The IKEA Hack That Solves Your Shoe Chaos: Turning Shelves into Seating

If you have been scouring the catalog looking for a dedicated bench with cubbies IKEA manufactures specifically for sitting, you might come up empty-handed. While the Swedish retailer offers plenty of TV stands and bookshelves, they don't sell a specific product labeled "cube bench." However, seasoned DIYers and interior decorators know the secret lies in repurposing one of their most iconic shelving units: the Kallax.

Turning a standard shelving unit into a functional entryway piece is one of the most practical home upgrades you can make. It solves two major problems simultaneously: it provides a place to sit while putting on shoes, and it offers deep storage for bulky items, bags, or footwear. I learned this the hard way after moving into an apartment with a nonexistent foyer. My shoes were piling up in a mountain by the door, and I was hopping on one foot every morning trying to get my sneakers on. I needed an ikea cubby bench, but since one didn't technically exist, I decided to build one using the 4-cube Kallax unit.

Why the Kallax is the Unofficial Cube Bench

The Kallax series (formerly Expedit) is the gold standard for this type of project. When placed horizontally, the 1x4 unit sits at a height of about 16.5 inches. This is the standard ergonomic height for a dining chair or bench, making it surprisingly comfortable for an adult to sit on. The square dimensions of the compartments are perfect for 13x13 inch bins, allowing you to hide clutter instantly.

There is a structural caveat you need to be aware of. These shelves are designed to hold books, not people. The particleboard frame is sturdy, but the internal structure is often a honeycomb paper filling. If you plan to use this as a high-traffic seat for adults, you should reinforce it. When I built mine, I added a piece of plywood to the back to prevent racking (wobbling side-to-side) and placed a long wooden board across the top to distribute weight evenly. This transforms a simple shelf into a robust ikea cube storage bench capable of handling daily use.

Choosing the Right Configuration

Space dictates which unit you should grab. The most popular choice for an entryway is the four-cube version. It measures roughly 58 inches wide, which fits perfectly in most hallways or at the foot of a queen-sized bed. If you are working with a tighter space, the two-cube unit works well as a small seat for one person, perhaps in a child's room or a small mudroom nook.

For those with massive playrooms or long corridors, placing two four-cube units side-by-side creates a dramatic, built-in look. This setup provides massive amounts of storage for toys, board games, or seasonal gear. Just ensure you anchor the units to the wall if there is any risk of them tipping, although laying them flat significantly reduces this danger.

The Cushion Dilemma: Making it Comfortable

A hard wooden top isn't exactly inviting. To truly turn this shelf into an ikea cube bench, you need upholstery. You have three main routes here. The easiest is buying a pre-made bench cushion. Many sellers on Etsy specifically make cushions sized for the Kallax, knowing how popular this hack is. These often come with non-slip backing.

The second option is the DIY route, which I chose. I bought a piece of 2-inch high-density foam from a craft store, cut it to the dimensions of the shelf top, and wrapped it in a durable outdoor fabric. I used a staple gun to secure the fabric to a thin board underneath the foam. This method allows you to pick a fabric that matches your curtains or rug perfectly. If you aren't handy with tools, simply throwing a sheepskin rug or a few thick throw pillows on top creates a casual, bohemian vibe without any construction required.

Storage Inserts: Hiding the Mess

The beauty of an ikea cubby bench is the modular storage. The cubes are spacious, which can actually be a disadvantage for small items like keys or sunglasses—they get lost in the void. This is where inserts become essential.

The Dröna Box

These are the fabric squares you see everywhere. They are incredibly cheap and come in various colors. They are great for soft items like scarves, hats, or kids' stuffed animals. However, they can look a bit flimsy in a formal living room.

Wicker and Rattan

For a more sophisticated look, the Brannäs or Knipsa baskets offer texture. They slide in and out easily and hide whatever chaotic mess lies within. These are heavy-duty and hold up better against the wear and tear of heavy shoes or hardware tools.

Shelf Dividers

If you are using the bench strictly for shoes, the open cubes might be too tall, wasting vertical space. IKEA sells shelf inserts that split a single cube horizontally. This effectively doubles your shoe storage, letting you stack sneakers on top of sandals within a single cubby.

Styling Your New Bench

Once your ikea cube storage bench is assembled and cushioned, styling helps it blend into your home decor. In an entryway, mount coat hooks on the wall directly above the bench. This creates a dedicated "drop zone" for guests. A mirror above the bench is also practical for last-minute checks before leaving the house.

In a playroom, color-code the bins. Use bright primary colors for the bins and keep the cushion neutral, or vice versa. Labeling the bins with pictures helps younger children know exactly where the Legos belong versus the dolls.

Alternatives to the Kallax

While the Kallax is the king of the cube bench hack, other IKEA lines can serve similar purposes if the cube aesthetic isn't your favorite.

The Nordli series offers modular drawers that can be arranged low to the ground. While not open cubbies, they provide cleaner, hidden storage and are very sturdy. You can create a long, low bench with deep drawers, perfect for linens or heavy winter gear.

The Småstad system is designed for kids but works brilliantly as a bench. It features a large pull-out drawer box that sits low to the floor. It effectively functions as a bench with a massive toy box underneath, rather than individual cubes. It’s excellent for rapid cleanup since you can just sweep everything into the drawer and close it.

Whether you choose the classic Kallax route or adapt a different unit, creating your own seating with storage is a satisfying weekend project. It requires minimal tools, offers maximum customization, and finally gives you a place to sit while you tie your laces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Kallax unit actually support the weight of an adult sitting on it?

Yes, but with caution. While many people use the Kallax as a bench without issue, IKEA lists the maximum load per shelf, not for the entire unit laid sideways. To be safe, distribute the weight by adding a solid wood board across the top or reinforcing the back with plywood.

What size cushion do I need for a 4-cube IKEA bench?

A standard 4-cube Kallax unit laid horizontally measures approximately 16.5 inches deep by 58 inches long. You should look for a cushion or cut foam to these exact dimensions, or slightly smaller (16x57) to ensure it doesn't overhang the edges.

How do I stop the bench cushion from sliding off the top?

The slick surface of IKEA furniture causes cushions to slide easily. The most effective fix is applying strips of heavy-duty Velcro to both the furniture top and the bottom of the cushion, or placing a rug gripper pad (cut to size) between the unit and the cushion.