ᐅ How is Malm secured to prevent wobbling?

Hello everyone,

I am currently exploring ways to effectively stabilize a Malm dresser from IKEA to prevent it from wobbling. Since this type of furniture often consists of multiple parts held together with only a few screws, I’m wondering what options are available to improve its stability. I’m not only referring to securing it to the wall but also to reinforcing the connections between the individual components. What tools or techniques have you tried to make this dresser as stable as possible, so it doesn’t wobble or tip, even when fully loaded? Looking forward to your advice!

One of the simplest methods is to always secure the chest of drawers to the wall. Often, the appropriate brackets or screws are already included. Additionally, furniture connectors or so-called cam lock systems can be used to join the individual components more tightly together.

Hello MESIJON,

first of all, it is true that wobbling in a dresser is usually caused by insufficient connections between the individual parts or by an uneven floor.

reni45 schrieb:
One of the simplest methods is to always secure the dresser to the wall.

This is definitely the most important step, which IKEA also recommends. Securing it to the wall greatly improves stability and reduces the risk of tipping.

Additionally, you can use small shims or felt pads on uneven floors to prevent the dresser from wobbling.

reni45 schrieb:
You can also use furniture connectors or so-called cam locking systems to tighten the individual components more securely.

These connector systems ensure that the joint areas are pressed more firmly together, reducing any looseness in the assembly. You can also slightly retighten screws, but be careful not to split the wood.

If you like, I can also explain how to check and properly tighten the individual connectors.

Hey MESIJON,

I reinforced my Malm dresser myself, and let me tell you – with the right techniques, it stands super firmly! 🙂

Besides attaching it to the wall, you should definitely use wood glue at the joints. That combined with cam lock screws is amazing!

One more tip: Make sure to properly secure the back panel! Sometimes it’s only nailed or clipped on, and that often causes wobbling. I reinforced the back panel with small screws, which really improves stability.

Good luck, it’ll definitely work out! :-)

Hello everyone,

I find this topic really interesting because I have always been a bit unsure about installation and worried that the unit might eventually become unstable and fall over. I also consider wall mounting to be very important – it just gives you a good sense of security.

Sometimes I feel that the original IKEA instructions don’t go into much detail about stability issues, especially when combining several dresser components. I’m curious how others deal with uneven floors. I have slight unevenness and initially placed rubber feet underneath, but that isn’t the ideal solution.

Maybe more experienced users can share their insights – that would be very helpful.

Layla schrieb:
I’m curious how others deal with uneven floors?

Here I can add: You should first check with a spirit level whether the floor is level. Minor unevenness can be compensated with suitable plastic or felt furniture glides. It is important that all feet stand evenly on the floor to avoid any rocking or wobbling.

BASTIANTI schrieb:
Properly secure the back panel!

That is a very good point. The back panel significantly contributes to the torsional stiffness of the cabinet. A more securely fastened and, if necessary, slightly thicker back panel greatly stabilizes the piece of furniture.

As a final tip, I recommend tightening the cam lock screws well and checking them after some time, as the connections can loosen under load.