16 Clever IKEA Dresser Hacks That Prove How Versatile the HEMNES Line Is
A few pieces of IKEA furniture are so classic that while they look good as-is, they really wow with a clever IKEA hack — like the BILLY bookcase, the EKET cabinets, the POÄNG chair, and of course, the HEMNES dresser. The HEMNES is perhaps one of the most customizable pieces, and to prove it we’ve rounded up some of our very favorite IKEA dresser hacks to show you just how versatile it can be.
In fact, sometimes all it takes to make these simple pieces feel high-end is a little bit of reconfiguration, new hardware, or a coat of paint. Skeptical? Check out these mind-blowing IKEA dresser hacks for the HEMNES dresser and its cousins, the HEMNES three-drawer and six-drawer chests.
1. A cabinet on top.
When a chest of drawers isn’t enough, simply add a small cabinet to the top, like Instagram user @die_schwarze_nadel did here. It’s a unique Hemnes hack we’re dying to try, simply because it adds a different type of storage to this already useful piece of furniture.
2. A stately upgrade.
This hunter green and dark stained Hemnes hack by @die_schwarze_nadel shows that this versatile piece can totally be on display right in the center of your home. We love the choice of dark hues that really add an elegant touch.
3. A glued-on design.
This fun Hemnes hack features several amazing upgrades. First, an overall coral color adds a touch of whimsy, especially when paired with the blue wall behind. Then, this DIYer added tiny MDF detailing in an eye-catching pattern, then painted it the same color for a cohesive look you’d never know is after-market. Finally, gold drawer and cabinet pulls complete the look.
4. Two cabinets and a chest of drawers.
This clever DIYer (@Ryan87lx) revamped an entire wall of his kitchen using two HEMNES glass cabinets separated by a three-drawer chest from the same line. Featuring ample storage and a sleek coat of black paint, this IKEA dresser hack is a suitable upgrade for this modern, red-and-black kitchen.
5. A quick and quirky upgrade.
Deciding that the 8-drawer HEMNES dresser was largely good enough as is, @akasle simply switched out the drawer pulls for mismatched but coordinating pulls that add the perfect touch of whimsy to this pretty piece. It’s an IKEA dresser hack that’s a great idea for a kids room, or any space that needs just a touch of fun.
6. Subdued hued.
Another simple IKEA HEMNES hack by @annlindamaria features the line’s iconic glass cabinet. Rather than leaving it white, she gave it a lovely upgrade with a coat of matte paint in a tranquil green hue. It’s understated yet completely elegant in the corner of her kitchen.
7. Bring out the blow torch.
This hack may seem a little daunting, but with the proper safety precautions, it’s doable. To play up that rustic, high-contrast wood grain, the HEMNES’ drawers were sanded, then blasted with a blowtorch. Another sanding and hardware swap later, and the dresser was ready to go.
8. Lattice method, a fresh paint job, and new hardware.
Give your home a little dose of boho chic with this HEMNES drawer hack. The lattice method involves a little bit of patience and time, but the finished look is a real showstopper.
9. Satin-y paint, a stained top, and new hardware.
Three low-cost upgrades make this HEMNES dresser appear much more custom. First, a fresh coat of French blue paint and a stained top distinguishes the piece from the traditional all-white, -brown, or -natural options IKEA offers. Then, affordable hardware (less than $10 for the set!) pulls the look together.
10. Cane webbing with sleek pulls.
Though this clever hack using cane webbing requires a bit more DIY know-how, it renders the HEMNES almost unrecognizable as an IKEA piece. The finished product is perfectly suited for a sophisticated bedroom or a beachside bungalow.
11. A colorful ombre paint job.
Gradient shades of pretty pink paint turn a basic dresser into a sweet and ultra-feminine focal point that looks just as at home in a nursery as it would in a living room. The look can easily adapt to different paint shades, too.
12. Matte chalk paint with cool modern legs.
Charcoal chalk paint and new pulls give the HEMNES an ultra-sleek and modern look made even more sophisticated by a pair of custom legs.
13. Paint, stain, and mid-century style knobs.
After sanding and a fresh coat of stain and white paint, this two-toned dresser has a mid-century modern vibe that’s reminiscent of a much more expensive piece you’d find at a mid-century-style store.
14. Patterned contact paper.
If you can cut contact paper to size, you can pull off this sleek DIY project in less than an hour. And because contact paper comes in such a wide-range of options, from patterned to wood, it’s easy to adapt it to your own aesthetic.
15. Nailhead trim and textured wallpaper.
The HEMNES hack is nearly unrecognizable, thanks to textured wallpaper and decorative nailhead trim. Though it does require a bit of patience, this project is relatively simple and very affordable.
16. Clever DIY custom legs (and a standout paint color).
A little bit of woodworking know-how made it possible for this couple to transform a simple dresser into the colorful and ultra-cool focal point of their child’s nursery.