ᐅ How much weight can an IKEA Brimnes wardrobe hold?

Created on: 17 Feb 2020 08:37
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Ongrgur
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Ongrgur
17 Feb 2020 08:37
Hello everyone,

I am planning to get an IKEA Brimnes wardrobe but I’m unsure about how much weight the individual shelves can actually hold. I’m especially interested in the maximum load capacity of the shelves and whether this varies depending on the type of doors (for example, with or without glass doors). I would also like to know if there are any differences in load capacity when the wardrobe is fixed to the wall versus when it is not. I’m mainly looking for practical experiences and, if possible, any manufacturer information so I can safely store my books and some decorative items without risking damage or deformation. Thanks in advance for your insights and experiences!
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Rhett
17 Feb 2020 09:22
The IKEA Brimnes shelves can hold approximately 15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 lbs) per shelf when the unit is properly assembled and secured to the wall. Without wall anchoring, I would not recommend loading more than 10 kg (22 lbs) per shelf.
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danial60
17 Feb 2020 10:05
Regarding the question of how much weight a Brimnes wardrobe can hold, I would like to provide a more detailed explanation:

The shelves of the Brimnes are made of coated particleboard, with a load capacity of about 15 to 20 kg per shelf (33 to 44 lbs), which corresponds to the manufacturer's specifications and is generally confirmed in everyday use. However, the following points are crucial:

- Proper assembly: All screws must be tightened securely.
- Wall mounting is especially important to prevent tipping and to ensure more even weight distribution.
- Load capacity can be reduced if screws are missing or if the boards become damp, as the material then loses stability.

Using glass doors does not significantly change the weight limit, as they are mostly decorative. However, caution is advised with glass doors under additional pressure since the wardrobe itself is not rigid—the load must be supported by the shelves.

If you plan to store heavy items such as books, I recommend distributing the weight evenly and avoiding placing too much weight on individual shelves. It might be possible to add extra support (e.g., support strips).

Can you specify exactly what types of loads you are planning to store? Then I might be able to give a more precise assessment.
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Josan
17 Feb 2020 10:44
Hello Ongrgur,

I completely understand your concern since the Brimnes series furniture is often used for many everyday items. Here is my experience:

- The shelves easily hold 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs) when secured to the wall.
- Without wall anchors, I would recommend a maximum of 10-12 kg (22-26 lbs), mainly for safety reasons.
- I have decorative items and some heavy books on mine, and so far I haven’t noticed any warping or problems.

Tip: Make sure to install the wall brackets according to the instructions — they make a big difference in stability. Also, distribute heavy items evenly.

If you want, I can provide the dimensions to help with your planning.
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fepau
18 Feb 2020 07:56
The Brimnes is very practical! I had nearly 25 kg (55 lbs) on a shelf – but only briefly and with wall mounting. It holds up really well! Still, I wouldn’t recommend constantly loading it to its maximum capacity if you want to enjoy the furniture! 😊
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Danabla
18 Feb 2020 08:23
For reference: IKEA specifies a static load capacity of 15 kg (33 lbs) per shelf for the Brimnes series, but this is only guaranteed if the shelves are correctly assembled, including wall anchoring. The lightly coated particleboard shelves are prone to bending if point loads are too high.

- The maximum static load capacity should not be exceeded.
- Glass doors do not affect the load-bearing capacity of the shelves, as they are not designed to carry weight.
- Wall anchoring is strongly recommended to increase stability against tipping.

If higher loads are required, it is advisable to either choose furniture with solid wood or metal shelves or to reinforce the existing shelves.