The Simple Hack That Can Elevate Those Cube Storage Units To Look Stylish And Expensive

Cube organizers can be one of the most versatile and useful elements to add to any space in your home. Available in a variety of materials, colors, and finishes, these simple units provide several wide deep shelves, perfect for storing everything from books and magazines to linens and dishes. While they can often look a bit generic and nondescript, many homeowners have elevated this household staple into a dynamic piece of furniture through one simple addition — legs.

Manufacturers like Ikea and Target have infinitely expanded their cube shelf options, with many different sizes and heights available. And, while they work perfectly tucked away in a closet for storing clothes, shoes, and linens, they are often found front and center in a number of rooms. Whether you purchase a unit that already has legs or you DIY them yourself, raising up your cube storage unit a few inches can instantly make it look more stylish and expensive.

Elevated appeal

Cube units with legs instantly make it look like an expensive piece of furniture. Interior designers have been using this trick for years, adding everything from sleek metal hairpin legs to chunkier wood options, depending on the decor of the room. Raising the unit not only makes it look more elegant but also opens up additional space on the floor — those few inches at the bottom that remain open prevent the floor level from feeling too cluttered. 

In addition, it raises the visual line of the piece upward, making the space seem bigger.  To upgrade the piece even more you can combine it with other more decorative elements, such as storage boxes, high-quality baskets and bins, or pictures and potted plants. The cube units can become a great addition to many parts of the home where it's important to maximize storage while maintaining a lighter feel and smaller footprint.

Raising your cube storage unit

Ikea recently made a leg kit available for its popular Kallax cube unit. The company did so to meet the demand of homeowners and designers, who have for years been DIY-ing their own legs for the Kallax. The new Ikea Kallax addition makes a great solution for homeowners and comes with everything you need to install them at home. The already popular storage unit gains a lightness and streamlined feel with the addition of the legs, which raise it by almost 7 inches off the floor.

The smaller four-shelf Kallax units are perfect for side tables and nightstands with some usable storage, while the larger pieces make excellent entryway consoles and entertainment units. Moreover, with some premade legs and simple tools, any cube storage unit can be improved upon. The design you choose will depend on the look you are trying to achieve — more angular, simple legs are perfect for modern spaces, and curved and ornate legs are ideal for traditional design schemes.