ᐅ Is it possible to retrofit soft-close mechanisms to Ikea Brimnes doors?

Created on: 5 Feb 2022 14:37
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Taro60
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Taro60
5 Feb 2022 14:37
Hello everyone,

I have a specific question about the IKEA Brimnes wardrobe: Are there any options to retrofit the doors of this model with a soft-close mechanism? I would like to know if there are special retrofit kits available or if certain hinges need to be replaced to add this feature. The goal is for the doors to close gently and quietly, as expected from soft-close systems. I am also interested in whether major modifications to the furniture are required or if the retrofit is relatively straightforward.

Has anyone had experience with this or can recommend specific solutions and products? Thanks in advance!
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Wesley
5 Feb 2022 17:03
Taro60 schrieb:
Are there ways to retrofit the doors of this model with a soft-close mechanism?

Hey Taro60! I actually tried that myself on a Brimnes wardrobe – a soft-close retrofit kit from a third-party supplier. There are small dampers you can attach to the hinges. Installation is surprisingly simple; you only need a screwdriver and some patience.

I really liked it because the doors no longer slam shut, and it somehow feels much more premium 😄. However, the retrofit kit isn’t from IKEA itself, so it’s not a perfect fit but works reliably. If that helps, I can gladly share more details about the product and version!
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pikin
6 Feb 2022 08:51
Wesley schrieb:
There are actually small dampers that can be attached to the hinges.

To clarify this information a bit: IKEA does not officially offer a retrofit solution with a soft-close function for the Brimnes system. Most users therefore rely on soft-close dampers that can be universally mounted on furniture hinges. These work on the principle that they are installed either directly on the hinge side or on the cabinet frame.

It is important that
- the dimensions of the dampers fit the hinge
- no major modifications to the doors are necessary
- screw holes may need to be repositioned

Many manufacturers of such retrofit kits include installation instructions showing how to effectively attach the dampers. Additionally, it is possible to replace the hinges entirely with new soft-close hinges that are compatible with IKEA standards, but this requires more effort and is more expensive.
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Joe52
7 Feb 2022 13:15
pikin schrieb:
IKEA does not offer an official retrofit solution with soft-close function for the Brimnes system.

Thank you for this clarification. I’ve also been wondering how to make my Brimnes doors close more gently.

From my own experience, I can say that the retrofit dampers, which may seem a bit artificial, were a big improvement compared to the doors slamming shut. Of course, it doesn’t feel exactly like higher-end furniture, but I definitely notice that opening and closing is much smoother and the doors are treated more gently.

If anyone is unsure— in my opinion, the effort is really worth it, even if you have to do a bit of experimenting to find the perfect solution. Overall: if you value a soft-closing motion, try one of these sets! You’ll quickly realize how important such small details are in everyday use.