ᐅ Are there any tips or tricks to make IKEA Hemnes furniture child-safe?

Hello everyone, I’m currently considering how to make IKEA Hemnes furniture—especially dressers and cabinets—childproof. Are there smart tips or proven methods to make the furniture safer for small children who like to climb or open drawers? Ideally, without significantly affecting the appearance, but of course, edge protection should also be taken into account. I’m grateful for any advice offering practical and as simple as possible solutions, for example regarding anchoring, locking drawers, or material protection to prevent finger injuries. Thanks in advance!

Hello narpau37, that is a really important question! 😊 I have Hemnes furniture at home myself and can share some tips with you: - Definitely make sure to secure the furniture to the wall to prevent tipping! - Use self-adhesive child safety locks for drawers, which are usually easy to install and quite effective. - Corner protectors made of silicone or foam can help prevent accidents. - For some drawers, I have installed internal locks that require firm pressure to open. Just check your local hardware store for “child safety furniture locks,” where you’ll usually find various models. Keep at it, you can do this!

The wall anchoring is truly the most important safety feature for Hemnes furniture, as it is built quite sturdy but can easily tip over due to its height. Additionally, I recommend installing so-called "magnetic child safety locks" in the drawers, which are discreet and do not show any visible latches. This helps maintain the overall appearance of the furniture. There are also flexible edge protectors available in various types; personally, I find the transparent models best, as they are nearly invisible.

Wall mounting, child safety locks for drawers, and corner protectors. Usually, that’s all you need.

Thanks for the tips so far! I already have suitable mounting kits from the manufacturer for anchoring, but I want to get more detailed information: Are there any special considerations when wall-mounting Hemnes furniture? For example, posts, back panels, or materials that might commonly lead to issues? Specifically, I’m interested in whether it’s okay to mount directly through the back panel or if it’s better to attach to the side of the frame to ensure optimal stability.

Very good question. The Hemnes line usually has a back panel made of thin particle board, which is not ideal for supporting heavy loads. I recommend, if possible, attaching the furniture to the wall via the side frame, which is generally made of sturdier wood components. Some cabinets come with metal brackets for mounting; be sure to use these. If you mount only through the back panel, there is a risk that screws will loosen because the panel may split or break. It is also important to choose screws and anchors appropriate for the type of wall (drywall, brick, concrete) and to check the load-bearing capacity beforehand. If the furniture should be tip-resistant, installing at least two fastening points is advisable. It is also important to use the correct screw length so they penetrate the wall sufficiently. Additionally, consider placing painter’s tape or felt underneath to prevent damage to the furniture.