ᐅ How can Ikea HEMNES furniture be made child-friendly for rental homes?

Hello everyone, I have a somewhat specific question that has been on my mind lately: How can Ikea Hemnes furniture, which many of us know from rental apartments, be made child-friendly enough to withstand daily use with small children without having to replace the furniture entirely?

I really like the design and storage options of the HEMNES series, but the wood surfaces are quite delicate, and the edges and corners could be problematic for kids. In my view, the functionality isn’t always ideally suited to children’s needs. Does anyone have experience or ideas on how to adapt this furniture safely and practically for families with children—also considering moves or limited possibilities for modifications in rental apartments?

A good and relevant question!

In my experience, the most important aspect of HEMNES furniture is the surface and edge protection concept. Since the material often combines lacquer and solid wood, I would recommend
- applying a transparent, washable furniture polish
- using additional edge protectors made of silicone or soft plastic to prevent injuries
- using thin, non-slip table and shelf mats to protect against liquids and dirt.

Furthermore, child-friendly storage solutions, such as easily accessible boxes—preferably made of plexiglass or fabric bags—are practical. It is important to avoid permanent alterations like drilling, especially in rental apartments. This way, the furniture can be gently optimized.

I can relate to this very well, especially when children are still very young, as you naturally worry about corners and possible harmful substances.

What helps me is thinking about the HEMNES series, particularly the tops and tabletops: a removable protective film that you can replace regularly is great because it allows you to quickly respond to accidents without damaging the furniture.

And for open shelves, boxes with lids are truly invaluable! They are safe for toddlers who like to empty everything and also help keep things organized.

A tip from my own uncertainties: sometimes I wonder how to stay as flexible as possible in case the child grows or the space changes. I find modular storage solutions very useful here, as they can be easily rearranged.

Hello,

I would like to suggest a step-by-step guide on how to make Ikea HEMNES furniture child-friendly – without causing lasting damage to the furniture or walls.

1. Edge Safety:
- Use transparent silicone edge protectors that can be removed without leaving residue to prevent bumps
- For especially sharp corners, foam padding can be added as extra protection

2. Surface Protection:
- Apply water-based furniture waxes or “furniture oil” to strengthen and repel dirt on the surface
- Additionally, use washable covers or tablecloths made of wipeable material on tables

3. Functional Adjustments:
- Avoid stacking baskets and boxes too high on shelves so children can reach them more easily
- Equip closed drawers with child safety locks that can be removed without leaving marks

4. Flexibility & Mobility:
- If possible, mount furniture on bases with casters or use additional furniture wheels to adapt the room to changing needs

5. Rental Property Rules:
- Avoid drilling holes that cannot be completely repaired without traces
- Instead, use pressure-mounted fixings or adhesive hooks

Summary: Adapting furniture to child-friendly criteria works best with temporary solutions, protective materials, and smart organization. This preserves both the furnishings and the rental agreement.

I admit that this topic is very close to my heart, as I have two small children myself and my HEMNES cabinets quickly developed scratches, especially along the lower edges.

Here, we mainly used soft felt pads on the front edges, which at least significantly reduced the risk of injury.

In addition, we equipped the lower shelves with sturdy plastic boxes to help keep the mess under control.

I also want to emphasize that patience and regular checks are an important part of child-friendly care – if small damages are noticed early, they can often be easily repaired with furniture markers or paint.

From an objective standpoint, I especially recommend the following when using HEMNES furniture in rental apartments with children:
- certified edge protection systems that can be installed without drilling
- the use of low-emission, non-toxic materials for protective films
- flexible storage solutions to accommodate the changing needs of children

It is advisable to follow consumer protection guidelines. Modifications should be as reversible as possible to avoid issues with the landlord when moving out.

In addition to physical safety measures, I recommend regularly checking the furniture for safety and making adjustments as needed.