Store Important Documents In Style With A Clever IKEA HEMNES Hack

There are so many little corners of your home that need a little extra attention if you want to maximize your storage space. Be honest and look around. Are there piles of paperwork sitting on the end of a desk? This is why people are looking to IKEA's HEMNES shoe cabinets for extra storage. And even though it's a shoe cabinet, it's easy to upgrade this furniture piece for your own purpose, like TikTok user @vminteriors who turned her HEMNES into a clever filing cabinet for important documents.

For this DIY IKEA hack, you first need a HEMNES cabinet. But, you don't need the exact one shown in the TikTok video. IKEA offers two sizes of the shoe cabinets: one that has only four pull-out compartments and another that has two pull-out compartments and a slim drawer on top. Both of these are great options and will work for the hack, so choose the one that is right for your space. You can even buy multiples and install them together for one major piece of storage. Aside from all the major components that come with the furniture unit, you only need some extra screws and some thick picture hanging wire to make this hack work. You also have the option to get extra supplies to paint, stain, or upgrade your cabinet to your specific style.

Keep in mind that this shoe cabinet is installed directly into the wall and is not a standalone piece, so this may not be the best option for renters. You can install the unit using the directions provided, or you can upgrade the finished look by sanding and staining the exterior, as @vminteriors shows in the video. You could also try out some other cosmetic additions that others have done like adding DIY wood trim on the IKEA HEMNES cabinet doors for a luxe upgrade. A new coat of paint, texture, staining, or even some new hardware or fluting details can go a long way when it comes to turning your simple furniture into a one-of-a-kind piece. When you're ready, simply add extra screws on the interior of the unit on each end of the shoe basket. Then, wrap wire around each screw to create a bar to hang file folders.

This essentially eliminates the need for an awkward filing cabinet, substituting it with something slim, stylish, and way more visually appealing. Now you can add last year's tax returns, mortgage papers, or any important documents that need a safe home in your house. This cabinet can also be used for a variety of things, including school and art supplies and small accessories. And since it's so slim, it's perfect for narrow hallways or small rooms that otherwise would be overwhelmed by bulky furniture.