ᐅ How can I give Malm bed frames a modern look?

Created on: 5 Sep 2015 10:23
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kirkjan
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kirkjan
5 Sep 2015 10:23
Hello everyone, I recently got a Malm bed frame from Ikea and would like to give it a modern and personalized look without spending too much money or damaging the furniture. Does anyone have experience with how to visually enhance these usually plain and simple frames? I’m thinking of achieving a more modern, maybe even minimalist design through suitable colors, materials, or decorative elements. Tips on the best practical methods to do this are also very welcome! Looking forward to suggestions and ideas.
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emmaju
5 Sep 2015 11:41
Hello kirkjan,

Your project sounds very exciting! The Malm bed frame, with its simple design, really provides a great base for creating a modern look. One of the most common and effective methods is to sand the frame down and repaint it – using a matte or satin finish paint will quickly give you a contemporary result. Especially muted colors like gray, anthracite, or a rich dark blue are currently popular.
kirkjan schrieb:
durch passende Farben, Materialien oder Dekoelemente ein moderneres Design hinzubekommen

You can also experiment with wallpaper or adhesive film elements. For example, the headboard or footboard can be covered with self-adhesive films that mimic wood, concrete, or metallic surfaces to create interesting accents. Some users also recommend simple upholstery for the headboard area if you want to make the bed cozier.

From a DIY perspective, using fine sandpaper, good masking foil, and an appropriate paint is helpful. Some even use spray cans for a particularly smooth finish.

Feel free to reach out again if you want to know more about specific techniques or colors!
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eldubi
5 Sep 2015 12:57
Hi kirkjan,

Painting, attaching new handles, or adding fabric-covered padding to the headboard are simple ways to update it. Installing LED light strips under the frame can also modernize the whole piece.
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van_pe
6 Sep 2015 08:14
Simply peel off the surface film from the Malm, if possible, and refinish it with veneer foil. This creates a very elegant and modern look, is inexpensive, and is self-adhesive.
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emmaju
7 Sep 2015 09:32
van_pe schrieb:
Simply peel off the surface foil from the Malm, if possible, and reapply with veneer foil

I think that’s a very clever idea. The main point is to work carefully to avoid any uneven spots on the furniture.

It would also be a good idea to match the foil’s color tone with the rest of the interior to ensure a harmonious overall look.

What I can also recommend is replacing or supplementing the standard bed legs with more modern metal or wooden legs to make the bed frame appear lighter. That often provides the final touch.