ᐅ How can I make MALM furniture child-safe?

I believe that safety is not achieved solely by securing furniture to the wall. Children react differently; some try to bypass all safety measures.

In addition to anti-tip brackets, so-called "anti-slip pads" under the furniture are recommended, as they can prevent sliding and unusual tipping. It can also be helpful to store heavy items in the lower drawers to lower the center of gravity.

For drawers, you can also use adhesive wheel locks that make pulling them out more difficult but do not completely prevent it.

In general, the more safety features combined, the better.

Thanks for all the tips so far. I have one more question: Regarding wall mounting – how reliable are the standard anti-tip brackets from IKEA? I have read online about cases where the brackets didn’t hold during strong pulling by kids. Would it be better to use more robust screws or anchors? Are there any practical experiences on what to pay attention to during installation?

Nanonon schrieb:
How safe are IKEA’s standard anti-tip fittings when mounting on a wall?

IKEA’s standard anti-tip fittings are generally sufficient for typical use and to prevent accidental tipping. However, the safety largely depends on the quality of the installation. The included screws are often shorter and designed mainly for wooden surfaces or solid walls.

If you have drywall (plasterboard), I recommend using hollow wall anchors with higher load capacity. For concrete or solid brick walls, shorter anchors are not adequate; in these cases, longer and suitable anchors and screws should be used.

Make sure the fittings are installed level using a spirit level and that screws are tightened fully. A loose element can easily give way under load.

I also suggest testing the fittings after installation by applying a pull to check they hold securely. If not, it’s better to use higher-quality components from a hardware store.

Regarding screws and anchors: choosing the right wall fastener is the most important factor for stability. For drywall, I recommend heavy-duty anchors or metal ribbed anchors, which provide better load distribution.

The wall itself is also important: load-bearing walls are more suitable than partition walls. If possible, attach the fixture to a wall stud (e.g., wood), as this significantly increases holding strength.

For drawers, you can additionally use safety latches that are discreetly installed on the inside.

Regarding drawers: Use magnetic child safety locks, installed inside. Attach the tilt lock to the wall, choosing the appropriate wall plugs (anchors).

I use a combination of tilt-lock safety devices and soft-close drawers for my Malm dressers: these make opening more difficult and prevent sudden drawer falls. Additionally, I recommend corner protectors for edges; this is especially important when children start to walk.