ᐅ Are there effective DIY ideas for remodeling the IKEA Brimnes furniture?

TYRELL schrieb:
I’m interested in details like the size of your wardrobe and whether you already have experience with painting or finishing work?

Thank you for the detailed reply. The wardrobe is a typical two-door model, approximately 100 cm (40 inches) wide and 190 cm (75 inches) high. I have only limited experience with painting or finishing work but have the basic equipment and feel confident enough to try. My main goal is to change the design while optimizing functionality with more storage space or better organization. The material should be affected as little as possible, and stability must not be compromised.

I always find it interesting how much some people focus on DIY modifications of IKEA furniture. Honestly, the Brimnes series is already quite versatile if you use it correctly. Instead of just altering the surface, I would suggest questioning the fundamental purpose of the piece. What do you really need this cabinet for? If you urgently need more storage space, wouldn’t it make more sense to add a separate shelving system? Or perhaps consider something second-hand? I doubt that any modification of the Brimnes will be more than cosmetic and temporary—the core construction is cheaply made. For truly striking results, you either have to put in a huge amount of work or accept effects that fade quickly.

theota schrieb:
I doubt that any modification of the Brimnes lasts longer than cosmetic and temporary

I would argue that the lifespan of a piece of furniture largely depends on how it is maintained and handled by the user. With proper surface sealing, for example a multi-layer lacquer finish, durability can be significantly improved. It is also quite possible to achieve quality improvements by replacing fittings and built-in components. Of course, the prerequisite is careful workmanship.

I painted my Brimnes with chalkboard paint, which was very simple and looks really good. I only replaced the handles with leather straps, which enhances the appearance and is easy to do.

One should not underestimate how much lighting can change the overall impression. In some DIY projects, LEDs are installed inside, creating entirely new possibilities, especially when cabinet doors are replaced with mirrors or glass. However, yes, that is technically more challenging.

GEKAU51 schrieb:
One should not underestimate how much lighting can change the impression.

That sounds interesting. How exactly would you install LEDs in the Brimnes cabinet? Are there any proven methods that a beginner can safely apply? My main concerns are the power supply and hiding the cables.