ᐅ Are there any upcycling projects using Ikea Hemnes furniture?

Hello everyone,

I am currently focusing on the topic of upcycling and came up with the idea that Ikea furniture, due to its popularity and construction, might be particularly well suited for creative and sustainable transformation. I am especially interested in the Hemnes series, which is relatively sturdy and versatile.

My question for you is: Are there already known or popular upcycling projects that specifically use Ikea Hemnes furniture as a base? For example, redesigns where the original piece is significantly altered or enhanced to serve a completely different purpose or feature a new design?

I would really appreciate concrete examples, tips on suitable models within the Hemnes series, and possibly suggestions on materials or techniques used.

Thanks in advance for your experiences and advice!

The question is very relevant for anyone who, like you, wants to use furniture sustainably.

Some time ago, I transformed an old Hemnes dresser into a small open shoe cabinet by simply removing the drawers and sanding the inside surfaces. Then I treated it with colored wood oil and installed light wall brackets.

It’s not a highly complex project, but these simple DIY tasks are especially motivating because you can see that with minimal effort, you can create something completely new.

I’m also curious: Are there specific techniques to prepare typical Hemnes wood even better? Or methods that work better than just sanding and oiling?

Ikea Hemnes is great for upcycling because it is made of solid wood.

Many people sand the furniture, repaint it, or modify it, for example turning dressers into tables.

Try searching for "Hemnes upcycling" – you’ll quickly find inspiration.

To fully understand the topic of upcycling Ikea Hemnes furniture, it is important to first know the material composition and construction. Hemnes is made from solid pine wood, which makes it ideal for various surface treatments and modifications.

When it comes to upcycling, here are some proven projects that come to mind:

- Converting dressers into benches with additional storage. This often involves partially or completely removing the drawers and adding a padded seat on top.
- Adding shelves and new fronts, sometimes using MDF boards with decorative foil to create a completely new look.
- Creating tables or desks from drawer units, where some drawers are kept intact but the tabletop is either replaced or mounted higher.

It is always essential to properly prepare the surfaces before repainting: thorough sanding, possibly a final primer coat, followed by painting with a suitable wood paint. Who here likes to work with special techniques like chalk paint or oils? What experiences have you had with durability?

To better narrow down the question: Are you looking for projects that create entirely new furniture pieces, or more for cosmetic upgrades of existing Hemnes furniture?

kibutar schrieb:
Are you looking for projects that create completely new furniture pieces or more of a visual upgrade using existing Hemnes furniture?

That is a very good addition because in upcycling, there is often a clear distinction between simple redesign and a complete recombination.

To return to the original question: Yes, there are many projects with Ikea Hemnes that are very versatile. For example, dressers have been modified for small home offices by replacing doors with open shelves to improve accessibility. It is also common to use wallpaper or fabric as a backing in display cabinets to create a completely different visual impression.

If you don’t have much experience with DIY, I would recommend starting with manageable details to gain a sense of achievement. Beyond sustainability, it is mainly about enjoying the creative process.

What kind of furniture would you specifically like to upcycle?

renpeo schrieb:
What type of furniture do you specifically want to upcycle?

Thanks for asking!

I am currently focusing mainly on dressers and smaller cabinets from the Hemnes series, as these are commonly found in both bedrooms and living areas and can be adapted more flexibly. I am particularly interested in projects where the function is changed – for example, a dresser transformed into a seating unit or shelving element.

It would be great if you could share specific projects where you have carried out such transformations or know of them, including the materials used and any challenges you encountered.

Tips on handling are also welcome, especially regarding working with pine wood in this format.