Hello everyone, I am currently planning a small DIY project and would like to know if it’s possible to modify or upgrade the doors of the IKEA Brimnes chest of drawers. Specifically, I’m interested in whether soft-close hinges can be retrofitted or if the doors can be completely replaced with other types without compromising stability or functionality. Does anyone have experience or tips on this? I am especially curious about how complex the modification is and whether any special tools or replacement parts are needed. Thanks in advance for your help!
From a technical perspective: The Brimnes doors come with standard frames and hinges, which can actually be replaced with common 35 mm (1⅜ inch) hinge plate variants.
Integrating soft-close mechanisms is possible, but you need to ensure the door has a suitable recess for them. When retrofitting, small holes or cutouts are often required, which the material may not always withstand without damage.
If you are unsure, it’s best to test first on an old door or a practice board before working on the actual dresser. The necessary tools are: a cordless drill, screwdriver, and possibly a fine drill bit.
Integrating soft-close mechanisms is possible, but you need to ensure the door has a suitable recess for them. When retrofitting, small holes or cutouts are often required, which the material may not always withstand without damage.
If you are unsure, it’s best to test first on an old door or a practice board before working on the actual dresser. The necessary tools are: a cordless drill, screwdriver, and possibly a fine drill bit.
JUHAU schrieb:
When retrofitting, you should pay attention to the weight of the new doors – the Brimnes dresser is not designed for heavy fronts. Exactly. That’s a very important point!
I would add that IKEA typically uses MDF panels with a light coating for the Brimnes series, which are quite delicate. If you install doors that are too heavy or thick, it can overload the hinges, causing premature wear or even damage to the cabinet material.
Therefore, replacement fronts made from similar materials or original parts are recommended. In some cases, you can find suitable doors with comparable dimensions from third-party suppliers, but only after carefully checking compatibility.
For retrofitting soft-close hinges, I have often used Blum clips – they are sturdy and fit well. Proper adjustment after installation is always important.
LAURE-TA schrieb:
For retrofitting soft-close, I have often used Blum clips – they are sturdy and fit well. Yes, exactly! Blum is my favorite! I think the quality really makes such a modification worthwhile. And once you’ve installed soft-close, you never want to go back. No more slamming when closing, it’s really impressive!
I’m curious whether larsfe has already started and what their experience has been!
I wanted to add that some people do use different fastening techniques for specific aesthetics, such as gluing hinges or installing magnetic catches.
However, this is not recommended without experience, as it can easily cause damage. What I’ve learned from my previous modifications is to proceed step by step and measure carefully.
Finally: be patient, modifying IKEA furniture is not a sprint but more of a marathon!
However, this is not recommended without experience, as it can easily cause damage. What I’ve learned from my previous modifications is to proceed step by step and measure carefully.
Finally: be patient, modifying IKEA furniture is not a sprint but more of a marathon!
LIELCHEN schrieb:
Maybe we should just accept that the Brimnes doors are the way they are, instead of going through unnecessary trouble. Interesting perspective, but I think this criticism misses the whole point of the DIY culture. It’s not just about furniture, but about customizing things to your own taste and standards—pushing back against the throwaway mentality!
Regarding the topic: Of course, it’s not always cheap or easy, but retrofitting soft-close hinges or replacing the doors really adds durability and comfort to the furniture. And anyone who only sees IKEA furniture as disposable is making things too simple for themselves.
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