Fix Your Tiny Hallway in Just One Weekend With This $350 IKEA HEMNES Hack

Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2 days
Cost: $350-400

Why You'll Like This Fix

Tired of ping-ponging off a narrow hallway every morning, keys in one hand, shoes in the other? Those spaces feel forgotten, cramped, cluttered, and short on storage. If you're dealing with a "landlord special", the rental turned purchase with layers of questionable fixes, this hack tackles several eyesores in one go. The IKEA HEMNES shoe cabinet transformation reads like custom built in storage, hides wall patches, bridges odd flooring gaps, and corrals entryway clutter, no major renovation required.

The key lies in maximizing vertical space while maintaining that clean, welcoming feel that makes your home feel bigger. Two shallow cabinets become one continuous console that eats up shoes, dog leashes, winter hats, and mail, while still letting you glide down the hall without shoulder checks.

What You'll Need

Materials

• 2 IKEA HEMNES shoe cabinets (4-compartment, ~$160 total)
• 1 custom top board (pine, MDF, or live-edge wood, ~$40-60)
• Wood filler (1 tube, ~$5)
• Matching paint (1 quart, ~$15-25)
• Wood glue (~$8)
• Upgraded hardware: 8 knobs/pulls (~$25-50)

Tools

• Drill with bits (various sizes to match IKEA hardware)
• Level
• Measuring tape
• Painter's tape
• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
• Paint brushes and roller

Safety First

• Power off electrical circuits if drilling near outlets or switches
• Wear safety glasses when drilling and sanding
• Ensure adequate ventilation when painting
• Use dust masks during sanding operations
• Test paint on a hidden area first to verify color match

Steps

1. Measure and plan your layout. Map where the cabinets will land so they cover problem spots and still leave walking clearance. HEMNES cabinets are less than 9 inches deep, making them ideal for wall-mounting even over existing baseboards. Tape the footprint on the wall and floor so you can feel the flow.

2. Assemble the left cabinet completely following IKEA instructions. This is your reference unit for all alignment checks. Slow is smooth here.

3. Modify the right cabinet assembly. Assemble the right unit minus its left front leg to allow the pieces to sit flush together.

   • Tip: Keep all removed hardware, you will use it to connect the units.

4. Mark connection holes precisely. Since IKEA furniture uses predrilled holes and specialty hardware, you'll need to replicate the connection holes on the side of the left cabinet.

   • Critical step: Use painter's tape wrapped around drill bits to mark correct depth and prevent drilling too far. Measure twice, drill once.

5. Connect the cabinets. Use the original IKEA hardware through your newly drilled holes. Set a level across the tops, then tighten. No wobble, no regrets.

6. Prepare the custom top. Cut your board to span both cabinets with a slight overhang, typically 1/2 inch on each end. Sand smooth, start with 120 grit, finish with 220 grit. The edges should feel like a banister, not a cutting board.

7. Install and seal the top. Fasten the top board with wood screws from underneath. Use wood filler to patch seams between units and where the cabinet meets uneven walls.

   • Pro technique: Apply filler slightly proud of the surface, let it dry, then sand flush.

8. Paint for seamless finish. Color-matching paint services at stores like Home Depot help achieve seamless blends between modifications and original finishes. Prime first, then two thin coats. Feather your strokes so the finish reads as one piece.

9. Upgrade the hardware. Replace standard gray IKEA knobs with brushed gold or brass alternatives to instantly elevate the piece's appearance. Small change, big glow up.

10. Style the top surface. Add gallery wall photos, oversized vases, candlesticks, and catchall trays for keys and small items. Think entry ritual, keys down, shoes in, exhale.

Why it works: The shallow profile boosts storage without stealing walkway space, and the continuous top reads like a custom built in. Hidden compartments cut visual noise, the exact thing that makes tight halls feel even tighter.

Cleanup & Disposal

• Store leftover wood filler sealed in its original container
• Clean brushes with the appropriate solvent, dispose of paint water responsibly
• Save a paint sample for touch ups
• Return unused hardware to its original packaging

Troubleshooting

Problem: Cabinets don't align properly → Fix: Check floor level, use shims under the lower side before final connection
Problem: Paint doesn't match exactly → Fix: Bring an actual IKEA piece to the paint store for tighter color matching
Problem: Wood filler cracks after drying → Fix: Apply thinner layers, sand between coats
Problem: Gaps visible at wall connection → Fix: Use paintable caulk instead of wood filler for flexible joints

Variations & Upgrades

Budget option: Use existing HEMNES tops side by side with a wood filler seam (~$300 total)
Renter-friendly: Skip wall mounting, use as a freestanding console with felt pads
Premium upgrade: Live-edge walnut top with hidden LED strip lighting underneath (~$450 total)

Smart Investment for Maximum Impact

This transformation delivers exceptional value at approximately $350-400 total cost, significantly less than custom built ins that could cost $2,000-4,000. The IKEA components typically cost around $160 for two HEMNES cabinets, finishing materials make up the rest.

For comparison, a BILLY bookcase storage solution might cost around $580 total, while a more elaborate PAX wardrobe hack could reach $400 just for materials. The HEMNES approach lands in the sweet spot, big storage gains and a visual upgrade without advanced carpentry.

Most importantly, you'll transform cramped, awkward hallways into functional, stylish areas that enhance your daily routine while addressing multiple problems including uneven walls, mismatched flooring, and storage needs. The finished piece gives you concealed storage that keeps entryways tidy and the visual weight that makes narrow spaces feel intentional, not neglected.

FAQ

Can I use this hack in rental properties? Yes, mount to walls with appropriate anchors or use as freestanding furniture. All modifications are reversible.

What if my ceiling height won't accommodate standard cabinets? HEMNES cabinets are 35 inches tall, suitable for most standard ceiling heights. For lower ceilings, consider the 2-compartment version.

How much weight can the top surface hold? With proper wall mounting, the surface easily supports typical entryway items like lamps, books, and decorative objects, up to 25-30 lbs distributed.

Ready to tackle your hallway transformation? Measure your space, gather your materials, and spend a weekend turning that daily pinch point into a spot you actually like walking past.