That plain white dresser sitting in your bedroom is about to become your favorite DIY project. These ikea hemnes dresser hacks & ideas will transform your basic furniture into something that looks like it costs three times more.
The hemnes dresser has become a cult favorite among DIY enthusiasts because it’s sturdy, affordable, and surprisingly versatile. Weather you want to add fluted wood panels, create a built-in look, or completely change it’s style, this dresser can handle almost any makeover.
From farmhouse chic to modern minimalist, these clever transformations will make your friends ask where you bought such an expensive-looking piece.
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Navy Blue Paint Creates Stunning Dresser Transformation
This gorgeous navy blue Hemnes dresser proves that sometimes the simplest modifications create the biggest impact. @pompousclock transformed their basic pine dresser with what appears to be a rich navy paint that has subtle brush strokes for added texture.
The brass-toned hardware pulls really pop against the dark blue finish, creating a sophisticated contrast that elevates the whole piece. You could easily recreate this look using chalk paint or even regular latex paint with a light sanding first.
The beauty of this hack is how it turns an affordable piece into something that looks way more expensive than it actually was.
Bow Knot Hardware Transforms Plain White Drawers
The brilliant touch here is swapping out those boring original knobs for adorable gold bow-shaped handles that instantly make this dresser feel more personalized. These metallic accents from @wildgreenrestoration turn a basic white Hemnes into something that looks way more expensive than it actually was.
The crisp white finish provides the perfect backdrop for the warm gold hardware to really pop and catch the light. You could easily recreate this look by ordering similar bow knobs online and simply unscrewing the old ones – no power tools required!
Try mixing different metallic finishes like rose gold or brass for an even more custom appearance that matches your rooms existing decor.
Leather Pulls Transform Your Basic Hemnes Dresser
The warm wood top paired with sleek black paint creates such a sophisticated look that nobody would guess this started as a basic Hemnes dresser. Those leather pulls are what really makes this hack shine though – they add that perfect touch of warmth against the dark finish.
What’s brilliant about this transformation from @edzia89studio is how the natural wood grain shows through on the top surface. You could easily recreate this look by painting your dresser in any dark color and adding butcher block or reclaimed wood for the top.
The leather drawer pulls are probably the easiest upgrade ever – just drill new holes and attach them with screws from the inside of the drawers.
Fluted Drawer Fronts Transform Everything Instantly
Those vertical lines aren’t just decorative, they’re total game-changers for your basic Hemnes dresser. @jessicabelteauhome created this stunning sage green masterpiece by adding fluted wood paneling to each drawer front, then painting the whole thing in a gorgeous muted green shade.
The fluted texture adds so much visual interest and makes the dresser look way more expensive than it actually was. You can find pre-made fluted panels at most home improvement stores, or even create the look with thin wood strips if your feeling crafty.
Pair it with brass or gold hardware to really make those vertical lines pop against the painted surface.
Geometric Handles Transform Basic White Drawers
Those boring original knobs don’t stand a chance against these stunning geometric handles that completely change the game. The brass and olive green combination creates such a sophisticated look that you’d never guess this started as a basic Hemnes dresser.
What makes this hack so brilliant is how @thelittlehouseonthecorner chose handles that feel like little pieces of art. The hexagonal shape adds this modern sculptural element that makes each drawer opening feel special and intentional.
You could easily switch up the color combo too – maybe try black and gold or even different shades of green for a more subtle ombre effect.
Leather Pull Hardware Transforms Basic Hemnes Style
Those brown leather pulls completely change the game for this white Hemnes dresser transformation. @harmonylu_ proves that swapping out standard knobs for leather handles creates such a sophisticated scandinavian vibe thats perfect for any nursery or bedroom.
The natural wood drawer fronts paired with crisp white frames makes this hack feel way more expensive than it actually is. You can achieve this look by adding wood veneer or even peel-and-stick wood contact paper to your existing drawers.
The leather hardware adds warmth and texture that makes the whole piece feel custom-made rather than store-bought furniture.
