How To Update Your IKEA Hemnes Cabinet On A Budget
Today I am sharing the process of giving my IKEA Hemnes cabinet a new life, after I was ready to throw it away…
But first, a little backstory.
We first bought this cabinet almost 10 years ago! I always used it to store books, a few decor pieces and stored stationary items in the drawers, as it is great storage.
Fast forward 9 years, we moved to a different home and I ended up taking the glass doors off and put it in my dinning room. Recently I’ve been storing a few extra sets of dishes and cups that I use for parties in it, along with some decor pieces.
I have searched for an antique hutch for a while now with no luck. They are either too expensive or just not my style. So I had an idea to makeover my Ikea Hemnes cabinet on a budget and use it as a hutch in the dining room.
For reference, here is a before photo.
Before
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Choosing a paint color
The color I chose was a very bold choice, for me. I wanted to add more color in my home and I couldn’t help but notice all the red that is trending right now. So I decided to just go for it, after all it is just paint and I can repaint it any time.
The color I chose was Aurora Brown by Sherwin Williams.
What You'll Need
– Sanding block
– BIN Zinsser Primer
– Paint
– Roller
– Paint brush
– Scallop trim
– Wood glue
– Wooden knobs
1. Sand
Although you do not need to sand when using the BIN Zinnser Primer, I decided to do a light sand anyway. After sanding, I cleaned everything thoroughly and wiped away any dust.
2. Prime
Priming is a must when refinishing IKEA furniture. I used the BIN Zinnser Primer
Priming helps the paint adhere better and prevents chipping and peeling later on.
Looking at it now, maybe i should have done 2 layers of primer.
3. Paint
Using thin coats will prevent drips, streaks, and uneven coverage. I applied a total of 3 coats.
Although the surface was smooth, a foam roller left streaks. I prefer the micro fiber rollers for smooth surfaces, they did a flawless job!
I considered adding a poly acrylic top coat but decided not to because I believe with the primer and the 3 layers of paint it should hold up nicely.
4. Add Scallops
I wanted to add character to the cabinet and found these adorable scalloped trim pieces.
To attach the trim, we nailed a back piece to the very top, and glued the scallops on to it.
5. Add Hardware
Lastly, I added wooden knobs to complete the look. I feel that wooden knobs add the perfect touch of charm and character to this Ikea Hemnes cabinet, which is exactly what I was going for.
6. Style
Styling was probably my favorite part. I used everything that I already had to make it extra budget friendly. My goal was to make it feel “moody” so I tried to used darker colors such as browns.
I am thrilled with my Ikea Hemnes cabinet makeover. It is everything I envisioned and more!
Finally, I have the charm and character I was missing in my dining space.
