ᐅ How can IKEA Hemnes furniture be used in rental apartments without leaving any damage or marks?

Created on: 14 Feb 2024 19:23
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Yann10
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Yann10
14 Feb 2024 19:23
Hello everyone,

I would like to start a discussion on the topic “How can IKEA Hemnes furniture be used in rental apartments without leaving any traces?” For many of us, Hemnes pieces are a popular choice due to their classic design and relatively good quality. However, the problem often is that landlords do not appreciate any marks when the apartment is returned – whether from drilling, screwing, adhesive tape, or similar on the furniture or walls.

I’m particularly interested in tips and tricks for assembling, securing, or placing Hemnes furniture in a way that leaves no marks on walls or floors. Are there specific materials that can be used? Practical solutions like tape, mounting rails, or furniture protectors?

Also, I would like to know the best way to handle disassembly later to avoid any residues on the furniture itself or the rental property.

I look forward to your experiences and ideas for truly damage-free use of IKEA Hemnes in rental apartments!
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TRADI
14 Feb 2024 20:11
Hello Yann10,

First of all, a really well-written and detailed introduction to a topic that concerns many renters. IKEA Hemnes is indeed sturdy, but as you correctly pointed out, the assembly often leaves marks. Here are some proven tips from me:

- Avoid using screws directly into the walls; instead, use adhesive hooks or mounts that can be removed without leaving residue.
- For heavy furniture, I recommend furniture anchors with tension systems that work without drilling, such as tension rods from floor to ceiling, similar to shower rods. These can stabilize Hemnes cabinets without leaving marks.
- Instead of visible screws on the furniture, use mounting adhesive or double-sided tape that can be removed easily.
- When disassembling, it is important to immediately treat any adhesive residue with a special adhesive remover (or isopropyl alcohol).

If you don’t need to fix the furniture to the wall, make sure to use felt pads or soft underlays underneath to avoid scratches on the floor.

I hope this helps you so far. It is possible to use Hemnes in rental apartments without issues with the landlord if you proceed carefully and choose appropriate fixing materials.
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uslis47
15 Feb 2024 09:37
TRADI schrieb:
Do not use screws directly in the walls; instead, work with self-adhesive hooks or holders that can be removed without leaving any residue.

This is an excellent tip. I would like to add that for using Hemnes furniture without leaving traces, mobile solutions are ideal:

- For shelves and cabinets, modular plug-in systems or freestanding units are advantageous since they do not require wall mounting.
- If you have Hemnes dressers, you can stick soft rubber or felt pads under the feet to protect the floor and make moving easier.
- Definitely use mounting tapes or Velcro strips with low adhesion that will not leave adhesive residue later.

Another tip: If holes do need to be drilled, use quick-drying filler to close them up; it dries fast and is hardly noticeable.

Regarding disassembly: All plastic or metal parts, such as wall plugs or hooks, should be removed carefully. Avoid pulling with force to prevent paint damage.

In the long term, I recommend using Hemnes furniture primarily as freestanding pieces, especially in rental apartments with strict regulations.
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Joe52
16 Feb 2024 07:54
uslis47 schrieb:
In the long run, I recommend using Hemnes furniture mainly as freestanding pieces when dealing with rental apartments that have strict regulations.

I can only confirm that. I personally searched for a long time to find a way to make Hemnes furniture “rental-friendly” without feeling guilty when moving out.

What helped me a lot was equipping my Hemnes cabinets with sturdy felt pads and using tension rods between floor and ceiling instead of drilling, to keep everything stable.

I also made a habit of not placing furniture directly against the wall, but leaving a small gap with spacers to allow for air circulation and to prevent possible moisture damage.

The psychological aspect shouldn’t be underestimated: If you can show your landlord that you haven’t altered the fixtures or left any marks, you will have much less stress during the handover. It’s a small investment for peace of mind and a clean move-out.

No one wants to deal with damages or additional charges after moving—so for me, private rental apartments and Hemnes furniture only go together with gentle, residue-free installation solutions.