ᐅ How can IKEA Hemnes cabinets be installed to save space?

Created on: 17 Nov 2019 10:24
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Tonico33
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Tonico33
17 Nov 2019 10:24
Hello everyone,

I recently bought an IKEA Hemnes wardrobe and am now facing the challenge of assembling and arranging it in the most space-saving way possible. The room where the wardrobe will be placed is quite small, and I want to make the best use of every corner. My specific question is: how can IKEA Hemnes wardrobes be assembled or modified to take up as little floor space as possible while remaining functional? Are there any combinations or special assembly methods that help maximize storage without making the wardrobe look too bulky? I am also open to tips for modifying the interior space if that makes sense.

I would appreciate any experiences or suggestions!
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sanjon
17 Nov 2019 12:07
Tonico33 schrieb:
How can IKEA Hemnes cabinets be assembled or modified to occupy as little floor space as possible while remaining functional?

The most important thing is to fix the cabinets to the walls, which makes them appear less bulky. Also, it’s better to combine tall and narrow units rather than wide ones.

The interior space can be optimized with additional shelves or boxes.
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taudi
17 Nov 2019 13:39
I would like to explain this in more detail because many people underestimate the possibilities with the Hemnes cabinets.

First of all: The standard modules of Hemnes are somewhat bulky, that’s true. It becomes more space-efficient when you use the height and install the cabinet with reduced depth – this means specifically that you partially remove or thin out the back panels during installation to create more air space and room for movement in front of the cabinet.

An important recommendation:
- Choose the tallest cabinet types possible, for example, the 3- or 4-door Hemnes, which is narrower than the wider models.
- Combine wall cabinets above dressers; this way you can extend storage space upwards without losing width.
- Make use of the interior space with additional shelves or built-in drawers, whose depth you can adjust yourself.

A small tip: If your DIY skills allow, you can replace the back panel with thinner material and thus mount the cabinet more easily on wall battens, providing better support and less distance from the wall.

Last but not least, door selection also plays a role – sliding doors would be ideal, but unfortunately IKEA does not offer them for Hemnes as original options. Here you can experiment with alternative solutions.
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rebufar
18 Nov 2019 09:11
taudi schrieb:
If your DIY skills allow, you can replace the back panel with thinner material.

Sure, that’s a reasonable approach, but in the end, it’s IKEA – and their cabinets are almost always built to a standard product specification. Any modification costs time and almost always causes fitting issues. I find this whole DIY craze around IKEA cabinets annoying because they simply aren’t designed for individual customization.
sanjon schrieb:
The interior can be optimized with additional shelves or boxes.

Exactly, for me, that’s the only proper way – optimize the interior when exterior space is limited. But if in doubt, it’s better to just buy a different system if you really want to save space and be efficient.

By the way: The cabinet depth of Hemnes is anything but shallow. There’s nothing you can do but rearrange or make compromises. That’s a fact you have to accept.
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GAGRAHAM
18 Nov 2019 21:45
I was really excited when I set up my Hemnes wardrobe in the bedroom! Here’s a tip: make the most of the corners whenever possible. For example, I chose a combination of a tall Hemnes wardrobe with a narrower wall cabinet above it.

This way, I was able to fully utilize the height without the wardrobe protruding too much into the room. Inside, I also used small baskets for socks and accessories to keep everything organized.

The important thing is: style and practicality don’t have to conflict if you carefully plan how to arrange the individual components. The Hemnes is truly versatile!
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bente
19 Nov 2019 07:02
rebufar schrieb:
Every modification costs time and will definitely cause fitting issues.

I understand that making changes to furniture can be frustrating, especially if you’re not very handy. But sometimes small adjustments are worth it if they help make better use of limited space.

However, it’s important not to get stressed. If the Hemnes is simply too large or impractical, it’s absolutely fine to reconsider your overall plan. What matters most in the end is feeling comfortable in your home and avoiding ongoing frustration.

Maybe it’s possible to combine several tips: for example, tall cabinets, interior adjustments, and certain decorative elements that make the space feel lighter. I’m wishing good luck to everyone facing this challenge right now!