ᐅ How can MALM bed legs be retrofitted?

Hello everyone, I have a question that has been on my mind for a while: How can you retrofit bed legs on an IKEA Malm bed?

I own a Malm bed in the standard height, but I’ve noticed that the lying height is a bit too low for me. Therefore, I’m considering whether it’s possible to add bed legs afterward to raise the bed a little—without having to replace the entire frame.

I’m particularly interested in whether there are original parts from IKEA for this, or if you need to rely on third-party suppliers. Are there any considerations regarding load capacity, attachment, or stability? What types of legs are suitable for the Malm bed frame, and how complicated is the installation generally?

I would appreciate any tips, experiences, or advice on where to source these.

fejo60 schrieb:
How can you retrofit bed legs on an IKEA MALM bed?

Hello fejo60, that’s a very good and frequently asked question!

Retrofitting bed legs on the MALM bed is indeed possible and relatively straightforward, as long as you know what you’re doing. IKEA does not typically offer taller legs as standard accessories for the MALM series, but the bed is modular, and the legs can be unscrewed and replaced.

Many users opt for original MALM legs, which can be purchased separately from IKEA, or third-party legs such as sturdy wooden or metal legs. It is important that the new legs can support the weight and can be securely installed.

The installation involves unscrewing the original legs (usually with an Allen key) and screwing on the new ones. Make sure the replacement legs have the same mounting point and diameter as the original legs.

If you want to increase the height, there are also special extension legs available that can be attached additionally. Here, it is crucial to ensure the stability and strength of the connection so that the bed does not wobble.

I hope this helps you already! If you like, I can send you links to products and more detailed installation tips.

fejo60 schrieb:
Which types of legs are suitable for the MALM bed frame, and how complicated is the installation usually?

In this context, I also wonder whether upgrading to higher legs is really advisable or if it might cause issues.

The MALM bed is designed for specific loads and construction methods. Taller legs can raise the bed’s center of gravity, which may lead to stability problems. Additionally, varying leg heights or using low-quality replacement parts can cause uneven pressure on the frame’s parallel elements, potentially resulting in long-term warping.

Therefore, I would recommend not simply doubling or extending the height of the original legs but instead looking for specially designed leg risers that also help stabilize the structure.

It would be interesting to know if IKEA offers newer or alternative mounting systems that allow safe height adjustments without compromising the frame’s integrity.

If anyone has experience with DIY solutions beyond simple leg replacement, I’d be interested to hear about that as well—such as whether adding additional support slats or cross braces is necessary.

Josan schrieb:
The assembly is done by unscrewing the original legs (usually with an Allen key) and screwing on the new ones.

Oh yes, that's exactly how it is! I did the same with my MALM bed and was really impressed at how easy it was! :-)

I ordered some nice wooden legs online that are a bit taller than the originals. They were quickly installed, and now the bed stands much better in my opinion – finally a comfortable height for lying down!

The great thing is that with MALM legs you can basically customize it: I even found some equipped with rubber pads, so the bed doesn’t slide as easily on the floor.

A quick tip: please don’t forget to use the correct screws, otherwise it won’t hold! And be a bit careful with the height increase to make sure the weight is evenly distributed.

I highly recommend this; it instantly gives your bedroom a fresh look and more comfort! Good luck with the upgrade! 🙂