ᐅ Is it possible to retrofit soft-close mechanisms to Ikea Brimnes furniture?
Created on: 9 Jun 2021 10:23
P
praapexHello everyone,
I have a question regarding my Ikea Brimnes bed frame: Is there a way to retrofit soft-close mechanisms on this model? I’m referring to the drawers underneath the bed, which are usually quite noisy when closing.
I don’t want to replace the drawers entirely but rather add a mechanism that prevents slamming and allows for smooth closing. I’m especially interested in whether there are compatible dampers or special adapters that can be discreetly installed and work well with the existing drawer slides.
Does anyone have practical experience or maybe a guide on if and how this can be done with the Brimnes? Thanks in advance for any help!
I have a question regarding my Ikea Brimnes bed frame: Is there a way to retrofit soft-close mechanisms on this model? I’m referring to the drawers underneath the bed, which are usually quite noisy when closing.
I don’t want to replace the drawers entirely but rather add a mechanism that prevents slamming and allows for smooth closing. I’m especially interested in whether there are compatible dampers or special adapters that can be discreetly installed and work well with the existing drawer slides.
Does anyone have practical experience or maybe a guide on if and how this can be done with the Brimnes? Thanks in advance for any help!
Soft-close mechanisms are not standard for Brimnes drawers. Retrofitting is only possible if you replace the entire drawer slides.
Regular dampers can be installed but are usually visible and not ideal. It’s best to look for soft-close drawer slides with compatible dimensions.
Regular dampers can be installed but are usually visible and not ideal. It’s best to look for soft-close drawer slides with compatible dimensions.
Hello praapex,
I understand your concern well, as drawers slamming shut can indeed be annoying. Basically, the Brimnes model is equipped with very simple drawer slides that do not support a soft-close function.
If you want to retrofit soft-close, you will either need compatible soft-close drawer slides that match the dimensions and mounting of the Brimnes drawers, or you will have to use external dampers.
These dampers, often called slow-close, can be attached to the sides of the drawers or cabinet and reduce the slamming. However, they are usually visible and require precise installation.
A complete replacement of the drawer slides is technically the best solution because then the drawer closes gently and quietly, without having to install additional dampers. However, you may need to make adjustments to the furniture, as Ikea models use their own special dimensions.
If you want to look at DIY kits: pay attention to the maximum load and the measurements of the existing drawer slides. If that is too complicated, it’s better to buy furniture with an integrated soft-close function.
I hope this helps you!
I understand your concern well, as drawers slamming shut can indeed be annoying. Basically, the Brimnes model is equipped with very simple drawer slides that do not support a soft-close function.
If you want to retrofit soft-close, you will either need compatible soft-close drawer slides that match the dimensions and mounting of the Brimnes drawers, or you will have to use external dampers.
These dampers, often called slow-close, can be attached to the sides of the drawers or cabinet and reduce the slamming. However, they are usually visible and require precise installation.
A complete replacement of the drawer slides is technically the best solution because then the drawer closes gently and quietly, without having to install additional dampers. However, you may need to make adjustments to the furniture, as Ikea models use their own special dimensions.
If you want to look at DIY kits: pay attention to the maximum load and the measurements of the existing drawer slides. If that is too complicated, it’s better to buy furniture with an integrated soft-close function.
I hope this helps you!
Regarding the technical aspect of your question, praapex:
I have worked on similar projects with IKEA furniture and can say that retrofitting soft-close mechanisms on Brimnes drawers without any modifications is quite challenging. The original slides are simple roller or ball joint systems without damping.
Here is an overview of the options:
- Replacing the slides: Combined soft-close ball-bearing slides are available on the market, but usually in standard lengths of 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 inches). Brimnes drawers often have custom dimensions, so you will either need to cut them or make precise adjustments.
- Retrofit dampers: Mechanical or hydraulic dampers can be mounted on the inner edge of the drawers. However, you need to ensure that the dampers do not obstruct and that the full usable drawer space is maintained.
It is also important to consider how much space there is between the drawer and the cabinet wall. In Brimnes furniture, this gap is quite narrow, which makes installation more difficult.
Please note:
- If you want to replace the slides, you may need to modify the drill holes, and this could void the warranty.
