Hello everyone, I’m currently working on a project to refresh the look of an IKEA Hemnes dresser. I have the idea to cover it completely with fabric to give it a more personal and perhaps cozier touch. My question is: How can you properly and durably upholster an IKEA Hemnes dresser with fabric so that the covering fits neatly, doesn’t wrinkle, and also covers the edges and curves well? Are there proven techniques or materials to best secure the fabric without damaging the surface? I would really appreciate it if anyone could share relevant experiences or tips – including advice on necessary tools, adhesives, or preparation steps. Thanks in advance!
To upholster the HEMNES with fabric, I recommend first lightly sanding the surfaces, for example with sandpaper. Then use a fabric adhesive suitable for wood. Lay the fabric smoothly and press it firmly; use a staple gun around the edges. This way, everything stays neat and lasts a long time.
The question of covering an IKEA HEMNES dresser with fabric is interesting for several reasons, especially due to the surface texture and the typical construction of this furniture series. For a durable result, several steps are essential: First, thoroughly clean all surfaces and lightly sand them (grit 120 to 150) to improve adhesive bonding and prevent the fabric from slipping. I recommend using a special fabric-compatible contact adhesive or a waterproof wood glue that remains flexible.
When applying, it’s advisable to choose fabric with some overhang so the edges can later be secured underneath or at angles. Pay close attention to the edges to avoid creating wrinkles. It can be helpful to slightly stretch the fabric with hot air or gentle steam before final adhesion, if the fabric allows.
Additionally, you can spray the back of the fabric with spray adhesive to ensure an even hold. For the corners, cutting and folding are very important—try to follow the fabric’s grain direction as much as possible.
A small tip: If you don’t want to drill holes in the furniture, double-sided tape can serve as additional fixation. If you like, I’m happy to share more about suitable fabric types, color choices, and care instructions.
When applying, it’s advisable to choose fabric with some overhang so the edges can later be secured underneath or at angles. Pay close attention to the edges to avoid creating wrinkles. It can be helpful to slightly stretch the fabric with hot air or gentle steam before final adhesion, if the fabric allows.
Additionally, you can spray the back of the fabric with spray adhesive to ensure an even hold. For the corners, cutting and folding are very important—try to follow the fabric’s grain direction as much as possible.
A small tip: If you don’t want to drill holes in the furniture, double-sided tape can serve as additional fixation. If you like, I’m happy to share more about suitable fabric types, color choices, and care instructions.
A good approach is to first choose the desired fabric, which should be durable and somewhat elastic to better conform to the curves of the dresser. Tip: Avoid fabric that is too thick, as thinner material is easier to shape.
Next, disassemble the dresser as much as possible to cover all parts flat. This helps prevent wrinkles and provides better control.
For attachment, a combination of a strong spray adhesive and, if necessary, a staple gun for the edges is suitable, as mentioned before. It is important not to use too much adhesive to avoid seepage or stains.
Also, try gluing a test piece of fabric beforehand to check adhesion. Take your time during alignment; working patiently pays off.
Next, disassemble the dresser as much as possible to cover all parts flat. This helps prevent wrinkles and provides better control.
For attachment, a combination of a strong spray adhesive and, if necessary, a staple gun for the edges is suitable, as mentioned before. It is important not to use too much adhesive to avoid seepage or stains.
Also, try gluing a test piece of fabric beforehand to check adhesion. Take your time during alignment; working patiently pays off.
INGRID34 schrieb:
To upholster the HEMNES with fabric, I recommend lightly roughening the surfaces first, for example with sandpaper.Exactly! It won’t work properly without sanding; otherwise, you’ll end up with a disaster after a short time. Before upholstering my dresser, I also treated the edges slightly with a heat gun, which made the fabric more flexible and easier to fold around.
Also, for the edges, I always use a combination of spray adhesive and a staple gun. It might sound a bit rough, but it holds firmly and still looks great in the end.
Go for it—it’s fun and really gives your furniture character! 😊
taduran schrieb:
How can you professionally and durably cover an IKEA HEMNES dresser with fabric so that the cover fits neatly, has no wrinkles, and also covers the edges and curves well?Remove the fabric as completely as possible by taking out the drawers and laying all parts flat. Then apply spray adhesive to the back side, stretch the fabric tightly piece by piece, working from the center outward. Make small cuts at the corners and press firmly to secure.
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