ᐅ How can I adapt Ikea Hemnes furniture for rental apartments?

Created on: 2 Sep 2022 18:37
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Royalbo
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Royalbo
2 Sep 2022 18:37
Hello everyone,

I have a somewhat specific question regarding customizing Ikea Hemnes furniture for rental apartments. Since I really like my Hemnes pieces, I want to adapt them as flexibly and gently as possible to fit the wall and room layout of my rental, without damaging the building fabric or making major modifications that could cause issues when moving out.

Specifically, I’m interested in how to modify shelves, cabinets, or sideboards from the Hemnes series so they not only fit the room layout better but also look more attractive, ideally without the need for cutting or drilling — or at least with very minimal invasive measures. Are there smart workarounds for secure wall mounting, changing the appearance through paint or surface treatments, or adding more storage with clever extras?

Does anyone have practical experience or tips on how to adapt these furniture pieces in a rental-friendly way while maintaining stability and aesthetics? I look forward to your suggestions and examples of how you have solved this. Thanks in advance!
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baupau
2 Sep 2022 19:02
It is best to use clamp mounts or furniture back panels with edge protection. This way, Hemnes can be easily expanded or combined without drilling. Removable Velcro straps also allow for flexible attachment of items. Anything that creates extra storage works well with stackable baskets that match the series.
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RETRAVIS
2 Sep 2022 20:45
Hemnes furniture can be easily adapted for rental apartments using modular add-ons. It is important not to damage the original structure, as any damage must be avoided when moving out.

Specific tips:
- Use self-adhesive wall hooks or metal adhesive strips for lighter wall attachments instead of drilling.
- For additional storage space, interior organizers can be used that do not require any structural modifications.
- Visually, you can customize wood finishes with removable films or matte spray paints; these can be removed without leaving residue.

Pay attention to load capacity: Do not leave areas subject to heavy loads unsupported. Hemnes furniture is sturdy, but without wall anchoring, it may tip over under high load.
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Josefane
3 Sep 2022 07:53
I often find the statement that drilling is strictly forbidden in rental apartments confusing. Not every landlord prohibits small drill holes, especially when they are done carefully. Since the Hemnes series is made of solid wood or veneered wood, there are often opportunities to carefully insert screws or anchors that can be sealed when moving out.
RETRAVIS schrieb:
Hemnes furniture is sturdy, but without wall anchoring, it can easily tip over under heavy load.
I think this is an important point. Rental apartments can vary, so it’s best to clarify whether small nails are allowed before relying solely on adhesive methods, which are not always secure.

One alternative might be to use furniture fittings between individual parts of the Hemnes pieces to extend or enlarge them, which can offer more flexibility in rental apartments. Are there any experiences with this?
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Elias
3 Sep 2022 10:11
I find this question very important because I had to be careful myself when moving with my Hemnes dresser. It is really not easy to rearrange fully assembled furniture without leaving noticeable marks.

What I have learned:
- For wall mounting, so-called "no-drill" kits (such as clamp brackets or sturdy chipboard screws with appropriate washers) can sometimes be an option if the landlord agrees.
- Self-adhesive furniture feet or felt pads also help protect the floor and make the furniture easier to move.

I often feel uncertain if I might be overdoing it, but out of respect for the rental agreement, I try to keep everything reversible.
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pikin
4 Sep 2022 08:16
To complement the previous answers:

- Furniture film provides flexibility in appearance without damaging the furniture. It can be completely removed if needed.
- Painting with removable chalk paint is an option if you follow up with careful sanding using fine-grit sandpaper and paint remover.
- For additional storage, stackable modular baskets and boxes that fit into Hemnes shelving units are suitable.
- Alternatively, pull-out boards or rolling lower shelf units offer a way to make the furniture more functional without permanent modifications.

Regarding attachment: Safety anchors that can be easily detached, such as clamp brackets from furniture accessory ranges, are ideal for rental apartments.