ᐅ How can IKEA Hemnes furniture be adapted for rental apartments?

Created on: 3 Dec 2020 19:07
M
minnu
M
minnu
3 Dec 2020 19:07
Hello everyone,

I joined this forum because I often work with IKEA Hemnes furniture in rental apartments and am curious about the best ways to adapt it to meet both tenants’ needs and landlords’ restrictions. Specifically, I’m interested in modifications that are possible without causing irreversible damage to the furniture, while still being practical enough to make better use of the limited space common in many rental units.

I’m thinking of things like adjustments for extra storage, flexible usage options, or visual changes that remain reversible. Perhaps someone is familiar with proven methods, tips, or accessories that enhance or customize the Hemnes range for rental apartments.

It would be great if you could share your experiences, especially regarding:
- Adjustments without major structural changes
- Recommendations for modifications that don’t complicate returning the furniture or the apartment
- Ideas for small extras that cleverly maximize limited space

Thank you very much in advance for your input!
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Nauman5
3 Dec 2020 20:43
Hey minnu,

first of all, great question! Hemnes is a loyal companion for many renters – sturdy, classic, and somehow always there. 😄 When it comes to modifications, you really have to be clever because the furniture isn’t designed for permanent changes.

What I always recommend are so-called reversible upgrades:

- Clip-on strips or self-adhesive hooks for better organization on the sides of the cabinets (no drilling!)
- Universal insert baskets that can be placed in or taken out for flexible storage
- Replaceable handles with clamp systems or screws that can be easily removed again
- Small extra shelves with brackets that can simply be hooked into the existing frame

And, to make better use of space, I even made small drawer organizers out of cardboard myself, which can be just placed inside and moved around as needed.
minnu schrieb:
Modifications without major structural work

... is really the key here. After all, who wants to leave a construction site behind when moving out?

A little tip on the side: paint is also a good idea – but washable or removable paints/decorative films should be used if you want to keep the original look.

I hope this helps you a bit!
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PULAU
4 Dec 2020 08:26
I would like to build on Nauman5’s suggestions and offer a few additional considerations based on my experience with rental apartments.

In principle, when modifying IKEA Hemnes furniture in rental properties, the following three key principles should always be kept in mind:

- Reversibility: Every modification must be reversible to avoid issues when moving out.
- Space efficiency: Especially in smaller apartments, every centimeter of storage space must be optimized.
- Preservation of materials: The furniture should not be permanently damaged and should remain visually and functionally intact.

Some proven measures include:
- Using self-adhesive felt or rubber pads, for example on drawers or doors, to ensure quieter closing and allow minor adjustments.
- Adding extra shelves, which can sometimes be glued with craft glue but also easily removed if handled carefully.
- Using storage solutions that do not require attachment to the furniture, such as stackable plastic boxes or modular organizers that can be easily inserted and removed.

It is also advisable to use removable adhesive films for visual customization. In case landlords allow some customization, this method enables adding small accents without compromising the furniture’s value.
minnu schrieb:
Ideas for small extras that cleverly use limited space

Combining several of these tricks usually achieves the best space efficiency.
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LAURE-TA
4 Dec 2020 11:59
Hello minnu and everyone,

I would like to suggest a structured approach to adapting Hemnes furniture for rental apartments, ensuring the process remains practical, sensible, and reversible:

1. Analysis of the furniture piece and the room:
- Measure: Take accurate measurements of all furniture and available spaces.
- Function: Consider which functions you want to expand (storage, organization, appearance).

2. Selecting materials & tools:
- Use only tools and materials that do not cause damage (e.g., adhesive products, clamps instead of drilling).
- Avoid heavy additions that could make the furniture unstable.

3. Implementing practical adjustments:
- Increase storage with removable boxes, baskets, or extra loose shelves (e.g., IKEA Kallax inserts).
- Internal dividers made of lightweight foam boards can also improve organization.

4. Visual modifications:
- Use removable films or magnetic panels to change the fronts.
- Choose adhesive films carefully to avoid leftover adhesive residue.

5. Maintenance & restoration:
- Ensure all modifications can be removed without leaving traces.
- Keep spare parts (handles, screws) ready to restore the original condition.

[as the saying goes: Precise preparation prevents mistakes.]

It is especially important to be cautious with major modifications such as drilling holes or cutting the furniture. While these allow more possibilities, they can cause conflicts when returning the rental.
Nauman5 schrieb:
What I always recommend are so-called reversible upgrades

I fully agree with this; reversible solutions are essential in rental apartments.

I hope this guide helps you and everyone interested!