ᐅ Are there alternative fittings available for the IKEA Hemnes series?

Created on: 22 Apr 2022 09:12
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Erikpi
Hello everyone,

I recently bought some Hemnes furniture from IKEA and noticed that the original fittings on some pieces seem a bit basic and not as durable as I would like. So, I’m wondering: Are there alternative fittings for IKEA Hemnes furniture that are, for example, more robust, longer-lasting, or visually more appealing? Ideally, they should be easy to install without much extra effort and at least match or exceed the original fittings in terms of functionality. I’m interested in hinges, handles, and other metal parts. Does anyone have experience or tips? Thanks in advance!
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RETRAVIS
22 Apr 2022 19:23
Erikpi schrieb:
How complex is such a minimal adjustment in practice?

In most cases, the adjustments are very minor – often it’s enough to enlarge existing drill holes or create a new hole slightly shifted by a few millimeters. Hemnes furniture typically has simple door thicknesses (about 1.8 cm (0.7 inches)), so standard hinges with a 35-millimeter (1.4-inch) cup hole usually fit.

Regarding the hinge arm model: you should pay attention to the opening angle (usually 95° or 110°), the mounting type (screw-on or inset hinge), and the load capacity. Manufacturer datasheets usually provide clear overviews. If in doubt, remove the existing hinges and compare their dimensions.
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tyson51
23 Apr 2022 08:44
I had a good experience by taking the old hinges with me to a hardware store as a reference. This way, I could directly test compatible alternatives there. Some hardware stores also offer conversion kits for soft-close hinges that are easy to install.
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gilen
23 Apr 2022 09:37
Erikpi schrieb:
Are there alternative fittings for IKEA Hemnes furniture that are, for example, more robust, durable, or visually more sophisticated?

Yes, there are. Especially with IKEA Hemnes, replacing fittings can be worthwhile for reasons of durability and appearance. In addition to hinges and handles, you can also consider other fittings such as furniture feet or mounting rails, depending on what is important to you. Hinges from Blum, Hettich, or Häfele often offer better functionality and longer lifespan. As others have mentioned, precise measuring and possibly some minor adjustment during installation are important. This way, you can essentially customize your Hemnes and significantly improve its durability.
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draFrederi
23 Apr 2022 10:14
I would like to add: You can also use this alternative to give your piece of furniture a new character. For example, if you choose matte black handles or vintage fittings, the Hemnes will look much more stylish. A bit of craftsmanship is definitely worth the effort here.
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Erikpi
23 Apr 2022 11:02
Thank you for all the helpful information so far!

I think I will look for alternatives for the handles with a 64mm (2.5 inches) hole spacing, ideally made of metal with a slightly thicker feel, and I will check Blum soft-close hinges. I also want to make sure that the installation remains as simple as possible, so that the original drill holes don’t have to be significantly altered.

One last question for the group: Are there any experiences with alternative fittings regarding whether the doors can be adjusted better, or are they already pretty well aligned with Hemnes? Thanks again!
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klo61
23 Apr 2022 11:55
Erikpi schrieb:
Are there any Erfahrungswerte with the alternative fittings on whether the doors can be adjusted better, or are they already quite well set on Hemnes?

The hinges on Hemnes are relatively basic, so high-quality alternative fittings usually offer more options for fine adjustments on multiple levels (height, depth, lateral positioning). This allows for significantly more precise adjustment and a longer-lasting fit of the doors, especially when minor shifts occur from use. Therefore, using soft-close hinges from Blum or Hettich really provides an advantage compared to the original IKEA fittings.