ᐅ How can you protect Ikea BRIMNES furniture from scratches?

I recently purchased some Ikea Brimnes furniture pieces, mainly cabinets and dressers, which mostly have a matte, melamine-coated surface. Knowing that these surfaces can be quite prone to scratches, I want to start a discussion here in the forum to find out the best ways to protect Ikea BRIMNES furniture from scratches. Are there proven protection methods that effectively preserve the surface without affecting its appearance or functionality? What products, cleaning agents, or protective films are recommended? And do you have any personal tips on how to avoid scratches, for example regarding placement or usage? I look forward to practical and well-informed advice.

“Are there proven protective methods that effectively preserve the surface without compromising its appearance or functionality?” – A good question, but I think this is often overemphasized. Sure, BRIMNES isn’t the highest-quality piece of furniture that Ikea offers, everyone knows that. So why not simply accept that furniture can get scratched sometimes?
Not every risk needs to be avoided. Still, if protection is that important, in my opinion a simple, clear plastic protective film, like those used for displays or glass, is sufficient and can often be removed without much residue.
However, constant application over time is not advisable because adhesive residue will remain. But in everyday use, these are, in my view, the only practical protective measures without destroying the character of the furniture.

I use felt pads under all movable parts and on top when placing decorations or heavy objects. This effectively prevents scratches and is inexpensive. Otherwise, avoid placing sharp-edged items directly on the surface.

In my experience, regular cleaning with a soft, slightly damp cloth without aggressive cleaning agents works best, as these can damage the melamine coating.
I also recommend a commercially available clear furniture polish specifically designed for plastic surfaces. This forms a protective layer on the furniture. It is important to choose silicone-free products, as silicone can sometimes cause unwanted shine or cloudiness.
As additional protection, a thin, custom-cut glass or acrylic sheet could be considered, especially for heavily used surfaces – for example, the tabletop of the BRIMNES dresser.

I completely understand how frustrating it is when furniture surfaces wear out quickly. I also have cats in my household, and especially the BRIMNES chest of drawers in the hallway got scratched quite fast.

What helped me was using all the padding materials I could find. Both felt pads and coasters, even for candles or vases. Also, being careful when moving furniture—ideally with two people.

For me, the spatial arrangement also made a difference: I placed furniture that gets a lot of use in less frequented areas to avoid constant mechanical stress or scratches from clothing or other objects.

To specifically prevent scratches on Ikea BRIMNES furniture with a melamine coating, I recommend the following measures:
- Avoid placing sharp or pointed objects directly on the furniture without a protective layer
- Use felt pads or furniture protectors on feet, handles, and underlays
- Apply transparent protective films designed specifically for furniture surfaces (Note: The films should be removable without leaving any residue.)
- Clean regularly with mild cleaners and soft cloths – do not use abrasive cleaners
- Optional: A very thin protective layer using specialized furniture wax or melamine-based polish can reduce the risk of mechanical damage; however, this should be tested first in an inconspicuous area to rule out any discoloration.
These steps currently represent the most practical and scientifically supported protection.