Geometric Overlays Transform Plain White Hemnes
Sometimes the most dramatic changes come from the simplest additions, and this white Hemnes dresser proves that point perfectly. The intricate geometric overlays completely transform what would otherwise be a basic piece into something that looks like it belongs in a high-end boutique.
Each drawer features a different pattern – from classic quatrefoil to diamond lattice designs that create amazing visual texture. The white-on-white color scheme keeps everything cohesive while the @myoverlays add incredible depth and dimension to each drawer front.
The brass hardware complements the raised patterns beautifully, making this hack look way more expensive than it actually was to create.
Sage Green Paint Transforms Your Hemnes Completely
This gorgeous sage green makeover by @casachristbaum proves that a simple paint job can totally change your dresser’s whole vibe. The soft, muted green color creates such a calming atmosphere that works perfectly with natural textures and plants.
You’ll need quality furniture paint or chalk paint to get this smooth, professional finish on your Hemnes dresser. The key is proper sanding and priming first, then applying thin coats to avoid brush marks or drips.
Try adding brass or gold hardware instead of the original black knobs to make the green pop even more.
Sage Green Paint Transforms Any Boring Dresser
This stunning sage green transformation proves that a simple paint job can completely change your furniture’s personality. The @reimaginedbytina makeover combines the classic Hemnes frame with a sophisticated muted green that feels both calming and contemporary.
The real showstopper here is the textured wood panel insert on the top drawer, which adds incredible visual interest without being overwhelming. Those brass handles perfectly complement the warm undertones in both the green paint and natural wood texture.
You could easily recreate this look using fluted wood panels from any craft store, some quality furniture paint, and a bit of patience with your brush strokes.
Sage Green Paint Transforms Basic Hemnes Dresser
Sometimes the most dramatic transformations come from the simplest changes, and this gorgeous sage green Hemnes makeover proves exactly that point. The rich, muted green color completely changes the personality of the basic pine dresser, turning it from boring furniture into a stunning focal point that anchors this kids’ room perfectly.
What really makes this hack special is how @_the_woodworkers_wife kept the original hardware but swapped in those beautiful leather pulls instead of the standard knobs. The warm brown leather handles add such a nice contrast against the cool green paint, and they’re way more comfortable for little hands to grip.
You could easily recreate this look with any high-quality furniture paint, and the leather pulls are available online if you want to copy the exact same vibe.
Leather Pulls Transform Your Basic Dresser
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest impact, and @a_heatherly_place proves this perfectly with their stunning Hemnes transformation. The rich navy blue paint job creates such a sophisticated foundation that you’d never guess this started as basic pine furniture.
Those cognac leather pulls are what really steal the show though. Instead of standard knobs, these warm brown leather straps add texture and create a custom look that feels way more expensive than it actually was.
You can find similar leather pulls online or even make your own using leather strips and some basic hardware from the craft store.
Crystal Knobs Transform Basic Wood Finish
This gorgeous transformation shows how simple hardware changes can completely elevate your dresser’s look. The sparkly crystal knobs catch the light beautifully against the warm wood tones, creating a much more expensive appearance than the original basic pulls.
The rich walnut stain gives the dresser such a sophisticated vibe that nobody would guess it started as plain pine. @thebloomingedit nailed this transformation by keeping the wood grain visible while deepening the color significantly.
You could easily recreate this look with gel stain and some patience, plus those glamorous crystal handles are available online for under $30.
Cane Webbing Transforms Basic Hemnes Drawers
The natural cane webbing on these drawer fronts completely changes the game for a standard white Hemnes dresser. This brilliant hack from @brownstoneboys shows how adding texture can make IKEA furniture look way more expensive than it actually is.
You’ll need to cut out rectangular sections from each drawer front, then attach the cane webbing from behind using wood glue and small nails. The warm honey-colored cane creates such a nice contrast against the crisp white paint, and those wooden handles tie everything together perfectly.
