ᐅ What are your experiences with IKEA Hemnes furniture as pet owners?

Hello everyone,

I am currently considering purchasing some furniture from the IKEA Hemnes series and would like to get a clear idea of how well it holds up for pet owners. My main concerns are about how durable this furniture is against scratches from cats or dogs, whether the surface is easily damaged, and how much maintenance it requires in daily life with pets. I am also interested in whether you have experienced any issues with stains from pet hair, claws, or spilled bowls – and how you dealt with these problems if so.

Does anyone have practical experience with IKEA Hemnes furniture in a home with pets? Whether dogs, cats, or other four-legged companions. I would appreciate it if you could share your opinions, tips, or specific challenges. Thank you in advance!

makeo69 schrieb:
My main concerns are how durable this furniture is against scratches from cats or dogs, whether the surface might get damaged easily, and how much maintenance it requires in daily use with pets.

From my experience, Hemnes furniture made of solid wood is quite sturdy, but it has a relatively softer surface that shows scratch marks fairly quickly. Cat claws, in particular, leave noticeable marks, especially on edges and doors.

For maintenance, I recommend regular dusting and occasional polishing with furniture wax, which can also help to partially conceal minor scratches. When it comes to stains, such as spilled drinks from a bowl, it largely depends on the type of stain—the surface is not sealed like lacquered furniture, so it is more prone to staining if liquids are not cleaned up promptly.

Overall, I consider Hemnes well-made, but if your pet has frequent contact with the furniture, you should expect visible wear. Also, consider using washable covers or protective mats on high-traffic areas.

makeo69 schrieb:
Does anyone have practical experience with IKEA Hemnes furniture in a household with pets?

There are some technical aspects to consider regarding Hemnes furniture and pets.

The Hemnes series is made from pine wood, partly solid, which on one hand offers a natural look but on the other hand means the surface is relatively soft. This means:
- Scratches from cat or dog claws can penetrate quite deeply into the wood.
- The surface is sealed with clear lacquer, but it is rather thin, so moisture can quickly cause marks or stains.

I personally have Hemnes dressers for storage and after a year of heavy use with pets (2 cats), I noticed the following points:

1. Areas where cats use the furniture as scratching posts usually show deep grooves; the material does not tend to level out.
2. Regular maintenance with special wood oil can extend the product’s lifespan but does not make the wood more scratch-resistant.
3. Spilled water or wet food on the “flat” surfaces dries unevenly at times, which can cause the wood to swell.

If you want an optimal solution, you can also apply protective films to Hemnes furniture or use final decorative covers (like tablecloths or mats) in particularly exposed areas. The downside is that this somewhat diminishes the natural design.

What kind of pets do you have – more active and prone to scratching or calmer? The size of your dog also matters since larger animals exert more pressure on furniture when bumping into it.

poted schrieb:
If you want an optimal solution, you can also protect Hemnes with protective films or use final decorations (such as tablecloths or pads) in particularly exposed areas.

I can confirm that. Additionally, it should be noted that regular cleaning of pet hair from wood grooves and edges works best with a soft brush to avoid scratching. For stains, I recommend mild cleaning agents that do not dry out the wood.

For pet owners seeking a more durable option, I would suggest furniture with laminated or high-density surfaces (MDF with melamine) as an alternative to Hemnes. Hemnes has a nice design but is not ideal for heavy exposure to claws or moisture.

makeo69 schrieb:
My main concerns are about how resistant this furniture is to scratches from cats or dogs, whether the surface might easily get damaged, and how much maintenance it requires in daily use with pets.

I can add from personal experience: I have Hemnes dressers in a household with two cats. After 2 years of use, the furniture shows noticeable scratches, especially on the lower edges and on surfaces where the cats like to rest.

Here is my approach and some tips:
- Use cushions on shelves or blankets as resting spots for cats to protect both function and appearance
- Apply fire-safe furniture waxes to regulate wood moisture
- Vacuum cat hair daily and gently wipe with a damp cloth
- Never place bowls directly on the surface; instead, use small mats or coasters

As mentioned, Hemnes furniture is not perfect for pet owners, but with proper care and targeted protection of vulnerable areas, the furniture lasts longer. You might also want to consider if you’re comfortable with the light-colored finish, as dust and pet hair are quite visible on it.

Are there specific pieces from the series you’re interested in? Doors, cabinets, bedside tables? That could help tailor the advice.