ᐅ IKEA Malm bedside table wobbles slightly – when should I repair it?

Hello everyone,

I have an IKEA Malm bedside table that I recently noticed is slightly wobbly. It’s not very noticeable, but I can tell that one corner is a bit unstable. I suspect that a screw might be loose or a joint isn’t fully secure anymore.

My specific question is: At what point would you consider such a slight wobble to be serious enough to recommend a repair or tightening of the screws? Could it become problematic if I wait for a while? I’d like to know if I should take action right away, or if it can safely remain like this for some time without damage.

Thanks in advance for your assessments and advice!

kavin schrieb:
From when would you consider such a slight wobble critical and recommend a repair [...]?

Hey, it’s great that you’ve noticed this so carefully! 🙂 I would always recommend not ignoring a wobble like that for too long. Over time, the screws can loosen even more, and things might get worse!

This can also lead to small gaps or, in the worst case, a loss of stability, causing parts to shift or fall off. For me, that means: it’s better to tighten things today than to deal with problems tomorrow!

If you have the right tools, a small repair is quick — just tighten the screws, maybe use some wood glue if needed, and you’re good to go.

So: grab your bedside table and show that wobble who’s boss! ;-)

Davidleo schrieb:
better to tighten it today than have trouble tomorrow

I agree with that. This has happened to me often in the past, and I know how annoying it can be when a bedside table starts to wobble badly and you suddenly have to fix it when you really want some peace and quiet.

But I also understand if you're unsure whether it’s worth repairing right away. Sometimes small repairs can feel overwhelming, or you might not be exactly sure how to proceed.

In such cases, it can help to completely empty the bedside table, systematically tighten the screws with a suitable screwdriver or Allen key, then observe if the wobble disappears.

I would say a slight wobble is a clear sign that something needs adjustment—you shouldn’t just ignore it. But you don’t necessarily have to call a professional immediately, as long as you have the right tools.

How much does it actually wobble? Does it wobble from a light touch, or only when you lean against it? That can also affect how urgent the repair is.

kavin schrieb:
slight wobble [...] from when is it critical?

An objective assessment:

A slight wobble in a wooden piece of furniture, such as an IKEA Malm bedside table, is often caused by loose screws or joints. As long as the bedside table only wobbles slightly and there are no visible damages at the connection points, there is usually no immediate safety risk.

However, the wobbling can increase over time if movement puts additional stress on parts, which may lead to material fatigue. Therefore, it is advisable to check and tighten the screws promptly with the appropriate tool (e.g., Allen key).

If screws are damaged or wooden joints are swollen or split, repair or replacement of the parts is strongly recommended. Tightening the screws can be repeated as needed at any time.

My advice: Gently rock the bedside table from different sides and check if individual screws are loose. Then tighten them accordingly. When in doubt, it is better to act sooner to prevent further damage.