ᐅ How practical is the use of Ikea Brimnes furniture in small bedrooms?

Created on: 26 Aug 2020 13:47
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Jojate
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Jojate
26 Aug 2020 13:47
Hello everyone,

I am planning to furnish my small bedroom with furniture from the IKEA Brimnes series and wonder how practical the use of this furniture is in small rooms. The Brimnes range mainly includes beds with integrated storage and wardrobes designed to save space, but I imagine the situation as follows: How practical is it to lift the bed frame or pull out the drawers in really small bedrooms, where there is limited room to move?

I am also curious whether the storage options actually provide as much additional space as advertised, or if storing items underneath eventually makes the room feel even more cramped.

Has anyone had experience with how these pieces work in a room of about 10 to 12 square meters (108 to 129 square feet)? What are your thoughts on combining a bed, wardrobe, and chest of drawers from the Brimnes line?

I would be very thankful for detailed feedback, including possible alternatives or tips on organizing space specifically with Brimnes furniture in a small bedroom.
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Henry
26 Aug 2020 15:02
Hello Jojate,

your question touches on an important topic that many of us are familiar with: the challenge of maximizing every centimeter in a small bedroom.

I have had a Brimnes bed for about six months in a room that is just over 11 square meters (118 square feet). What I find very helpful is the built-in storage under the bed. Of course, if you need daily access to the drawers, you do need some clearance in front, but overall these drawers eliminate the need for extra dressers or large wardrobes.
Jojate schrieb:
How practical is lifting or pulling out the drawers in really small bedrooms where there isn’t much free space?

I can only confirm this — it really depends on the room layout. In my case, the side drawer is easy to use because the walkway to the window leaves enough space. The drawer at the foot of the bed is used less often since it requires more space.

However, the storage space under the bed should not be underestimated, for example, for bedding or seasonal clothing.

Perhaps it’s also useful for you to know that the Brimnes wardrobes, with their relatively narrow design, complement small rooms well. They are not very deep, which can limit storage options for some types of clothing.

Overall: yes, the furniture works — but you need to carefully consider the room layout beforehand to avoid restricted access.

I hope this helps you move forward!
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theota
27 Aug 2020 10:39
Interesting thread, I’d like to add a somewhat controversial perspective.
Henry schrieb:
However, the “space gained” under the bed shouldn’t be underestimated, for example for bedding or seasonal clothes.

In my opinion, there is a sort of space-saving myth being created here. Of course, storage beds are a dream in a small bedroom, but I feel they subtly overwhelm the room. The furniture is often quite bulky—especially the Brimnes bed with its high bed frame and open drawer looks almost like a plywood monolith in small spaces.

I get the impression that the Brimnes design fits better in medium-sized rooms where you don’t have to bend over or move furniture for every drawer.

The convenience of the built-in drawers quickly fades in my view when you have to open the bed and pull out drawers every day. It becomes a constant hassle, and somehow the room always feels cramped.

I’d also be interested to hear if anyone has had negative experiences or if this is really just a case of “what sounds good is just marketing.”
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Lorukeo
27 Aug 2020 15:21
In addition to the points already mentioned, I would like to provide an objective assessment of using the IKEA Brimnes furniture in small bedrooms:

- The Brimnes bed is 207 cm (81.5 inches) long and comes in standard widths of 140 or 160 cm (55 or 63 inches). It features drawers that are approximately 15 cm (6 inches) high. This allows for practical storage of flat, wide items such as bedding, clothing, or boxes.

- In small rooms of around 10 square meters (108 square feet), careful consideration must be given to placement. In particular, the drawers at the foot of the bed require a sufficiently wide corridor to be fully opened (about 45 to 50 cm (18 to 20 inches) of additional space).

- The depth of the wardrobes (about 46 cm (18 inches) for Brimnes) is less than that of many standard wardrobes, which can be an advantage in small spaces since they do not take up too much room.

- Furniture should not be placed in the middle of walkways to ensure daily comfort. Arranging pieces along the walls is usually best.

- Integrating multiple Brimnes elements requires careful planning, as the combination of bed, chest of drawers, and wardrobe may seem space-saving but can quickly feel tight if the room is not measured precisely and the dimensions planned.

Summary:
The Brimnes system offers a good balance between storage and floor space but is only truly effective when the room situation is well understood and the furniture is positioned accordingly. A room size of at least 10 square meters (108 square feet) with flexible open areas is recommended.

For those with less space available, it is better to opt for lower or more modular furniture that can adapt more easily to niches.
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BOSULE
28 Aug 2020 08:53
I would like to add a practical perspective to the previous posts, especially regarding everyday functionality.

An important point when using the Brimnes series in small bedrooms is the handling of the drawers under the bed. In small spaces, the ergonomics of opening and closing these drawers is often underestimated, particularly when removing heavier items from the lower storage area. My advice: measure the bedroom precisely before purchasing and plan at least twice the drawer width next to it as clearance for movement.

Additionally, it should be considered that the material of the Brimnes furniture—particleboard with a coated surface—is durable but can show typical signs of wear over time with frequent drawer use.
theota schrieb:
The convenience of the integrated drawers quickly fades, in my opinion, if you have to open the bed and pull out the drawers every day.

Here, I share some skepticism: if the storage is used daily, the layout should be carefully planned to avoid constantly moving or bumping the furniture parts. Smaller items that are frequently needed are best stored for daily access, while seasonal items should be stored deeper and further back.

In summary, IKEA Brimnes furniture can definitely be used in small bedrooms if the space planning is thoughtful and drawer accessibility is not restricted. However, for just a few square meters, the furniture should not be placed too densely, as this can quickly make the room feel cluttered.