ᐅ Is it worth buying IKEA BRIMNES for DIY furniture building?

Hello everyone, I am currently considering whether buying the IKEA Brimnes series is really worthwhile for DIY furniture projects. Specifically, I wonder: does BRIMNES offer sufficient quality, modular flexibility, and sturdy construction to allow for relatively easy customization and the creation of individual furniture pieces? Or is the series somewhat limited in adaptability and not very durable if it is heavily modified? I want to get a clear idea before purchasing, as I plan to use the parts as a basis for my own constructions, possibly including additional drilling or cutting. What are your experiences with BRIMNES, especially regarding DIY projects? Thanks in advance for your insights!

Hey Walker34, I can tell you from personal experience: BRIMNES is great for DIY! 😄 The parts are relatively sturdy, yet designed so you can easily customize them. For example, I added extra shelves and LED lighting to my wardrobe, which was no problem at all. Of course, you need to work carefully and make sure not to damage the back panel, but overall it’s really well suited! Especially for beginners in furniture building, it’s a great base because it’s well thought out and affordable. Don’t be put off by the sometimes somewhat simple materials – with a bit of creativity and basic craftsmanship, you can achieve a lot. Good luck and have fun building! ✌️

I used BRIMNES for a small DIY shelf. The quality is acceptable, and the functionality is sufficient. Adjustments are possible, but precise measurements are necessary. It is worthwhile for simple modifications.

For evaluating the IKEA BRIMNES series for DIY furniture building, the following points are relevant:
- Material quality: Metal hinges, MDF panels with melamine coating, not highly load-bearing but stable enough for living areas.
- Modularity: Uniform drilled holes facilitate adjustments and attachments.
- Workmanship: Edges are good, but drilling should only be done with appropriate tools to avoid cracking.
- Durability: Sufficiently durable with careful use and low mechanical stress.

Conclusion: Suitable as a base for simple, self-designed furniture; those aiming to build long-lasting heavy-duty furniture should choose more robust materials.

Thanks in advance for the initial assessments!

Rashadmeo schrieb:
For example, I installed extra compartments and LED lighting in my wardrobe, which was not a problem at all.

How did you attach the LED lighting? Do you use a specific adhesive method, or do you drill into the wood? I find the drilling aspect particularly critical because I want to avoid compromising stability as much as possible.

Danabla schrieb:
Material quality: metal hinges, MDF panels with melamine coating, not highly durable but stable enough for living spaces.

That sounds like the material is exactly what I expected—not extremely robust but solid for standard indoor furniture.

Maybe someone can also share insights on adjustability? How suitable are the parts if you want to retrofit different handles or feet, for example?

I’m happy to share some basic tips and experience.

Regarding LED lighting: I recommend adhesive strips with 3M tape, as they adhere well to melamine surfaces without the need for drilling. This helps maintain the stability of the structure.

Drilling into BRIMNES furniture should be done very carefully, especially in load-bearing parts. It’s best to pre-drill and use a low speed to prevent the material from splintering or cracking.

You can easily replace the handles since BRIMNES has standardized screw holes. This makes upgrading the handles very straightforward.

As for feet: original feet are simple to use, but if you want to attach more stable metal feet, you’ll need to work with reinforced plates or add an extra support. Otherwise, the stability could be compromised.

Feel free to ask more questions if you’re planning specific modifications.