ᐅ How can I upgrade Ikea HEMNES furniture with fabric or upholstery?

Created on: 9 Sep 2016 19:37
J
JaUlla60
Hello everyone,

I have some Ikea Hemnes furniture at home—mainly dressers and bedside tables—and I would like to enhance them with fabric or upholstery to make them more personalized and cozy. I am thinking of options such as padded fronts, fabric inserts, or seat cushions on existing surfaces.

I am especially interested in practical techniques for combining textiles with furniture like this in a durable and aesthetically pleasing way, without compromising stability or functionality. It would also be helpful to know which types of fabric are recommended, whether specific foam materials should be used, and what to consider when attaching the materials (e.g., gluing, stapling, screwing).

Are there any experiences with upholstering Hemnes furniture, perhaps with tips on preparing the surfaces or the tools needed? I look forward to your advice and suggestions!
J
janeo
11 Sep 2016 06:50
Lucki schrieb:
For your drawer fronts, I would really recommend avoiding thick padding and perhaps using a nice fabric cover that you simply glue on.

This advice, however, deserves a critical addition: gluing fabric onto painted or oiled wood surfaces can be problematic if the adhesive needs to be removed later or if the fabric shrinks or wrinkles due to moisture or temperature changes.

To prevent this, it is advisable to consider the following points before gluing:

- Use a suitable primer that prepares the surface of your Hemnes furniture for the adhesive without damaging the wood.
- Choose an adhesive that offers some flexibility but is also reversible in case the cover needs to be changed later.
- Test the application on an inconspicuous area to observe any reactions.

Long-term aspects should also be taken into account: fabrics can fade or become soiled over time. A protective layer that is easy to clean (e.g., a clear spray finish for textiles) can help make the result more durable.

Overall, careful selection of materials and adhesive is essential for a lasting, attractive outcome.