I’m not exaggerating: IKEA has solved more storage problems in my Columbus home than any other store. Their products aren’t always pretty in isolation, but combined with a $40 can of stain or a coat of paint, they punch way above their price point.
Here are the 12 hacks I actually use in my house, ranked by how much they changed daily life.
1. BESTÅ as a mudroom bench with hidden storage ($245)
The BESTÅ cabinet system was designed for living rooms but it’s perfect as an entryway bench. Buy a 47″ wide BESTÅ frame ($90), two doors ($45 each), and a CAPITA leg set ($15). Add a long upholstered cushion ($50) on top. Result: a mudroom bench with kid-shoe storage hidden inside.
I built mine in 2 hours. Holds 12 pairs of shoes, 4 backpacks, and Bailey’s leash collection. The kids actually sit on it to put on shoes – which means shoes get put on instead of fought over.
2. SKÅDIS pegboard – vertical storage anywhere ($25)
A 22×22″ SKÅDIS pegboard mounted on a wall holds: hair tools, jewelry, kids’ art supplies, garage tools, kitchen pots, office supplies. Customizable with $3-8 accessory pieces. Removable when you move out (renters love this).
I have three in my house: one in the home office holding cords and stationery, one in the laundry room holding cleaning supplies, one in the master closet holding belts and scarves.
3. KALLAX as a window bench with bins ($120)
A 2×4 KALLAX cube unit ($85) laid horizontally + a cushion ($35) on top = window seat with 8 cube storage spots. Add DRÖNA fabric bins ($8 each) to hide ugly stuff. Total: $245 for window seating + 8 cubes of storage.
This was the project I did for my daughter’s bedroom in 2023. Three years later it still looks great and holds her book collection, art supplies, and toys.
4. RÅSKOG cart as a bathroom organizer ($45)
The RÅSKOG utility cart was made for kitchens but excels in small bathrooms. Three tiers holds hair tools, toiletries, makeup, towels. Rolls on wheels so you can move it to clean behind, or wheel it to a different bathroom for guests.
Available in turquoise, beige, black, white – colors rotate. The beige one matches my bathroom; the black one is in my friend’s industrial loft.
5. HEMNES under-bed storage box ($89)
Sliding wood boxes that fit under the HEMNES bed frame (also works under most standard beds). Two boxes hold enough off-season clothes for a family of 4. Saves an entire closet shelf.
6. BISSA shoe cabinet (for entryways without much floor space) ($75)
The BISSA is 19″ deep and tilts forward to hold shoes flat. Looks like a normal cabinet, holds 12-15 pairs of shoes. Perfect for narrow entryways or hallways where a normal shoe rack won’t fit.
7. MULIG closet rod doubler ($12)
Adds a second hanging rod to any closet, doubling your hanging space. Adjustable width 28-47 inches, holds up to 22 lbs. The cheapest IKEA hack on this list and one of the most impactful for small closets.
8. VARIERA drawer dividers ($15)
Bamboo expandable drawer dividers in three sizes. Sorts cooking utensils, knives, kids’ silverware – anywhere drawers need compartments. Better than the plastic ones from Target because they don’t bow under weight.
9. TROFAST kids’ storage system ($65)
The TROFAST frame + plastic bins is the gold standard for kids’ toy storage. Bins slide in and out, sized for cars, blocks, art supplies. Kids can carry their own bins to the couch and put toys back themselves.
My son’s TROFAST in his bedroom replaced the standard “toy box” approach. Game-changer for keeping his room organized.
10. KUGGIS storage boxes with lids ($22)
Stackable, with lids, in 4 sizes. Use them inside cabinets, on closet shelves, under beds. The 14x14x6″ size holds shoes; the 14x14x12″ holds linens or off-season clothes. Plastic, dishwasher-safe, durable.
11. GRUNDTAL stainless rail and S-hooks for kitchen ($18)
Mount the GRUNDTAL rail above your stove or counter, add 6-8 S-hooks. Hang pots, pans, utensils, towels. Frees up drawer space, looks like a chef’s kitchen. Stainless steel matches modern appliances.
12. KNUFF magazine files ($8 for 2)
IKEA’s bamboo magazine files are the cheapest organizing hack. Stand them up in cabinets to organize: cutting boards (one per file), Tupperware lids, baking pans, pot lids. $8 organizes problem zones that drawer dividers can’t.
IKEA hack price summary
| Hack | Cost | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| BESTÅ mudroom bench | $245 | High |
| SKÅDIS pegboard | $25 | High |
| KALLAX window bench | $245 (with cushion + bins) | High |
| RÅSKOG cart | $45 | Medium |
| HEMNES under-bed box | $89 | Medium |
| BISSA shoe cabinet | $75 | Medium |
| MULIG closet rod doubler | $12 | High |
| VARIERA dividers | $15 | Medium |
| TROFAST kids storage | $65 | High |
| KUGGIS boxes | $22 | Medium |
| GRUNDTAL rail + hooks | $18 | Medium |
| KNUFF magazine files | $8/2 | Medium |
Tips for shopping IKEA storage
- Use the IKEA app to check stock before driving
- Saturday morning is the worst time to visit – go weekday evenings
- Measure twice – IKEA dimensions are listed accurately but a few inches matters
- Use the IKEA Family card – free, offers monthly discounts
- Check the As-Is section for floor models at 30-70% off
- Hire a TaskRabbit for assembly if you hate flat-pack – usually $80-120 for a room’s worth
For more organization guides, see my step-by-step closet organization, bathroom storage ideas, and decluttering mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IKEA furniture worth it?
For storage and basics: absolutely. For premium furniture (sofas, beds): mixed – some pieces are great, some are flimsy. The hacks above are all in the “great value” category.
How long does IKEA furniture last?
Storage and shelves: 10+ years if you don’t move them. The BESTÅ frame in my mudroom has held up to 6 years of kids and a golden retriever. Sofas and beds: 5-8 years typically.
Are IKEA pegboards good?
SKÅDIS is the best pegboard system on the market for the price. The accessory selection (hooks, baskets, holders) is the widest of any brand. Customizable, removable, looks intentional.
Can I customize IKEA furniture?
Yes – IKEA furniture is famous for hackability. Paint it, add custom legs (Pretty Pegs sells replacement legs), apply contact paper, add hardware from Etsy. The IKEA hackers community online has thousands of tutorials.
