ᐅ How can Ikea Hemnes furniture be optimized for additional storage space?

Hello everyone,

I am currently looking for effective ways to optimize my Ikea Hemnes furniture – specifically dressers and cabinets – to create more storage space. I am especially interested in how to make the most of the existing compartments and drawers without losing functionality or having to rebuild the furniture in a complicated way. Are there proven methods, for example, additional internal dividers, clever organization systems, or perhaps small modifications that can significantly increase the storage capacity? I know that Hemnes is designed in a rather classic style, but maybe there are tricks to make it more modern or multifunctional.

I look forward to practical tips and experiences from you, especially if someone has had good results with specific accessories or custom solutions. Thanks in advance!

Hello Sosalman1,

First of all, thank you for your detailed and well-formulated question. That’s already a great foundation to focus more specifically on optimization possibilities.

In general, Hemnes furniture is simple and classic but very sturdy and versatile. I fully support your idea of making better use of the compartments with internal dividers. Here are a few tips that often work well:

- Drawer inserts made of wood or plastic help organize smaller items more clearly. Especially with Hemnes, there are often fixed drawer dimensions that allow you to cut or buy suitable organizers.
- For open compartments or glass cabinet doors, boxes or baskets are suitable to divide the storage space and are also easy to remove.
- If you’re somewhat handy, you can have additional shelves made, for example, to use tall compartments in multiple levels. It is important to consider the weight, as Hemnes furniture is sturdy but not designed for heavy loads.
- Another option: sometimes small pull-outs or trays can be added under the drawers to better use areas that would otherwise be “lost” space.

It is always important to find a balance between maximum storage space and practical usability so you don’t lose overall clarity.

If you tell me exactly which piece of furniture you want to optimize, I’d be happy to provide more targeted help.

Kinbu schrieb:
For open compartments or cabinet doors with glass panels, boxes or baskets are suitable to divide the storage space while remaining easy to remove.

I definitely want to add to that, as using boxes or containers can greatly help organize storage and keep everything visible. Especially with Hemnes cabinets or dressers, which often have relatively deep compartments, such containers effectively multiply the usable storage space.

In addition, choosing the right containers can create stacking options or allow seasonal items to be stored separately and accessed easily.

Another tip that works well is retrofitting drawer dividers or small hook rails on the inside of doors to save space and store items like keys, belts, or other accessories.

If you plan to modify the furniture yourself, my advice is to avoid using materials that are too thin to maintain stability. This is particularly important for additional shelves or partitions, where sturdy wood is preferable – otherwise, the functionality may suffer over time.

I agree with Kinbu: to provide specific improvement suggestions, it would be helpful to know the exact Hemnes model and how much storage space is currently being used.

Hello Sosalman1 and everyone else,

I would also like to share some thoughts, especially since I have often tried to make the most of Hemnes furniture myself.

Kinbu schrieb:
Anyone with some DIY skills can, for example, have additional shelves made to use tall compartments on multiple levels.

I think that is actually a great solution, but for me personally, the challenge has been not to "overload" the furniture so that there is still enough space for quick access.

So, it’s not just about adding more storage, but also about organizing it clearly. I have had good experiences with transparent plastic boxes that can be labeled and work like small modules. This way, I don’t have to empty everything when looking for something.

Another point that is important to me regarding storage optimization: not everyone wants or can modify furniture, so I often find smart organization systems even more practical. Maybe you can find modular drawer dividers that are easy to adjust.

What I like is that the exchange here shows that even simple changes can make a big difference with old furniture. That always motivates me to try new solutions without having to replace the entire piece.