ᐅ How can the IKEA HEMNES furniture be arranged to be child-friendly and safe?
Created on: 14 Apr 2022 08:13
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GosukinHello everyone,
I am currently setting up the IKEA Hemnes range for a child's room. I have a question: How can the Hemnes furniture be arranged to be as child-friendly and safe as possible?
I am specifically concerned with aspects such as the stability of the furniture, potential tipping hazards, choosing the right screws and fasteners, and protection from sharp edges and corners.
Considerations about the type of surface treatment and handling small fastening parts that could be swallowed are also important to me.
Does anyone have experience or recommendations on how to best balance design, functionality, and safety with Hemnes furniture?
I look forward to constructive tips and advice!
I am currently setting up the IKEA Hemnes range for a child's room. I have a question: How can the Hemnes furniture be arranged to be as child-friendly and safe as possible?
I am specifically concerned with aspects such as the stability of the furniture, potential tipping hazards, choosing the right screws and fasteners, and protection from sharp edges and corners.
Considerations about the type of surface treatment and handling small fastening parts that could be swallowed are also important to me.
Does anyone have experience or recommendations on how to best balance design, functionality, and safety with Hemnes furniture?
I look forward to constructive tips and advice!
Hello Gosukin,
When setting up child-friendly and safe furniture with IKEA HEMNES, securing the furniture to the wall is essential. Due to their height, HEMNES dressers and cabinets are often at risk of tipping over if children climb on them.
The first step is to use the provided wall anchors. Additionally, I recommend using sturdy brackets and high-quality wall plugs appropriate for the wall type (e.g., cavity anchors for drywall).
To protect against sharp edges, you can use corner guards specifically designed for children's furniture.
Regarding small parts that could be swallowed, all screws and handles should be regularly checked and, if necessary, replaced with larger, child-safe versions.
The surfaces of HEMNES furniture are usually sealed with lacquer, giving them a smooth, wipeable finish—non-toxic lacquers are a must. IKEA states that these surfaces have been tested for harmful substances, which is a positive aspect.
In summary, the most important points are:
- Always secure furniture to the wall
- Apply corner guards on sharp edges
- Make screws and handles child-safe
- Perform regular maintenance and inspections
These measures should significantly increase the safety of your child's room.
When setting up child-friendly and safe furniture with IKEA HEMNES, securing the furniture to the wall is essential. Due to their height, HEMNES dressers and cabinets are often at risk of tipping over if children climb on them.
The first step is to use the provided wall anchors. Additionally, I recommend using sturdy brackets and high-quality wall plugs appropriate for the wall type (e.g., cavity anchors for drywall).
To protect against sharp edges, you can use corner guards specifically designed for children's furniture.
Regarding small parts that could be swallowed, all screws and handles should be regularly checked and, if necessary, replaced with larger, child-safe versions.
The surfaces of HEMNES furniture are usually sealed with lacquer, giving them a smooth, wipeable finish—non-toxic lacquers are a must. IKEA states that these surfaces have been tested for harmful substances, which is a positive aspect.
In summary, the most important points are:
- Always secure furniture to the wall
- Apply corner guards on sharp edges
- Make screws and handles child-safe
- Perform regular maintenance and inspections
These measures should significantly increase the safety of your child's room.
R
reoleon4714 Apr 2022 09:42Hey, very interesting topic! I have the HEMNES bed and dresser for my child, and what worked really well was installing anti-tip safety brackets, which you can buy separately! 🎉
We also attached felt pads under the furniture legs, which not only protect the floor but also prevent easy slipping, which is important for small children.
I believe it’s important to prioritize maximum safety when furnishing, even if the furniture looks great. A few small details can really make a big difference. 🙂
My recommendation is to always double-check and pay attention to the little things!
We also attached felt pads under the furniture legs, which not only protect the floor but also prevent easy slipping, which is important for small children.
I believe it’s important to prioritize maximum safety when furnishing, even if the furniture looks great. A few small details can really make a big difference. 🙂
My recommendation is to always double-check and pay attention to the little things!
C
Cecilera6614 Apr 2022 10:19In short: install wall anchors, cover sharp edges with edge protectors, equip drawers with child safety locks. That’s it. Nothing more is needed.
