe-free home? I’d love to hear how you make it work!