ᐅ What DIY ideas are there for personalizing IKEA Brimnes furniture?

Hello everyone, I am currently thinking about how to customize my IKEA Brimnes furniture a bit more, as it feels too plain and standard to me right now. Does anyone have creative DIY ideas to enhance this series and break up its appearance? I am interested in examples of how to make the furniture more personal with a manageable effort and simple methods – for example, new handles, painting, surface finishing, or other modifications. It is important to me that the result remains practical and does not require a huge time investment. Has anyone had experience with this or any specific suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Lassejon schrieb:
I'm interested in examples of how to personalize a piece of furniture with manageable effort and simple methods – such as new handles, color design, surface finishing, or other modifications.

You raise an important point. With Brimnes, for example, the basic design is quite simple because it’s produced more affordably on an industrial scale. I recommend starting with a brief analysis of your rooms: Which colors and styles dominate there? Based on that, you can determine suitable DIY measures.

One of the simplest and most effective changes is swapping out the handles. Brass or copper handles work great here, adding a solid retro charm to the IKEA standard.

Additionally, you can fully cover the surface with adhesive foil or paint it with chalk paint. If you choose paint, be sure to apply several thin coats with light sanding between each layer; otherwise, the surface can become uneven or the paint may peel quickly. Finishing with wax or clear varnish ensures durability.

Have you considered lining the backs of shelves or cabinets with contrasting wallpaper? That immediately adds depth.

What is your level of DIY experience? And how much time are you really willing to invest?

Replacing handles is the easiest and quickest option. The same applies to covering with vinyl film – available in many designs and takes little time. Painting is also possible but requires thorough preparation.

Ellis schrieb:
Replacing handles is the best and fastest option.

That’s true, but I doubt that just changing a handle really counts as sufficient customization. It remains superficial if the fabric and frame of the furniture are left unchanged. You could also discuss whether, with this model series, it’s really necessary to adhere strictly to the original gap dimensions and material thicknesses, or if there are creative ways, such as adding trim moldings or even fabric upholstery.

What often seems to be missing in DIY guides like this is a thoughtful approach to the piece of furniture as a design basis. Simply changing paint and handles—that’s clear—but isn’t that almost too little to speak of genuine customization? I’m interested in your opinions on this.

Genevieve schrieb:
Simply changing the color and handles – sure, but isn’t that almost too little to really call it customization?

Of course, that’s too little, but that’s exactly where the appeal lies! IKEA furniture, in my experience, is like IKEA fast food – it’s the same everywhere, standardized, and not really meant to be customized. If you want to play it safe, you change the color or handles. But once you move beyond the IKEA concept and start making more complex modifications, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s Brimnes or another piece of furniture.

I believe the true DIY spirit goes beyond simple tweaks; it means questioning the entire design language and function. For example, building fronts completely from scratch or integrating lighting – that’s more than just a small craft project. Who actually does that?

For quick results, I recommend: - Installing new, eye-catching handles - Decorating the fronts with adhesive films - Equipping interior spaces with LED strips to create highlights

This is fast, inexpensive, and gives a fresh look.