Declutter Shoes From A Crowded Entryway With A Clever IKEA Hack

IKEA may look like a simple, budget-friendly furniture and home decor destination, but DIYers know its true nature as a hacker's haven. Here, every item solves a dozen problems in the home when you apply a little creativity. One area where we've seen this consistently is shoe storage, whether you need a discreet spot for a couple pairs or a sleek IKEA DIY to keep footwear hidden in style. Sometimes, a repurposed product can even seem better for holding shoes than its original intended purpose! And that's certainly the case with IKEA's wall cabinets. Several options can effortlessly turn into floor-standing shoe holders for classy, easy, and functional organization.

Maintaining a decluttered entryway with this IKEA hack only takes a two-part solution. A wall cabinet makes the base, while a countertop upgrades the top for seating or an extra storage area. Choose the cabinet that can hold your shoes and give you the look and operation appropriate for the space. The 36-inch-wide SEKTION top cabinet comes in various finishes, with two doors capable of keeping your kicks cleanly concealed. By contrast, the SEKTION wall cabinet uses a panel with a downward swing, while other options feature open storage for a lighter presence. 

The next part comes in pairing an attractive countertop, like the butcher block KARLBY. Depending on the material, you may be able to sand and finish the surface to complete a custom look. You can then finalize the build with decorations for a stylish and serviceable setup.

The allure of this IKEA shoe storage hack comes from its efficiency. A hassle-free process leads to stunning results. Technically, you could put the cabinet on the floor and slap on the countertop, and it may not look half bad! For the full benefit, though, you should address the details. Cut down the countertop to sit neatly over the cabinet, or raise it to a comfortable height. Entryway benches generally stand about 17 to 21 inches. If you grab a wall cabinet like the 15-inch-tall SEKTION, you may need a small riser. A simple rectangle frame made with 2-by-4s or sturdy plywood will work fine to create a riser and subtle toe kick.

The countertop is a fashionable complement to enhance the entryway's design and promote a sturdier surface. IKEA's wall cabinets often use particleboard panels, a kitchen cabinet material you'll want to avoid normally. Depending on the thickness and size, it will only hold about 10 to 50 pounds per square foot. A wood countertop will better hold the weight without cracking. You can also add wood dividers in the cabinet to create center supports if desired. As a bonus, the extra sections will help you declutter the entryway by organizing each family member's shoes. Cut your countertop to size, following the proper methods to cut IKEA shelving to avoid damage. To fix it to the cabinet, apply adhesive or drill screws through the underside of the top panel. For ease and flexibility, you can also use temporary fixes, like double-sided adhesive strips.