That skinny white cabinet sitting by your front door could be doing way more than just holding shoes. These ikea trones hacks & ideas will completely change how you think about this simple $40 storage unit.
Most people buy the Trones for it’s basic function, but smart DIYers have figured out dozens of creative ways to transform it. From bathroom storage to kitchen organization, this versatile piece adapts to almost any room in your house.
Get ready to see why this unassuming cabinet has become one of IKEA’s most hackable pieces of furniture.
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Leather Pulls Elevate Basic White Storage Units
Those simple white Trones cabinets get a major upgrade with rich brown leather pulls that add warmth and texture. The contrast between the crisp white surfaces and the organic leather creates a sophisticated look that feels way more expensive than the original price tag.
By adding a wooden frame around the units, @gracefully_jenni creates a custom built-in appearance that perfectly fits this hallway space. The natural wood tones complement the leather hardware and make the whole setup look like it was designed specifically for this spot.
You could easily recreate this by drilling holes for leather pulls and building a simple wooden surround using pine boards stained to match your existing trim.
Wood Frame Enhancement Elevates Basic White Storage
Sometimes the simplest modifications make the biggest impact, and @nossa.casa.antiga proves this perfectly with their stunning wood-framed Trones units. The rich brown timber edging transforms these basic white shoe cabinets into something that looks way more expensive than it actually is.
The wooden frame adds warmth and sophistication to what would otherwise be pretty plain storage boxes. You could easily recreate this look using thin wood strips or even wood-grain contact paper if your not confident with power tools.
The neutral palette means these upgraded units blend seamlessly with both modern and traditional decor styles, making them perfect for hallways, living rooms, or even bedrooms.
Geometric Wood Patterns Elevate Storage Style
Those plain white Trones cabinets get a serious makeover with this stunning chevron pattern that combines natural wood tones with bold black triangles. The geometric design creates visual depth and turns basic storage into a statement piece that looks way more expensive than it actually is.
What makes this transformation so clever is how @remodelnewbee used thin wood strips to create the zigzag effect across all six cabinet doors. The contrast between the warm wood grain and the matte black paint adds drama without being overwhelming.
You could easily adapt this technique using different wood stains or even painted strips in colors that match your existing decor.
Dark Green Textured Fronts Elevate Simple Storage
Sometimes the most brilliant ideas come from adding texture where you least expect it. This stunning transformation by @artistic_bee_creations shows how dark forest green textured fronts can completely change the game for your storage.
The raised honeycomb pattern on these cabinet doors adds so much visual interest without being overwhelming. That warm wood top creates the perfect contrast against the moody green, making this piece look way more expensive than it actually was.
You could easily recreate this look with adhesive textured wallpaper or even embossed contact paper in different colors like navy blue or charcoal gray.
Black Trones Units Enhance Industrial Entryway Style
These sleek black Trones shoe cabinets line up perfectly against the exposed brick wall to create serious industrial vibes. The warm wood counter top adds the perfect contrast and makes this entryway feel way more custom than it’s basic components would suggest.
What really makes this setup work is how @kleinmaarfijn37 mounted them at the perfect height for both storage and style. The black finish practically disappears into the shadows while still providing tons of hidden storage for shoes and daily essentials.
Those circular mirrors above pull everything together and reflect light back into the space beautifully.
Wood Top Elevates White Storage Cabinets
This sleek wall-mounted cabinet system gets a major upgrade with a continuous wood top that runs across multiple Trones units. The warm timber surface contrasts beautifully against the crisp white cabinet fronts, adding natural texture to what could of been a sterile storage solution.
The genius lies in how @omformo mounted several units side by side to create one long credenza effect. Adding the wooden countertop instantly transforms these basic shoe cabinets into a sophisticated sideboard thats perfect for displaying art and decorative objects.
You could easily recreate this look using butcher block or reclaimed wood cut to fit your exact wall dimensions.
Leather Handles Elevate Basic White Cabinets
Those simple white Trones cabinets look completely different when you add warm leather handles across the front. The contrast between the sleek cabinet doors and the natural leather creates a sophisticated scandinavian vibe thats perfect for narrow hallways.
A wooden top stretches across multiple units to create one long floating console that feels custom-built. @monidecohouse shows how easy it is to upgrade these basic storage pieces into something that looks way more expensive.
