Hello everyone, I plan to store my Malm furniture for an extended period because I’m moving soon and haven’t decided on the final layout yet. My main concern is how to store these pieces best without causing any damage. Malm furniture often consists of MDF with a laminate coating, which is quite sensitive to moisture and scratches. Are there any proven tips on whether the furniture should be disassembled, how to pack it properly, and what kind of climate is ideal for storage? I’d appreciate any advice, especially on how to preserve both appearance and functionality so there are no unpleasant surprises when reassembling.
Basically, Malm furniture should be protected from moisture because MDF can swell and become damaged. Proper storage is in a dry, well-ventilated room, ideally at around 50-60% relative humidity and room temperature. If possible, furniture should be stored disassembled, as this reduces the risk of warping.
For packaging, sturdy stretch wrap is suitable as it protects against scratches and dust. Wrapping directly with plastic without proper ventilation should be avoided to prevent mold growth. Cardboard or breathable cotton furniture covers are beneficial. It is also important not to place parts directly on the floor; it’s best to store them on pallets or shelves to avoid moisture from below.
ken-te schrieb:
I’m mainly concerned about how to best store these pieces of furniture… whether they should be disassembled, how to pack them properly, and what climate is ideal for storage?
For packaging, sturdy stretch wrap is suitable as it protects against scratches and dust. Wrapping directly with plastic without proper ventilation should be avoided to prevent mold growth. Cardboard or breathable cotton furniture covers are beneficial. It is also important not to place parts directly on the floor; it’s best to store them on pallets or shelves to avoid moisture from below.
Interesting what FEKAU writes, especially regarding humidity. However, I question whether many people misunderstand the term "dry room" in the context of storage.
Storage in an unheated basement at 12°C (54°F) and perhaps 70% humidity is probably not ideal, even if it is assumed to be "dry." MDF can swell quickly under such conditions. On the other hand, it is also not advisable to leave furniture in a heated living space where there is a large temperature variation between day and night – this could cause stress on the surfaces.
It would be interesting to know if there are any studies or practical experience on how stable the foil coating of Malm furniture is depending on the climate. The commonly given advice is often very general without detailed consideration. I would be curious if there are practical, objectively supported recommendations.
FEKAU schrieb:
Good storage takes place in a dry, well-ventilated room, ideally at about 50-60% relative humidity and room temperature.
Storage in an unheated basement at 12°C (54°F) and perhaps 70% humidity is probably not ideal, even if it is assumed to be "dry." MDF can swell quickly under such conditions. On the other hand, it is also not advisable to leave furniture in a heated living space where there is a large temperature variation between day and night – this could cause stress on the surfaces.
It would be interesting to know if there are any studies or practical experience on how stable the foil coating of Malm furniture is depending on the climate. The commonly given advice is often very general without detailed consideration. I would be curious if there are practical, objectively supported recommendations.
Hello ken-te, I completely understand your question – proper storage of furniture is often a challenge. My experience with Malm furniture is as follows:
I recommend taking the furniture apart if possible and storing the individual pieces flat. This helps prevent warping and increases stability. It is important not to stack parts directly on top of each other but to use layers of old blankets or cardboard between them.
To protect the surfaces, I use breathable furniture covers or thick cotton cloths; plastic sheets only in exceptional cases, as they can trap moisture. Additionally, I keep the furniture in indoor spaces that are neither too cold nor too humid.
I fully agree. A more stable indoor climate is often the best solution. If you want to be extra cautious, you can use dehumidifiers to further reduce the risk of damage.
I recommend taking the furniture apart if possible and storing the individual pieces flat. This helps prevent warping and increases stability. It is important not to stack parts directly on top of each other but to use layers of old blankets or cardboard between them.
To protect the surfaces, I use breathable furniture covers or thick cotton cloths; plastic sheets only in exceptional cases, as they can trap moisture. Additionally, I keep the furniture in indoor spaces that are neither too cold nor too humid.
BAUEVA schrieb:
Storing in an unheated basement at 12°C (54°F) with around 70% humidity is probably not ideal...
I fully agree. A more stable indoor climate is often the best solution. If you want to be extra cautious, you can use dehumidifiers to further reduce the risk of damage.
Similar topics