ᐅ Is there any accessory that enhances IKEA Hemnes furniture?

Good morning everyone,

I’m considering whether there are any special accessories or useful upgrades that can improve IKEA Hemnes furniture—such as dressers, nightstands, or cabinets—either functionally or visually. My question is: Are there proven additions that can, for example, increase stability, extend usability, or even enhance the design without having to switch to completely different furniture pieces?

For instance, I have thought about using additional interior organizers or panels but I’m not familiar with the available options. It is especially important to me that the accessories work well with the material and construction of the Hemnes series and are not just makeshift solutions.

Who can share their experience or offer tips on how Hemnes furniture can be specifically improved with accessories, particularly in terms of everyday practicality and design?

Thanks in advance!

Hello Gikastriot!

Great question, there are really cool options! 😊 I fitted my Hemnes dresser with some glass shelf inserts to create a more elegant look while also making my small items more visible. This makes the piece feel much higher quality and not just off-the-shelf.

Additionally, I recommend attaching non-slip mats or felt pads under the feet – this protects the floor and improves stability, especially if you have carpet. For the drawers, there are soft-close adapters available that make closing them much smoother and more pleasant.

Give it a try, it’s really fun and definitely worth it!!!

Hello Gikastriot,

Your question is well chosen because Hemnes furniture has its specific construction and typical design features that should be considered when choosing accessories.

Basically, the following types of accessories are particularly suitable for Hemnes:

- Interior organization: Wooden or bamboo drawer inserts to better organize cutlery, jewelry, or smaller items. Although exact fitting inserts are rarely available from the manufacturer, a lot can be achieved with modular systems such as drawer boxes.

- Lighting: LED strips with battery-powered or mains-powered options that can be mounted under edges or inside cabinet compartments. It is important that installation is simple and does not leave large holes in the wood.

- Stabilization: Since Hemnes models are usually made of solid wood but relatively thin panels, reinforcing the back panels with additional crossbars or attaching angle brackets is recommended if the piece wobbles under higher loads.

- Appearance: Handles can be replaced with higher-quality models made of metal or brass, which significantly changes the character of the furniture. Pay attention to the drilling distances here.

I would also be interested to know exactly which piece of furniture you are looking for accessories for and what you currently find most lacking in terms of function or appearance?

Nathanaelk schrieb:
I’m curious which specific piece of furniture you’re looking for accessories for and what you currently find most lacking in terms of function or appearance?

Good question!

I primarily own the Hemnes dresser in white with six drawers. What bothers me most is that the drawers can sometimes be a bit stiff when pulling them out, and the inside remains rather disorganized. I would also like to have expandable accessories that could provide additional storage space, especially for smaller items.

Visually, I would appreciate a subtle enhancement, perhaps with handles or lighting that isn’t too conspicuous but still adds a modern touch. The stability seems adequate overall, but a little improvement wouldn’t hurt.

I hope this clarifies my specific situation a bit more.

Based on the points raised, here are some specific recommendations:

- For the Hemnes dresser, replacing the standard handles with stainless steel or brass models with the same hole spacing (96 mm (3.8 inches)) is straightforward and commonly done to achieve a more modern and durable look.

- Soft-close hinges for the drawers can be retrofitted, but installation requires at least basic DIY skills. Be careful not to significantly increase the weight of the drawers.

- Organizational systems in the form of modular inserts made of wood or plastic are affordable and flexible solutions for creating internal structure. These should be sized according to the drawer dimensions of the Hemnes (approximately 80 cm x 40 cm (31.5 inches x 15.7 inches) for larger models).

- For the dresser’s stability, I recommend additional reinforcement of the back panel if it will be placed in areas with higher stress. IKEA often uses thin solid wood, which can warp under load.

- Lighting solutions with battery-powered LED strips can be discreetly installed inside and improve usability in low-light conditions.

If you are not very skilled with DIY, I would recommend starting with the handle replacement and internal inserts as simple first steps.

Gikastriot,

I’m happy to add a structured approach in case you want to upgrade your Hemnes dresser:

1. Identifying Weaknesses
- Fully pull out the drawers and check the runners and sliding mechanisms. Hemnes drawers use simple wooden inserts—replacing or supplementing these with metal runners can improve smoothness.

2. Choosing Accessories
- Soft-close kits can be easily retrofitted if the drawer bottom and sides are sturdy enough.
- For organization: custom inserts can either be purchased (modular systems) or made by adjusting wooden pieces yourself.

3. Visual Upgrades
- Replace handles, making sure the drill holes match exactly; otherwise, you will need to drill new holes.
- Lighting: LED strips with motion sensors work well for interior lighting.

4. Assembly
- Always use screws and mounting aids according to instructions and with suitable tools to avoid damage.

5. Testing & Use
- After assembly, test everything multiple times, especially the drawer movement. Adjust as needed if you encounter sticking points.

If you already have precise measurements of the drawers or interior dimensions, I can also recommend specific products and sizes.

Also, don’t forget: to protect the surface, felt pads or protective mats under the dresser are advisable.