ᐅ Is it possible to modify Malm furniture to create more storage space?

Hello everyone, I am currently considering the idea of modifying existing IKEA Malm furniture to specifically increase the storage space. My question is: is it practical and feasible to alter Malm dressers or wardrobes to create more storage without significantly compromising stability or design? Are there proven methods or experiences on how to add extra shelves, divisions, or drawer slides, for example? I understand that the material is not solid wood but particleboard, so I’m interested in how to best handle this without making the construction unstable or causing parts to warp. Looking forward to tips and shared experiences!

Hello, in general, Malm furniture is quite suitable for modification or extension due to its simple construction. It is important to keep an eye on the load-bearing capacity of the side panels, as these are often not very thick. Shelves made of thinner material can be reinforced, for example, by using a 5 mm (0.2 inch) thick plywood panel to prevent sagging. Also, existing screw holes should not be used too often to avoid wood damage. Installing additional drawer slides is possible as well, but you should ensure the correct guides are used if you do not use the original IKEA fittings.

The question is very interesting, so I’d like to go into more detail: Converting Malm furniture to increase storage space primarily requires careful load planning. The panels are usually about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) thick and typically coated with melamine. This significantly limits the load capacity of the screws and dowels. If you want to install additional shelves, you should either use metal brackets or support the surface with extra reinforcements (for example, wooden strips on the sides). It is also important to keep the design in mind – Malm features clean edges and a minimalist look. Visible modifications can quickly affect the overall appearance.

I recommend first measuring the dimensions of the internal compartments precisely, then making a sketch to plan, for example, dividing sections with thinner wooden panels (plywood or MDF). For drawer modifications, there are also low-profile panels and narrow metal slides available, but you should pay attention to quality since IKEA furniture is not originally designed to hold very high loads. Do you have specific dimensions you want to exceed, or is there a particular modification you have in mind?

I can only agree with the previous comments and add the following: Malm furniture is among IKEA’s most popular products, mainly because it is affordable and quite simple. However, for heavy and permanent modifications, it is not ideally designed. For example, if you want to add extra shelves, you can generally use the existing support points, but it is better to secure them additionally with small metal brackets.

Regarding stability: it is important not to make too many screw holes, as this can weaken the material and cause it to break. If you plan to modify drawers, I recommend using the original IKEA drawer runners and reinforcing the carcass well. If the furniture piece will be heavily loaded, some reinforcements are unavoidable.

Simply put: yes, you can modify Malm furniture, but do so carefully and avoid overdoing it.

You can. The easiest way is to attach additional shelves using small brackets. For drawers, you need guide rails that are screwed to the sides. Be careful not to make too many screw holes in the side panels, as this can weaken their stability.

This is brilliant! If you have some basic DIY skills, you can really get more out of Malm furniture! For example, I extended the top of my dresser with a custom-made shelf using plywood panels, so I could fit small boxes underneath. 🙂 The important thing is that the panels are well supported; otherwise, the whole setup doesn’t make sense. For drawers, there are also great metal runners that can be installed with just a few simple steps! I would recommend not to be discouraged by the material thickness. With the right plan, you can achieve a lot! Good luck with your modifications!