ᐅ How can I modify Ikea Hemnes furniture to make it child-friendly?

Hello community,

I have several Ikea Hemnes furniture pieces at home, mainly dressers and shelves, which I would like to modify to be more child-friendly. My focus is especially on safety aspects such as padded edges, secure locks, but also on ease of use for children – meaning the furniture should be sturdy enough, free of harmful substances, and safe to prevent little fingers from getting pinched.

My specific question is: What proven methods and materials can you recommend to modify Hemnes furniture to make it safe and functional for toddlers up to about 5 years old? I am particularly interested in how to make the doors and drawers childproof, and whether there are special installation tips to prevent the furniture from tipping over.

I would also like to know if you use certain products from hardware stores or craft sections that work well with Hemnes furniture without drastically altering its appearance. I would appreciate any helpful experiences, for example with clamp locks or edge protectors.

Thanks in advance for your tips!

Errolli schrieb:
My specific question is: What proven methods and materials can you recommend to modify Hemnes furniture so that it is safe and functional for toddlers up to about 5 years old?

Hello Errolli,

Your concern is very important, especially with freestanding furniture like the Hemnes dressers, where safety should definitely be a top priority. Here are a few suggestions from me:

- Edge protection: Soft foam or rubber strips that can be attached to corners and edges with self-adhesive tape. These are relatively discreet and protect against bump injuries.

- Drawer locks: Magnetic catches or so-called “clever locks” from hardware stores prevent young children from opening drawers on their own. They can be removed without leaving any residue, and IKEA also offers specific child safety locks.

- Securing furniture: It is very important to install anti-tip straps or brackets to the wall because dressers can easily tip over if children pull or climb on them.

- Paint and materials: When refinishing the furniture (e.g., sanding or repainting), it is advisable to use non-toxic, saliva-resistant child-safe sealants.

- Handle options: If you are still flexible, I recommend using wooden knobs or rounded handles, as children can hurt themselves on sharp handles.

If you want, I can also provide some product names and sources from hardware stores. It is crucial to install all safety components carefully to ensure nothing is loose.

I hope these tips help you already!

Errolli schrieb:
I’m especially interested in how to make the doors and drawers childproof and whether there are any special installation tips to prevent the furniture from tipping over.

Hello Errolli,

I’d be happy to go through this topic in a structured way. For making Ikea Hemnes furniture childproof, especially the doors and drawers, I recommend the following three-step approach:

1. Drawer and Door Safety:
- Use concealed magnetic or latch locks installed inside the corners of the doors, so children cannot operate them.
- Avoid visible external locks if you want to preserve the design.
- Make sure the locks are easy for adults to open, so you don’t have to struggle to unlock every drawer.

2. Stability Against Tipping:
- Use the wall anchors supplied by Ikea, plus additional anti-tip brackets from a hardware store.
- Attach the furniture to solid walls—drywall should be reinforced with spacers or stronger anchors.
- Position the safety brackets at a height that makes it difficult for children to detach them.

3. Edge Protection Optimization:
- Besides foam edge guards, you can install so-called “soft edge guards” that are almost invisible, mounted behind the furniture edges.
- For finishing touches, I recommend child-safe, clear varnish if you sand or refurbish the wood.

Summary: With integrated magnetic locks, secure wall anchors, and targeted edge protection, your Hemnes furniture will be much safer for small children. It’s important to choose materials that are durable and visually compatible with the furniture.

If you like, I can also write a short guide on how to install the magnetic locks yourself.

Ramon4 schrieb:
Magnetic locks or so-called "clever locks" from hardware stores prevent little ones from opening drawers on their own.

Thanks for the tip! I had already been considering such locks, since with Hemnes furniture it's sometimes difficult to secure the doors while keeping them easy to operate. Do you think these "clever locks" can be installed so that they are hardly visible from the outside?

LOGEMIN schrieb:
If you want, I can also write a short guide on how to install magnetic locks yourself.

That sounds great, yes please! I think that could really help to make the modification exactly right so it works well and looks good.

Also, I’m thinking about edge protection: How does the material hold up if I use foam edge guards, for example? Based on experience, is that durable enough for regular child’s play, or would silicone-based edges be better?

Looking forward to more practical advice and tips, especially on how you have treated the upholstery or possibly the wood, if anyone has done that before.

Errolli schrieb:
Do you think it’s possible to install these "Clever Locks" so that they are hardly visible from the outside?

Absolutely, I’ve been using these locks for years on a Hemnes dresser for my twins. You can install them inside the drawers, so they are barely visible from the outside. It’s important to take accurate measurements and install them properly to ensure they hold well.

Regarding edge protection: In my experience, simple foam edge guards are very soft and good for impact, but they can tear easily over time if kids frequently bump or scratch them. Silicone-based edge guards are much more durable and are often easier to clean.

You might also consider covering the edges with a clear, soft yet sturdy plastic protective cover — these are available for children’s furniture, easy to apply, and offer excellent protection.

I also padded the furniture legs a bit, as my little one tends to run into them. And I completely agree with the tip on anti-tip straps: definitely secure them to the wall, as that has prevented several accidents for me!

Good luck with the renovation — I really appreciate how much thought you’re putting into it!