ᐅ Which DIY upgrades can enhance the comfort of IKEA Hemnes beds?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought an IKEA Hemnes bed and am considering various DIY upgrades to significantly increase comfort. I am especially interested in practical enhancements that improve the sleeping experience or make daily use easier, such as integrated shelves, optimal mattress supports, or perhaps lighting solutions. What creative or proven modifications have you made to Hemnes beds? It would be helpful if you could also briefly mention the materials used, the effort involved, and the benefits, so I can get a clear idea.

Thanks in advance for your experiences and tips!

That’s a very good topic you’re bringing up.

From my perspective, these upgrades are the most effective:

- Using slatted frame toppers with additional padding that adjust firmness and thus improve comfort.
- Installing LED reading lights under the bed headboard to create both mood lighting and practical illumination.
- Adding narrow shelves or ledges on the sides of the headboard for books and small items.
- Replacing the standard mattress with a memory foam version, if the budget allows.

Material costs are usually moderate, but when installing lighting, it’s important to ensure safe electrical connections and possibly consult a professional. Overall, these measures are achievable with some DIY skills and provide a noticeable increase in comfort.

I simply attached felt pads under the legs of my Hemnes bed. This results in less noise on wooden floors and a more pleasant experience. Additionally, I recommend using a foam pad under the mattress to improve comfort.

lalutau schrieb:
Installation of LED reading lamps under the bed headboard to create a cozy and practical lighting solution.

I can only agree with that. I installed it myself, and it really creates a relaxed atmosphere, especially in the evening while reading. At first, I was unsure if the installation would be too complicated, but it turned out to be quite manageable and adds a lot of value.

What was also important to me: the side shelves are very helpful for keeping your phone and water bottle within easy reach, especially if you don’t want to set up bedside tables to save space.

This is how I see it – comfort also means practicality, not just the sleeping area alone. Simply having things within reach makes a big difference.

Regarding the question of which DIY upgrades can improve comfort for IKEA Hemnes beds:

I would like to add that replacing or supplementing the slat support points can have a positive effect on the springiness. For example, softer pads like cork or rubber can be placed between the slats and the frame – this reduces noise and slightly increases comfort.

Another tip is to customize the mattress topper with breathable materials, which improves the sleeping climate and contributes to overall comfort.

These upgrades are technically straightforward but require some patience and careful work. For those who want to avoid extensive effort, these measures can still provide a lasting increase in comfort.