ᐅ How can I use IKEA Hemnes furniture as a base for DIY shelves?
Created on: 11 Apr 2015 08:47
T
tanronHello everyone,
I am planning to use IKEA Hemnes furniture as a base for DIY shelving and am looking for experience and tips. Specifically, I would like to know the best ways to repurpose Hemnes units—such as dressers or sideboards—to create open shelves or modular structures.
My main concerns are stability and which components are suitable for adding extra shelves or supports. I am also very interested in materials, processing techniques (e.g., sanding, drilling, painting), and appropriate joining methods. If anyone has practical experience or detailed solutions, I would greatly appreciate a thorough response.
Thank you in advance!
I am planning to use IKEA Hemnes furniture as a base for DIY shelving and am looking for experience and tips. Specifically, I would like to know the best ways to repurpose Hemnes units—such as dressers or sideboards—to create open shelves or modular structures.
My main concerns are stability and which components are suitable for adding extra shelves or supports. I am also very interested in materials, processing techniques (e.g., sanding, drilling, painting), and appropriate joining methods. If anyone has practical experience or detailed solutions, I would greatly appreciate a thorough response.
Thank you in advance!
Hi,
I once took apart a Hemnes dresser and used it as a shelf. It’s important to remove the back panel first, then you can use the side panels more effectively. For additional shelves, plain MDF or thin solid wood works well.
To secure the shelves, I screw them from the inside using angle brackets, which holds pretty well.
I once took apart a Hemnes dresser and used it as a shelf. It’s important to remove the back panel first, then you can use the side panels more effectively. For additional shelves, plain MDF or thin solid wood works well.
To secure the shelves, I screw them from the inside using angle brackets, which holds pretty well.
J
Johnathon11 Apr 2015 10:52Hello tanron,
I can relate well to your project, as the Hemnes series offers a solid starting point due to its classic construction. If you plan to modify the furniture, here are my detailed thoughts:
- First, you should clearly define the type of Hemnes furniture (e.g., chest of drawers, wardrobe). For chests of drawers, I recommend removing the back panels and drawers.
- For additional shelves, solid wood slats or plywood panels work best. Pay attention to the thickness; 18 mm (about 3/4 inch) or more is advisable to ensure stability.
- Drill pilot holes for screws in MDF or particleboard to prevent cracking.
- Types of connections:
- Corner screws on the inside hold very well
- Pocket hole connectors are a professional solution for hidden joints
- Sanding before repainting is recommended—use medium-grit sandpaper (120 to 150) to smooth scratched surfaces.
- Painting: A primer followed by a water-based lacquer is suitable to protect the wood and achieve a clean finish.
I’m curious whether you plan to attach the shelf to the wall or leave it freestanding? This affects stabilization measures. The load capacity you intend is also important.
If you provide more information, I can address your requirements more specifically.
I can relate well to your project, as the Hemnes series offers a solid starting point due to its classic construction. If you plan to modify the furniture, here are my detailed thoughts:
- First, you should clearly define the type of Hemnes furniture (e.g., chest of drawers, wardrobe). For chests of drawers, I recommend removing the back panels and drawers.
- For additional shelves, solid wood slats or plywood panels work best. Pay attention to the thickness; 18 mm (about 3/4 inch) or more is advisable to ensure stability.
- Drill pilot holes for screws in MDF or particleboard to prevent cracking.
- Types of connections:
- Corner screws on the inside hold very well
- Pocket hole connectors are a professional solution for hidden joints
- Sanding before repainting is recommended—use medium-grit sandpaper (120 to 150) to smooth scratched surfaces.
- Painting: A primer followed by a water-based lacquer is suitable to protect the wood and achieve a clean finish.
I’m curious whether you plan to attach the shelf to the wall or leave it freestanding? This affects stabilization measures. The load capacity you intend is also important.
If you provide more information, I can address your requirements more specifically.
Hello tanron,
I think it’s great that you want to use IKEA Hemnes furniture as a DIY base, as the cabinet quality is usually very good. I once had a similar project myself and would like to share a few basic tips:
- Before you start, take precise measurements and check how the furniture is assembled. Hemnes pieces often use wooden dowels and screws, which makes disassembly easier.
- You can create open shelves by removing the back panel and adding side reinforcements to increase stability.
- To add extra shelves: I drilled holes for wooden dowels using a dowel drill bit and cut boards to fit. This way, the shelves look neat and are stable.
- For sanding and painting: It’s best to use fine sandpaper and a white primer. After drying, apply a suitable topcoat (e.g., polyurethane) to make the surface durable.
Always keep load capacity in mind and remember to distribute weight evenly.
If you have specific questions, I’m happy to help!
I think it’s great that you want to use IKEA Hemnes furniture as a DIY base, as the cabinet quality is usually very good. I once had a similar project myself and would like to share a few basic tips:
- Before you start, take precise measurements and check how the furniture is assembled. Hemnes pieces often use wooden dowels and screws, which makes disassembly easier.
- You can create open shelves by removing the back panel and adding side reinforcements to increase stability.
- To add extra shelves: I drilled holes for wooden dowels using a dowel drill bit and cut boards to fit. This way, the shelves look neat and are stable.
- For sanding and painting: It’s best to use fine sandpaper and a white primer. After drying, apply a suitable topcoat (e.g., polyurethane) to make the surface durable.
Always keep load capacity in mind and remember to distribute weight evenly.
If you have specific questions, I’m happy to help!
Johnathon schrieb:
If you give me more information, I can address your requirements more precisely.I think that’s very important too! How exactly do you plan to use the shelving system? For heavy books, decorations, or maybe in the kitchen for dishes?
That will determine which materials and connection methods are truly suitable. You should also consider whether you want to be able to change the setup permanently or prefer to keep it flexible.
Personally, I would recommend considering clamp or plug-in systems as well. Especially with IKEA furniture, small modifications can achieve a lot without making major changes.
If you like, let us know how much time and what tools you can invest – that also helps a lot with advising.
Johnathon schrieb:
I’m curious whether you plan to attach the shelf to the wall or have it freestanding? That affects the stabilization methods.Thanks already for your very detailed suggestions! I actually want to place the shelf against the wall, so it will have a back panel. It will mainly hold books and decorations, so it will carry quite a bit of weight. What do you think about the back panel—should it be simply attached or screwed in? Or would it be worth installing a stronger back panel?
Ianlau schrieb:
How exactly do you want to use the shelving system? For heavy books, decorations, or maybe in the kitchen for dishes?As I said, books and decorations—so it should be sturdy and also look neat. I have the tools and time available, including a drill, sander, and leveling compounds/paints.
If anyone has tips on suitable materials for the shelves, I’m all ears!
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