ᐅ Is there a way to make the IKEA Brimnes close more softly?

Created on: 20 Mar 2016 09:17
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MAMALO
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MAMALO
20 Mar 2016 09:17
Hello everyone,

I recently assembled the IKEA Brimnes wardrobe and am generally happy with its functionality. However, I find the doors slam shut quite hard. Is there a way to modify or retrofit the Brimnes wardrobe doors so they close more quietly and, above all, more softly? I have considered installing dampers or soft-close mechanisms but am unsure whether these would work well with this model or if they might damage the doors.

Has anyone had experience with this or can offer tips on how to make the Brimnes wardrobe close more gently without much effort or expensive solutions? Thanks in advance!
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tuFernando
20 Mar 2016 09:53
I can understand your frustration – the slamming of the doors also bothers me from time to time with my Brimnes.

I once read that you can retrofit so-called "soft-close surface-mounted dampers" that screw onto the cabinet door. These are supposed to slow down the closing, similar to what you find on kitchen base cabinets. However, it can be a bit tricky to adjust them correctly; otherwise, the door may not close properly.

Maybe a good first step is to check the hinges: IKEA usually has small adjustment screws that allow you to change the door position. Sometimes, readjusting the hinges can help so the doors have a bit more resistance and don’t slam shut as hard.
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popodi
20 Mar 2016 10:04
So, I once glued in small silicone pads that are often sold as door stoppers. They cost almost nothing and take up hardly any space. This doesn’t make the door close with a soft "plop," but it does make it noticeably quieter and less harsh. 😄

I like this solution because you don’t need to screw anything in or do any modifications. Just reapply them occasionally if the pads come off.
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George
20 Mar 2016 10:26
Soft-close dampers from furniture accessories do not always fit Brimnes, as the door thickness and construction are somewhat special.

It is better to stick small rubber bumpers in the corners. It costs little and often does the job.
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leebi7
20 Mar 2016 11:02
I have looked into this issue more closely because I experienced the same with my Brimnes unit. Here are some details and suggestions:

- The doors are mounted on relatively simple hinges that do not have built-in soft closing. This causes them to slam shut.
- One option is to retrofit modern soft-close hinges. However, this requires completely replacing the old hinges and possibly drilling new holes. This is quite labor-intensive and could affect the stability.
- Alternatively, adhesive dampers that screw onto the inside of the door work well, but they are visible from the outside. These are usually made of plastic or rubber and slow down the door’s movement.
- Another gentler method is to use rubber or silicone bumpers attached to the inside of the door to cushion the impact. These are easy to install, inexpensive, and do not damage the furniture.

I would also be interested to know how often you open the doors daily and whether you prioritize a perfect appearance. This would help decide which solution makes the most sense.
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MAMALO
20 Mar 2016 11:45
leebi7 schrieb:
I’m also curious how often you open the doors daily and whether you prioritize perfect appearance?

Thank you for your detailed response. I open the doors about 5-6 times daily. Appearance matters, but I would accept minor visible dampers if they work well. However, I would prefer to avoid extensive effort and major modifications. I like the idea of buffers, but I’m unsure if they completely eliminate the “hard slamming.”

To add a limitation: the wardrobe is in the bedroom, so overall it should be as quiet as possible, at least no loud banging, especially in the mornings.