ᐅ How can the Ikea BRIMNES be modified to provide additional storage space?
Created on: 10 Sep 2023 10:07
B
baugau
Hello everyone,
I’m currently thinking about how to modify the Ikea Brimnes wardrobe or dressers to create more storage space. The furniture is quite compact and simple, but especially in smaller apartments, additional space is often hard to come by.
Specifically, I’m interested in whether there are practical DIY methods to add shelves, intermediate panels, or drawers without compromising the structural stability or appearance too much. Maybe there are also clever ways to optimize the interior, for example with extra inserts or homemade organizer systems?
In short: How can Ikea BRIMNES be effectively modified to increase storage capacity without completely ruining its function or design? Looking forward to your ideas and experiences!
I’m currently thinking about how to modify the Ikea Brimnes wardrobe or dressers to create more storage space. The furniture is quite compact and simple, but especially in smaller apartments, additional space is often hard to come by.
Specifically, I’m interested in whether there are practical DIY methods to add shelves, intermediate panels, or drawers without compromising the structural stability or appearance too much. Maybe there are also clever ways to optimize the interior, for example with extra inserts or homemade organizer systems?
In short: How can Ikea BRIMNES be effectively modified to increase storage capacity without completely ruining its function or design? Looking forward to your ideas and experiences!
I really appreciate how patiently everyone is responding to the idea of the renovation.
Earlier this year, I reversed a Brimnes wardrobe and fitted it with surfaces for storage boxes. For me, it was especially helpful to stack small boxes on the shelves, which I could then pull out more easily without having to remove everything.
It’s also important to me that the solutions are affordable and not too complicated, since I’m not a very experienced DIYer.
If anyone here has experience with organizers or modular systems inside the BRIMNES wardrobe, I’d be glad to hear about it – because often a practical solution like this really helps, especially when you only have a limited amount of time.
Earlier this year, I reversed a Brimnes wardrobe and fitted it with surfaces for storage boxes. For me, it was especially helpful to stack small boxes on the shelves, which I could then pull out more easily without having to remove everything.
It’s also important to me that the solutions are affordable and not too complicated, since I’m not a very experienced DIYer.
If anyone here has experience with organizers or modular systems inside the BRIMNES wardrobe, I’d be glad to hear about it – because often a practical solution like this really helps, especially when you only have a limited amount of time.
FLONE41 schrieb:
At the beginning of the year, I also flipped a BRIMNES wardrobe and adapted it with surfaces for storage boxes.That sounds interesting! 😃 The idea of using the wardrobe almost horizontally is very creative.
I would add that you can also use the space under the drawers—for example, with shallow boxes or drawer inserts. There’s often a lot of unused space there.
One extra tip: If you remove the doors and install curtains or sliding doors, you gain more flexibility with the height and arrangement of the compartments. This way, you can accommodate larger items inside on short notice.
Optimizing storage space is definitely a bit of magic and fun at the same time. 🙃
For more storage space:
- Use sturdy shelves with a thickness of at least 18 mm (0.7 inches).
- Install intermediate shelves in cabinets using the original holes.
- Wooden or plastic drawer inserts help with organizing.
- Ensure secure fastening of the shelves (brackets, shelf supports).
This is usually enough to create more order and storage space.
- Use sturdy shelves with a thickness of at least 18 mm (0.7 inches).
- Install intermediate shelves in cabinets using the original holes.
- Wooden or plastic drawer inserts help with organizing.
- Ensure secure fastening of the shelves (brackets, shelf supports).
This is usually enough to create more order and storage space.
fredle schrieb:
I like to use 18 mm (0.7 inch) furniture boards (particleboard, lacquered) for BRIMNES; they are sturdier than thinner 12 mm (0.5 inch) boards or MDF.It’s interesting that you choose particleboard instead of MDF. I’m curious about the long-term durability – do these particleboards show any warping or swelling from moisture when used in a wardrobe?
Also, I really like the idea of metal supports from a technical point of view – are these compatible with the original holes in BRIMNES?
If so, the boards could be repositioned anytime as needed, which would offer great flexibility.
Curtis schrieb:
Do these particle boards not show any warping or swelling from moisture when used in a wardrobe?With normal indoor humidity, that’s not an issue, you’re right. It’s important that the boards are high-quality lacquered or at least treated with a water-repellent coating.
MDF would also be possible, but particle board is a bit more durable under stress and easier to work with when compensating for unevenness.
Curtis schrieb:
Are these compatible with the original drill holes of BRIMNES?Yes, BRIMNES standard holes are 5 mm (3/16 inch) in diameter, and most metal shelf supports fit very well.
This keeps the adjustability intact, which I personally find very useful, especially if you want flexible use of the storage space.
So I can recommend it without hesitation.
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warrenka5713 Sep 2023 07:14I really appreciate how much input is shared here.
As a somewhat inexperienced DIYer, it’s important for me not to cause damage and to maintain functionality.
One idea I’ve tried is using thin, removable wooden boxes or baskets in the BRIMNES unit. They store surprisingly many items well because they can be easily taken out.
There are often unrealistic expectations that everything needs to be rebuilt, but sometimes clever use of the existing interior space is enough. This way, everything remains reversible and the piece of furniture doesn’t lose value or stability.
So: smaller adjustments can be just as effective as major renovations.
As a somewhat inexperienced DIYer, it’s important for me not to cause damage and to maintain functionality.
One idea I’ve tried is using thin, removable wooden boxes or baskets in the BRIMNES unit. They store surprisingly many items well because they can be easily taken out.
There are often unrealistic expectations that everything needs to be rebuilt, but sometimes clever use of the existing interior space is enough. This way, everything remains reversible and the piece of furniture doesn’t lose value or stability.
So: smaller adjustments can be just as effective as major renovations.
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