ᐅ How do I securely attach Malm furniture to drywall (plasterboard) walls?

Hello everyone,

I am facing the challenge of securely attaching my IKEA Malm furniture, especially dressers and nightstands, to drywall (gypsum board) walls. The walls are old and sometimes double-layered, but I know that drywall alone cannot support the weight. I want to prevent the furniture from tipping over or being pulled out of the wall over time, as I have small children in the household.

My questions:
Which fasteners are especially suitable for drywall to safely mount Malm furniture?
Should I always rely on the wooden or metal studs behind the drywall, or are there suitable anchors that hold well enough?
Are there any specific procedures or tools I should consider when mounting?

I look forward to helpful tips and your experiences. Thanks in advance!

I think the idea of securely attaching Malm furniture directly to drywall is somewhat optimistic. Many people underestimate how little load drywall can actually support on its own.

Janchen schrieb:
The walls are old and partly double-layered, but I know that drywall alone cannot bear the load.

Exactly right, and that is why you need to rely on the stud framing or use expandable metal anchors that grip deeply into the material. Anything else is just wishful thinking. Furniture fixed only with quick anchors will eventually fall, even if it’s not immediately obvious.

For securely mounting Malm furniture on drywall, I recommend the following procedure:

1. Locate the studs behind the drywall using a stud finder or a magnet.
2. If mounting directly to a stud is possible, always prioritize this – use screws into wooden or metal studs.
3. If this is not feasible, use specialized hollow wall anchors such as metal box anchors or toggle bolts. Standard plastic anchors are not suitable.
4. Consider the weight of the furniture – empty Malm dressers weigh approximately 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs), and with contents, you can expect around 60 kg (132 lbs).
5. Use multiple mounting points to distribute the load.

Important: Drill holes must match the size of the anchors precisely to ensure optimal anchoring.

I understand that you want to secure your furniture safely, especially with children in the house. I had similar concerns and used a combination approach: where the wall studs were accessible, I screwed directly into them. In other areas, I used metal toggle bolts and pre-drilled the holes carefully.

It really feels more secure when you pull the furniture against the wall and realize it’s firmly in place. Take your time measuring and plan the fixing points well—that brings peace of mind. 🙂

Hello Janchen,

to answer your question professionally, I offer you a small step-by-step guide:

1. Preparation:
- Use a stud finder to locate wooden or metal studs behind the drywall.
- Mark the center points of the studs.

2. Fastening to the stud frame:
- Use Spax screws with sufficient length (at least 6cm (2.4 inches), preferably 8cm (3.1 inches)).
- Pre-drilling makes screwing easier and prevents damage.

3. Fastening in the drywall:
- Use approved metal anchors, such as metal box anchors or toggle bolts.
- Make sure the anchors are rated for the load.
- Avoid pure plastic expansion anchors, as they usually support only light loads.

4. Installing the Malm furniture:
- Align the furniture with the marked points.
- Screw first into the stud areas, adding hollow wall anchors if necessary.

Summary: For heavy furniture, mounting to the stud frame with Spax screws is the best option. If direct access is not possible, metal anchors serve as an alternative with limited load capacity.

If you want to hang furniture on drywall, first check for studs using a stud finder.

For furniture weighing over 30 kg (66 lbs): screw into the stud.

If no stud is available, use toggle bolts or metal box anchors.

Avoid using plastic wall plugs alone.