ᐅ Is there a building guide for adding extra storage to the Ikea BRIMNES series?
Created on: 10 May 2015 14:07
L
lojo54Hello everyone,
I have a somewhat specific question: Is there a construction guide or detailed instructions, perhaps even a DIY manual, on how to expand the IKEA Brimnes wardrobe or the BRIMNES series with additional storage space? I’m looking for options using add-on modules, custom-built inserts, or clever extensions—not just classic IKEA components, but something that can be modularly adapted to the BRIMNES while remaining stable and functional.
I already have a few ideas in mind, but I would like to know if there are any well-documented guides or user experiences available. Maybe some of you have already completed a similar project or know of resources that describe this in detail.
For me, it is important not to have to improvise wildly, but rather to have step-by-step instructions with material lists or at least clear guidance on how to implement it.
Looking forward to your tips and experiences!
I have a somewhat specific question: Is there a construction guide or detailed instructions, perhaps even a DIY manual, on how to expand the IKEA Brimnes wardrobe or the BRIMNES series with additional storage space? I’m looking for options using add-on modules, custom-built inserts, or clever extensions—not just classic IKEA components, but something that can be modularly adapted to the BRIMNES while remaining stable and functional.
I already have a few ideas in mind, but I would like to know if there are any well-documented guides or user experiences available. Maybe some of you have already completed a similar project or know of resources that describe this in detail.
For me, it is important not to have to improvise wildly, but rather to have step-by-step instructions with material lists or at least clear guidance on how to implement it.
Looking forward to your tips and experiences!
Hey lojo54!
What a great idea to create additional storage specifically for the BRIMNES!
I once made a modification to a BRIMNES chest of drawers myself – at least by adding extra shelves, which I fixed using brackets. Pretty simple, but effective!
Unfortunately, there is no official IKEA assembly instruction for something like this; it’s more for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. But I definitely recommend checking out the relevant DIY forums, where you can often find really creative ideas.
Still, keep your spirits up! With a bit of planning, you can manage it. 🙂 If you want, I can share my sketches and tips here!
What a great idea to create additional storage specifically for the BRIMNES!
I once made a modification to a BRIMNES chest of drawers myself – at least by adding extra shelves, which I fixed using brackets. Pretty simple, but effective!
Unfortunately, there is no official IKEA assembly instruction for something like this; it’s more for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. But I definitely recommend checking out the relevant DIY forums, where you can often find really creative ideas.
Still, keep your spirits up! With a bit of planning, you can manage it. 🙂 If you want, I can share my sketches and tips here!
Hello lojo54,
I would like to approach your question from a technical perspective to systematically assess the feasibility.
First of all, the BRIMNES series mainly consists of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is coated with plastic surfaces depending on the component. Additional storage space can basically be created by:
- Adding extra shelves
- Expanding with custom-made add-on modules
- Fitting drawer or box modules below or beside existing units
It is important to pay attention to the load-bearing capacity of the MDF panels and the connection points. A common pitfall is improper fastening of additional elements, which can break under load.
There is no official assembly instruction for such modifications, so I recommend the following approach:
1. Take exact measurements of the BRIMNES elements you want to extend
2. Create sketches including all attachment dimensions
3. Choose materials (MDF of similar thickness, possibly plywood for higher load capacity)
4. Plan fastening points (screws, dowels, possibly metal brackets)
Additionally, consider whether the extension should be mobile or fixed, as this significantly influences the design.
Are there specific dimensional requirements for your project?
I am happy to provide further advice if you share details about your storage needs.
I would like to approach your question from a technical perspective to systematically assess the feasibility.
First of all, the BRIMNES series mainly consists of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is coated with plastic surfaces depending on the component. Additional storage space can basically be created by:
- Adding extra shelves
- Expanding with custom-made add-on modules
- Fitting drawer or box modules below or beside existing units
It is important to pay attention to the load-bearing capacity of the MDF panels and the connection points. A common pitfall is improper fastening of additional elements, which can break under load.
There is no official assembly instruction for such modifications, so I recommend the following approach:
1. Take exact measurements of the BRIMNES elements you want to extend
2. Create sketches including all attachment dimensions
3. Choose materials (MDF of similar thickness, possibly plywood for higher load capacity)
4. Plan fastening points (screws, dowels, possibly metal brackets)
Additionally, consider whether the extension should be mobile or fixed, as this significantly influences the design.
Are there specific dimensional requirements for your project?
I am happy to provide further advice if you share details about your storage needs.
Hello lojo54,
I know the feeling when you want to optimize your home, but the standard furniture just isn’t enough. It’s great that you’re thinking about how to cleverly expand your BRIMNES wardrobe.
Sometimes I’ve gotten stuck on exactly these kinds of questions because IKEA instructions often aren’t designed for creative modifications.
I hope you find some useful ideas here—and I think it’s great that others have already provided detailed answers.
My advice: start small, maybe with an extra shelf or an attachment, and then develop it step by step instead of planning the “big project” all at once. It’s okay to have to improvise at first.
I’m looking forward to hearing about your experiences!
I know the feeling when you want to optimize your home, but the standard furniture just isn’t enough. It’s great that you’re thinking about how to cleverly expand your BRIMNES wardrobe.
Sometimes I’ve gotten stuck on exactly these kinds of questions because IKEA instructions often aren’t designed for creative modifications.
I hope you find some useful ideas here—and I think it’s great that others have already provided detailed answers.
My advice: start small, maybe with an extra shelf or an attachment, and then develop it step by step instead of planning the “big project” all at once. It’s okay to have to improvise at first.
I’m looking forward to hearing about your experiences!
Hello lojo54,
I want to revisit the topic of installation and stability. The BRIMNES is a sturdy piece of furniture, but the side panels in particular have limited load capacity, which is important to consider when planning an extension.
If you plan to add extra storage with an attachment, keep the following in mind:
- Use strong fasteners, such as metal brackets or specialized connectors
- Avoid relying solely on adhesives, as they may fail under load
- Distribute the weight over multiple points to prevent pressure damage
If you use shelves as an attachment, adding extra support (small vertical braces) can also be useful.
There is generally no official assembly guide from IKEA, but many creative users of BRIMNES products have shared their solutions online – feel free to search the forum for similar posts.
A small tip: if you want to extend drawers, you need to measure the interior space carefully to ensure rails and sliding systems fit.
Hope this helps you for now!
I want to revisit the topic of installation and stability. The BRIMNES is a sturdy piece of furniture, but the side panels in particular have limited load capacity, which is important to consider when planning an extension.
If you plan to add extra storage with an attachment, keep the following in mind:
- Use strong fasteners, such as metal brackets or specialized connectors
- Avoid relying solely on adhesives, as they may fail under load
- Distribute the weight over multiple points to prevent pressure damage
If you use shelves as an attachment, adding extra support (small vertical braces) can also be useful.
There is generally no official assembly guide from IKEA, but many creative users of BRIMNES products have shared their solutions online – feel free to search the forum for similar posts.
A small tip: if you want to extend drawers, you need to measure the interior space carefully to ensure rails and sliding systems fit.
Hope this helps you for now!
Kugau schrieb:
If you use shelves as extensions, an additional support can also be useful (small vertical braces).That’s exactly what I did – I found it effective to screw small wooden strips onto the back of the extension shelf to increase stability, especially when storing heavy books or boxes.
[quote=DINASAN, post: c3y0f1, member: XXX]There is no official construction manual for such modifications, so I recommend the following approach: [...]
I can imagine that sharing experiences here would be really helpful! Who has specific measurements or questions? 🙂
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