They Mounted IKEA Cabinets Made for Shoes on the Side of Their Kitchen Counter to Sort Recycling
Shoe cabinets belong near the front door, but two IKEA TRONES units found a different purpose beneath a kitchen peninsula. The white cabinets fit against the end panel, providing separate compartments for paper and plastic without adding recycling bins to the floor.
Reddit user u/km524 shared the installation in r/ApartmentHacks after using the IKEA storage units to organize recycling in a small kitchen. The homeowner mounted them beneath the counter overhang, keeping the existing kitchen cabinets and worktop intact.
Both compartments tilt forward for access and can be removed to empty their contents into a larger recycling bin outside. When closed, the white fronts conceal the collection of cardboard, containers, and packaging.
IKEA TRONES Was Designed for Shoes, Not Kitchen Waste
IKEA TRONES consists of shallow wall-mounted storage compartments with tilt-out fronts. Each unit has a recessed grip along its upper edge, allowing the front to pull forward without handles.
The slim profile accommodates shoes without requiring the depth of a standard cabinet. Its enclosed plastic compartments also provide space for lightweight household items, making the design suitable for storage beyond an entryway.
Two Shoe Cabinets Fit Beneath the Kitchen Peninsula
The homeowner stacked two white TRONES compartments against the end of the kitchen peninsula, beneath a white countertop with a rounded outer edge. The cabinets sit above the original wood floor and do not extend beyond the counter.
The white finish matches the countertop and nearby appliances, while the existing wood cabinets remain exposed along the opposite side of the kitchen.
For mounting, the homeowner used Command Universal Frame Hangers rated for up to 16 pounds, reporting that the cabinets had remained attached for more than six months. The adhesive mounting method should not be assumed suitable for heavier contents or every cabinet surface.
Tilt-Out Compartments Hold Plastic and Cardboard
The upper compartment holds plastic containers, cups, and food packaging, while the lower compartment contains flattened cardboard, paper, and other recyclable material.
Both fronts tilt outward, bringing the contents into reach beneath the countertop. The homeowner can lift out the removable bins and carry them to the outdoor recycling container instead of transferring each item by hand.
The closed-and-open comparison shows the difference between concealed storage and access to the sorted materials. The bins occupy the end of the peninsula, leaving the walkway beside the kitchen cabinets free from separate recycling containers.
Would you use IKEA shoe cabinets for kitchen recycling, or keep separate bins on the floor?
Image credits go to u/km524.