You could use different handle materials like rope, metal strips, or even painted wooden dowels for your own version.
Natural Wood Edge Elevates Basic White Storage
Sometimes the most beautiful transformations come from adding just one natural element to an otherwise plain piece. This Trones cabinet gets a complete personality makeover with a gorgeous live-edge wood slab that brings warmth and organic texture to the crisp white surface.
The raw wood edge creates this perfect contrast against the smooth cabinet, and you can find similar slabs at lumber yards or woodworking shops. @jojo_baut shows how something so simple can make such a huge impact in your space.
You could easily recreate this look with different wood types like walnut or oak, depending on what matches your existing decor.
LED Strip Lights Brighten White Trones Storage
The magic happens when you add battery-operated LED strip lights around the edges of your white Trones units. This simple addition turns basic shoe storage into a glowing feature wall that doubles as ambient bedroom lighting.
The cool white LEDs create this amazing floating effect against the sage green accent wall, making the whole setup look way more expensive then it actually is. @thepilkstersfirsthome shows how easy it is to stick the adhesive strips directly onto the cabinet edges for instant drama.
You could try warm white LEDs for a cozier vibe or even color-changing strips if you want to match different moods throughout the day.
Crib Side Storage Enhances Baby’s Bedtime Routine
The white Trones cabinet mounted directly onto the crib frame creates the perfect bedside storage solution for all those midnight diaper changes. @rumahpadya shows how simple brackets can secure the unit right where you need it most.
Baby wipes, diapers, and lotions stay within arms reach without taking up precious floor space in the nursery. The clean white finish matches perfectly with most crib styles, and the beadboard texture adds a nice cottage feel to the room.
You could easily paint the Trones in soft pastels or add cute decals to match your babys nursery theme.
Golden Hairpin Legs Elevate White Storage Units
Those basic white Trones cabinets just got a serious upgrade with sleek golden hairpin legs that completely change the game. The warm wood top adds another layer of sophistication that makes this piece look way more expensive than it actually is.
This clever modification by @eiken_boomstamtafels shows how adding legs instantly creates visual breathing room underneath. The brass-toned metal legs contrast beautifully against the crisp white cabinets and dark wall behind.
You could easily switch up the leg colors to match your existing decor or try different wood stain options for the top.
Tropical Leaf Pattern Brightens White Storage
Sometimes the simplest pattern can completely change how a piece of furniture looks and feels in your space. This gorgeous leaf design brings such a warm, tropical vibe to what started as basic white storage cabinets.
The beige and white palm frond pattern creates this amazing textured look that feels way more expensive than it actually was. @lucihelen_athome paired it perfectly with that walnut-toned wood top and brass circle mirror.
You could easily recreate this with adhesive wallpaper or even stencils if your feeling crafty.
Moroccan Wallpaper Elevates Basic Storage Cabinets
Those plain white Trones cabinets get a stunning makeover with intricate Moroccan-inspired wallpaper in soft gray and white tones. The geometric hexagonal pattern adds instant sophistication while wooden handles provide the perfect finishing touch.
This brilliant transformation by @byzold_design shows how easy it is to turn budget storage into a designer piece. The delicate botanical motifs within each hexagon create visual interest without being overwhelming.
You could easily recreate this look with peel-and-stick wallpaper or even decorative contact paper for a temporary change thats renter-friendly.
Natural Wood Tops Elevate White Cabinet Storage
Sometimes the simplest modifications make the biggest difference in your storage solutions. @annawillenberg shows how adding a natural wood countertop to white Trones cabinets instantly upgrades their look from basic to boutique-worthy.
The light wood grain adds warmth against the clean white brick wall and brings out the earthy tones in the botanical artwork above. This combo works perfectly in entryways, living rooms, or even bedrooms where you need hidden storage that doesn’t look cheap.
You could easily recreate this by cutting a wood plank to size and securing it on top – no complicated tools needed, just measure twice and cut once!
These ikea trones hacks & ideas prove that great design doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag. With just a few simple modifications, you can create custom storage solutions that look like they cost hundreds of dollars.
The beauty of the Trones lies in it’s simplicity and endless potential for customization. Whether your painting it, adding hardware, or mounting it in unexpected places, this little cabinet can adapt to any style or need.
Now it’s time to grab your drill and start transforming your space with these budget-friendly storage solutions.