15 Uses For This IKEA Shoe Cabinet That Are Actually Better than Shoes

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When it comes to the most adaptable storage solutions offered by IKEA, the TRONES wall-mounted shoe cabinet is a strong contender for the top spots.

Whether mounted in an entryway, tucked into a small nook, or repurposed in a creative new way, the TRONES has proved time and again that it’s a small but mighty cabinet, not just for shoes.

Compact in size, the TRONES shoe box measures a mere 20 1/2 inches by 15 3/8 inches, with a slim depth of just 7 1/8 inches, allowing it to integrate into virtually any space seamlessly.

The TRONES Shoe Cabinet

Here’s how it looks and functions as a shoe cabinet. Nothing amazing, we agree. However, if you push it to the limits, the TRONES is a true jack-of-all-trades. We’ll explore 15 ways this clever cabinet is used throughout homes, proving its versatility beyond mere footwear storage.

1. As An Entryway Console

Create a welcoming entrance, even if you don’t have a lot of space. By adding a wooden ledge atop the cabinet, you instantly fashion a countertop for decor. Lean a mirror on it, place a pot of plants, and voilà, so much better. Stick 3M Command hooks on the inside of the shoe cabinet to hang your keys, gloves, and mail. It keeps everything organized and out of sight when closed.

2. As A Headboard

The TRONES prove to be a remarkably clever addition to the bedroom. By mounting the boxes on the wall behind your bed, you can create an ingenious DIY headboard that adds a stylish touch and offers practical storage. For a personalized flair, consider decoupaging the fronts to seamlessly blend with your bedroom’s decor.

3. As A Nightstand

The TRONES cabinet can be repurposed into an attractive wall-mounted nightstand, perfect for rooms where space is at a premium. If you don’t have the wall space, use a single TRONES box.

4. As A Room Divider

If your headboard doubles as a room divider, you can incorporate TRONES boxes for storage. This clever use of the area behind your bed allows you to maximize every inch of your living space, turning an often overlooked spot into a practical storage solution.

5. As A Laundry Sorter

The TRONES work amazing as laundry sorters. Label the boxes with stickers — delicates, color, hot and cold according to your washing preferences. Place it right next to your washer or in your bathroom for ease of use.

6. As TP Storage

Consider mounting a single TRONES box above the toilet cistern as a sleek and discreet storage solution for paper rolls. See how nicely the rolls fit in there.

7. As Bathroom Storage

You can create a versatile storage system by stacking TRONES units along your bathroom wall. Set one box for towels, another for hair styling tools, and yet another TRONES box for bathroom cleaning supplies. This approach makes use of vertical space and keeps your bathroom essentials neatly organized.

8. As Toy Storage

These versatile boxes are also perfectly suited for storing toys. Kids can still easily access them via the pull-down doors, making them a practical solution for a playroom.

9. As Living Room Console

Transform the TRONES into a sleek, floating console to add a touch of minimalist chic to your space. For inspiration, take a look at how the Wall Whisperer achieved this stylish conversion.

10. As Kitchen Storage

The TRONES cabinet also demonstrates its utility in the kitchen, where it can be used to store kitchen wraps, bags, and other long odd-shaped packages.

11. In Recycling

Use the TRONES system as an efficient sorting center for recyclables by labeling each compartment and lining it with bags. This setup streamlines the process, making it a breeze to transport items directly to the recycling station when they’re ready to go.

12. On the Patio

Enhance your patio storage with a couple of TRONES boxes, which are excellent for discreetly stowing away gardening tools and maintaining a tidy outdoor aesthetic.

13. To Hide Cables

They had numerous electronics that needed concealing, including a router and various smart home devices. To accommodate these items, the back of the pull-out section of the TRONES cabinet was removed to prevent interference with the router’s signal. Additionally, they mounted extension strips inside the cabinet to neatly organize and power the devices.

14. For Pet Accessories

Designate a handy location for all your pet essentials, such as leashes and bags, ensuring they’re always ready for your next walk or outing.

15. For Vinyl Records

The TRONES cabinet is an unexpectedly good fit for vinyl record storage, allowing you to flip through your collection with the same ease as browsing at a record store.