ᐅ Are there any tools or methods to make Malm furniture more stable?

Thanks in advance for the initial tips and assessments!

@temeli
The idea of using metal brackets sounds really promising. I will look into how I can discreetly attach them in the right spots.

@elgla
Yes, the wall mounting is currently only temporary on my end. I will definitely secure it properly, you are absolutely right! I had also considered felt pads on the feet, since things do sometimes slip.

@RETRAVIS
I find your advice on using sturdier fasteners especially interesting. Do you have any product recommendations that are easy for DIYers to use? For a self-renovation?

And thanks to you too, @Connor – good food for thought, that’s exactly the honest assessment I need! 🙂

jonulo schrieb:
Do you have any product recommendations that are easy for non-professionals to use? For DIY renovation?

Yes, for DIY enthusiasts without professional experience, I recommend so-called "furniture connectors" such as cam lock fasteners, which IKEA uses in many of its products. These are relatively easy to assemble and provide better stability than simple wooden dowels. Alternatively, metal brackets with short screws (3x20mm (0.12x0.79 inches)) are also useful; they can be easily screwed into internal corners.

It is important to match the screw type and length to the material thickness to avoid puncturing or splitting.

Making cabinets more stable? Honestly, I think with a good amount of patience and a bit of care, you can really improve them!

I once had a wobbly sideboard – so I simply used small wooden strips, which I glued and screwed into the inside corners. You can immediately feel that the whole structure is much more solid.

In addition, self-adhesive rubber pads on the furniture legs have proven useful – they not only prevent slipping but also reduce annoying wobbling when the floor isn’t perfectly level. Small investment, big effect! 😉

Also, don’t underestimate the importance of proper assembly – it’s worth checking and tightening all the screws again, as something is often just loose.

I would like to add a few basic points for anyone looking to improve the stability of Malm furniture:

First: The material itself is relatively thin and made of particleboard with a foil finish – therefore, it is best to avoid aggressive screws that could split the wood.

Second: If drawers stick or the corners of the carcass wobble, it’s often worth checking the connection systems – sometimes pressure points can be reinforced with a bit of wood glue.

Third: Wall mounting is actually mandatory for tall furniture, such as dressers, to prevent tipping.

As a final suggestion: If there is extreme wobbling, leveling the furniture on an even floor can help, for example by using small shims or adjustable feet that can be added later.

chen67 schrieb:
worked with small wooden strips that I glued and screwed into the corners on the inside.

The main issue is exactly that: it simply reinforces the shortcomings of the original design. It adds stability but at the expense of originality and is considered a "hack" to the design.

Question: Who really estimates how long Malm furniture is supposed to last? 5 years? 10? In my opinion, that’s sufficient for the low price, and anyone wanting more stability should just buy different furniture. Anything else is a makeshift solution that only slightly extends the lifespan.

Thank you for the wide range of responses!

It’s becoming increasingly clear to me that while there are several practical tools and methods to make Malm furniture more stable, it’s always a compromise between effort, appearance, and durability.

In particular, I will try your suggestions regarding metal brackets, cam locks, and wall fastening to find a good balance in my case.

The tips about shims and careful screw selection are invaluable—especially for older furniture.

And to everyone who is critical of DIY solutions: yes, I also see this as a temporary fix and appreciate the open discussion of pros and cons here. 🙂