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Duclaudio9 Sep 2016 07:32Hello everyone,
Some time ago, I purchased several pieces of furniture from IKEA’s Malm series, specifically dressers and nightstands. However, I have noticed that the surfaces and materials feel quite cheap and low-quality upon closer inspection—especially compared to the price I paid. In particular, the thin wood veneer and somewhat flexible construction make me doubt whether the furniture will really be stable and durable in the long run.
Has anyone had similar experiences? And most importantly: what steps can you take if you feel a piece of furniture does not meet your quality expectations? I am thinking of repairs, smart use of accessories, or even replacing parts.
I look forward to useful tips and an interesting discussion about whether the impression of cheap materials with MALM is simply normal or if it can actually be improved. Thank you!
Some time ago, I purchased several pieces of furniture from IKEA’s Malm series, specifically dressers and nightstands. However, I have noticed that the surfaces and materials feel quite cheap and low-quality upon closer inspection—especially compared to the price I paid. In particular, the thin wood veneer and somewhat flexible construction make me doubt whether the furniture will really be stable and durable in the long run.
Has anyone had similar experiences? And most importantly: what steps can you take if you feel a piece of furniture does not meet your quality expectations? I am thinking of repairs, smart use of accessories, or even replacing parts.
I look forward to useful tips and an interesting discussion about whether the impression of cheap materials with MALM is simply normal or if it can actually be improved. Thank you!
Wow, that’s a very precise question – thank you for the detailed description!
I once had a MALM dresser years ago, and yes, I totally understand the feeling of cheap materials. But hey, there are some tricks! 🙂
First: I placed special felt pads under the furniture – this stabilizes it and gives it more stability.
Second, regarding the appearance: a light coat of furniture oil can not only enhance the surface but also make it more durable. It really feels better, trust me!
You also shouldn’t forget that MALM is entry-level furniture, but with a bit of care and attention, it looks much better over time.
Keep at it and don’t get discouraged right away! :-)
I once had a MALM dresser years ago, and yes, I totally understand the feeling of cheap materials. But hey, there are some tricks! 🙂
First: I placed special felt pads under the furniture – this stabilizes it and gives it more stability.
Second, regarding the appearance: a light coat of furniture oil can not only enhance the surface but also make it more durable. It really feels better, trust me!
You also shouldn’t forget that MALM is entry-level furniture, but with a bit of care and attention, it looks much better over time.
Keep at it and don’t get discouraged right away! :-)
Duclaudio schrieb:
whether the feeling of cheap material in MALM is just normal or if it can really be improvedI think it’s important to first analyze what exactly “cheap” means in your context. Often, it’s the combination of thin particleboard and laminate that gives this impression. However, this also reflects the price-performance ratio of IKEA furniture, which is not solid wood.
DUKUSU schrieb:
A light coat of furniture oil can not only enhance the surface somewhat but also make it more durableThat’s true, but you need to be careful here. Not all oils are compatible with the melamine or laminate coatings used on MALM. This can sometimes cause stains or discoloration.
I would therefore suggest testing on a small, inconspicuous area first or, even better, lightly sanding the surface and then applying a suitable clear lacquer.
Additionally, the interior components of MALM (such as drawer mechanisms, back panels, connectors) can be quite stable. Any instability often results from improper assembly or incorrectly used screws – so it’s important to watch out for that.
What do you think, did you assemble the furniture yourself? Sometimes, correct assembly alone can improve the feel and stability.
Hello everyone,
I would like to briefly add a practical perspective on this topic and share a few concrete tips that might help reduce the "cheap feeling" often associated with MALM furniture.
1. Assembly Check:
- Make sure all screws and connectors are properly tightened. IKEA furniture tends to feel unstable if assembled too loosely.
- Many MALM dressers allow you to adjust the drawers if they stick or don’t slide smoothly.
2. Reinforcement:
- Especially for larger MALM shelving units, adding extra back panel reinforcement or metal brackets can improve stability.
3. Surface Treatment:
- I recommend avoiding stains or oils directly on the veneered particleboard surfaces, as these are often already sealed.
- Instead, protective films or thin gloves work well, particularly to prevent fingerprints.
4. Accessories:
- For a “substance boost,” small furniture feet or stabilizing elements from hardware stores can be installed under the legs.
In summary: MALM is designed as an affordable standard option and doesn’t offer a high-end feel. But with careful assembly and sensible additions, the sense of size and stability can definitely be improved.
I’m happy to provide tips on the right tools or specific IKEA furniture tools if anyone is interested! 🙂
I would like to briefly add a practical perspective on this topic and share a few concrete tips that might help reduce the "cheap feeling" often associated with MALM furniture.
1. Assembly Check:
- Make sure all screws and connectors are properly tightened. IKEA furniture tends to feel unstable if assembled too loosely.
- Many MALM dressers allow you to adjust the drawers if they stick or don’t slide smoothly.
2. Reinforcement:
- Especially for larger MALM shelving units, adding extra back panel reinforcement or metal brackets can improve stability.
3. Surface Treatment:
- I recommend avoiding stains or oils directly on the veneered particleboard surfaces, as these are often already sealed.
- Instead, protective films or thin gloves work well, particularly to prevent fingerprints.
4. Accessories:
- For a “substance boost,” small furniture feet or stabilizing elements from hardware stores can be installed under the legs.
In summary: MALM is designed as an affordable standard option and doesn’t offer a high-end feel. But with careful assembly and sensible additions, the sense of size and stability can definitely be improved.
I’m happy to provide tips on the right tools or specific IKEA furniture tools if anyone is interested! 🙂
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