ᐅ How can I optimize IKEA Hemnes furniture for a small bedroom?

Hello everyone,

I am currently facing the challenge of optimizing a small bedroom with IKEA Hemnes furniture to create as much storage and comfort as possible without making the room feel cluttered. Specifically, I already have Hemnes components like a bed, dresser, and wardrobe, and I want to know how to ideally arrange them and what additional solutions I can use to efficiently utilize the often very limited space.

I am considering aspects such as:
- Maximizing the use of vertical space,
- Using multifunctional furniture,
- Possible modifications to existing furniture (e.g., conversions, additions),
- Tips for better organization and room appearance.

Does anyone have experience or practical suggestions on how to optimize Hemnes furniture specifically for small rooms? The goal is for the space to be not only functional but also visually appealing and not overcrowded.

Thanks in advance for your advice and tips!

Hey Erdalsan,

first of all, great question. With small bedrooms, it’s always a delicate balance between storage space and having enough “room to breathe.” Hemnes furniture is solid and sturdy, which can sometimes feel a bit heavy in a small space – but I really love its clean lines.

For small rooms, a good strategy is to make smart use of the bed—for example, you can store boxes or bins under the Hemnes bed to create hidden storage. Or you can see if you can fill the bed frame’s storage compartment systematically with sturdy storage boxes.

Another tip: don’t push wardrobes completely into a corner, but leave some space from the wall (if possible) so they don’t feel overwhelming. Sometimes staggering the arrangement with a dresser and wardrobe placed on opposite sides can work well, if your room layout allows it.

Also, try to brighten up the room with light, harmonious colors and textiles to make it appear larger visually. You can customize Hemnes furniture quickly with stickers or magnetic chalkboard sheets to add a personal touch. And always keep seating areas and walking paths clear.

All joking aside—there’s always a solution, you just have to get creative! Good luck!

Hello Erdalsan,

I would like to delve deeper into optimizing the IKEA Hemnes furniture systems for small bedrooms. First of all, an important basic rule: in small rooms, vertical space utilization is crucial. Hemnes offers several options that can be relatively easily expanded or modified to maximize storage space.

The first step should be to take a closer look at the bed. The classic Hemnes bed frame has a slatted base with sufficient space underneath, but it does not come with built-in storage. Adding shallow rolling boxes afterward – for example, from the IKEA range or sturdy storage boxes – can be very helpful for storing bedding, infrequently used clothing, or pillows.

Furthermore, I recommend supplementing wardrobe units with additional storage solutions. Hemnes wardrobes have good height usability – adding extra shelves or pull-out boxes creates more organizational levels. However, you need to check the load-bearing capacity and mounting options, since the furniture is usually made of pine wood, which limits overloading.

In general, it is advisable not to place too many pieces of furniture in the room but rather to rely on multifunctional furniture. For example, the Hemnes dresser can serve as a nightstand but can also be expanded with a fabric box in the top drawer for clothes or accessories.

Regarding room perception, I can only confirm that light colors and free wall space visually expand the room. An important point is lighting: indirect lighting on wardrobes or mirrors helps make the room appear larger.

Finally, a question: what is the exact size of the room, and what are the absolute priorities – more storage or a more open atmosphere? That would help to give more specific recommendations.

Wyatt schrieb:
How big is the room exactly, and what are the absolute priorities – more storage space or an open atmosphere?

Hello Wyatt,

good question. The room is about 9 square meters (3m x 3m / 10ft x 10ft) with a window on one of the short walls, which already limits the space somewhat. It’s important for me to find a balanced solution: I need enough storage for clothes and bedding, but at the same time, the room should not feel cramped or overcrowded. Multifunctional use is also important – for example, a bed with storage plus a chest of drawers that can also be used as a surface for placing items.

Basically, I prefer a harmonious and practical layout that positively influences the sense of space.

Are there any specific tips on how to cleverly arrange Hemnes chests and wardrobes to achieve this goal? For example, combinations where surfaces can be used effectively for storage and seating?

Thanks for your support!

Hello Erdalsan,

I would like to suggest a structured approach to optimizing your Hemnes furniture in small spaces. The key is always a precise analysis of what needs to be stored and how often you need to access the items.

Step 1: Prioritize storage
- Clothing is usually accessed daily,
- Bedding less frequently,
- Accessories and small items vary individually.

Step 2: Combine furniture cleverly
- Hemnes dressers are well suited for storing clothing that is used daily.
- The tall dresser can be combined with storage boxes on top to make use of vertical space.

Step 3: Equip the bed with storage
- As Wolfgang already mentioned, the Hemnes bed is designed without built-in storage. I recommend sturdy roll-out boxes or slim boxes that fit exactly under the bed, as these are tidy and easily accessible.

Step 4: Use wall space
- Shelves or small wall cabinets from the Hemnes series can be mounted on the wall without taking up floor space.

Step 5: Use surfaces wisely
- Keep this order in mind: The dresser can serve as both a surface for items and a seating area if you add a suitable cushion.

Common mistakes:
- Placing too many different types of furniture chaotically next to each other,
- Not regularly decluttering storage,
- Having too much bulky furniture on the floor,
- Lack of organization in storage.

Summary: The optimal setup is a coordinated combination of roll-out boxes under the bed, a dresser as the main storage plus surface, and wall cabinets for small items, so the floor stays as free as possible while maximizing storage on multiple levels.

I hope this overview helps you.

Use the Hemnes bed with under-bed storage boxes.
Add a dresser with hard storage bins.
Install wall shelves or small wall cabinets.
Avoid placing too many pieces of furniture on the floor.
Keep the room bright and airy.