- Taking exact measurements with a caliper beforehand is advisable.
If you like, I can recommend some models and sources that I have personally tested.
When retrofitting without modifying the furniture, you will hardly avoid making compromises in the installation.
I have worked on similar projects with IKEA furniture and can say that retrofitting soft-close mechanisms on Brimnes drawers without any modifications is quite challenging. The original slides are simple roller or ball joint systems without damping.
Here is an overview of the options:
- Replacing the slides: Combined soft-close ball-bearing slides are available on the market, but usually in standard lengths of 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 inches). Brimnes drawers often have custom dimensions, so you will either need to cut them or make precise adjustments.
- Retrofit dampers: Mechanical or hydraulic dampers can be mounted on the inner edge of the drawers. However, you need to ensure that the dampers do not obstruct and that the full usable drawer space is maintained.
It is also important to consider how much space there is between the drawer and the cabinet wall. In Brimnes furniture, this gap is quite narrow, which makes installation more difficult.
Please note:
- If you want to replace the slides, you may need to modify the drill holes, and this could void the warranty.
- Taking exact measurements with a caliper beforehand is advisable.
If you like, I can recommend some models and sources that I have personally tested.
When retrofitting without modifying the furniture, you will hardly avoid making compromises in the installation.
I tried this with my Brimnes bed – retrofitting soft-close is a bit like trying to teach a penguin to fly 🐧
Jokes aside: the standard drawers simply aren’t designed for soft-close, and the drawer runners are so narrow and basic that I couldn’t find a concealed solution.
I ended up installing small dampers from a hardware store that hook onto the side. I didn’t want to go through more effort. It works fairly well, even though they are visible and don’t look perfect.
If you want a smooth closing action, you should either choose a different model or bite the bullet and replace the drawer runners – as Domau0 said. But hey, it’s definitely better than slamming!
Jokes aside: the standard drawers simply aren’t designed for soft-close, and the drawer runners are so narrow and basic that I couldn’t find a concealed solution.
I ended up installing small dampers from a hardware store that hook onto the side. I didn’t want to go through more effort. It works fairly well, even though they are visible and don’t look perfect.
If you want a smooth closing action, you should either choose a different model or bite the bullet and replace the drawer runners – as Domau0 said. But hey, it’s definitely better than slamming!
Hello praapex,
if you want a technically sound solution, I would recommend the following step-by-step approach:
1. Measure the drawer dimensions and slide rails precisely (length, width, mounting points).
2. Look for soft-close ball-bearing drawer slides with matching dimensions, ideally in the range of typical Ikea drawer sizes (usually 40-50cm (16-20 inches)).
3. Check whether the mounting points are compatible with the new slides or how much modification will be needed.
4. Replace the old slides with the soft-close models and test the function several times.
5. If replacement is not possible, external dampers might be an alternative. Make sure the dampers do not interfere with the drawer closing.
Common mistakes include:
- Buying slides with incorrect dimensions.
- Positioning the dampers incorrectly so the drawer no longer locks properly.
- Not leaving enough space for the mechanism.
Retrofitting is possible if you are willing to modify the drawer somewhat. Unfortunately, Ikea Brimnes is not designed for easy retrofitting.
If you want, I can provide you with a list of suitable slide models and damper sets.
if you want a technically sound solution, I would recommend the following step-by-step approach:
1. Measure the drawer dimensions and slide rails precisely (length, width, mounting points).
2. Look for soft-close ball-bearing drawer slides with matching dimensions, ideally in the range of typical Ikea drawer sizes (usually 40-50cm (16-20 inches)).
3. Check whether the mounting points are compatible with the new slides or how much modification will be needed.
4. Replace the old slides with the soft-close models and test the function several times.
5. If replacement is not possible, external dampers might be an alternative. Make sure the dampers do not interfere with the drawer closing.
Common mistakes include:
- Buying slides with incorrect dimensions.
- Positioning the dampers incorrectly so the drawer no longer locks properly.
- Not leaving enough space for the mechanism.
Retrofitting is possible if you are willing to modify the drawer somewhat. Unfortunately, Ikea Brimnes is not designed for easy retrofitting.
If you want, I can provide you with a list of suitable slide models and damper sets.
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