16 Genius IKEA Shoe Storage Hacks You Need For Your Closet
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It only takes a few pairs of loose shoes to start cluttering up a closet or entryway, where they can quickly become an eyesore or a tripping hazard. The best way to keep shoes off the floor and tucked away is with a shoe storage system. IKEA has plenty of great shoe storage products, and with a few upgrades, you can make them even better. We've rounded up some IKEA shoe storage hacks to make your shelves and cubbies work better for your needs or look even more stylish in your home — sometimes both.
These hacks are affordable (some of them only cost a few dollars!) and also don't use many tools; almost all are suitable for beginner DIYers. Since they're based on IKEA products, it's easy to find the base products as well. While some of these projects upgrade the brand's dedicated shoe storage, others take products for other uses and alter them specifically into shoe storage. Ready to get your shoe collection organized? Here's some DIY IKEA shoe storage hacks for organizing your shoes in a closet (but can work in entryways and mudrooms, too).
Line up multiple Trones cabinets for a full wall of storage
IKEA Trones cabinets are an excellent pick for shoe storage. They're narrow but spacious, so they can even work in tight hallways. IKEA suggests combining several of these units; don't be afraid to take up your wall space! You can place multiple units beside each other horizontally or even stack them vertically if you don't have room for horizontal placement. The top of the unit has a space where you can place small items like keys, wallets, and other entryway items. But if you want your unit to look even more stylish, you can add a plank of wood across the top to create a handsome counter. We have instructions on how to save major space with this viral DIY hack.
Create a lit-up shoe display shelf
Whether it's to display your favorite sneakers or show off your high-end heels, a lit-up shoe display shelf is a fashionable shoe storage solution. The tall IKEA Lack shelf is perfect for this job — it is affordable and comes in neutral colors, and the design is simple enough to suit any room. You can make the unit even more stylish by adding battery-powered puck lights, like the GE Wireless LED Puck Lights, which cost $8.79 from Amazon. With no wiring needed, this DIY is an easy way to illuminate your favorite pairs.
Or use multiple Lack shelves to make a display wall
IKEA's long Lack shelves make the perfect base for a shoe display wall, for the exact same reasons listed in the previous hack: They are economical and basic (in a good way), and come in a few appealing colors. Their plain design really lets your shoes shine if you want to create open shoe storage. This hack looks lovely in a walk-in closet, creating a shoe storage space that's both practical and artistic. Of course, take this opportunity to show off your favorite pairs (your muddy runners can go on your usual shoe rack).
Use the Kallax shelf for a more renter-friendly option
Can't mount anything on your walls? Use an IKEA Kallax shelf as another option to display shoes but with no need for nails or drills. This DIY uses the four cubby Kallax, but of course, you can use any size that suits your space and needs. A puck light in each cubby creates a gorgeous display look. If you want to hide some of your shoes, opt to use a Kallax insert like a Dröna box, an insert with a door, or a two-drawer insert to store more pairs.
For a larger collection, the Billy shelf makes for excellent adjustable shoe storage
If you have a ton of shoes, you need a larger shoe storage unit. The Billy bookcase offers a lot of shelving space. Shoppers can choose from a few sizes and add a number of accessories as well. This tall Billy bookcase is an excellent choice that comes in several colors. You can add extra shelves to take full advantage of the space; the Billy cases have various ways to add more room to the shelving layout. Want to add even more space to a unit? Add a height extender.
Swap out the shelves on a Billy unit for a more glam look
Not in love with the look of the usual Billy unit? You can upgrade a Billy bookcase by adding glass shelves rather than sticking with the usual particleboard shelves that it comes with. The glass shelves make this unit a bit more glam, perfect for displaying heels. It's also easier to clean since it's waterproof and isn't prone to water damage like particleboard is. The glass shelves are transparent and let more ambient light in too, which makes it easier to see each pair of shoes.
Upcycle an IKEA Hemnes cabinet with wallpaper or contact paper to get your ideal aesthetic
The Hemnes cabinet is excellent for shoe storage, but some people might not like this unit's plain finish. Zhuzh it up a bit with this easy hack. You can accomplish this DIY with either the two-compartment or four-compartment Hemnes cabinet, your wallpaper of choice, and a staple gun. Follow this video from Waynaworld, laying down the wallpaper, trimming it to size, and stapling it to the cabinet out of sight. This placement makes it possible to take off the wallpaper in the future without any noticeable damage. If the IKEA Hemnes is out of stock, don't sleep on this more affordable Hemnes alternative.
