ᐅ The MALM nightstand wobbles slightly – is it worth repairing?

I have a Malm nightstand from IKEA that has developed a slight wobble over time. It’s not a major movement, but it’s noticeable when touched and, of course, affects the overall feel of the piece—especially since it otherwise seems well-made. My question is: Is it worth repairing this Malm nightstand when considering how long such a repair might take, what tools are needed, and how good the result is likely to be? Or would it be more economical to just think about replacing it? If a repair is reasonable, I would like to know which steps are most important and if there are common mistakes to avoid.

Basically, wobbling in MALM nightstands is often caused by loose screws or a back panel that is not fitting properly.

I would recommend first tightening all screws using a suitable Allen wrench or Phillips screwdriver – this is often half the solution.

It is important to proceed step by step:
1. Carefully place the furniture on a softer surface.
2. Check all visible screws and joints.
3. Inspect the back panel – especially if it is only attached with thin nails. These tend to loosen and then reduce stability.

If you can tighten the back panel or add extra reinforcements (e.g., thin wooden dowels), this will very likely improve stability.

If you don’t find any broken or displaced parts, the repair is definitely worthwhile. Most tasks only require basic DIY skills and common tools that many already have at home.

Mistakes to avoid: do not overtighten screws (the material is relatively soft and can be damaged) and avoid excessive “improvisations” – it is better to use original fasteners. In summary: the repair is worth it, it does not involve high costs, and the effort usually pays off since replacement furniture is not cheap either.

First, tighten all the screws. If there is still any wobbling, check the back panel. Often, a bit of wood glue at the joints is enough. Repairs are usually worthwhile.

Nabla64 schrieb:
I would recommend first tightening all screws with a suitable Allen key or Phillips screwdriver

Exactly. I have repaired the MALM nightstand several times myself, and there are some important details to keep in mind:

1. MALM furniture is made from particleboard with a thin foil coating – the material cannot withstand over-tightening of screws. It’s best to tighten them gently by feel, without applying too much force.

2. If the back panel is attached with small nails that are loose, it’s safe to use nails or thin screws of the appropriate size. This will provide better stability.

3. Connections between the side panels and the top or bottom panels can also be reinforced with wood glue, but only if the furniture is going to be partially disassembled anyway.

I’m also interested in how severe the wobbling really is – noticeable with every touch or barely perceptible? Some damage is caused by uneven flooring, which can sometimes create a false impression.

My question to the original poster: Have you tried gently moving the nightstand or placing it in a different spot? This can often clarify a lot before you start taking the furniture apart.

I think that if a nightstand only wobbles slightly, you can often fix it easily with a simple trick – just stick small rubber pads or felt gliders under the feet, and it will stand much more stable! 🙂

sonsar6 schrieb:
I have a MALM nightstand from IKEA that started to wobble slightly after some time.

Especially for nightstands that are used frequently, these small helpers are worth their weight in gold and cost almost nothing. Of course, for a proper, long-lasting repair, tightening screws and checking the back panel is better, but try this first – it saves time and nerves 😉

If the wobbling really bothers you and doesn’t improve with these small tricks, then I definitely think a repair with the tips from Nabla64 and Palenar is worthwhile. Good luck!