Blum drawers are a type of drawer system made by the Blum company. They are known for their high quality and innovative features. Blum is an Austrian manufacturer that has been making hardware for furniture and cabinets since 1952. Their drawer systems are popular choices for kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, office furniture and more.
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Blum Drawer Design and Construction
Blum drawers feature a box-style construction with four sides, a bottom and an open top. They are typically constructed from wood, metal or engineered wood composites. Some of the benefits of Blum drawer construction include:
- Precision engineering for smooth operation
- Quality materials for durability
- Versatile configurations and custom sizes
- Variety of finish options
The hallmarks of Blum drawer systems are their precision engineering and wide array of proprietary hardware components. Each drawer incorporates high-quality ball bearing runners or slides, mounting brackets and hinge mechanisms. These top-grade hardware parts ensure the drawers open and close smoothly.
Common Blum Drawer Components
Here are some of the signature components used in Blum drawer construction:
- Runners and slides – Precision steel ball bearing runners provide the extension mechanism for drawers. Different profiles accommodate specific weight loads and extension capabilities.
- Mounting plates – Sturdy steel mounting brackets attach the drawers to the interior of the cabinet carcass.
- Hinges and mechanisms – Sophisticated lift mechanisms gently open drawers and soft-closing dampers prevent slamming.
- Drawer boxes – Box-style wood or metal drawer boxes provide sturdy construction.
Advantages of Blum Drawer Systems
There are many benefits to choosing Blum drawers for your cabinetry and furniture projects:
Smooth, Quiet Operation
From precision ball bearing glides to soft-close technologies, Blum drawers are engineered for smooth, quiet operation. The high-quality components provide exceptionally stable movement without rattling or shaking.
Enhanced Access and Storage
Special drawer runner profiles from Blum make it possible to construct extra deep drawers and pull-outs for enhanced storage capacity. Access accessories like tip-out trays also improve organization.
Easy Customization
With adjustable mounting plates and modular components, it’s simple to customize Blum drawers to your exact cabinet specifications for a tailored fit.
Reliable Performance
Constructed from durable materials like powder-coated steel and engineered wood, Blum drawers are built to last. Their components are rigorously tested for over 25,000 open and close cycles.
Contemporary Styling
Blum’s hardware components come in sleek, low-profile designs that complement today’s contemporary cabinetry styles.
Types of Blum Drawer Systems
Blum offers several distinct drawer system product lines. Some of their most popular options include:
Tandembox Antaro
A versatile drawer system for medium to heavy loads. Steel ball bearing runners provide a capacity up to 165 lbs with smooth roll-out extension up to 91.5%.
Tandembox Intivo
An ultra-smooth, self-closing drawer system with an integrated BLUMOTION soft-close mechanism. Designed for lighter weight loads up to 55 lbs.
Legrabox Pure
A high-performance drawer system built for smooth operation and durability. For medium to heavy loads up to 154 lbs.
Metabox
A compact drawer system well-suited for tight spaces. Provides 47 lbs of capacity and partial or full extension options.
Popular Blum Drawer Installations
Blum drawer systems are extremely versatile. Here are some of the most common types of installations:
Kitchen Cabinet Drawers
Blum drawers are frequently used for kitchen cabinetry. Their smooth roll-out motion provides easy access to pots, pans and kitchen tools. Models with higher weight capacities easily handle heavier cookware.
Bathroom Vanity Drawers
For bathroom vanity cabinets, Blum drawers excel at holding personal items and bathroom essentials securely. Soft-closing mechanisms prevent noisy slamming.
Office Furniture Drawers
Blum’s roll-out drawer systems are ideal for office desks, cabinets, workstations and organizational furniture. They provide tidy access to office supplies and files.
Built-in Cabinetry
Integrated into built-in closets, mudrooms, pantries, wall units and more, Blum drawers add specialized storage to any room.
Blum Drawer Options and Upgrades
Blum drawers can be customized with the following options and upgrades:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Premium finishes | Upgraded finishes like powder-coated colors, stainless steel, chrome and nickel plating |
| Custom sizing | Drawer boxes and runners can be ordered in custom widths, depths and heights |
| Full extension | Allows drawers to extend fully past the cabinet frame for complete access |
| Soft-closing | Cushioned BLUMOTION mechanism ensures whisper-quiet closing |
Some other available upgrades include designer fronts, built-in lighting, storage accessories, dividers and more. Blum’s configurators make it easy to customize your drawer system.
Blum Drawer Installation
While Blum drawer systems are available for DIY installation, professional installation is often recommended. The process includes these key steps:
- Assemble cabinet boxes with side-mounting brackets attached
- Build drawer boxes to required interior cabinet dimensions
- Attach drawer slides to cabinet sides at proper mounting locations
- Mount drawer slides onto drawer boxes
- Insert drawers into cabinet and adjust for proper alignment
- Attach fronts and optional accessories like tip-outs or dividers
The installation must be precise and follow Blum specifications to ensure proper operation. All mounting locations, drawer box clearances and slide positions must be exact.
Cost of Blum Drawers
Due to their high-end quality, Blum drawers are a premium product that comes at a higher price point. Exact pricing depends on your specific project requirements. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Standard drawer box – $75 to $150 each
- Tandembox drawer slides – $50 to $100 per drawer
- Mounting plates and hardware – $20 to $50 per drawer
- Tip-outs, dividers – $10 to $50 each
Complex custom configurations with multiple components and specialized options can reach $500 or more per drawer. Luxury integrated cabinetry projects using Blum drawers often exceed $10,000 in total. While not inexpensive, they provide excellent value through long service life and flawless operation.
Blum Drawer Care and Maintenance
To keep your Blum drawers working smoothly, follow these care guidelines:
- Keep slides and runners free of dust and debris
- Clean with mild soap and water only; no harsh chemicals
- Open and close drawers gently; don’t overload weight capacity
- Have a professional adjust alignment if drawers ever become uneven
- Lubricate slides periodically with silicone spray
With proper care and maintenance, Blum drawers will provide decades of reliable service. All components are replaceable if repairs are ever needed.
Conclusion
With innovative features like smooth ball bearing extensions and soft-closing mechanisms, Blum drawers set the standard for modern, luxury drawer systems. Built from quality materials using advanced German engineering, they provide the ultimate in function and aesthetics for residential, commercial and institutional cabinetry. Their flawless motion and robust construction make them an excellent long-term investment for any project where accessibility, durability and performance matter most.