Try experimenting with different cane patterns or even colored webbing to match your room’s vibe – the possibilities are endless with this simple but effective modification.
Mixed Material Drawers Create Visual Interest
This clever transformation by @saltandhoney_reclaimed turns an ordinary Hemnes dresser into something totally unique with mixed materials. The top four drawers show off beautiful natural wood grain while the bottom drawers keep their sleek gray finish.
The contrast between warm wood tones and cool gray paint creates a modern two-tone effect that’s way more interesting than plain white. You could easily recreate this look by replacing just the top drawer fronts with reclaimed wood or even wood-look contact paper if your on a budget.
The brass knobs tie everything together and add that perfect finishing touch that makes this hack look professionally done.
Bold Geometric Paint Transforms Basic Pine Furniture
This stunning transformation by @jmsymonette proves that a basic HEMNES dresser can become a work of art with just paint and tape. The geometric pattern uses bold triangular shapes in navy blue, forest green, soft blue, and crisp white that dance across the natural pine wood grain.
Creating this look requires painters tape to mask off clean lines and high-quality acrylic paint in your chosen colors. The brass hardware stays untouched, which creates a nice contrast against the painted geometric sections and adds warmth to the cool color palette.
You could easily adapt this technique with different color combinations like coral and mint green or even monochromatic shades of gray for a more subtle effect.
Navy Blue Paint Transforms Basic Hemnes Drawers
Sometimes all it takes is the right paint color to completely change your furniture’s whole vibe. This navy blue Hemnes dresser makeover by @ashleyfioccodesigns proves that a simple color swap can make your bedroom look way more expensive than it actually was.
The deep navy shade works perfectly with those black hardware pulls that come standard on the Hemnes. You dont need to replace the handles at all, which saves you money and time during your DIY project.
This rich blue color would look amazing in almost any room and gives you tons of styling options for decor and accessories on top.
Decorative Overlays Create Timeless Furniture Drama
This gorgeous white dresser proves that simple overlays can totally transform your basic Hemnes into something that looks way more expensive. The raised panel design from @myoverlays gives each drawer front a custom, built-in appearance that screams high-end furniture store.
The brass cup pulls and ring handles add the perfect finishing touch, and you can easily mix different styles on the same piece like this. What’s really cool is how the overlays create depth and visual interest without being too fancy or overwhelming.
You could totally recreate this look with different overlay patterns or paint colors to match your room’s vibe perfectly.
Teal Paint Transforms Your Basic Hemnes Dresser
The amazing transformation by @charlestoncrafted shows how a simple coat of teal paint can completely change your Hemnes dresser’s personality. The gorgeous sea-foam green color works perfectly with the warm wood top, creating a two-tone effect that looks way more expensive than it actually is.
What makes this hack so brilliant is how the painted base contrasts beautifully with the natural wood top and legs. The brass hardware adds another layer of sophistication that makes the whole piece feel custom-made instead of store-bought.
You could easily recreate this look with any chalk paint or furniture paint in your favorite color – navy blue, sage green, or even a bold coral would work amazing.
Wooden Knobs Transform Your Nursery Storage
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest impact, and @agaveandorange proves this perfectly with their wooden knob upgrade. These warm, natural wood pulls instantly transform a basic white Hemnes dresser into something that feels custom and expensive.
The round wooden knobs create this amazing contrast against the crisp white finish thats both modern and timeless. You can find similar knobs at most hardware stores or online, and they usually cost less than $3 each which makes this hack super budget-friendly.
Try different wood tones like walnut for a darker look or maple for something lighter, and watch how it completely changes the dressers personality.
These ikea hemnes dresser hacks & ideas prove that amazing furniture doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some creativity and basic tools, you can create custom pieces that perfectly match your style and space.
The best part about these projects is that their all beginner-friendly and won’t break the bank. Most of these hacks use materials you can find at any hardware store or online, making them totally doable for weekend warriors.
Your hemnes dresser makeover will become the conversation starter that everyone wants to recreate in there own home.