ᐅ How can I prevent warping in Malm furniture?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought some Malm furniture from Ikea and I’m still a bit uncertain about how to care for it properly. I’m especially concerned about warping, as I want to avoid drawers or fronts bending or becoming uneven over time.

So my question is: How can I effectively prevent warping in Malm furniture? What are the most common causes, and are there any practical care tips to help keep the surface and shape stable? I would appreciate detailed and practical advice, particularly regarding moisture, weight, and temperature changes.

Thanks in advance!

Hello Teteo53,

your question is very well formulated and clearly shows a deeper interest in the topic.

Deformations in Malm furniture, which is mainly made of particleboard with a foil or coating layer, often result from moisture exposure and uneven loading. It is especially critical for particleboard not to be exposed to high humidity or wetness, as the boards will swell and cannot return to their original shape afterward.

A practical tip: definitely avoid leaving liquids on the furniture. Use coasters under glasses and make sure the drawers are not overloaded to the point where they press against the sides. Temperature differences, for example if the furniture is placed directly next to a heater or near a cold window, can also cause material stress.

Many customers also underestimate the importance of proper assembly and retightening the screws after a few weeks, as a stiff or damaged drawer runner can additionally strain the structure.

I would be interested to know what your room temperature and humidity levels are like, and whether the furniture is in a high-traffic room?

Hi Teteo53,

I fully agree with Filippo. Moisture is really the main enemy when it comes to Malm furniture. Especially in winter, when the air is drier, the panels can shrink, and in summer they swell again a bit. These constant movements promote deformations.

My advice is to try to keep the indoor climate as stable as possible. If possible, use a humidifier during dry months and a hygrometer to monitor that the humidity stays around 40–60%.

Also, even distribution of weight on the furniture is important. Avoid stacking heavy items on the drawers so the fronts are not pulled downward.

One more tip: It often helps not to place the furniture directly against exterior walls, which can be cooler and more humid, encouraging condensation.

Avoid moisture and direct sunlight. Do not overfill drawers and clean furniture regularly to prevent moisture from getting beneath the surface.

Hello Teteo53,

let me go through this step by step:

1. Check the assembly: Proper assembly is especially important with Ikea furniture. If screws are not tightened properly, the furniture piece can warp.
2. Regularly adjust the drawer slides: They should operate smoothly; otherwise, pressure points can increase the risk of deformation.
3. Consider the load: Drawers should be loaded evenly, as heavy or uneven loads promote warping.
4. Optimize indoor climate: Humidity between 40 and 60% is ideal, as mentioned before. Fans, humidifiers, or simply regular ventilation can help.
5. Ensure air circulation: Furniture should not be placed directly against the wall; a gap of about 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) allows air to circulate and prevents moisture buildup.

Summary: Proper assembly, balanced loading, stable indoor conditions, and careful maintenance are the key factors.

If deformation has already occurred, you can try to gently fix it using a damp cloth and some heat, but this only works for minor cases.

In short: Do not wipe furniture with a damp cloth, and avoid placing heavy items in drawers. Pay attention to humidity levels.