I've had the IKEA Hemnes shoe cabinet in my entryway for years, and while it's been okay, I'm facing some issues. The drawer fronts have warped over time, and the finish really took a hit after just one winter with snowy boots. I'm rethinking my storage setup and want something that looks nicer and is more durable—preferably not something that screams "college furniture". I'm toying with the idea of building my own, but realistically, I'd prefer to find a prefabricated option that has solid structure. I came across [this base cabinet](https://www.designshop.com/sample/300021688-300082999) that caught my eye; I love the finish and clean lines. Has anyone ever transformed a small base cabinet into a shoe cabinet? I'm considering adding vertical dividers and soft-close hinges to enhance its functionality.
5 Answers
If you're really leaning towards a new piece, you might just find that swapping out a part from IKEA could be the easiest fix. It might buy you some time until you figure out what you really want!
Just a heads up, these cabinets aren’t typically made for wet shoes. If you go that route, make sure to caulk the inner corners to protect them! The finish should handle some water, but be careful with the edges that might not hold up as well.
I’ve made some easy upgrades that really improved the look of my cabinet. I added feet to the bottom to clear my base trim and changed the hardware for a more stylish vibe. Adding some decor like a sculptural lamp on top can really elevate the whole thing. My cabinet has held up well, so don’t let the wear scare you off!
There are so many IKEA hacks out there! I recently saw a cool overlay on Etsy that could really change up the Hemnes look. You could check that out for some inspiration on how to modify it without a full replacement. They have several options for overlays that could elevate the whole piece!
Totally get your frustration with IKEA. If you're at all handy, customizing a cabinet like that is a great idea! I did something similar by adding a pull and adjustable dividers inside to separate sneakers from boots. Plus, you can make it all cohesive with the rest of your room—super satisfying!