ᐅ Which DIY upgrades are especially popular for IKEA Hemnes furniture?

I wanted to mention that heat generation is also an important factor when it comes to lighting. LED strips are ideal because they produce very little heat. There are also battery-powered versions available, so you don’t need an additional power outlet. Just stick them on, cut to size as needed, and you’re done.

Regarding handles: Before drilling the final holes, try using a paper template to mark the drill points. This helps avoid mistakes and results in a cleaner finish.

When it comes to reinforcement, wall mounting the cabinet is often the most important safety feature, especially if there are children in the house.

Palenar schrieb:
Regarding the fittings: Original hinges are solid, but there are high-quality versions with soft-close features that improve ease of use and extend the lifespan of cabinet doors.

The soft-close hinges sound interesting – could someone explain in more detail how to replace them and whether it’s relatively easy to do?

TEBILO schrieb:
If you want to keep it simple in terms of craftsmanship, you could alternatively use corner brackets on the inside corners – these come with pre-drilled holes, are screwed in, and provide a lot of stability with minimal effort.

Are these corner brackets usually visible, or can they be installed concealed? How do they look aesthetically? I want stability but not necessarily a “construction site” look in the final result.

Zikosau schrieb:
The topic of soft-close hinges sounds interesting – can someone explain in more detail how to replace them and whether it is relatively easy to do?

Certainly, here is a brief overview:

1. Identify the type of hinges (Hemnes usually uses clip-on hinges).
2. The soft-close versions replace the standard hinges directly without any modifications to the cabinet.
3. Typically, only two screws per hinge need to be loosened, then the old hinge can be removed and the new one screwed in.
4. Pay attention to alignment, as the soft-close function works through a small gas spring or spring mechanism.

Regarding the visibility of corner brackets, both options exist: visible metal brackets are usually the most stable and cost-effective, but you can also buy concealed connectors that sit hidden inside the furniture. These are more complex to install and sometimes require more significant modifications to the piece.

If appearance matters to you, I would recommend a good compromise: install corner brackets on the inside where they are not noticeable, or alternatively, use large decorative metal brackets that stand out as a design element.

If allowed, I could also recommend not only focusing on the function but also enhancing the corner with colors or small ornaments! 😉

I saw this at a friend’s place, who replaced his Hemnes handles with colorful ceramic handles – it looks really unique. It adds character, and you don’t always have to do a complete renovation.

Regarding safety and stability with children in the household, I would strongly recommend a professional wall fastener. Even if the cabinet is properly reinforced, it can still tip over otherwise.

There are special wall anchors available from IKEA, as well as universal solutions using drywall anchors or metal brackets. These ensure that the cabinet and the wall form a secure unit.

If you want to install corners, you should choose internal steel angles, as they are more stable than plastic and not very expensive. Before changing the handle, measure carefully first, otherwise the holes won’t align properly.