Hello everyone,
I own several IKEA Malm dressers and want to install them in the house as child-safe as possible. Since my little ones are often curious and sometimes climb on furniture, a stable, secure fastening is important to prevent tipping accidents.
I’m interested in which methods you find particularly effective for stabilizing Malm dressers that are also technically easy to implement and child-friendly – meaning no protruding screws or hazards, but still maximally stable.
It would also be helpful to know if you have used any specific products or tools and whether the installation can be done without extensive DIY skills.
Looking forward to practical tips and experiences!
I own several IKEA Malm dressers and want to install them in the house as child-safe as possible. Since my little ones are often curious and sometimes climb on furniture, a stable, secure fastening is important to prevent tipping accidents.
I’m interested in which methods you find particularly effective for stabilizing Malm dressers that are also technically easy to implement and child-friendly – meaning no protruding screws or hazards, but still maximally stable.
It would also be helpful to know if you have used any specific products or tools and whether the installation can be done without extensive DIY skills.
Looking forward to practical tips and experiences!
Wall fixings are the best solution. Use cavity anchors for drywall along with the supplied straps or metal brackets. Anti-slip pads help but do not replace wall mounting.
When rearranging, remount them according to the chosen method. Since the holes remain, planning the position is important.
When rearranging, remount them according to the chosen method. Since the holes remain, planning the position is important.
Hey kujeren,
“How flexible is it exactly?”
You could say stability and flexibility tend to work against each other in situations like this. I’ve also securely glued and fastened Malm dressers before. It’s a quick process, but if you move things around often, the holes become visible over time and will need to be filled.
My advice: consider using some cool gliders or felt pads under the feet to make sliding easier—without the dresser slipping, at least on smooth floors.
And when it comes to kids... sure, pulling up remains exciting. But with sturdy straps, you’re as safe as possible. Safety first! 🙂
“How flexible is it exactly?”
You could say stability and flexibility tend to work against each other in situations like this. I’ve also securely glued and fastened Malm dressers before. It’s a quick process, but if you move things around often, the holes become visible over time and will need to be filled.
My advice: consider using some cool gliders or felt pads under the feet to make sliding easier—without the dresser slipping, at least on smooth floors.
And when it comes to kids... sure, pulling up remains exciting. But with sturdy straps, you’re as safe as possible. Safety first! 🙂
M
Matthewt486 Jul 2021 12:18Hello kujeren,
You’ve already received some good answers here. I’d like to add a few more details:
For cavity wall anchors, the length is crucial. Make sure the anchors are long enough to securely lock inside the wall, meaning they need to expand and grip properly at the back.
For children’s rooms, always use thicker cavity anchors that can handle higher pull-out loads.
When installing straps, be sure they are tight and have no slack.
If you want to hide the screws for a cleaner look, there are transparent caps available that fit over screw heads, including those on metal brackets.
Another option I often recommend is furniture straps with metal locking mechanisms, which are attached to the lower back of the dresser and firmly fixed to the wall.
For lifting, non-slip grips can help, but a fixed wall attachment is the most important factor.
You’ve already received some good answers here. I’d like to add a few more details:
For cavity wall anchors, the length is crucial. Make sure the anchors are long enough to securely lock inside the wall, meaning they need to expand and grip properly at the back.
For children’s rooms, always use thicker cavity anchors that can handle higher pull-out loads.
When installing straps, be sure they are tight and have no slack.
If you want to hide the screws for a cleaner look, there are transparent caps available that fit over screw heads, including those on metal brackets.
Another option I often recommend is furniture straps with metal locking mechanisms, which are attached to the lower back of the dresser and firmly fixed to the wall.
For lifting, non-slip grips can help, but a fixed wall attachment is the most important factor.
Grace schrieb:
"You can also attach anti-slip pads under the dresser legs to prevent unwanted movement, but this does not replace securing the unit to the wall."Thanks for the tip, Grace.
I was a bit skeptical at first about whether the anti-slip pads would be truly helpful or just cosmetic. Now I see that they make a lot of sense as a supplement to wall fastening, especially when kids are playing roughly nearby.
JORDON schrieb:
"You could say: stability and flexibility are somewhat opposing factors in situations like this 😅"Exactly! I think I’ll consider the straps or brackets as the fixed solution and add small gliders on the floor for some playfulness.
Matthewt48 schrieb:
"When installing the straps, make sure they are tight, leaving no slack."I’ll do that to avoid any unnecessary wobbling.
One more question for @GUSTAVO56: Would you recommend metal brackets with technical data sheets, or are the straps that come with IKEA really sufficient? And what do you pay particular attention to when childproofing Malm dressers?
G
GUSTAVO566 Jul 2021 13:45Hello kujeren,
I definitely recommend starting with the IKEA straps, as they are specifically designed for Malm dressers and are sufficient for most situations.
However, if you feel that you want more stability or if the area is one where children might move the furniture through vigorous climbing or play, metal brackets are certainly advisable.
These are usually made of steel, very sturdy, and can also be securely attached to drywall with the appropriate anchors.
It is important to install the wall attachments correctly:
- The length of the anchor and screw must be suitable (at least 6cm (2.4 inches) anchor length).
- The screw must always be fastened into a solid substrate; for drywall, the use of cavity anchors is essential.
What I also always recommend: before starting installation, check the weight of the dresser on the shelf both “empty” and “loaded” to estimate the expected tipping moment. This will help you size your fastening accordingly.
In the end, the simple solution with straps is completely sufficient for normal loads. Using brackets can raise stability to a particularly high level.
If you like, I can also give you specific recommendations for drywall anchors and screws.
I definitely recommend starting with the IKEA straps, as they are specifically designed for Malm dressers and are sufficient for most situations.
However, if you feel that you want more stability or if the area is one where children might move the furniture through vigorous climbing or play, metal brackets are certainly advisable.
These are usually made of steel, very sturdy, and can also be securely attached to drywall with the appropriate anchors.
It is important to install the wall attachments correctly:
- The length of the anchor and screw must be suitable (at least 6cm (2.4 inches) anchor length).
- The screw must always be fastened into a solid substrate; for drywall, the use of cavity anchors is essential.
What I also always recommend: before starting installation, check the weight of the dresser on the shelf both “empty” and “loaded” to estimate the expected tipping moment. This will help you size your fastening accordingly.
In the end, the simple solution with straps is completely sufficient for normal loads. Using brackets can raise stability to a particularly high level.
If you like, I can also give you specific recommendations for drywall anchors and screws.
I would focus on the original straps and the wall mounting. They are tested and designed for this purpose.
Non-slip pads under the legs can provide extra grip on laminate or tile floors. Metal brackets only make sense if you want an extremely high level of safety.
The installation is simple, and the straps are unobtrusive.
Non-slip pads under the legs can provide extra grip on laminate or tile floors. Metal brackets only make sense if you want an extremely high level of safety.
The installation is simple, and the straps are unobtrusive.
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