ᐅ How do I properly position Malm dressers against the wall?

Hello everyone, I’m planning to secure some Malm dressers to the wall at home, as I’ve read that this is very important for safety reasons, especially when there are children in the house. However, I’m unsure about the best way to attach the dressers so they stand securely without causing damage to the wall or the furniture.

Specifically, I’m interested in which types of wall plugs and screws are recommended for different wall materials (e.g., concrete, drywall, brick), the exact attachment points, and whether it’s better to use IKEA’s special mounting kits or individual solutions. Are there any tips to prevent the furniture from being installed crooked?

I look forward to your experiences or recommendations, thanks!

Hello Blayvo33,

First of all, great that you’re paying attention to safety right away – that’s really important, especially when little whirlwinds are running around the house :-)

So, for the Malm series, IKEA usually provides an installation kit that you should definitely use; it includes suitable wall plugs and screws for mounting. However, it’s important to know what type of wall you want to mount the dressers on. For concrete or brick walls, the included plugs usually work well, but for drywall (also known as plasterboard or gypsum board), you’ll need special cavity anchors or toggle bolts, which are much more secure.

A tip: always align the dresser first using a spirit level, then mark the holes, drill, and only then fully tighten the furniture fixings. That way, none of us end up with a crooked wall attachment 🙂

Oh, and if there are children around, it’s better to add a second safety measure. The dressers are sturdy, but extra straps or brackets can’t hurt!

Best regards and good luck!

Bepolo schrieb:
As a tip: always first level the dresser using a spirit level, then mark the holes, drill, and only after that firmly screw the furniture attachment.

I fundamentally see it differently. Why would you hold the dresser against the wall first if you’re not sure whether the wall and the underlying structure are even suitable for a secure mounting? In my opinion, planning should actually come first: which wall exactly, where the load-bearing points are, and whether your mounting kit is even compatible.

Also, the IKEA mounting kits are quite generic and don’t work well with some wall types. Usually, it’s worth investing in higher-quality anchors and screws from a hardware store—not the cheapest ones you can find. From my perspective, safely securing the furniture is more a matter of good craftsmanship for a skilled handyman or DIYer; otherwise, you might end up with stylishly positioned but unstable dressers.

Just my opinion, but I wouldn’t want my wall to fail and everything to fall simply because I relied on the supplied parts.

matthewon schrieb:
In my opinion, planning should definitely come first: Which wall exactly, where the load-bearing points are, and whether your mounting kit is even compatible.

Exactly! And to come back to the original question:

The dressers are mainly fixed to the back wall where IKEA has installed the metal brackets. Typically, depending on the wall type, it is ideal to anchor the screws into the wall studs (for timber walls) or into solid walls. For drywall, special approved cavity anchors are advisable.

Bepolo schrieb:
if there are children nearby, it’s better to add a second safety securing

I would like to add that the dresser should definitely be secured to the wall anchor also in the upper third to prevent any tipping hazard.

Furthermore, the condition of the substrate is crucial: Before drilling, I would use a detector to ensure there are no electrical cables or water pipes in the drilling area.

Conclusion: For a secure and reliable fixing, not only is the IKEA mounting kit important, but above all the consideration of the wall structure and correct installation at verified points.