ᐅ How can the IKEA Hemnes series be used effectively in small bedrooms?

I’m starting this thread with a somewhat more detailed question: How can IKEA Hemnes furniture be used most effectively in small bedrooms without making the room feel cluttered or losing functionality?

I have a room of about 10 square meters (108 square feet) and am considering buying a Hemnes bed with storage, possibly combined with a matching wardrobe and a chest of drawers from the same series. I’m especially interested in how to arrange these pieces so that the room provides enough storage while still not feeling cramped, leaving enough free space for movement.

What tips do you have for using the Hemnes series in small bedrooms? Are there any specific tricks that help maximize space? Maybe also recommendations on which furniture pieces work best together or which ones to avoid in order not to overwhelm the room?

Hiroakimar schrieb:
How can IKEA Hemnes furniture be used optimally in small bedrooms without making the space feel cluttered or losing functionality?

That’s a very valid question, but I would add a fundamental consideration: Is the Hemnes series, with its sometimes quite heavy country-style design, really the best choice for small rooms? The relatively wide frames and visible wood grains can actually make a room feel even smaller.

Apart from that, I would recommend focusing on the combination of the Hemnes bed with the under-bed storage drawers. This way, storage is concentrated in one area without needing extra furniture. Paired with a narrow, tall wardrobe, the room feels more open.

Important: At the same time, pay attention to a clear color scheme (Hemnes is usually available in white or light tones). Dark colors absorb light and visually reduce the room size.

And one more thing regarding functionality: It’s definitely worth considering whether it makes more sense in small rooms to choose multifunctional furniture that serves more than one purpose – for example, a bed with storage plus integrated lighting or hidden shelves. Hemnes tends to stick to a more classic style, so it’s somewhat less flexible in that regard.

I think the Hemnes series can work really well in small bedrooms if you use a bit of creativity! 😉 Especially the storage bed is a real advantage because it has 3 or 4 large drawers underneath – perfect for hiding everything that would otherwise collect dust.

My advice: Don’t go for too many pieces of furniture. Better to have fewer, but larger items with storage space. For example, I combined my Hemnes dresser with a narrow mirror, and that’s it. This way there is room to breathe, and the country-style charm is preserved.

A small, well-placed wall shelf can add storage without overwhelming the space.

Tause schrieb:
Important: At the same time, pay attention to a clear color scheme (Hemnes is usually available in white or light tones).

I completely agree with that. Light colors immediately make a small room feel much larger.

Here’s a little trick: use light, airy curtains instead of heavy fabrics, and the room will seem almost twice as big!

To answer @Hiroakimar’s question precisely, you first need to know the exact room dimensions, window positions, and existing doors, as these greatly affect the furnishing options with Hemnes.

Here is a general recommendation for sensible planning:
- Bed: The Hemnes storage bed is ideal for small rooms. The drawers underneath provide plenty of space for bedding, clothes, or other items. Important: Check whether the bed’s storage drawers can be fully opened without hitting a door or wall.
- Wardrobe: I suggest the Hemnes two-door or three-door wardrobe; for very narrow rooms, consider the narrower version to avoid taking up too much floor space.
- Chest of drawers: A narrow Hemnes chest with about 3–4 drawers offers extra storage and surface area.

Technically, precise room planning with accurate measurements and, if possible, graph paper (millimeter paper) is important to test different layout options.

Common pitfalls:
- Doors and drawers that don’t have enough clearance to open fully when placed
- Hemnes furniture can be fairly bulky, which should be avoided to prevent the room from feeling cramped

Therefore, priority should be given to optimizing walkways before maximizing storage. Once the bed is placed, the rest of the layout depends on it.

Hiroakimar schrieb:
How can IKEA Hemnes furniture be used optimally for small bedrooms without making the space feel cluttered or losing functionality?

Choose a bed with drawers.

Select a wardrobe that is as narrow and tall as possible.

Avoid adding large extra furniture pieces.

Use white or light colors.

Keep free space for access.