IKEA HEMNES Dresser Review: Size, Price & Flaws

I think the IKEA HEMNES dresser is a buy if you want a solid pine dresser that looks traditional and you are willing to put it together carefully and fasten it to the wall. It is not the right choice if you want a sleek modern look, have no patience for a long build, or plan to store very heavy items in the drawers.

On the U.S. Site of IKEA the IKEA HEMNES dresser lineup ranges from a $149.99 two‑drawer chest to a $449.99 eight‑drawer dresser. That gives you options at several budgets.

This review covers what each size offers, how the drawers work, what buyers actually complain about, and which HEMNES dresser suits which kind of room.

The HEMNES dresser lineup and sizes

IKEA sells HEMNES dressers in four sizes, each in two finishes: black-brown and white stain. Here’s what the U.S. site listed:

Prices and ratings change. I recommend you check IKEAs site before you buy. The 2‑drawer chest is mostly used as a nightstand so the real choice for dresser shoppers is, among the three options.

IKEAs product pages provide information about the two larger models. The 6-drawer dresser is 19⅝ inches deep, with drawers that are 15¾ inches deep inside and pull out about 9⅞ inches. The 8-drawer model has the same 19⅝-inch depth and is 63 inches wide. Both models sit on legs that give, about 4⅜ inches of space underneath. This clearance is important if you want to vacuum under the dresser or use a robot vacuum.

Which size should you pick?

The 6-drawer dresser is tall and narrow measuring 42½ inches wide and 52 inches high. It works well in bedrooms because it takes up very little floor space and uses vertical wall height instead. But there’s a trade-off—the top surface sits high which makes it uncomfortable to use for a TV or a mirror you want to place on top. Also if you put it under a window it might block the view or the light.

The 8-drawer dresser is better for couples or anyone who has a lot of clothes. It’s 37¾ inches high which is closer to a classic low dresser. It gives you room on top for a mirror, a lamp or some decorative items. But it needs 63 inches of wall space so make sure to measure before you buy. On a cost-per-drawer basis it’s also cheaper—around $56 per drawer compared to about $67 for the 6-drawer. Still the drawer sizes are different between the two models.

The 3-drawer dresser is a choice for a kid’s room, a guest room or even as a small insert in a closet. It’s the affordable way to get a full-size HEMNES dresser but it doesn’t hold nearly as much as the other two models.

A helpful trick: tape the dresser’s footprint, on the floor and then open a drawer to see how much space you need in front of it. Rental bedrooms often feel tight. A dresser that looks like it fits on paper might still leave you having to squeeze past an open drawer.

Materials and build

IKEA lists the parts of the HEMNES 8‑drawer as solid pine with adhesive, stain and clear acrylic lacquer. The drawer sides and backs are also pine. That is unusual at this price because low‑cost dressers use particleboard with a printed or foil finish. Solid pine has real benefits: it feels like real wood, and it can be sanded and repainted if you want a different look.

 Solid pine also has a weakness. Pine is a softwood so dents and scratches come easily. That point shows up often in customer reviews of IKEAs furniture. If you have a household expect some marks. 

Wood also moves with humidity. In the humid Southeast and Gulf Coast solid wood drawers may stick in summer. In Mountain West winters small gaps can open up. This is normal for wood. However it can surprise people used to engineered furniture. Keeping the bedroom humidity stable helps.

How the drawers work

IKEA says the HEMNES drawers run smoothly and have a pull‑out stop and the dresser has a drawer interlock so one drawer, in a column can open at a time. IKEA says this reduces tip‑over risk when the dresser is anchored to a wall.

 The interlock is a safety feature but it can be annoying if you want to pull two drawers in the same column while getting dressed and it also means you cannot open one drawer to reach something in another. 

The pull‑out stop means the drawers do not pull all the way out so they do not fall out when you pull hard but it takes a little more effort to reach deep into the back.

What owners complain about

IKEA customer reviews for HEMNES pieces are mostly positive about appearance and wood quality. Many complaints focus on a few themes:

• Assembly is harder than expected. Several reviewers on HEMNES pages describe long frustrating builds, misaligned parts or cracks during assembly. Not everyone reports problems and some find it straightforward so experiences vary.
• Drawers that stick. Some reviewers say drawers catch or do not glide smoothly to the middle ones.
• Thin drawer bottoms. A few buyers say you should not put items in drawers and some report sagging over time.
• Finish flaws. Common with pine. Sometimes noticed right out of the box.

These are reviewer reports, not test results. I have not personally tested the dresser.. A pattern, across many reviews, is worth taking seriously. Practical ways to reduce the risk:

1. Inspect every panel when you unbox it. Return damaged pieces right away instead of building around them.
2. Build on a soft surface, like a rug or blanket, to protect the pine.
3. Follow the instructions in order and don’t fully tighten fasteners until the frame is aligned.
4. Spread weight across drawers instead of loading one with heavy items.
5. Plan for two people. This is a heavy piece.

