ᐅ What experiences have you had with IKEA Hemnes furniture and pets?

Created on: 31 Mar 2018 21:47
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Gojon
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Gojon
31 Mar 2018 21:47
Hello everyone,

I’m currently considering purchasing furniture from IKEA, specifically the Hemnes series, for our home. A key question for us is how well these pieces hold up in households with pets.

Does anyone have firsthand experience with the durability of the Hemnes range’s surfaces, which are usually lacquered or wood with some kind of protective coating, in terms of scratches or other damage caused by cats or dogs?

How sturdy are the drawer fronts and doors against claws or wear from dogs that like to lick or lean on the furniture?

Are there any tips on how to further protect the furniture or recommended accessories to make it more pet-friendly?

I’m looking forward to your insights and experiences, especially from those with pet allergy sufferers in the household regarding hygienic considerations. Thanks in advance for your time and advice!
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blaix
1 Apr 2018 00:03
I would like to point out that many reviews of Hemnes furniture are often written primarily from an aesthetic perspective and say little about actual use in pet-affected environments.
Gojon schrieb:
Does anyone have concrete experience with whether the surface of the Hemnes range, usually lacquer or wood with some kind of protective coating, holds up well against scratches or other damage caused by cats or dogs?

In my opinion, it largely depends on the type and intensity of use. I have three cats myself, and my experience shows that the solid pine wood used in the Hemnes series is relatively prone to scratches.

The lacquer only offers limited protection because it is applied in a thin layer. In long-term use, my furniture shows noticeable chips on edges and larger surfaces.

Furthermore, I have doubts about whether additional protective measures such as covering films or reinforced lacquers are really practical, as these change the surface and affect the appearance.

My recommendation: if durability is important in a household with pets, it might be better to consider other furniture materials or collections that are specifically designed for such requirements.
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Annedeo
2 Apr 2018 16:21
Hello,

I have been using Hemnes dressers and cabinets for about four years, along with two very active cats. The surface is in a living area where dogs are also regularly present, so it is exposed to various daily stresses. My observations are:

- The painted wood surface does show some minor scratches, but these are mainly in areas that are frequently touched or where the cats often jump up.
- Drawers and doors continue to function smoothly despite some “mechanical” interactions.
- In my experience, it is important to regularly treat the furniture with a wood-appropriate care oil. This increases resistance to wear and tear.
- I find hygiene to be unproblematic since wood is breathable and does not retain moisture, which usually prevents mold growth.

Additionally, a light cover or cloth over the furniture surfaces helps protect areas that are especially exposed.

In conclusion, I would say that the Hemnes series is quite compatible with pets if you are willing to maintain the furniture occasionally and accept minor signs of wear.
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Samir
3 Apr 2018 10:12
To add my input: Hemnes furniture is generally made from solid pine wood with partially lacquered surfaces, which gives an attractive appearance but does not feature the professional industrial coating commonly used in manufacturing branches that produce furniture designed for heavy-duty use.

Therefore, I can summarize the following points:

- Scratches caused by pet claws are not uncommon with the Hemnes series and are often difficult to repair.
- According to reports and tests, the lacquer on the surfaces offers only limited resistance to scratches and mechanical stress.
- Cleaning is straightforward with mild cleaners since the surfaces are not sensitive to water, but aggressive chemicals should be avoided.
- A treatment with impregnation or a special protective film might be possible, but this could affect the natural feel and design.

In summary: For households with pets, especially cats, Hemnes furniture is more of a compromise. Much more durable are furniture pieces with laminated or melamine-coated surfaces, which offer the same easy-care qualities and are more resistant.

Those who still prefer Hemnes should plan for protective measures and regular maintenance.