16 Intriguing IKEA HELMER drawer hacks

The IKEA HELMER drawer unit on casters is a versatile and practical storage unit that’s immensely popular among homeowners, students, and professionals alike. This classic IKEA furniture with a retro vibe is designed to help you organize your workspace or living area efficiently.

With its sturdy construction and row of shallow drawers with end-stoppers, the HELMER is a nice addition for anyone who values functionality and Scandinavian simplicity. Whether you need to store office supplies, art materials, or personal belongings, the compact drawer unit can serve your storage needs.

What’s the IKEA HELMER all about?

ikea helmer drawer unit

IKEA first introduced the metal storage chest in the early 2000s. Over the years, IKEA has made some minor updates to the design and color options, but the basic structure and functionality have remained the same.

The IKEA HELMER consists of several components that work together to create a compact rolling drawer unit. Here are the main components:

1. Frame: The frame is made of steel and comes in several colors, including white, red, and silver.

2. Drawers: The IKEA HELMER features six 3 1/2″ (9 cm) high drawers. Each drawer comes with stoppers to prevent the drawer from being pulled out too far.

3. Casters: The unit comes with four casters that turn it into a mobile storage unit for your home or office. The wheels move only in a straight line (not 360 degrees swivel) and are not lockable.

4. Handles: The IKEA HELMER drawers have long metal pulls that make them easy to open and close.

5. Label holders: The IKEA HELMER also features label holders on each drawer, allowing you to easily identify the contents of each drawer.

The HELMER is made of steel with an epoxy/ polyester powder coating. In terms of size, it measures 11″ wide, 27 1/8″ high, and 17 3/8″ inches deep. Each drawer measures 9″ wide, 3 1/2″ high, and 15 3/4″ deep. It’s just the right size for A4 paper storage.

IKEA HELMER reviews and assembly rating — 3.7 / 5

Customers who have purchased the IKEA HELMER have rated it “a little bit difficult to install” to “an abomination to put together”. But once they got over the tough part, most have commented that it’s a “great unit” and “fits perfectly under the table top”. Another thing to note – the casters. They do not roll very well when the drawers are heavily loaded.

How to hack the IKEA HELMER?

It’s a versatile and practical storage unit that can be customized to suit your specific needs. Here are some ways you can hack the IKEA HELMER:

Add a wooden top: You can add a wooden top to the IKEA HELMER to create a stylish and functional HELMER desk. Simply measure the dimensions of the top of the unit and cut a piece of wood to fit. You can simply rest the wood piece on top of the unit or glue it down with some wood adhesive.

Paint it: You can give your HELMER a new look by painting it with your favorite chalk paint or pattern. Make sure to clean the surface of the unit thoroughly before painting, and use a primer to ensure that the paint adheres properly. And a wax or topcoat to seal your artwork.

Add leather pulls: Soften the cool metal of the HELMER with leather pulls on the drawers. Or opt for more classic drawer handles for a unique storage cube.

Deconstruct it: You can turn the HELMER into a renderfarm, even a HELMER cabinet.

These are just a few ideas for hacking the IKEA HELMER. With a little creativity and some basic DIY skills, you can customize the unit to suit your specific needs and style. Scroll down for more IKEA HELMER hacking ideas.