If assembly sounds miserable, IKEA offers assembly services in many areas, with pricing that varies by location and order.

Safety: anchor it

Any dresser needs to be anchored to the wall. This is especially important with a tall piece like the 6-drawer model. The CPSC data shows that between January 2000 and April 2022 there were 234 deaths caused by clothing storage unit tip-overs. Of those 199 were children. There were also around 84,100 injuries treated in U.S. Emergency departments during that time period. These numbers show how serious the risk really is.

A new federal rule under the STURDY Act began on September 1 2023. This rule applies to clothing storage furniture made after that date. It requires stability testing. Includes anchor kits with the furniture. So if you buy a HEMNES dresser, from IKEA today it should meet the current safety standards.. If you are buying a used HEMNES you can’t assume it meets the standard. Older models may not be built to the safety requirements. Always anchor your dresser, no matter its age.

Renters often avoid anchoring because they don’t want to make holes in the walls. The CPSCs Anchor It! campaign points out that patching a small anchor hole when you move out takes only a few minutes, which is a far better trade than the tip-over risk. The Anchor It! resources page explains how to anchor on different wall types.

HEMNES versus other IKEA dressers

HEMNES sits at the upper end of IKEA’s dresser prices because of the solid pine. Lower-priced IKEA lines, like STORKLINTA, generally cost less but use different materials and a more modern look. IKEA’s HAVSTA dresser is also solid pine, and its reviewers describe the same trade-offs: good looks and sturdiness, but dents and heavy assembly.

Choose HEMNES if you want a traditional, farmhouse, or cottage style and real wood. Choose a cheaper engineered-wood option if you want a flatter, modern look or you’re furnishing a temporary space and don’t want to spend much. If you’re building a full bedroom set, our guide to a dresser and nightstand set covers how to match pieces.

Who should buy it, and who shouldn’t

It’s a fit for:

• People who want solid wood at a moderate price
• Traditional, cottage or farmhouse bedrooms
• Anyone willing to assemble carefully or pay for assembly
• Households that can anchor furniture to the wall

Think twice if:

• You want a modern minimalist look
• You will store very heavy items in the drawers
• You move often since the dresser is heavy and awkward to disassemble repeatedly
• You would be upset by dents and scratches, on soft pine

Common mistakes

• Not measuring the room. Check wall width, window sills, and the clearance needed for drawers.
• Skipping the anchor. The kit is included for a reason.
• Overloading the bottom drawers. Heavy loads can stress thin drawer bottoms.
• Building on a hard floor. Pine dents easily.
• Ignoring the finish option. Black-brown hides dents and wear better than white stain, which shows scuffs.
• Assuming a used one is safe. Check the manufacturing date and make sure it comes with anchoring hardware.

FAQ

Is the IKEA HEMNES dresser real wood?
IKEA lists the parts as solid pine. The parts have a stain and a clear acrylic lacquer. The drawer sides and the backs are also pine. It is mostly wood. However some parts might be made from materials.

How much does the HEMNES dresser cost?
On IKEAs U.S. Website the prices were $149.99 for the 2-drawer chest, $299.99 for the 3-drawer, $399.99 for the 6-drawer and $449.99, for the 8-drawer. Prices change.

What colors does it come in?
HEMNES dressers come in two finishes: black-brown and white stain. Black-brown tends to hide scuffs and dents better.

How hard is HEMNES dresser assembly?
Reviews are mixed. Reviews show that many people finish without trouble. Others report long builds and fit problems. Reviews suggest planning for hours and having two people.

Do I need to anchor a HEMNES dresser?
Yes. IKEA says the drawer interlock reduces tip-over risk when combined with wall anchoring, and CPSC recommends anchoring all dressers.

Which is better, the 6-drawer or 8-drawer?
The 8-drawer is better, for people who need maximum storage and want a flat top surface. The 6-drawer is better when floor space is limited and wall height is available.

Will the drawers sag?
Some people say the drawer bottoms can get saggy or not strong enough. Putting weight in a way and not putting too much heavy stuff in the drawers can help.

More furnishing guides: Pairing storage for the rest of the room? See our Wade Logan bookcase review, our IKEA kids’ table and chairs guide, or browse all furniture reviews.

Sources & references

• IKEA U.S.: HEMNES series page and individual product pages for the 6-drawer and 8-drawer dressers
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Anchor It! campaign and STURDY Act standard
• IKEA customer reviews on HEMNES product pages (reviewer reports, not tested results)