How to get a high-end carved-detail look for less on a plain IKEA Hemnes dresser using appliques and paint.
Building an IKEA Hemnes dresser is a practical choice when you need a fresh, reliable piece that’s easy to customize. We assembled one for our nursery without drama and used appliques and paint to elevate the plain dresser into a layered, boutique-style piece.
Pitching in on a Saturday morning—pajamas, hair everywhere, and a big DIY energy—made the project fun and surprisingly fast.
UPDATE: See the nursery reveal with the final IKEA Hemnes dresser makeover here!
Why an IKEA Dresser Is Sometimes the Best Option
We usually prefer thrifted furniture and refinishing, but a brand-new IKEA Hemnes made sense for this nursery for several reasons:
- No repairs needed for warped or damaged drawers.
- No concerns about uncovering lead paint or dealing with stubborn odors.
- IKEA’s storage bins and organizers fit the dresser perfectly, which simplifies nursery setup.
It’s also budget-friendly, which is a win when you’re furnishing a whole room.
Making an IKEA Hemnes Dresser Look Like Designer Furniture
I loved the look of the ornate dressers from high-end retailers but not the price tag. The solution was to graft decorative appliques onto the flat drawer fronts, then paint them to match the dresser. I chose appliques from O’verlays designed to fit Hemnes drawers—these lightweight panels add depth and a carved appearance without the expense of custom millwork.
Appliques can be used on many flat surfaces, so they’re a versatile option for furniture or even closet doors if you want to add architectural interest to other parts of your home.
DIY Applique IKEA Hemnes Dresser Hack
Supplies
- O’verlays Fiona Panel Kit sized for IKEA Hemnes 8-drawer dresser
- Quart of Sherwin-Williams ProClassic in a satin white base
- Drop cloth and a high-quality 1.5″ angled paint brush or a paint sprayer
- Two tubes of strong gel adhesive (we used Gorilla Super Glue Gel)
- Optional: decorative knobs or pulls (I used white cactus-flower knobs)
- Power drill for installing hardware
Steps
Because our Hemnes dresser was already white, I kept the overall color but had a drawer front color-matched at the paint store to ensure the appliques and dresser share the same white tone and sheen. Whites vary a lot, so matching is worth the extra step.
1. Paint the Overlays
Paint two light coats of the matched white onto the appliques on a drop cloth and allow them to dry. A brush or sprayer both work fine—sprayers give the smoothest finish but require more masking.
2. Adhere the Overlays to the Drawer Fronts
Apply strong gel adhesive to the back edges and several spots across the center of each applique. Carefully position the applique on the drawer front and press firmly for several seconds until it sets. Work one piece at a time so everything stays aligned.
3. Attach Hardware
Drill through the center of the applique where the original drawer hole is located, install the knobs, and tighten. That’s it—simple hardware makes the detailed fronts feel finished and intentional.
For styling, I used items I already had on hand until the nursery is fully set up. The appliques and hardware instantly give the dresser a custom, layered look that feels far more expensive than the actual cost.
Decorating the Dresser for a Nursery
We’ll eventually place the dresser in front of the window and add a changing pad with a holder plus a basket of diapering essentials on top. The height works well for comfortable diaper changes, which is a huge plus for parents.
UPDATE: See how I styled the finished nursery dresser in the full reveal.
IKEA Hemnes Dresser Hack Cost
The dresser, appliques, knobs, and paint totaled about $476. For that price you get a custom-looking piece that competes visually with much pricier designer dressers while providing practical nursery storage.
How to Organize an IKEA Dresser in a Nursery
The Hemnes dresser is ideal for sorting baby clothes and essentials. We used bins and dividers to keep things accessible during diaper changes and organized outfits by size and type so everything is easy to find.
With the dresser ready, the room is set up to move forward with flooring and finishing details. Removing the old carpet and refinishing the hardwood, plus painting the doors, will give the space a clean, cohesive look.
Decor Sources
Appliques, knobs, and paint are the main components that transform this dresser. I focused on affordable sources and a few special decorative pieces to complete the look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What white paint color matches IKEA white?
Sherwin-Williams base white in a satin sheen closely matches IKEA white furniture, but color-matching one of your drawer fronts is the most reliable approach.
Where is the best place to buy knobs and pulls for furniture?
Good places to shop include craft and home stores, online marketplaces, and specialty hardware shops. Look for quality finishes and the right backplate size to suit your dresser.
What depth of applique did you use?
I used 1/8″ depth appliques for a subtle, elegant relief that doesn’t interfere with drawer operation.
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