Last Updated on March 23, 2025
See how quick and simple it is to give your white coastal dresser a refresh with the easiest Ikea Hemnes hack.
I bought my first white Ikea Hemnes 8 drawer dresser in 2004, just a couple years after it first came out. That dresser was just perfect and lived with me through multiple moves. I ultimately gave it away to a friend before an out of state move and took a break from dressers altogether. Instead, I chose another Ikea staple to be my dresser alternative (which by the way, I’m also still using today!). You can read all about it in The Perfect Dresser Alternative You Need for Maximum Storage & Style post.
Ikea Hemnes Dresser with 8 Drawers
When my husband and I bought our new (and hopefully last!) home this past summer, our smaller closet situation made getting a traditional dresser more of a necessity. Of course, I wanted to repurchase the Ikea Hemnes, but it was sold out in store and online. I waited for months stalking the website to see when my store would have it again. As soon as it restocked, I went out and bought it that very day!
The Ikea Hemnes Dresser comes in a taller 6 drawer or a wider 8 drawer option. I went with the 8 drawer option to get extra storage. What I really love about this dresser is its size. It’s just over 55” wide and almost 38” tall. If you’re looking for a larger sized dresser with some good height on it, go for the Ikea Hemnes 8 Drawer Dresser.
This dresser is made of solid wood and has ample storage. Plus, it’s under $400! But this thing sells out all the time. If you have your eye on this dresser and it’s in stock, buy it. Because it could sell out and be out of stock for months.
The Easiest Ikea Hemnes Dresser Hack
I doubt Ikea thought about how popular the Ikea hack would be when they were first designing furniture. But wow, there are some amazing hacks out there! I’ve seen some insanely transformative Ikea Hemnes Dresser hacks too. I personally like the dresser in white exactly how it comes, except for the hardware. It’s not terrible, but the knobs are black and didn’t really give the coastal vibe I was going for.
A simple hardware swap is all this white coastal dresser needed to take it up a notch. I was looking for a polished nickel knob that felt really classic and elevated. Rejuvenation has some of the most beautiful hardware out there, but it’s pricey. I didn’t want to spend an arm and a leg on this update, so I kept hunting. Usually, I get hardware on Build.com or at Home Depot, but I found a super affordable polished nickel knob on Amazon that I’m obsessed with!
They come in a pack of 20 for less than $50. What a steal! The Rejuvenation pulls I was looking at would have run me well over $200.
If you want to refresh the Ikea Hemnes Dresser or any piece of furniture with drawers or cabinets for that matter, updating hardware is an inexpensive way to completely refresh the look. I change the hardware on 90% of our furniture to get the exact look I want!
My knobs came with two different size screws and both were too long for this dresser. The Hemnes drawers were too thin. I bought shorter ones at Home Depot which fit perfectly. If you’re switching hardware on the Hemnes dresser, be sure to pick these up first!
White Coastal Dresser Decor
Because the Ikea Hemnes is pretty wide, there’s a lot of space to play with. However, I still like to keep dresser decor simple. More stuff equals more stuff to dust. The key decorative pieces I recommend for a coastal dresser are a lamp, picture frames, a plant, and wall art.
Coastal Lamp
I really wanted a cement lamp last year and I found a gorgeous white one at Home Depot. This lamp has lived in several different places in our house, but I think it fits perfectly on our dresser.
You might not think of cement when you’re going for a coastal look but this lamp is textured and bright and works great in a coastal home. Taller items should always be positioned on the ends of furniture. Place your lamp on one end of your dresser as a statement piece.
Picture Frames
A dresser is a great place to display pictures. Mix and match different size frames with your favorite photos. I found two polished nickel frames at Amazon in 8×10 and 4×6 sizes which pair really nicely together placed in the middle of the dresser.
Frames are a great way to bring in color. Or you can keep them simple and match your dresser color or hardware finish.
Plant
Decorating with plants or foliage on your dresser helps bring in a calming element which is perfect for a bedroom. I try to use real plants when possible. If your dresser is in a room that gets good natural light, go for real plants. I love Pothos because they’re so easy to care for.
Place your plant on the opposite side of your lamp to provide visual balance. If you need extra height, set your plant on a book stack. I stacked books in a round wicker tray to bring in an organic touch. Create a little vignette with a candle or other small decor pieces to add a warm touch to your dresser.
Coastal Wall Art
Coastal wall art makes the perfect backdrop to your white coastal dresser. I wanted a beachy scene that was really serene and relaxing. I found the perfect framed art at Shutter + Frame. If you’re looking for coastal beach or ocean photography, they have a lot of beautiful options!
The Ikea Hemnes Dresser is the perfect white coastal dresser at a price you can’t beat. Take it as is or elevate your Hemnes dresser’s look with fresh hardware for an easy way to embrace coastal vibes. I hope this post gave you some good inspiration. Happy decorating!
Discover similar posts:
→How to Hang Wall Art Above Dresser
→Dreamy Coastal Bedroom Design
→How to Create the Perfect Preppy Coastal Guest Bedroom
→The Best Coastal Headboard Ideas
→The Perfect Dresser Alternative You Need for Maximum Storage & Style
→Hale Navy Dresser: An Easy Ikea Dresser Hack
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