The IKEA Hemnes and Brimnes daybeds are both smart, space-saving solutions, but they differ significantly in material and style. The Hemnes is a classic, durable daybed made from solid wood with a timeless, traditional look, whereas the Brimnes is a sleek, modern piece made from particleboard that focuses on integrated storage with a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA daybed for your guest room, kid's room, or multi-purpose space.
IKEA Hemnes Daybed
The Hemnes daybed is part of IKEA's popular series known for its classic Scandinavian design and solid wood construction. It functions as a sofa, single bed, and double bed, often including three spacious drawers for storage. Its traditional design and sturdy build make it a versatile piece that easily adapts to various decor styles, from farmhouse to contemporary.
- What it is: A multi-functional daybed frame with a traditional design, often featuring three storage drawers and the ability to pull out into a larger bed.
- Key features: Acts as a sofa or single bed (39" x 75") and pulls out to become a larger bed. Often includes three deep drawers for storage. Solid pine construction provides a sturdy feel.
- Price: Around $300 to $400
- Dimensions: Standard twin mattress compatible (approx. 78 3/8" L x 41" W x 32 5/8" H).
- Materials/Construction: The main frame is made of solid pine, a durable natural material that can be painted or stained. The drawer components may use fiberboard. Includes a slatted bed base.
- Style: Classic, timeless, Scandinavian-inspired design. Fits well with traditional, coastal, and farmhouse interiors.
- Pros: Solid wood construction offers better durability and longevity. Classic design won't go out of style quickly. Can often be painted for customization. Spacious, separate drawers provide great storage.
- Cons: Taller back and side panels can feel visually bulkier than the Brimnes. Solid wood is heavier and harder to move. Assembly can be time-consuming for a single person.
The Hemnes is perfect for those who prioritize durability and a timeless, classic look and want a piece of furniture that feels substantial and will last for years.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/hemnes-daybed-beige-90317499/
IKEA Brimnes Daybed
The Brimnes daybed is a great example of IKEA's modern, minimalist style focused on smart functionality and clean lines. Made from particleboard with a sleek finish, it offers two large storage drawers and an expandable design that easily transforms from a single to a double bed. Its contemporary look makes it an ideal fit for modern apartments, kid’s rooms, and any space where efficiency and style are key.
- What it is: A modern, multi-functional daybed frame with a clean aesthetic, two large integrated storage drawers, and a pull-out base to accommodate a second mattress.
- Key features: Functions as a single bed, double bed, and sofa. Smooth-pulling base creates a larger sleeping area. Two large under-bed drawers offer generous storage space.
- Price: Around $350 to $450
- Dimensions: Standard twin mattress compatible (approx. 76 3/4" L x 40 1/2" W x 22 1/2" H).
- Materials/Construction: Made primarily of particleboard and fiberboard with a foil or laminate finish. This construction is lighter but less durable than solid wood.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and contemporary. Its clean lines and handle-free drawers work perfectly in modern and urban interiors.
- Pros: Modern design provides a streamlined, clutter-free look. Large, deep drawers maximize storage. Lighter weight makes it easier to position. Lower profile is ideal for smaller rooms or placing under windows.
- Cons: Particleboard construction is less durable and more susceptible to damage from moisture or wear than solid wood. The laminate finish can chip or peel over time. Can't be sanded and repainted like the Hemnes.
The Brimnes is a great selection for anyone decorating a modern space who needs maximum storage and functionality in a compact, sleek package.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/brimnes-daybed-white-00444854/
Hemnes vs. Brimnes Daybed Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
While both daybeds fit standard twin mattresses (39" x 75"), their external dimensions and visual presence differ. The Hemnes daybed is taller (around 32-33 inches high) and slightly longer, giving it a more substantial, couch-like appearance. Its classic spindles and higher back and side panels make it look more like a traditional piece of furniture.
The Brimnes has a much lower profile, standing around 22-23 inches high. This sleeker, more blocky form gives it less visual weight, making it feel less obtrusive in smaller rooms. Its compact footprint is perfect for placing beneath a window or in a tight corner where a taller piece might overwhelm the space.
Materials & Construction
The most important difference between the Hemnes and Brimnes lies in their construction. The Hemnes is made primarily from solid pine wood. This makes it heavier, sturdier, and more resistant to long-term wear and tear. Solid wood also has the significant advantage of being repairable - scratches can be sanded out, and the whole piece can be repainted or refinished to change its look down the line.
