ᐅ Which colors work best for IKEA Hemnes furniture?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to repaint some IKEA Hemnes furniture and am unsure which types of paint would be best suited for this. I’m not only considering the visual effect but also factors like durability, how well the paint adheres to the wood material, and how easy it is to clean. Based on your experience, which color shades and types of paint (e.g., chalk paint, acrylic lacquer, oil-based paint) would you recommend to achieve a look that is both stylish and practical for everyday use? I am especially interested in how different paints perform on Hemnes furniture that is either dark or white-painted, as some of my pieces are white and others have a darker wood tone. Are there any particular tips for surface preparation and sealing that you would suggest? Thank you in advance for your advice!

For Hemnes, I recommend matte chalk paints, as they adhere well and emphasize the Scandinavian style. Acrylic lacquer is a good choice if a more durable finish is needed. Important: sand the surface beforehand.

I would recommend satin-matte, water-based acrylic paints. They combine durability with easy application. For whites, warm cream tones or slightly off-white shades are ideal because they appear less sterile. With dark Hemnes furniture, a light gray or a soft pastel blue works well. Preparation is crucial: sanding, degreasing, and applying a primer on raw surfaces.

I think Hemnes is great for playing with colors – a soft pastel pink or green really feels fresh and brings life to the room. Of course, it requires good preparation, otherwise the paint can peel off like autumn leaves 🍂. If you’re up for something bold, try a deep teal or mustard yellow – it turns the corners into real eye-catchers. And honestly, chalk paints work really well for this and give a cozy look.

I can easily understand that choosing the right color for Hemnes furniture can be challenging. I had a similar experience, especially when painting white Hemnes cabinets. I chose a warm light gray shade that makes the furniture look inviting without appearing too cold. It was also important for me to thoroughly clean and lightly sand the furniture beforehand to help the paint adhere better. If the decision is difficult, you can always test small areas first – that gave me confidence.

Friedrich schrieb:
It was also important for me to thoroughly clean the furniture beforehand and lightly sand it so that the paint adheres better.

Yes, the key definitely lies in preparation. Without sanding and degreasing, durability is hardly achievable.