ᐅ How can IKEA HEMNES shelving units be mounted securely?

Hello everyone, I am planning to install several IKEA Hemnes shelving units in my apartment, but I am concerned about the stability and safety of the mounting, as the furniture is relatively tall and heavy. My main question is how to securely attach these shelving units to the wall so that they remain stable and safe over the long term, even under heavy loads. I am interested in recommendations for anchors and screws, whether additional reinforcement is advisable, and if there are any practical tips to ensure reliable stability, especially on drywall (plasterboard) or concrete walls. I would appreciate it if anyone with experience could share the best methods for mounting these shelves so that they do not wobble or even fall over eventually. Thank you in advance!

Hi, it’s best to secure the HEMNES shelving units to the wall using heavy-duty wall anchors. If it’s a drywall, be sure to use special drywall anchors. The screws provided by IKEA are often not sufficient, so it’s better to get high-quality mounting hardware.

The stability of the IKEA HEMNES shelving units largely depends on selecting the appropriate fasteners and the type of wall. For solid walls such as concrete or brick, I recommend using 8 mm (5/16 inch) heavy-duty anchors with suitable self-tapping screws. For drywall (plasterboard) walls, cavity anchors with a flange to distribute the load should be used. Additionally, I advise securing the shelf not only at the top but, if possible, at multiple points—such as around the corners or with an extra diagonal brace—to prevent tipping. Precise alignment and the use of a spirit level are also important to avoid unnecessary stress caused by uneven installation.

A year ago, I mounted two HEMNES shelves on a drywall (plasterboard) wall. My advice: for drywall, always use special hollow-wall metal anchors (such as Fischer UX or toggle bolts) that effectively distribute the load. Screws should be positioned so they engage with a wooden or metal stud behind the drywall whenever possible. This significantly increases safety. For solid walls, on the other hand, heavy-duty anchors apply, as mentioned earlier. It is also important to follow IKEA’s installation instructions for wall mounting precisely, because inadequate anchoring can quickly lead to hazardous situations.

Thank you in advance for the advice! I have at least a concrete wall in one area and drywall in another, so I want to understand both situations. Could you briefly explain whether it makes more sense to fully assemble the shelves first and then fix them to the wall, or if it’s better to mount the modules piece by piece and screw them together directly on the wall? I’m asking because I read that the weight might be a factor even before installation.

Zarli44 schrieb:
whether it makes sense to assemble the shelves completely by yourself first and then fix them to the wall, or if it’s better to mount the modules piece by piece and then screw them together directly on the wall?

Ideally, you should mount the parts piece by piece directly on the wall. This reduces the difficulty of handling the weight and increases safety during fastening. Especially with heavy and tall shelving units, this method reduces the load on individual wall anchors by distributing forces more evenly and allows each unit to be precisely aligned. Additionally, it makes adjustments easier to carry out during installation.