ᐅ Is it possible to modify or retrofit IKEA Brimnes doors?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning a small DIY project and would like to know if it’s possible to modify or upgrade the doors of the IKEA Brimnes chest of drawers. Specifically, I’m interested in whether soft-close hinges can be retrofitted or if the doors can be completely replaced with other types without compromising stability or functionality. Does anyone have experience or tips on this? I am especially curious about how complex the modification is and whether any special tools or replacement parts are needed. Thanks in advance for your help!

Great question, larsfe! I once planned to convert the doors of my Brimnes chest of drawers to soft-close hinges, and it actually worked really well! 🙂 The important thing is to buy the correct hinges that fit IKEA models precisely. Installing them can be a bit fiddly, but it’s definitely worth it because the difference is really noticeable. I only used a cordless drill and a screwdriver. Don’t be discouraged by the slight resistance; upgrading your furniture is fun!

NUGRANT schrieb:

Great question, larsfe! I once planned to upgrade the doors on my Brimnes dresser to soft-close hinges, and it actually worked out well! 🙂

Exactly, I would recommend measuring the exact dimensions of your existing hinges before purchasing. The Brimnes series generally uses standard 55mm (2.2 inches) cabinet hinges, which can be replaced with soft-close versions.

Quick guide:
- Remove the doors
- Unscrew the old hinges
- Install the new soft-close hinges, making sure they fit correctly

Common mistakes often involve incorrect measurements, resulting in misaligned doors. If you want to replace the doors completely, you also need to consider the hinge drill holes, as these are usually pre-drilled on IKEA furniture and follow standardized spacing.

You’ll need a cordless screwdriver and possibly a drill if some adjustments are required. Overall, the conversion is quite doable if you proceed carefully.

I’m not sure if all this remodeling makes much sense. IKEA furniture is generally not designed for endless upgrading but rather to be affordable and replaceable. You spend hours installing soft-close hinges, and in the end, you pay more than you would for a different model.

Maybe it’s better to just accept the Brimnes doors as they are instead of putting in unnecessary effort. What do you think? Does the remodeling really add value, or is it just a bit of fun?

LIELCHEN schrieb:

Maybe we should just accept that the Brimnes doors are what they are, instead of putting in unnecessary effort.

I can understand that point, but especially DIY projects often have an emotional value for many of us. The mechanical effort may sometimes seem greater, but when the piece of furniture works better in the end and you’re proud of the result, it’s often more than just a gimmick.

Besides, soft-close hinges and other retrofit options improve quality and durability, which are legitimate reasons.

I once tried making the doors operate more smoothly myself, and although you can’t expect too much from IKEA, the small effort is worth it. It’s just important to stay realistic about what you want to achieve.

I think remodeling like this can actually be a lot of fun! 😊 It doesn’t always have to be perfect; the main thing is that you get something out of it.

Just a tip: If you want to completely replace doors, check if you can find suitable replacement parts or fronts at IKEA or other third-party suppliers. They’re sometimes quite affordable. Usually, you just need to adjust the hinges or modify the drill holes a bit.

My software engineering mindset kicks in here: start small, test, fine-tune, and only then do the major remodeling. This way, you can avoid the typical moments of frustration.