ᐅ Are there any upcycling ideas for old Ikea Hemnes drawers?

Hello everyone,

I have several old Ikea Hemnes drawers at home that are no longer part of a cabinet, and I would like to upcycle them in a useful way. My question is: Are there any practical and creative upcycling ideas specifically for old Ikea Hemnes drawers that allow them to be reused as furniture pieces, storage solutions, or decorations? I am especially interested in instructions or suggestions that can be done with minimal effort and make use of the typical sturdy construction of these drawers. I look forward to your experiences and tips!

The Hemnes drawers offer flexible upcycling options thanks to their sturdy MDF construction. Some proven ideas include:

- Wall shelves: Attach drawers to the wall, ideally with additional reinforcement on the back panel.
- Small coffee tables: Add casters to the drawers and use them as low tables or display surfaces.
- Planters: Line the drawer with plastic sheeting and use it as a planter box.
- Organizational boxes: Use the drawers as inserts within a shelving unit for storage purposes.

It is important to seal the edges if moisture is involved, for example when using them as planter boxes.

I hung my Hemnes drawers as wall shelves. Just attached four brackets, mounted them on the wall, and done.

Kabau schrieb:
I hung my Hemnes drawers as wall shelves. Simply attached four brackets, mounted them on the wall, and that’s it.

Thanks for the tip, Kabau! How did you secure the drawer to the wall? Did you use a back panel, or did you mount the drawer directly? And how stable is the wall shelf for heavier items?

I used an old Hemnes drawer to create a Scandinavian-inspired wall shelf. I completely emptied the drawer, reinforced the back panel, and secured it to the wall with small brackets. The shelf easily supports books and small decorative items.

An additional tip: You can paint the inside of the drawer in a matching color or line it with wallpaper to add a stylish accent.

Jonatanpau schrieb:
How did you attach the drawer to the wall? Do you use a back panel, or is the drawer mounted directly?

The drawer should be mounted via the back panel, as it is the most stable component. Use anchors and screws through the back panel into the wall to ensure a secure attachment.

Jonatanpau schrieb:
And how sturdy is the wall shelf for heavier items?

With proper mounting, it can support around 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs). It is recommended to check the wall type (e.g. concrete vs. drywall) and use appropriate anchors if necessary.