ᐅ Are replacement parts available for damaged MALM side panels?

Good morning everyone,

I have a question about the MALM chests of drawers from IKEA, specifically about the side panels. One of my side panels is damaged – there is a large dent from a move and some scratches that have worn off the finish. My question is: Does IKEA or possibly any third-party suppliers officially offer replacement parts specifically for the damaged MALM side panels? I have already searched the IKEA online store and common accessory retailers but couldn’t find anything that fits exactly or is labeled as an original replacement.

I’d like to avoid buying a completely new chest of drawers and am looking for a way to replace just the damaged part. Can anyone share from experience whether such replacement parts exist, how best to obtain them, or if DIY solutions are realistic and durable?

Any help, tips on sources, or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Unfortunately, IKEA does not sell individual side panels as replacement parts. It’s best to contact IKEA directly and ask; sometimes they can assist you. There are hardly any third-party replacements available, so it’s usually better to look for second-hand options.

Additional information: Official replacement side panels for MALM are not included in the IKEA product range. The system is modular, but side panels are sold as complete furniture units. Some users report that contacting customer service can lead to goodwill solutions, especially if the damage is relatively recent. Alternatively, platforms like eBay Classifieds offer used MALM dressers or damaged parts, which can be used as replacements. A custom-made side panel is difficult and usually expensive due to the specific dimensions and finishes.

I have experienced this myself with a MALM chest of drawers. Unfortunately, the availability of spare parts at IKEA is very limited, as many furniture pieces are sold as complete units without replacement part options.

Regarding the side panel: The MALM series is made from wood-based panels with a melamine finish, manufactured to standard sizes. While a damaged side panel can theoretically be replaced, IKEA only sells these as part of a complete chest of drawers.

If you decide to replace the side panel yourself, there are several points to keep in mind:

- The exact dimensions are usually 40 x 55 cm (16 x 22 inches) or 80 x 55 cm (31 x 22 inches), depending on the size of the chest of drawers.
- The color/melamine finish is often difficult to match exactly, so some touch-up work may be necessary.
- The drill holes for dowels and screws must match the original panel precisely.
- An alternative is to have a new panel cut at a hardware store and finished or coated to match, but this requires some woodworking experience.

Question: How severe is the damage exactly? If it’s only a superficial scratch, repair kits for melamine surfaces or wood fillers can often provide good results.

Gaupin68 schrieb:
Unfortunately, IKEA does not sell individual side panels as replacement parts.

Thanks for the tip about customer service – do you know if MALM generally offers this, or if it’s an exception?

toril schrieb:
A call to customer service can lead to goodwill solutions, especially if the damage is relatively recent.

The damage has been there for about 6 weeks, and the piece of furniture was purchased roughly 2 years earlier.

kibutar schrieb:
If you decide to replace the side panel yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind... One option is to have a new board cut and coated or laminated at a hardware store, but this requires some DIY skills.

That sounds like a possible but complex starting solution. Are there any recommendations from the community for suppliers of suitable melamine coatings or similar? I would like to achieve the best possible result with a reasonable amount of effort.

I think the whole spare parts discussion with IKEA is really exaggerated. Of course, they want to sell new furniture. But honestly: who is interested in replacing individual side panels when you can almost get a whole chest of drawers for that?

It’s a marketing strategy— IKEA relies on volume sales rather than individual spare parts. More pressure should be applied, and people shouldn’t be satisfied with small concessions.

My advice: repair or make it yourself! Buying new furniture is wasteful anyway.