ᐅ How do you properly secure Malm nightstands to the wall?

Hello everyone, I recently bought two Malm nightstands from IKEA and am now considering how to securely attach them to the wall to ensure they stand stable and don’t tip over. I understand that the nightstands themselves don’t include wall mounting hardware, but I want to implement the typical anti-tip safety measures professionally. What fastening methods and materials are particularly suitable for this? Are there specific screws, anchors, or mounting kits I should use, especially regarding different wall types (e.g., concrete, drywall)? I’m also interested in tips on positioning to make sure it is both visually appealing and safe. Thanks in advance for your experiences and recommendations!

To securely attach Malm nightstands to the wall, I recommend using anti-tip brackets that are fixed both to the back of the furniture and to the wall. Metal brackets with anchors suitable for the specific wall type work best. For drywall, use heavy-duty anchors to ensure stability.

lis64 schrieb:
Metal brackets with anchors suitable for the specific wall type are the best choice.

That’s a good approach; metal brackets are indeed very sturdy. Here’s how I would proceed: First, mark the exact spot on the wall where the back of the nightstands will rest. Then pre-drill with a short drill bit (depending on the type of anchor). For concrete walls, nylon anchors and matching screws work well. For drywall, however, you should definitely use hollow wall anchors or special metal toggle anchors. It is also important to consider the weight of the nightstand; heavier models require stronger fasteners.

pika5 schrieb:
Are there specific screws, anchors, or mounting kits I should use, especially regarding different wall types?

I recommend heavy-duty anchors like Fischer SX or UX for masonry, and Fischer GKB anchors or expansion anchors for drywall. Self-adhesive anti-tip devices are usually insufficient if you prioritize maximum security.

For positioning: attach the brackets about 10cm (4 inches) below the tabletop edge, so they don’t interfere visually but remain as stable as possible. Also, make sure the nightstands are aligned properly before tightening the screws finally.

By the way, what type of wall are you mounting on? That makes a significant difference.

pauPierce schrieb:
By the way, what type of wall are you planning to mount on? That influences a lot.

Thanks for the detailed information! My wall is made of solid brick masonry, with a plastered and painted surface. The nightstands themselves are relatively lightweight, made of particleboard with a lacquered finish. I definitely want a permanent and secure fixing that can easily withstand minor vibrations from everyday use, such as leaning on them.

Is there also a recommendation regarding the screw length or anchor size to ensure the bracket is neither inserted too deeply nor too weakly? And is it necessary to pre-drill the nightstands, or is it sufficient to mount the brackets directly to their back panels?

pika5 schrieb:
My wall is made of solid brick masonry, with a plastered and painted surface.

This provides a good basis for secure fixings. Here are my recommendations step-by-step:

1. Drill hole planning: Use a drill bit with a diameter of 6 or 8 mm (¼ or 5/16 inches), matching the wall plug (e.g., 8 mm (5/16 inches) plugs for standard loads).

2. Wall plug selection: For brick masonry, standard nylon wall plugs work well. They provide good grip if the hole is drilled cleanly.

3. Screw length: The screw should be at least 50 mm (2 inches) longer than the wall plug length to ensure a secure hold without being so long that it protrudes through the back of the bedside table. Commonly, 6 x 60 mm (¼ x 2 ½ inches) screws are used for this purpose.

4. Preparation on the furniture: IKEA Malm bedside tables usually don’t come with mounting plates, but you can attach small metal brackets to the back (through the wood panel) to fix them to the wall. Pre-drilling the furniture back panel is important to prevent splitting; a 3 mm (1/8 inch) drill bit is usually sufficient.

5. Positioning: Place the brackets at the same height to prevent tilting or rocking.

Finally: After installation, the table should rest firmly against the wall without tension to avoid stress on the materials.

One more tip: Vacuum out dust from all drilled holes before inserting plugs – this significantly improves adhesion.

pauPierce schrieb:
For concrete walls, nylon anchors and suitable screws are recommended, but for drywall you should definitely use hollow wall anchors or special metal toggle fasteners.

I think it’s also worth critically questioning whether the traditional method with brackets and anchors is still the best solution. For example, Malm nightstands are relatively light and often have smooth backs, so surface mounting is not always visually appealing.

You could also consider tension bands or special liquid adhesive mounting methods, depending on the type of use and load. I wonder if, given the usually low load, less screw-intensive solutions might be worth considering.

Additionally: Are there any experience reports on how durable these toggle fasteners are under daily load? Or do only conventional brackets provide lasting safety? I’m skeptical of some DIY tips because they often assume short-term use rather than long-term durability.