ᐅ Are there any tips for space-saving installation of the Ikea BRIMNES furniture in small rooms?

Hello everyone, I currently have a small room and want to install the Ikea Brimnes system there. In general, I find this model quite practical, but especially in small rooms, it can sometimes be challenging to arrange the furniture so that the space doesn’t feel cramped while still keeping everything functional.

Therefore, my question to you is: Are there any special tips or advice for space-saving installation of Ikea BRIMNES cabinets and beds, particularly in small rooms with limited floor space? Which installation methods or adjustment options have worked well for you to use the furniture as efficiently and space-saving as possible?

I look forward to your experiences and tips!

Hello maciejren,

First of all, an important note: The BRIMNES range is quite flexible when the individual components are combined smartly. Especially in small rooms, optimal space utilization is crucial.

A few essential tips for space-saving installation:

- Instead of placing the wardrobe units side by side at full width, consider vertical stacking if possible. Some BRIMNES models work well in combination with wall shelves or the integrated bed frame.

- The sliding doors of the BRIMNES models are a real advantage compared to traditional hinged doors, as they do not require additional clearance space. So, if you can change or modify doors, the sliding door option is always recommended.

- The detachable feet of the wardrobes also provide the option to place cone-shaped storage boxes underneath, which makes efficient use of space.

- Pay close attention to ventilation during installation, as air circulation is a crucial aspect often underestimated in small rooms.

Finally, a question: What are the exact room dimensions and how much floor space is currently available for the furniture? This helps to provide more targeted recommendations.

Hello maciejren,

I can agree with the previous comments and would like to add a few basic tips for anyone who is assembling BRIMNES furniture without much experience.

- Make sure to thoroughly follow the assembly instructions, especially since small rooms leave little room for measurement errors.
- If the room allows, placing the wardrobe in a corner can be a good option, as it utilizes two walls and frees up more space in the room.
- Sometimes it helps not to assemble the entire system at once, but to build it modularly. Start by placing the bed, then position the wardrobe around or next to it, depending on what fits best.

Since I once installed the BRIMNES system myself in a small room, I know how important it is to divide the space into zones. This way, it avoids feeling cramped despite everything.

Hey maciejren!

Small space and BRIMNES – you can definitely make it work! I used my system in my first shared apartment room, which was definitely no palace either.

A little tip from me: make sure to fully use the drawers under the bed! Super practical for creating extra storage without adding more furniture. It really feels like it saves so much space in the room.

Also, definitely check if you can place the bed against a wall with power outlets, so you don’t need extra tables. This way, you can keep bedside surfaces to a minimum.

Regarding assembly: maybe the headboard can be used as a small shelf if it’s fixed to the wall? And by the way, if you use brackets, you can hang things on the wall that would otherwise be in the way.

Joking aside – but seriously: think modular, use the drawers, keep the rest of the furniture minimal, and it’ll definitely work out!

It’s interesting how everyone here is so focused on the BRIMNES system. I’d like to propose a somewhat provocative idea:

The best way to save space isn’t just clever furniture arrangement, but simply keeping the furniture as minimal as possible—and BRIMNES might even be too much for that.

So why not reduce the number of individual elements, maybe even leave out some parts, or complement the setup with multifunctional furniture like wall-mounted fold-down tables?

For example, replace the bed, which takes up the most space, with a foldable version so it can basically ‘disappear’ during the day.

Of course, this applies differently to those who are set on using the BRIMNES furniture. But I would also steer the discussion toward overall space utilization—the furniture options are helpful but only part of the solution.

For further clarification:

The BRIMNES line is well designed in terms of space efficiency; however, the system is optimized for straight wall surfaces.

For space-saving installation in small rooms, I recommend:

- Positioning the cabinets flush against the wall to avoid unnecessary gaps.
- If the room depth allows, the under-bed drawers can even serve as walkways and help create storage by using the full room height.
- Take advantage of the possibility to install lighting systems or narrow shelves on the sides of the cabinets to complement open spaces.

It is also important to measure accurately, especially when planning the upper shelves and paneling. Installation aides and spirit levels are essential for this.

In conclusion: Utilizing the entire vertical space is key to optimizing small rooms.