F
FeAndreas114 Apr 2022 11:03Hello everyone,
I would like to take a closer look at the anchoring here, as it is one of the most critical safety factors for IKEA HEMNES furniture.
Most HEMNES pieces are made from solid pine wood and are quite heavy, which makes them attractive for children to pull on or climb. For this reason, the included wall hook is often not sufficient, especially if the wall consists of drywall construction.
I recommend installing metal heavy-duty anchors and additional angle brackets to effectively prevent tipping. These reinforcements are essential, particularly for taller cabinets (e.g., 197 cm (78 inches)).
Assembly should be done with a cordless drill, a level, and suitable mounting materials. Ideally, the attachment points should be secured into the wall studs. If that is not possible, hollow wall anchors such as Toggler Snaptoggle are safer than simple plastic anchors.
The furniture surfaces are either oiled or lacquered, making them easy to wipe clean, but for oiled surfaces, avoid using solvent-based cleaners.
Another point concerns the drawer slides: Many HEMNES models have full-extension slides without an integrated soft-close feature. This can pose a finger pinch risk. It is worth retrofitting child-safe drawer locks or converting to soft-close.
What type of wall and furniture selection do you have exactly, Gosukin? Then I can provide more targeted assistance.
I would like to take a closer look at the anchoring here, as it is one of the most critical safety factors for IKEA HEMNES furniture.
Most HEMNES pieces are made from solid pine wood and are quite heavy, which makes them attractive for children to pull on or climb. For this reason, the included wall hook is often not sufficient, especially if the wall consists of drywall construction.
I recommend installing metal heavy-duty anchors and additional angle brackets to effectively prevent tipping. These reinforcements are essential, particularly for taller cabinets (e.g., 197 cm (78 inches)).
Assembly should be done with a cordless drill, a level, and suitable mounting materials. Ideally, the attachment points should be secured into the wall studs. If that is not possible, hollow wall anchors such as Toggler Snaptoggle are safer than simple plastic anchors.
The furniture surfaces are either oiled or lacquered, making them easy to wipe clean, but for oiled surfaces, avoid using solvent-based cleaners.
Another point concerns the drawer slides: Many HEMNES models have full-extension slides without an integrated soft-close feature. This can pose a finger pinch risk. It is worth retrofitting child-safe drawer locks or converting to soft-close.
What type of wall and furniture selection do you have exactly, Gosukin? Then I can provide more targeted assistance.
Very good points here, especially regarding the correct wall mounting.
I would like to provide a brief step-by-step guide on how to securely fasten the HEMNES dresser to the wall:
- Determine the location and check the wall type (concrete, brick, drywall)
- Select appropriate anchors (e.g., metal expansion anchors for concrete, cavity anchors for drywall)
- Use a level to mark the drill holes
- Drill holes with the correct drill bit size
- Insert anchors and partially screw in the screws
- Attach the wall brackets to the furniture
- Position the furniture against the wall and secure the brackets
In addition to the fastenings, attention should be given to the following small details:
- Use corner protectors, for example made of silicone
- Install drawer locks or mechanical drawer stops
- Avoid small loose parts, especially on handles – there are larger, child-friendly alternatives
As a further recommendation, I would like to mention the benefit of rugs with non-slip backing, which can help reduce the risk of slipping.
Finally, always regularly check that screws and fittings are securely tightened – children’s furniture undergoes high usage and should therefore be inspected frequently.
I would like to provide a brief step-by-step guide on how to securely fasten the HEMNES dresser to the wall:
- Determine the location and check the wall type (concrete, brick, drywall)
- Select appropriate anchors (e.g., metal expansion anchors for concrete, cavity anchors for drywall)
- Use a level to mark the drill holes
- Drill holes with the correct drill bit size
- Insert anchors and partially screw in the screws
- Attach the wall brackets to the furniture
- Position the furniture against the wall and secure the brackets
In addition to the fastenings, attention should be given to the following small details:
- Use corner protectors, for example made of silicone
- Install drawer locks or mechanical drawer stops
- Avoid small loose parts, especially on handles – there are larger, child-friendly alternatives
As a further recommendation, I would like to mention the benefit of rugs with non-slip backing, which can help reduce the risk of slipping.
Finally, always regularly check that screws and fittings are securely tightened – children’s furniture undergoes high usage and should therefore be inspected frequently.
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