In contrast, the Brimnes is constructed from particleboard and fiberboard with a laminate foil finish. This material is lighter and less expensive but also less forgiving. It can be prone to chipping, and once the laminate surface is damaged, it’s difficult to repair. It is still plenty sturdy for everyday use as a guest bed or in a teen's room, but it doesn't offer the same long-term durability as the solid wood Hemnes.
Style & Aesthetics
The style of these two daybeds couldn't be more different. The Hemnes has a very timeless, almost cottage or farmhouse appeal. Its slatted sides and classic silhouette blend easily with traditional, rustic, and transitional decor. It feels softer and more decorative.
The Brimnes is unapologetically modern and minimalist. With its sleek, square lines and handle-free integrated drawers, it’s designed for contemporary spaces. Its simple, functional form is meant to blend in and provide maximum utility without adding visual clutter, making it perfect for urban apartments and minimalist interiors.
Price & Value
Generally, the Hemnes starts at a slightly lower price point, making it a very accessible option for a solid wood piece of furniture. However, the price difference between the two is not huge, usually less than $100. For a modest price increase, the Brimnes offers a cleaner, modern look that many prefer.
In terms of value, the Hemnes arguably offers more for the money regarding longevity due to its solid wood build. For those who prioritize a durable frame that can withstand knocks and eventually be refinished, the Hemnes provides excellent long-term value. The Brimnes offers value in its modern design and efficient use of space right out of the box.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Hemnes is ideal for someone who prefers a timeless, classic look and values durable, lasting furniture. It’s perfect for a guest bedroom that doubles as a cozy reading nook or a child's room where the ability to repaint it later is a plus. If you lean towards cottage, farmhouse, or classic styles and want furniture that feels solid, Hemnes is the better choice.
The Brimnes is better suited for someone with modern or minimalist taste living in a smaller, contemporary home. Its low profile and generous built-in storage make it an incredibly efficient solution for saving space without sacrificing style. If your top priorities are functionality, integrated storage, and a sleek look for an urban apartment or modern kid’s room, the Brimnes is the clear winner.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both daybeds are excellent solutions, but they are built for different homes and styles.
Choose the Hemnes daybed if:
- You prefer a classic, timeless style over modern minimalism.
- You want a durable piece of furniture made of solid wood that will last for many years.
- You like the idea of being able to sand and repaint your furniture in the future.
- The bed will be in a higher-traffic area and needs to withstand more wear and tear.
Choose the Brimnes daybed if:
- Your decor is modern, minimalist, or contemporary.
- You need to maximize storage in a small room and prefer large, integrated drawers.
- You need a low-profile daybed to fit under a window or in a room with limited space.
- You prefer lighter-weight furniture that is easier to position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Hemnes and Brimnes daybeds?
The main difference is material and style. The Hemnes is made of solid wood and has a classic, traditional design. The Brimnes is made of particleboard with a laminate finish and has a sleek, modern, minimalist look.
Which Ikea daybed is more durable?
The Hemnes is more durable due to its solid pine construction. Solid wood holds up better to daily use, dents, and scratches compared to the particleboard and foil finish of the Brimnes.
Can they both be used as a double bed?
Yes, both models typically feature a pull-out base that allows you to place two twin mattresses side-by-side, effectively creating a sleeping surface similar to a king-size bed. Always check the specific product listing, as configurations can change.
Which daybed has more storage?
Both offer great storage, but in different configurations. The Hemnes usually has three separate, smaller drawers, while the Brimnes has two larger, deeper drawers. The total volume is comparable, so the choice depends on whether you prefer more compartments or larger ones.
Can you paint the IKEA Hemnes daybed?
Yes, one of the biggest advantages of the Hemnes is that its solid wood frame can be easily sanded and painted. This allows for customization to match your decor perfectly or to give it a fresh look years later.
Is the IKEA Brimnes sturdy enough for daily use?
The Brimnes is sturdy enough for general daily use, such as in a teen's room or as a guest bed/day sofa. However, because it's particleboard, it's not as robust as the solid wood Hemnes and may not be the best choice for very heavy use or for younger children who might be rough on furniture.
What size mattress do the Hemnes and Brimnes daybeds require?
Both daybeds are designed to be used with twin-size mattresses, approximately 38-39 inches wide and 75 inches long. If you plan to use the pull-out function, you will need two twin mattresses. IKEA recommends specific mattress thicknesses for stacking when the bed is used as a single, so check the product details.
Which one is better for small spaces?
This depends on the space. The Brimnes has a lower profile and a more compact, block-like design that can feel less imposing in a small room. However, the Hemnes functions just as well, and its more open, slatted design might appeal to some. For rooms needing to feel as open as possible, the low-profile Brimnes is likely the better choice.
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