ᐅ What experiences do people have with IKEA Hemnes furniture in children's bedrooms?

Created on: 1 Apr 2023 08:23
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PRAMEINOLF
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PRAMEINOLF
1 Apr 2023 08:23
Hello everyone,

I would like to start a specific discussion on the topic "What are the experiences with IKEA Hemnes furniture in children's rooms?" We are redecorating our child’s room and are leaning towards the Hemnes series from IKEA. My main interest is in the practical aspects: How durable is the furniture with everyday use? How well can the pieces be adapted to changing needs (storage space, safety, length of use)? Are there any special considerations to be aware of, especially for toddlers?

Additionally, I’m interested in your long-term experiences, particularly with the Hemnes bed, wardrobe, and dresser. Are the materials suitable for children, and have there been any issues with painted surfaces or stability?

I look forward to well-informed opinions, including tips on common small mistakes when buying or assembling! Thanks in advance.
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PAREL
1 Apr 2023 09:57
Hello PRAMEINOLF,

some time ago, I also furnished a children’s room with the Hemnes series and can summarize a few important points that are especially relevant when using it in a child’s room.

- Durability: Hemnes furniture is made of solid pine wood, making it very sturdy and long-lasting. However, you should keep in mind that the wood is not particularly hard and can get small dents or scratches quickly with active use by children. Here, I recommend using protective pads or covers, especially on dressers and tables.

- Surfaces: The surfaces are usually sealed with lacquer, which provides good moisture protection but is sensitive to sharp objects. Also, mild cleaning agents should be used to avoid damaging the lacquer.

- Safety: Since these are relatively tall pieces of furniture (e.g., cabinets), they must be anchored to the wall! IKEA usually provides suitable mounting hardware, which is very important to prevent tipping.

- Flexibility: The series is relatively modular but not highly versatile. You can combine parts, but the furniture is designed in a rather classic style. The beds can be converted to a limited extent (e.g., Hemnes youth bed instead of a children’s bed), but do not offer a classic conversion to a junior bed or similar.

- Assembly: Assembly is straightforward but requires careful work. The instructions are easy to understand, but especially with cabinets, a second person is helpful because the weight should not be underestimated.

Conclusion: Hemnes is high-quality, aesthetically timeless, and durable. For very active children or households with heavy wear and tear, I recommend additional protective measures. For use from kindergarten age up to adolescence, it is a very good choice.

Feel free to ask if you have any further questions!
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mabla
1 Apr 2023 10:43
We have had the Hemnes bed and dresser in the children's room for 2 years. It is sturdy and looks good. Two negative points: the bed is quite high, so it is not ideal for very young children. The dresser scratches easily; we noticed visible marks after 6 months.
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Jukin
1 Apr 2023 12:18
Hello,

to add a bit more detail: Hemnes is a very sturdy furniture set, which is great for families because it is durable and relatively easy to clean. However, due to the solid wood construction, it is not exactly lightweight. This should be considered during assembly and when moving.

For safety: besides securing it to the wall, it is important to pay attention to child-friendly edges. Hemnes has a fairly classic design that is not particularly rounded. This could theoretically be a risk for very young children, so additional protection on sensitive spots is recommended.

Regarding storage space, Hemnes is very good, as the wardrobes and dressers have many drawers and compartments. This makes organizing toys and clothes easier.

In summary: Hemnes is excellent for preschool and primary school children if you pay attention to assembly and safety and watch the heights and edges for toddlers.
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PRAMEINOLF
2 Apr 2023 07:12
PAREL schrieb:
The installation is straightforward, but precise work is worth the effort

Hello PareI, thank you for the detailed advice! Regarding your point: Are there any particularly challenging steps when assembling the cabinets or dressers that people often get wrong, or tools that have proven especially useful? I want to make sure I don’t overlook anything and build the furniture as sturdy as possible.
Jukin schrieb:
In addition to wall mounting, you should definitely pay attention to child-safe edges

Thank you as well! What materials or methods do you use for edge protection? Does this differ for Hemnes compared to other IKEA series, for example because of the paint or surface texture?
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SUBEN60
2 Apr 2023 14:51
In addition to the previous experiences, I would like to highlight some technical details.

The Hemnes series is mainly made of solid pine wood, which is protected from moisture and mechanical wear by a lacquer coating. However, the surface hardness is relatively low, which is important for users expecting heavy use.

Regarding assembly errors:
- It is crucial to fasten all screws and dowels correctly. Especially with cabinets, improperly seated joints can significantly reduce stability.
- Using cordless screwdrivers with torque control is recommended to avoid damage to threads or wood.
- Wall mountings must be installed according to the instructions and taking into account the type of wall (drywall, concrete, brick), as safety cannot otherwise be guaranteed.

Concerning edge protection:
- Due to the lacquered surface, soft silicone covers are suitable; they are easy to apply and can be removed if needed.
- Alternatively, self-adhesive foam edge guards can be used; it is important that the material does not damage the lacquer coating.

Compared to other IKEA series, the Hemnes surface is relatively sensitive to mechanical stress. Series with foil coatings can be somewhat more durable but are usually less solid.