Or use pole wrap for a rustic textured front
This project is another excellent way to upgrade a plain Hemnes unit, giving it some texture as well as style. This hack uses wooden pole wrap, a wrapping used to decorate columns. Hardware stores sell pole wrap, such as Pole-Wrap Oak Column Wrap Cover for $68.88 from The Home Depot. Construction adhesive will help it stick to the cabinet and is easy to find; for example, you can also grab Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive for $3.58 from The Home Depot. Just keep in mind, since you're gluing it directly to the unit, this will likely damage the particleboard underneath.
Create versatile shoe storage in your IKEA Pax system
IKEA's Pax closet system is so versatile and customizable, including for creating shoe storage. There are plenty of options in the Komplement line. IKEA sells a pull-out shoe shelf for those who just want a grab-and-go, easy to set up option. The above video shows a Komplement pull-out tray lined with a Komplement shoe insert. You can also get more creative and place a shoe insert on a regular shelf instead. Use the Komplement mesh basket to store shoes or use deeper drawers for hidden shoe storage.
Turn a plain shoe rack into a bench rack
Sure, you can buy one of the best shoe storage benches to help you stay organized, but if you have the know-how, why not make your own? This DIY takes the simple Tjusig shoe rack and upcycles it into something a little more useful: a shoe rack bench. IKEA does sell a bench version but for double the price of the regular rack. So if you have a scrap plank of wood that's an appropriate size (or are willing to go out and get one), this is a cheaper way to create an upgraded shoe rack.
Add hooks to an Ivar unit to fit more shoes
This hack can turn the inside of any cabinet into shoe storage. An Ivar cabinet, like the one pictured above, is an excellent pick. It's made of wood, so any screw-in hooks should go in rather easily with a little elbow grease (though it's best to drill a pilot hole, if you can). Any wood or particleboard IKEA unit should work for this project. Ceiling screw-in hooks are a great option to complete this project, like the Romeda White Ceiling Hooks ($6.99 from Amazon).
Mount a shoe organizer to an closet's interior wall
If your shoe rack is full but your closet isn't, you're not taking advantage of your unused space. To add more affordable shoe storage space, mount an over-the-door shoe organizer inside your closet. The Skubb hanging organizer has a hook for hanging on a closet rail, so you don't even need to drill into the wall if you don't want to. But for a more built-in look and to take full advantage of the wall space, consider mounting it through the two holes along the top of the organizer.
Display heels on the wall with a rod
Have an impressive heels collection? You can hook heels onto any wall-mounted rod to put them on display. This IKEA shoe storage DIY is particularly good for pretty heels that you maybe don't wear often enough — at least they can decorate your walls! While this inspiration photo uses a grid, you can use any one of IKEA's kitchen rails instead, like the Hultarp rail. You can even use a curtain rod for a longer option.
Use a basket to contain lots of shoes (and make it easier for kids to put them away)
If a regular shoe rack simply won't contain all the pairs in your household, a large basket is a useful alternative. It's especially great for kids' shoes: If you're tired of your children not placing them on a rack, you might have more luck with a shoe basket that they can just toss shoes into. Use one of IKEA's baskets you can see through, so it's not too difficult to search for a pair. Some good options include the Snidad basket (pictured) and the Växthus basket.
Use a magazine holder to store thin shoes
Flip flops and other thin sandals can be annoying to store: When you're running out of room on your shoe rack, it feels like they're just wasting usable space if you store them flat. A magazine holder gives you a spot to store them on their side, so they take up less space. This hack mounts a magazine holder on the side of a shoe bench to add extra space. To complete a similar project, you can use the Kvissle wall magazine rack. But you can also use regular magazine files and place it on your rack (which also means no installation!) to use it as a holder for flip flops, sandals, and other slim pairs of shoes.
This IKEA product doubles your shoe storage, anywhere
Banish old, clunky shoe boxes as shoe storage (you can repurpose them instead) and use shoe organizers. You can add IKEA's Murvel shoe organizers or Skostall shoe organizers for pretty much any shoe storage, from racks to full-wall shelving, as long as it has a flat surface to sit on. These organizers essentially let you double up shoe storage to add more capacity to what you already have. It's a great way to keep your entryway organized without getting new furniture. Just a note that these organizers only really work for shorter shoes. The Skostall organizer can adjust for higher sneakers and some boots, but tall boots can't be stored using these types of organizers.