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

Created on: 8 May 2020 09:13

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!

Jonatanpau8 May 2020 11:59

Thanks, FEKAU and Danabla, for your detailed tips! I think I will actually start with the wall shelf made from the drawer.

Does anyone have experience converting it into a coffee table? I have seen that some attach casters to the drawers and use them as a small table solution. How is the stability and sturdiness in that case? And which casters would you recommend?

Jaime8 May 2020 12:33

Converting the drawer into a table solution is quite practical if you equip the drawer from underneath with casters and reinforce the inside if necessary. It is advisable to use swivel casters with a locking mechanism to prevent the table from rolling away.

It should be noted that the drawers are not designed for heavy loads, so this is more suitable as a light side table rather than a full-sized coffee table. Adding an extra tabletop on top can protect and stabilize the surface.

FEKAU8 May 2020 13:17

Jaime schrieb:
It is recommended to use swivel casters with a locking mechanism to prevent the table from rolling away.

Exactly. For maximum stability, casters with sufficient load capacity (about 20 kg (44 lbs) per caster) should be selected and mounted directly to the base plate. The classic Hemnes drawer is cross-glued, so be careful with excessive weight.

Sealing the surface is also advisable to ensure the table remains durable.

Mobozar8 May 2020 14:02

#10

Simply screw on the casters, paint the surface, and the small rolling table is ready. I use it as a bedside table. It works well.

GALEO48 May 2020 16:48

#11

I find that all these upcycling ideas are often overrated. Most of the time, you end up with half-hearted DIY projects where the furniture actually looked better before. Why not just dispose of the drawers or recycle them properly? These improvisations often turn out to be a waste of time and money.

Specifically regarding the Ikea Hemnes: anyone expecting the pieces to be easily transformed into something elegant without much effort is usually mistaken. Most projects show that the drawers are too lightly built for more elaborate uses.

Jonatanpau9 May 2020 07:22

#12

GALEO4 schrieb:
Why not just dispose of the drawers or recycle them properly?

I understand your point, thank you for the critical perspective. However, my goal is precisely to avoid simply throwing resources away and instead create practical secondary uses with minimal effort and material consumption.

Of course, the Hemnes drawers are not very solid, but their construction is suitable for simple projects where professional furniture quality is not required. Your opinion does make me think about how truly sustainable upcycling is compared to recycling.

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

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