ᐅ How can I optimize IKEA Hemnes furniture for small spaces?

Hello everyone,

I plan to use some furniture from the IKEA Hemnes series for my small apartment, but I am facing the challenge of making the most of the available space without overcrowding the rooms. Therefore, my question is: How can I best adapt or arrange IKEA Hemnes furniture for small spaces to maximize both storage and freedom of movement? I am especially interested in tips for combining different pieces, possible modifications to the furniture itself, or clever usage ideas specifically suited for small rooms with limited floor area. Are there, for example, ways to convert or enhance Hemnes furniture to be multifunctional? I look forward to well-founded, practical suggestions and perhaps firsthand experiences with the series in small living spaces.

That’s a very good question. IKEA Hemnes furniture is generally solid wood and therefore sturdy, but this can sometimes be an issue in small rooms because the pieces can appear quite bulky.

To optimize them for small spaces, I recommend the following steps:

- Reduction by selection: Instead of using the complete Hemnes set, choose individual key pieces, for example, a narrower chest of drawers instead of a large wardrobe.
- Use height: Many Hemnes items are quite tall. It can be useful to complement them with tall shelves or use the tops as surfaces for baskets or boxes to expand vertical storage.
- Modifications: Some Hemnes dressers can be fitted with casters to make them mobile. This can be especially helpful in small rooms where furniture often needs to be moved quickly.
- Multifunction: For example, if you use the Hemnes daybed as a sofa, it can save space during the day while serving as a bed at night.

It would be important to know the height of your ceilings and which rooms you want to furnish specifically—living room, bedroom, hallway? Then I can give you more targeted advice, such as whether deep shelves are suitable or if furniture with glass or open elements makes sense to maintain a spacious feel.

How large are the areas you want to design exactly?

To complement and clearly structure the topic:

- IKEA Hemnes furniture is known for its classic, simple design, which positively affects small spaces by reducing cluttered appearances.
- Maximizing volume utilization with furniture that offers high functionality is crucial in small living areas.
- It is advisable to choose combination furniture from the Hemnes series, such as dressers with drawers, as they provide storage on a small footprint.
- When shelving units are extended vertically, it is recommended to use the upper sections for items that are seldom needed.
- Using light colors in the room together with Hemnes furniture enhances the feeling of spaciousness.

Technically, the Hemnes series is rather standardized in dimensions and construction, so optimization must be achieved through space planning and the use of additional modules. Which functionalities do you prioritize most in your furniture preferences? For example, more storage, seating options, or surface areas?

kulau schrieb:
Many Hemnes pieces tend to be quite tall. It’s a good idea to complement them with tall shelving or use the tops as storage for baskets or boxes to extend vertical storage space.

This really worked well for me! I was initially concerned that the furniture would look too bulky, but by stacking decorative boxes and baskets on a Hemnes dresser, I was able to significantly increase my storage without it looking cluttered.

Another idea I tried: some drawers can be fitted with adjustable compartment inserts, which helps organize small items better and prevents mess.

Additionally, choosing multifunctional furniture—like my Hemnes sofa bed—greatly helps keep the space flexible. I’m curious to see how your project develops and whether you have similar experiences. By the way, small modifications like swapping handles can sometimes freshen up the style and simplify the look.

As an addition, I would like to point out that the stability and weight of Hemnes furniture can actually be an advantage if positioned correctly. For small rooms, you can, for example, consider corner solutions:

- Hemnes shelves or cabinets come in various widths, so you can use especially narrow options for hallways or niches.
- Use clamps or wall brackets to install shelves above Hemnes dressers or cabinets, creating additional storage space vertically without blocking the floor.
- If possible, furniture should remain movable (e.g., on casters) to make accessing otherwise hard-to-reach areas easier.

In my opinion, the most important thing is to first measure the space requirements accurately and compare the furniture dimensions with the effective walking and placement areas. A scale drawing is practical for virtually testing rearrangements and options in advance.

Also, check whether you can paint the furniture or use lighter colors if the room is very small and dark. This can significantly brighten the overall effect.