ᐅ How can the Ikea Hemnes series be upgraded with smart gadgets?

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased the Ikea Hemnes sideboard and am considering how to upgrade this piece of furniture with smart gadgets to enhance both comfort and functionality in daily use. My ideas include smart lighting, automatic organization, or even integration into a smart home system. However, I’m unsure which technical solutions are practical to implement without negatively affecting the sideboard’s design or stability.

Therefore, my question is: How can the Ikea Hemnes sideboard be specifically upgraded with smart gadgets, which devices are particularly recommended, and how can installation be kept as simple as possible? I’m especially interested in experiences with lighting controls, wireless modules, or sensor-controlled extensions.

Looking forward to your tips and constructive suggestions!

Hi Lislis,

for the Hemnes sideboard, you can attach smart LED lighting underneath the top edge. Installation is simple, for example using self-adhesive strips. For control, use Zigbee or Wi-Fi controlled controllers that can be operated via app or voice assistant.

Sensors can be easily placed on the back to activate the light when motion is detected. Just make sure to consider the power supply – power banks or wall outlets are the most practical options.

Hello Lislis,

I’m taking the liberty to respond to your question in detail, as there are several important points to consider when upgrading a Hemnes sideboard with smart features.

First of all: the Hemnes sideboard is made of solid wood and is relatively sturdy, which has both advantages and disadvantages. It’s beneficial because you can attach durable additional modules, but it’s also a drawback since many standard built-in modules for furniture are designed more for hollow spaces.

If you want to integrate smart lighting, I recommend using addressable LED strips (e.g., WS2812B or similar), which can be installed inside or under the edges. This allows you to realize basic lighting as well as color changes. It’s important to clarify in advance how you want to manage the power supply—power adapters with concealed cables or rechargeable batteries with inductive charging stations.

Another smart option would be magnetic sensors on the doors to automatically activate lighting or push notifications when opened. Battery-powered wireless sensors with Zigbee or Z-Wave connectivity are suitable for this.

If integration into a larger smart home system is planned, devices with open protocols (MQTT, Zigbee, Z-Wave) are preferable since they are flexibly expandable.

Regarding organization, you can also add smart containers or labeling systems with NFC or QR codes that can be accessed via smartphone—although this is somewhat more complex.

Do you already use specific smart home platforms (e.g., Home Assistant, Apple HomeKit)? That would significantly influence the choice of devices.

I’d be happy to learn more about your requirements and technical setup so I can offer more targeted advice.

Palenar schrieb:
If you want to integrate smart lighting, I recommend using addressable LED strips (e.g., WS2812B or similar), which you can install indoors or under edges.

That’s a good tip. Additionally, I would say that wiring must be carefully planned before installation to avoid visible cables.

Often, cables can be routed through the back panel area, as long as it is not completely sealed – for example, the back panel of the Hemnes sideboard is made of thin material, so a cable channel can usually be hidden without major issues.

For power supply, you can also consider smart power strips or flush-mounted modules that are compatible with voice control.

If you want to stay mobile, USB power banks are an option as well, but only if the runtime suits your usage scenario.

benon schrieb:
You can often run cables through the back panel area, as long as it is not completely sealed – with the Hemnes sideboard, the back panel is made of thin material, so it is usually possible to hide a cable channel without major issues.

Cool, so you can basically create a small "invisible tech upgrade" – I really like that!

I’ve experimented with smart LED strips controlled by motion sensors. It creates really stylish effects, especially in the evening, without having to search for a light switch. If you want more than just individual spotlights and are aiming for an ambient atmosphere, I can definitely recommend it.

You can also discreetly hide small Bluetooth speakers inside the sideboard, so your living room corner becomes a smart entertainment spot! 😉

How about you, Lislis? Are you already using smart home platforms, or do you prefer to keep things as simple as possible?