ᐅ How can I modify MALM furniture to make it more child-friendly?
Created on: 26 Jan 2021 08:47
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arnonauHello everyone, I am planning to modify some IKEA Malm furniture to make it more child-friendly and would greatly appreciate any tips and experiences.
Specifically, I’m referring to the MALM desk and MALM dressers that we use at home. My goal is to make the furniture safer and more practical for young children: for example, by eliminating sharp edges, installing child-safe handles, or adjusting the height.
I’m also interested in ideas on how to prevent drawers from slamming shut or how to make the furniture more stable against tipping, as little ones are usually very energetic.
Perhaps someone has already used creative inserts or materials to make the furniture both childproof and visually appealing.
Thank you in advance for your help, constructive suggestions, and shared experiences!
Specifically, I’m referring to the MALM desk and MALM dressers that we use at home. My goal is to make the furniture safer and more practical for young children: for example, by eliminating sharp edges, installing child-safe handles, or adjusting the height.
I’m also interested in ideas on how to prevent drawers from slamming shut or how to make the furniture more stable against tipping, as little ones are usually very energetic.
Perhaps someone has already used creative inserts or materials to make the furniture both childproof and visually appealing.
Thank you in advance for your help, constructive suggestions, and shared experiences!
arnonau schrieb:
This is specifically about the MALM desk and the MALM dressers that we use at home.No problem! For the sharp edges, you can easily add edge protectors made of flexible rubber or foam – you can find these at any hardware store, and they’re quick to install. 🙂
For drawers slamming shut: I’ve found a simple damper works well. They’re inexpensive furniture accessories that make the drawers close gently.
And to prevent tipping – screw the furniture to the wall! Safety comes first, especially if there are little ones around.
Oh, and regarding height: a sturdy stool or step that the kids can use themselves adds good flexibility. 😉
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edisondan26 Jan 2021 10:15arnonau schrieb:
My goal is to make the furniture safer and more practical for small children: for example by avoiding sharp edges, using child-safe handles, or adjusting the height.For modifying the MALM furniture, I recommend the following measures:
1. Edge rounding: Edge protectors made of PVC or silicone help prevent injuries from corners.
2. Handles: Replacing them with rounded or flat handle strips can avoid catching or snagging.
3. Drawer stoppers: Installing built-in stoppers can prevent drawers from slamming shut and are cost-effective.
4. Anti-tip protection: Securely anchoring the furniture to the wall is essential, as MALM chests of drawers can tip over when climbed on due to their height.
5. Height adjustments: For the desk, I recommend height-adjustable chairs or a sturdy step stool.
Please ensure that the load-bearing capacity of the furniture is not compromised by any modifications.
When it comes to child-friendly modification of MALM furniture, I can recommend a brief guide:
1. Preparation: Check the existing fasteners for stability.
2. Edge protection: These come as self-adhesive strips in various widths. Make sure they adhere well and are not easy to remove.
3. Changing handles: You can cover metal handles with silicone tubing or replace them with round wooden handles that have no sharp edges.
4. Drawers: Install so-called soft-close runners to prevent slamming.
5. Anti-tip safety: Use the included anti-tip devices and be sure to securely attach them to the wall.
6. Adjusting height: For the desk, height-adjustable legs or an additional substructure are helpful.
If you consider noise and heavy use, the materials should be durable and easy to clean.
Incorrect installation, for example of the soft-close runners, can cause malfunctions, so please work carefully.
1. Preparation: Check the existing fasteners for stability.
2. Edge protection: These come as self-adhesive strips in various widths. Make sure they adhere well and are not easy to remove.
3. Changing handles: You can cover metal handles with silicone tubing or replace them with round wooden handles that have no sharp edges.
4. Drawers: Install so-called soft-close runners to prevent slamming.
5. Anti-tip safety: Use the included anti-tip devices and be sure to securely attach them to the wall.
6. Adjusting height: For the desk, height-adjustable legs or an additional substructure are helpful.
If you consider noise and heavy use, the materials should be durable and easy to clean.
Incorrect installation, for example of the soft-close runners, can cause malfunctions, so please work carefully.
Regarding how to make MALM furniture more child-friendly, I would like to offer a more detailed perspective:
The MALM series is primarily designed for adults. However, children require different safety features:
- Edge protection: There are various sizes and materials available, which should be chosen depending on the child’s age and the type of furniture. Toddlers especially need wider protection.
- Handles: Flat or recessed handles are usually better for small hands. Alternatively, handles can be replaced with softer materials.
- Height adjustment: Since many MALM tabletops are fixed, height-adjustable chairs with footrests are helpful to ensure children can sit comfortably.
- Drawer locks: In addition to soft-close functions, child safety locks should be installed to prevent accidental openings.
- Tipping hazard: MALM dressers can tip over easily if children climb on them. Therefore, anti-tip devices should be installed and furniture secured.
Additionally, I recommend regularly checking that the safety devices are still properly in place, as children sometimes use things in unintended ways. Safety must always be the top priority.
The MALM series is primarily designed for adults. However, children require different safety features:
- Edge protection: There are various sizes and materials available, which should be chosen depending on the child’s age and the type of furniture. Toddlers especially need wider protection.
- Handles: Flat or recessed handles are usually better for small hands. Alternatively, handles can be replaced with softer materials.
- Height adjustment: Since many MALM tabletops are fixed, height-adjustable chairs with footrests are helpful to ensure children can sit comfortably.
- Drawer locks: In addition to soft-close functions, child safety locks should be installed to prevent accidental openings.
- Tipping hazard: MALM dressers can tip over easily if children climb on them. Therefore, anti-tip devices should be installed and furniture secured.
Additionally, I recommend regularly checking that the safety devices are still properly in place, as children sometimes use things in unintended ways. Safety must always be the top priority.
Naomige schrieb:
MALM dressers tip over easily when children climb on them.I wanted to emphasize this again! I initially underestimated it in our home, and then there was a deadly horror story with friends caused by furniture. So definitely use anchors.
And another tip: place plant corners along the wall instead of sharp edges; it visually breaks up the space and is practical! 😉
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