ᐅ Are there any upcycling tips for IKEA Hemnes dressers?

Here is a mini-tutorial for a simple makeover:

- Step 1: Remove drawers and take off the handles
- Step 2: Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper to reduce gloss
- Step 3: Choose a chalk-based or acrylic paint for each surface (e.g., pastel or muted colors)
- Step 4: Apply the paint thinly and evenly with a brush or roller
- Step 5: After drying, apply a protective layer (wax or matte clear coat)
- Step 6: Install new handles, such as ceramic or metal

Good sanding and proper ventilation during painting are important. If you want to upgrade the interior parts, felt or fabric can be used as lining.

You can also attach casters at the bottom if you want to make the chest of drawers more versatile. This adds mobility without significantly changing its appearance. Simply order casters compatible with Ikea and fix them underneath.

TEBILO schrieb:
Regarding handles, I recommend metal handles in vintage or industrial style.

That sounds interesting. Could you give some examples of what to look for in handles? I mean, the Hemnes dresser has quite a sturdy front—what types of screws are suitable? Do you think it's necessary to enlarge the holes, or is using the existing ones sufficient?

Additionally, I'm curious if anyone has experience with combining wood stains and paint coatings on Hemnes furniture. I’m aiming for a very subtle look, but I don’t want fully painted surfaces.

Regarding changing handles: Many Hemnes models come with pre-drilled holes, usually matching standard handle sizes with 128 mm (5 inches) or 160 mm (6 1/4 inches) spacing. If you want to use different handles, first measure the hole spacing precisely and decide if you want to fill the old holes and drill new ones. Screws with the correct thread are important—these are usually 4 mm (about 5/32 inches) screws or M4, depending on the handle.

For the finish: An important upcycling tip is to use wood stains or glazes instead of solid paint to highlight the wood grain. This works well with wax-based stains or oil-based stains, which you apply with a cloth. For a lightly protective finish, a matte clear coat can be applied afterward. This preserves the wood texture and avoids a plastic-like appearance.

Summary:
- Check handle measurements
- Fill holes if necessary and drill new ones
- Prefer stains or glazes over solid paint for a subtle look
- Use clear coat as a protective layer

If there is interest, I can provide a complete list of materials and tools.

onMarcos schrieb:
For the finish: An important upcycling tip is to use stains that highlight the wood grain instead of a solid paint coating.

Exactly, thank you! Are there any restrictions on the types of wood used in the Hemnes furniture? I assume it’s pine or spruce?

What about the environmental friendliness of the products? Are there any recommendations for low-emission stains or waxes that still look good?

Also, I’d like to know if anyone has experience combining upcycling of the dresser with the integration of LED lighting inside? I can imagine such a combination would make the piece even more modern and practical.