ᐅ What is the best way to protect IKEA Brimnes furniture from scratches?

I recently purchased several pieces of furniture from the IKEA Brimnes series and am generally satisfied with the quality and design. However, I am concerned about how to best protect these items from unsightly scratches and signs of wear. Especially with the rather smooth, coated engineered wood material, small scratches tend to be quite noticeable. Therefore, I am interested in learning which methods or materials are ideal for long-term scratch protection for Brimnes furniture without affecting its appearance or feel. Do you have any experience with specific protective films, waxes, varnishes, or other care products? Also, do you have any practical tips on general handling or furniture placement to help avoid scratches? Thank you in advance for your help!

For Brimnes furniture, I recommend using transparent felt pads under all movable parts and when placing objects on the surfaces. Additionally, scratch protection films designed specifically for furniture surfaces can be used; they are transparent and provide good protection.

I am somewhat skeptical about protective films or waxes on Brimnes surfaces because the finish is impregnated with lacquer or melamine. An additional layer could alter the appearance or wear off unevenly, creating an unpleasant effect. Are there any reliable studies showing that these measures are beneficial in the long term, or do they rather increase the risk of dirt accumulating underneath, making it more difficult to clean?

The Brimnes furniture is made of particleboard with a melamine resin coating, making it resistant to moisture but less scratch-resistant. Therefore, ideal protective measures focus on preventing mechanical damage:

- Felt pads under the furniture legs and movable parts
- Avoidance of sharp-edged objects on the surfaces
- Regular cleaning with a slightly damp, soft cloth and a mild detergent

The use of protective films can be useful in certain cases, especially when frequently handling heavy or sharp-edged items. However, waxes or varnishes are not recommended, as they can damage or roughen the melamine surface.

Another recommendation from me is to regularly check the stress and pressure points on furniture like the Brimnes with drawers and cabinet doors, and if necessary, gently treat them with furniture polish specifically designed for melamine-coated surfaces. This helps maintain the surface and can slightly mask very small scratches. For heavily used areas, felt pads or something similar are more suitable.

After using my Brimnes dressers for a few months, I started having issues with annoying scratches. What helped me the most was a good combination of regular care and a certain level of awareness when using them. For example, we now always place a thin felt pad under anything we frequently move or put down. This is especially important for surfaces where keys or small metal objects are often placed. Maybe this tip will help you become more conscious about how you use your furniture.