ᐅ Malm Nightstand Plastic Corner Broken – How to Repair?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my Malm nightstand from IKEA. Unfortunately, a large piece of the plastic coating has broken off one side—right at the edge that gets the most use. The chipboard underneath now looks quite exposed and unattractive.

My question is: What would be the best way to repair this damage? Are there any simple yet durable methods to restore the plastic-coated area to something close to its original appearance, or at least make the repair inconspicuous?

I would like to avoid replacing the entire piece if repairing it is a practical option. Perhaps someone knows of products or tips specifically for plastic coatings, or has experience with Malm furniture in this context?

Thanks in advance for your advice and suggestions!

Hi, I would recommend using a plastic repair filler and then smoothing it with fine sandpaper. After that, you can paint over it with suitable acrylic paint. This will make the damage less noticeable visually.

Hello Yousseffon,

I’m happy to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to repair a damaged edge like that:

1. Cleaning: Make sure the broken area is clean, free of dust and grease.
2. Filling: Use a special plastic filler or epoxy resin to fill the missing part. Pay attention to restoring the exact shape of the edge.
3. Sanding: After it dries, sand the area smooth with fine sandpaper (grit 240–400).
4. Priming: A thin layer of plastic primer can help the paint adhere better.
5. Painting: Use a paint pen or spray paint suitable for plastic, preferably in the original color (often white or cream for Malm).
6. Sealing: Optionally, you can apply a clear protective coat to make the repair more durable.

It’s important to allow at least 24 hours of drying time between each step. This will help prevent the repaired area from cracking or peeling.

If you’re unsure about any step, just get in touch again!

Let's see if this part is still under warranty. Otherwise, a white hot glue can initially seal the edge and restore some stability.

REPITAR schrieb:
Use a special plastic filler or epoxy resin to fill in the missing area.

That sounds reasonable, but honestly: How well does that really hold up on such a thin plastic coating, which often is just a thin decorative layer?

In my experience, such repair attempts tend to show edges or marks after a short time, especially on furniture that is used regularly.

An alternative idea: Instead of trying to restore the plastic surface, you could consider protecting the edge with a suitable edge trim made of plastic or metal. This way, you don’t have to artificially replicate the texture, but actually protect the spot from further chipping.

keohudson schrieb:
Alternative idea: instead of trying to fix the plastic surface, you could consider protecting the edge with a suitable plastic or metal edge protector.

Honestly, I find that pretty ugly – adding a metal or plastic trim to an inexpensive Ikea Malm is a complete style mismatch. Why not just replace the whole table?

Also, I wonder if it wouldn’t be more sustainable to opt for a handcrafted wood alternative or upgrade the nightstand rather than doing a cheap repair.

You get what you pay for? It’s an interesting question whether such “budget furniture” really improves in the long run through repairs.