ᐅ How can I optimize IKEA Brimnes furniture for small apartments?

Hello everyone,

I live in a very small apartment and am currently considering how to best optimize the IKEA Brimnes furniture to make the most of the available space. Specifically, I’m interested in tips on how to modify or complement the wardrobes, beds, or dressers to expand storage in a practical way while keeping everything functional and aesthetically pleasing.

What I appreciate about the Brimnes range is its clean design and the fact that it seems quite flexible, but in small rooms you eventually reach certain limits. Are there any specific hacks, modifications, or additions that have proven effective? Ideas related to multifunctional use or clever organizing systems would also be great.

I would appreciate it if you could share your experiences or systematic approaches, especially considering the typical space situation of small apartments (e.g., about 20-25 m² (215-270 sq ft) of living area). Thanks in advance!

pagelis schrieb:
I live in a very small apartment and am currently considering how to best optimize the IKEA Brimnes furniture to make the most of the available space.

There are many ways to optimize the Brimnes range for small apartments, which should ideally be tailored to the specific room layout and usage requirements.

First, I recommend carefully assessing which Brimnes pieces you already have or plan to get – this will help when selecting additional items. Basically, the storage cabinets with drawers are very flexible, but adding internal dividers can create much more organization:

- Use of compartment dividers and boxes inside the drawers to fully utilize their depth and maintain order.
- Installing a slim hook rail behind the cabinet doors for hanging smaller items or bags.

Second, consider the possibility of modifying the bed from the Brimnes series. The bed often includes storage space under the mattress that can be equipped with custom-sized containers, such as shallow plastic bins that can be easily pulled out.

Third, if wall space is available, installing modular shelving units in combination with Brimnes furniture can be very efficient. Especially in small apartments, this allows you to use vertical space effectively.

Finally, it is worthwhile to coordinate the furniture’s colors and materials – less is often more in small rooms. A consistent look creates clean lines and makes the space appear tidier.

Important: Have you already planned which specific furniture pieces you will use, the dimensions of the main rooms, and your usage habits? This information helps provide more targeted suggestions.

Surela schrieb:
Secondly, consider the option of converting the bed from the Brimnes series.

An important point. I would add the tip that the storage space under the Brimnes bed can be very effectively organized with rolling storage boxes. This greatly improves accessibility, especially in small rooms where there isn’t much space to pull things out.

I would also recommend using older, narrow organizing boxes or small drawer inserts in the dressers to better divide the space. This helps avoid wasted space, which often hides behind large drawer openings.

Additionally, if the furniture backs are against a wall that’s not visible, you can use hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro) or hooks to hang lightweight items, such as dusters or hangers.

pagelis schrieb:
Are there any special hacks, modifications, or additions that have proven useful? Ideas related to multifunctional use or clever organization systems would also be great.

Here’s a summary of some practical tips I’ve used myself with Brimnes furniture in small apartments, organized by furniture type:

- Cabinets: Install additional pull-out shelves or use custom-made storage boards to make better vertical use of space and create smaller compartments.
- Bed: Replace the slatted frame with a solid wooden base and roll shallow storage boxes underneath. I also added extra plug-in compartments to the headboard.
- Dressers: Instead of the usual laundry compartments, use removable internal organizing boxes. This helps create clear organizational zones.

Additionally, I recommend attaching small magnetic containers to the inside of doors for storing small items or tools.

A common mistake is overloading furniture or cluttering it with too many small elements—this quickly makes the space look messy. It’s better to have fewer but well-thought-out organizational aids.

Thanks for the great food for thought, really an interesting topic!