ᐅ How does humidity affect Malm furniture?

Hello everyone, I have recently been looking more closely into solid wood furniture, especially made from Malm wood, and I am wondering how different levels of indoor humidity affect this type of furniture. I understand that wood can react to moisture, for example by swelling or shrinking, but how much does this actually impact Malm wood and its components, such as in cabinets or dressers? What specific damage or changes can be expected when the indoor humidity is very high (around over 70 %) or very low (below 30 %)? Are there any particular care tips or preventive measures that should be taken to avoid long-term damage? I look forward to your experiences and advice!

Hello Moma54, that is a very good and detailed question! Basically, Malm wood, like all solid wood, reacts to changes in humidity because wood is hygroscopic—it absorbs or releases moisture. At high humidity levels—around 65–70%—wood can swell, warp, or even expand, which can cause problems especially in furniture joints. At very low humidity—below 30%—the wood shrinks, which may lead to cracks or splits. It is therefore important to keep the humidity levels as stable as possible, ideally between 40 and 60%. Regular ventilation and the use of humidifiers or dehumidifiers can help.

Regarding maintenance, Malm furniture should be treated regularly with wood care oils or waxes to protect the surface and keep the wood breathable. Avoid direct sunlight and rapid changes in moisture levels, as these can also stress the wood significantly.

fikeo schrieb:
Wood breathes, which is why humidity is so important.

Exactly, fikeo. Still, I often wonder if the whole humidity topic is sometimes overrated. Sure, wood reacts, but we are talking about furniture in living spaces, not artworks in climate-controlled chambers.

I would argue that most Malm furniture is much more durable than many people think—provided it is properly manufactured. Small humidity fluctuations that occur in normal households are not a big deal. The real issue is extreme conditions or improper storage.

Has anyone here ever exposed furniture to extreme climate changes, for example in unheated basements?

Interesting perspective, GEKAU51! I believe it always depends on how close you are to the issue. I once had a beautiful Malm dresser where the indoor humidity in winter dropped very low due to the heating air, and I actually noticed small cracks on the surface. Honestly, that worried me because I value that piece of furniture as a family heirloom.

Now I regularly care for my furniture as fikeo recommended and use a humidifier. It somehow reassures me to do this actively, even if it might not always be necessary. The feeling of damaging such a piece of furniture through my own negligence is not easy to shake off ;-)

When humidity levels fluctuate significantly, stresses usually develop in the wood. This leads to warping or cracking. If the moisture remains stable within a moderate range, usually nothing happens. Basically: monitor the indoor climate and apply wood care oil at least every six months. That’s it.

Alberto51 schrieb:
I once had a nice Malm dresser where the humidity in winter dropped very low due to the heating air, and I actually noticed small cracks forming on the surface.

That sounds really frustrating. I have a similar experience with our wooden furniture, so I’ve been trying for quite some time to keep the indoor humidity stable, which is especially challenging during winter.

Do you have some experience with humidifiers or air purifiers? I find these devices very helpful, even though they are not a cure-all. By the way, there are also special hygrometers available at reasonable prices, which allow you to better monitor the room climate.