ᐅ How can I best arrange Ikea HEMNES cabinets in a hallway?

Hello everyone, I’m looking for ideas and experiences on how to best arrange Ikea Hemnes cabinets in a hallway. My hallway is about 3 meters long and 1.2 meters wide (9.8 feet by 3.9 feet), so quite narrow. I want to create as much storage space as possible without blocking the passage too much. There are two different Hemnes cabinets, one about 80 cm wide and a smaller one about 45 cm wide (31.5 inches and 17.7 inches). It’s important to me that the arrangement remains practical, with easy access to jackets, shoes, or small items, but also visually appealing. Could you give me tips on how to best plan and position such cabinets, especially in a narrow hallway? Thanks in advance!

Hello! First of all, it’s great that you provided such precise hallway measurements. Especially in narrow hallways, knowing the exact dimensions is essential because bulky furniture can easily overwhelm the space. I would recommend placing the larger HEMNES wardrobe along the longer wall—ideally where there are no doors opening or pathways being blocked. This way, you keep the passage clear while still having storage. You could place the smaller wardrobe opposite or in a corner, depending on how the doors and windows are arranged.

Another tip: use the top shelf in the wardrobes for items you rarely use, so the main area doesn’t get cluttered. If possible, consider adding wall cabinets or hooks to create extra storage without taking up floor space.

Cabinets along the longest wall to avoid narrowing the hallway. A smaller cabinet is better placed next to the door, which is convenient for quickly setting down bags or keys.

An optimal layout depends greatly on the floor plan of your hallway, especially the position of doors, windows, and light switches. As a general rule for a hallway measuring 3m (10 feet) in length and 1.2m (4 feet) in width, place the HEMNES cabinets so that you keep at least an 80 cm (31.5 inches) clear passage. This allows for comfortable movement.

Since the larger HEMNES cabinet is about 80 cm (31.5 inches) wide, it fits almost perfectly lengthwise along the wall. I would place the smaller cabinet on the opposite side carefully—as others have suggested—perhaps in a niche or near the entrance door where it won’t obstruct traffic. You might also consider converting the smaller cabinet into a storage unit or shoe cabinet with insert compartments to increase its functionality.

A few technical notes: Ikea HEMNES cabinets typically have a depth of about 47 cm (18.5 inches). You should take this into account when measuring your hallway to ensure there is enough space left for both the cabinet and the movement area. Additionally, sketching a floor plan on paper beforehand can help you visualize how much free space remains. Sometimes adjusting the cabinet doors to open left or right can also optimize the flow.

I would always focus on functionality: place the largest wardrobe along the wall, and position the smaller one so that it doesn’t obstruct movement. There should be about 80cm (31.5 inches) of clearance for walking. HEMNES doors usually open outwards, so be sure to consider the door swing direction.

Interesting thread. I wonder if it makes sense to place both cabinets in the narrow hallway, or if it might be better to use one HEMNES and add wall shelves instead, to avoid making the space look too crowded.

I think you should plan not only based on measurements but also consider usage: Do you need storage for clothes, or rather for shoes and everyday items? Choosing the right wardrobe door opening and combining it with mirrors could also help visually expand the hallway. In my experience, furniture that is too bulky in narrow hallways greatly restricts movement.