ᐅ What dimensions should I consider when buying the Ikea HEMNES?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to buy a piece of furniture from the Ikea Hemnes series, but I am unsure which exact dimensions I should consider to make sure the furniture fits well in my home and is practical to use. Specifically, I am interested in which measurements – such as height, width, and depth – are important, and whether there are any particular differences in dimensions between various Hemnes pieces, for example, dressers compared to wardrobes or sideboards.

Furthermore, I would like to know how much storage space is actually available based on the different dimensions and if there are any guidelines or experience-based recommendations regarding the amount of clearance needed for optimal use (for instance, space for door opening or room behind the furniture).

Are there also any notes concerning ceiling height that should be taken into account specifically for Hemnes wardrobes? I look forward to your tips and recommendations so I can make a well-informed purchase decision. Thank you!

Hello minini,

your question about the dimensions when purchasing an IKEA HEMNES piece of furniture is very good and important, as there are some details to consider, especially with reputable series like HEMNES.

The most important measurements are, of course, height, width, and depth. For HEMNES dressers, widths usually range between 80 cm (31 inches) and just under 160 cm (63 inches), depths are approximately 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches), and heights generally vary between 80 cm (31 inches) and 190 cm (75 inches), depending on the model (for example, lower dressers or tall display cabinets). It is also important to note that the depth usually refers to the floor space the furniture occupies, but if you want to place items inside, you should check the interior dimensions to ensure larger folders or clothing will fit.

For HEMNES wardrobes, you should consider the room height, as they are often over 190 cm (75 inches) tall – this can be tight for standard ceiling heights. Additionally, it is always advisable to allow approximately 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) of extra space for opening the doors, as HEMNES wardrobe doors open outwards.

The interior dimensions for storage can often be found in the product descriptions on IKEA’s website, but many people underestimate the space they actually need, especially if they want to organize clothing in drawers.

If you like, I can also look up specific measurements for individual furniture pieces from the series for you.

Hello minini,

The question about the dimensions of the HEMNES series touches on many aspects that are important from both design and practical perspectives. From my own experience and numerous discussions with other HEMNES buyers, I can say that these pieces often require a bit more space than you might initially expect.

Here are the detailed measurements:
- Height: Depending on the model, between approximately 80 cm (31 inches), e.g., dressers, up to over 190 cm (75 inches), such as tall cabinets and display cases. It is important to measure the ceiling height precisely, as none of the HEMNES furniture exceeds 198 cm (78 inches) in height, but older buildings often have slanted ceilings that can be an obstacle.
- Width: Varies greatly, from around 80 cm (31 inches) for smaller dressers up to about 160 cm (63 inches) for wider sideboards. Keep in mind that a wider dresser can hold more weight but also requires more floor space.
- Depth: Usually about 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches). Note that the depth is also important for drawer usability and how far cabinet doors open. The doors open fully outward, which can be problematic in tight spaces.

Special notes:

- Interior dimensions: The usable space inside is usually smaller than the exterior measurements suggest. Due to the construction, drawer slides, and back panels, you should allow about 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) less.
- Clearance from walls and adjacent furniture: To fully use the drawers and doors, you need at least 10 cm (4 inches) of clearance in front and on the sides.

To help you plan better, I recommend:
- Measuring the room accurately, including not only width and depth but also any obstacles such as radiators or electrical outlets.
- Positioning the HEMNES pieces space-efficiently so the doors can open without restriction.
- Paying close attention to the height: with a room height of 2.40 m (7 ft 10 in), there is enough clearance, but in lower rooms, the taller HEMNES furniture may be too large.

Perhaps you could briefly indicate which room and intended use you have in mind? That way, the question about dimensions can be answered more specifically.

For additional information:

GiRoyce schrieb:
It is also important to note that the depth usually refers to the footprint, but for items you want to place inside, you should check the interior space to ensure larger binders or clothing will fit.

This is very important. The external dimensions are crucial for planning and fitting the furniture in the room. However, the actual internal measurements are relevant for practical use. Especially with dressers and cabinets from the HEMNES series, you should check the height of the shelves and the maximum usability of the drawers.

Furthermore, I recommend allowing enough space for door clearance during planning. For HEMNES cabinets, a free area of at least 50 cm (20 inches) in front of the furniture opening is advisable so that doors and drawers can be fully opened.

You should also consider the weight of the furniture, as HEMNES is partially made from solid pine wood — which is sturdy but quite heavy, which can affect placement and moving.

I can also share from my own uncertainty how important it is to know the exact dimensions of HEMNES furniture pieces before purchasing. At first, I wanted to buy a chest of drawers without measuring, and then I had the problem that its height almost dominated the entire wall—even though I thought it was a relatively low chest.

Especially when it comes to height, it’s always worth measuring twice—as glamo already mentioned, depending on the ceiling height and how much space you want above the furniture, it’s easy to misjudge.

Thank you for the overview of the required clearances, which are often underestimated. In my case, there would have been barely enough room to fully open the doors because I didn’t leave enough free space.

Even if it sounds trivial: always check in advance whether the individual furniture parts will fit through doors and elevators, if you don’t want to struggle with transport at home on your own.

Do you have any tips on which measurements to consider when combining HEMNES furniture, for example, when planning a chest of drawers and a wardrobe in the same room?