This simple IKEA shoe cabinet hack was born out of necessity.
The wall in the mudroom was a few inches too narrow for the shoe cabinet. And that shoe cabinet needed to be installed in the mudroom, like, yesterday. Because the shoes were already out of control.
So, we hacked the top with a new barn wood top. And, just like that, we have the shoes mostly under control.
This IKEA Hemnes shoe cabinet (here) was initially assembled and installed in our last house, and then moved to the barn. At this point, it’s more form than function. But I think the barn wood top helps.
It gives it a little rustic charm, and makes a great drop-zone.
The top drawer holds quite a bit, as well – perfect for keys, pens, and other junk you need to store. (Don’t look at me like that. We all have junk to store.)
It also gives me a little display space and helps perk up the entire mudroom.
I think it was worth the small amount of work to get this to work in the new house – because it is currently housing 26 pairs of shoes, sandals and boots. Those 26 pairs were previously in piles in the garage. So. Upgrade.
(It looks like it’s advertised to store a minimum of 12. But I’m here to tell you that it can do more. Esp. with kid shoes and flip flops.)
Ryan also made a small little “foot” at the bottom to raise the entire piece up an inch. (It wasn’t clearing the trim in the back.)
So, that’s a simple little hack that made the shoe cabinet work in our new home.
Easy. Peasy. Barnwood. Squeezy.
I’m interested in the new width as well. That info would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Any chance you can tell me what the new dimensions are width wise. The original width is 35″ which I presume is the top board. The original top board stuck out at least an inch or so on the sides. Now what is the width from side to side? Thanks
I love this – it looks great!
Sorry if I missed this – but how did you do this? Did you just not install the top piece or…?
Thanks!
We took the top piece off and replaced it with the board.
I am desperate for this silly cabinet in our entry way, but it’s 35″ and our space is only 29″… *sad face* Yours looks great!
Very nice! And that is an impressive number of shoes you’ve got in there!
We all have a little junk to store… isn’t that the truth!!
Thank you for saying ‘junk to store’. Seriously. I love seeing pictures of peoples bookshelves. They are gorgeous, but I’m always left thinking – where’s the crap? the everyday nonsense we ALL have.
Styling for pictures is one thing, but in my reality my kitchen bookshelves have pens/scissors/camera/laptop cords/BOOKS/a tape measurer?a crock pot/a waffle iron.
Just keep ing it real! (real is good)
I’m a master of putting all the junk in baskets/behind doors/ hidden in random pockets. I really hate to SEE my junk, but it’s everywhere. 😉
Looks really good.