ᐅ Are there any guides for modifying Ikea HEMNES furniture?

Created on: 7 Nov 2017 08:34
K
Kurtman
Are there detailed and reliable guides for modifying the Ikea Hemnes furniture series?

I am mainly looking for tips and step-by-step instructions on how to modify or upgrade furniture from this series without significantly compromising stability or design. I am curious if such guides are officially provided by Ikea or if there are established community methods that are compatible with the materials used in the Hemnes furniture.

Does anyone know of sources, personal experiences, or detailed instructions that thoroughly describe the modification of, for example, dressers or shelving units from this series?

I hope there are people here who have already customized these furniture pieces or know how to do so safely without damaging them completely.
R
RIDAN
7 Nov 2017 12:12
For most small renovations, a cordless drill, a fine saw, and optionally some sandpaper are sufficient.

You can easily make drawer dividers using thin wooden strips or special drawer organizers from the furniture accessories section.

Important: Take precise measurements and be careful when screwing to avoid splitting the material.
M
meole
7 Nov 2017 14:28
Kurtman schrieb:
Do you have any experience with how far you can modify these kinds of pieces using just basic tools you have at home?

I understand that it can sometimes feel intimidating, especially considering that Hemnes furniture is made of solid wood and you want to avoid making mistakes.

But it is definitely worth it, particularly if you see the furniture as long-lasting pieces. From my experience: with patience and proper preparation, it is possible even with standard tools – for example, a cordless drill, chisels, and a sharp utility knife.

The key is to take your time and proceed in small steps. Mistakes can often be concealed with some filler or paint.

What’s great about the community is that you can encourage each other if something doesn’t work out right away.
M
Meonu
8 Nov 2017 08:03
Stay relaxed during renovations! 😊

Sometimes it helps to keep in mind that HEMNES furniture is built with relatively standardized dimensions. Many small modifications are not that complicated.

A few tips I use:
- For drawer dividers, simply cut plywood panels to the right size and fix them with wood glue
- Light surface sanding with sandpaper for a better finish

If something goes wrong, you can touch it up with paint or special repair pens. So don’t be afraid of drilling and sawing – it’s usually more fun than you expect!
J
Je_nau58
8 Nov 2017 09:22
toril schrieb:
The HEMNES series is basically designed modularly, which makes remodeling easier.

This is an important point. HEMNES is not only a classic in terms of design but also, thanks to its modular construction, many modifications can actually be made if done carefully.

Furthermore, I recommend using the original screws and fittings for major alterations, since Ikea furniture often relies on a combination of gluing and fittings.

If individual parts are altered too much, this can sometimes affect stability.

However, the result is all the more satisfying when you follow a systematic approach and review the furniture’s construction plans in advance, which Ikea provides as PDFs.