ᐅ Is there a guide for retrofitting soft-close mechanisms on Ikea Brimnes furniture?

Hello everyone, I have an Ikea Brimnes wardrobe and would like to know if there is a clear and comprehensive guide for retrofitting a soft-close function on the wardrobe doors.

The wardrobe originally does not come with soft-close, and I want to add the damping mechanism as neatly and safely as possible without damaging the doors or the furniture. Does anyone have reliable tips, illustrated step-by-step instructions, or even suitable retrofit kits that are compatible?

Details about installation, recommended tools, and possible difficulties would be helpful, as I’m not sure if the new system can be easily adapted to the existing hinges or if additional drilling or screw changes are necessary.

Thanks in advance for your experiences and advice!

There is no official Ikea instruction for soft-close on Brimnes. However, you can buy soft-close hinges separately and replace the old ones. Instructions are usually included.

I understand very well how frustrating it can be when you want to upgrade something but the right information is missing.

For me, retrofitting soft-close hinges on the Brimnes worked well, although I first carefully compared all the hinge measurements.

Unfortunately, the instructions included in the kit were not perfect for Brimnes, but with a little patience, it worked out. Just give it a try and don’t be afraid of making small adjustments.

Sometimes it takes a bit of courage, but in the end, it’s worth it.

You need special soft-close hinges that fit Ikea Brimnes. Simply unscrew the old hinges and install the new ones. The drill holes are usually compatible; you just need to pay attention to the screw size.

In addition to the retrofit itself, it is recommended to consider the following points:

- Check whether your current hinges have 35mm cup holes, which is often the case with Brimnes.
- Purchase soft-close hinges with compatible thread types for the existing holes.
- Make sure to match the door weight and size with the capacity of the soft-close hinge.
- For installation, you should use a cordless drill, screwdriver, and possibly a Phillips head screwdriver.
- There is no official Ikea documentation, but many forums offer alternative video guides.

If you want more details, I can also outline a step-by-step technique.

Mufato schrieb:
There is no official Ikea instruction for soft-close on Brimnes. However, you can buy soft-close hinges separately and replace the old ones. Instructions are usually included.

Thanks, that helps a lot. Which manufacturers or models are compatible?

I have seen that Blum or Hettich offer soft-close hinges. Are those really suitable for Brimnes, or do I need a Brimnes-specific version?

Paxton38 schrieb:
- Check if your current hinges have 35 mm cup holes, which is often the case with Brimnes.

I can confirm that the holes on my cabinet are definitely 35 mm (1.38 inches).

I think your idea of matching the door size and weight is very important. Is it easy to measure this, or are there exact values provided by Ikea?