IKEA Shoe Cabinet Hacks That Instantly Upgrade Your Entryway

Last Updated on 2 weeks ago by Maria Gonzalez

An entryway sets the tone for your entire home—and an IKEA shoe cabinet is one of the smartest, most affordable ways to keep it organised without sacrificing style. But with the right hacks, these budget-friendly storage units can look surprisingly high-end, custom-built, and even designer-inspired.

In this guide, you’ll discover practical IKEA shoe cabinet hacks that go beyond basic organisation. From upgrading handles and finishes to styling tricks that elevate the entire space, these ideas show how a simple cabinet can become a statement piece. Whether you’re working with a small hallway, a family-friendly entrance, or a modern home that needs hidden storage, these upgrades help you achieve a polished, clutter-free look—without the cost of bespoke furniture.

Add Wooden Dowels for an Instant Designer Glow-Up

Drawing inspiration from a stylish West Elm sideboard priced in at $1599, this hack addresses space constraints and budget considerations by modifying two Hemnes units. The process involves connecting the cabinets with a custom-cut wooden top and adorning the fronts with half-round wood dowels, resulting in a sophisticated and personalized storage solution for a fraction of the price.

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Furniture Overlay Kits Offer An Easy DIY Solution

For those seeking a simpler approach, this Furniture Overlay Kit offers an elegant solution. Designed specifically for the Hemnes series, this kit includes decorative thin wood panels crafted from 100% natural oak veneer, available in various patterns and finishes to suit diverse aesthetic preferences. The overlays are easy to install using the provided double-sided tape, allowing for a quick and impactful transformation of your shoe storage unit. This option provides a convenient way to achieve a customized, designer look without the need for extensive DIY modifications.

Can be found on Etsy

Swapping the handles for a high end look.

If you want your shoe cabinet to stop giving basic and start giving designer, changing the handles is the move. These handles are perfect is one of those low-effort, high-impact upgrades that instantly makes budget furniture look custom and expensive. Swap standard hardware for bold, sculptural gold handles and suddenly the whole piece feels elevated, curated, and very “Instagram interior” coded. It’s proof that you don’t need a full makeover to get a high-end look—sometimes it’s just about choosing the right details.

Can be found over on Amazon

Add a wooden top for a Lux feel

In her recent blog post, Lavender Julep detailed a creative and practical transformation of the IKEA Hemnes shoe cabinet to enhance a small apartment’s entryway. The project involved replacing the cabinet’s standard knobs with DIY leather pulls made from a belt and adding a stained pine board on top to introduce warmth and a modern bohemian aesthetic. This straightforward DIY not only improved the cabinet’s functionality but also seamlessly integrated it into the home’s decor.

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This IKEA Trone Overlay Makes It Look Custom-Built

Calling all trone owners:

This is your sign to stop scrolling past basic IKEA shoe cabinets. With the right overlays, a simple storage unit turns into a statement piece that looks straight out of a high-end interiors feed. This upgrade isn’t about hiding clutter—it’s about adding texture, shape, and that custom-built feel designers love. Minimal effort, major glow-up, and serious “where did you get that?” energy.

Where Smart Storage Meets Modern Design

The IKEA TRONES is already a small-space hero—but add a wooden top and it instantly levels up. This simple hack turns a practical shoe cabinet into a sleek entryway statement that looks custom, warm, and designer-approved. With just one upgrade, TRONES goes from purely functional to Pinterest-worthy, proving that a little wood goes a long way when it comes to creating a high-end look on a budget.

If you have the time and the know how

DIY and home design enthusiast Hana gave her IKEA Hemnes shoe cabinet a high-end makeover, turning a simple storage piece into a statement furniture item.

Showcasing her transformation on her blog, Hana’s Happy Home, she used pole wrap and wood stain to create the illusion of solid wood. By extending the sides and adding elegant curves, she completely reimagined the shape of the cabinet, proving that even budget-friendly furniture can be elevated with the right approach.

A well-executed IKEA hack not only enhances the look of a piece but can also increase its perceived value. This stylish update is a perfect example—by choosing a different wood stain, you can tailor the finish to match your home’s aesthetic. Top it off with carefully selected décor pieces, and you have a chic, customized addition to your space.

The Easy DIY Solution

This simple add-on hack turns a basic storage unit into a statement piece with texture, depth, and serious designer vibes. No tools, no stress—just instant elevation that makes your space look custom, curated, and straight out of a Pinterest save.

With just a simple upgrade, your IKEA shoe cabinet can go from basic to breathtaking. I hope these ideas have given you inspiration for your next DIY project.