Looking for a budget-friendly way to revamp your home decor? IKEA shoe organizers are incredibly versatile, functional and so affordable. But let’s be honest — they all kind of look the same, right? What if I told you that your plain storage unit in your hallway could become a stunning, personalized design piece that you’ll actually want to show off?
This IKEA shoe organizer hack will turn yours from bland to bam! And the best part? You don’t need to be a DIY expert or spend a fortune to pull it off. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a budget-savvy decorator or an IKEA lover looking for a fun weekend project, this one is for you.
Let us show you how to take your everyday IKEA shoe organizer and turn it into a conversation-starting masterpiece.
Materials Required:
- IKEA Shoe Organizer (like TRONES or BILLY units)
- Wood Veneer for a sleek, polished look
- Plywood Board for the top
- Decorative Wood Trim (I used flexible trim from wood pole wrap—it’s a game changer!)
- Gold Knobs that scream “high-end” without the high price tag
- Contact Glue for strong, seamless adhesion
- Drill and Screws to secure everything in place
- Jigsaw for custom cutting (don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!)
- Ruler, Measuring Tape, Pencil, Paper, Scissors and exacto knife for everything else
Step 1: Prep and Measure Your Organizer
Let’s start with wiping clean your shoe organizer to ensure a smooth surface for your materials. Then, measure the front panels of the organizer and, using those measurements, cut your wood veneer with an exacto knife carefully and slowly to avoid wood tears.
Related: 10 IKEA Desks for Every Style and Budget
Step 2: Glue The Wood on Doors
Attach the veneer wood to the doors using contact glue. The contact glue should be applied on the two surfaces: the wood and organizer doors. Let it dry for at least 15 minutes before application. Make sure you press down firmly to avoid any gaps or bubbles.
Step 3: Add the Top
This is where the magic happens. For this organizer, we wanted to mimic the wiggly shelving units we already had in the bathroom to keep the theme and design. Using a piece of paper to imitate the same wiggly design, we created a template to cut the top using a jigsaw.
Related: These IKEA Products Look More Expensive Than They Are
Step 4: Finish the Final Details
Let’s finish off this project by cutting individual wood pieces from the pole wrap or wood trim, to fit the sides and edges of your shoe organizer. Secure the trim using contact glue.
And for a touch of elegance, you can add door handles with gold knobs! Use a drill to create the holes, and screw in your new hardware. These details will add depth and texture to your piece, making it look more custom (and expensive!).
You can now step back and admire your masterpiece — a shoe organizer that’s also a stunning decor element in your home.
For more DIY projects and inspiration, head to our DIY section.
