ᐅ How can I reinforce Malm furniture to make it more stable?

I am considering how to make my IKEA Malm dressers more stable. I understand that Malm furniture is designed as affordable, lightweight pieces, where stability is somewhat limited due to their lightweight construction. Especially with frequent use, heavier loads, or wider models, you can sometimes notice slight wobbling or even warping.

So my specific question is: What targeted measures or reinforcements can be applied to a Malm dresser to improve its stability? I am thinking of additional joints, reinforcements at critical points, possibly replacing individual components, or using stronger screws. Practical tips on which areas are particularly vulnerable and how to better approach them would also be interesting.

Has anyone had experience with such modifications or recommendations for better sturdiness without changing the overall character of the furniture?

The most important thing is to reinforce the connections at the corners with additional angle brackets or metal braces. Gluing the joints along with the screws also significantly increases stability.

Hello, I find that the back panel of the Malm series is often a weak point.

Merlin schrieb:
The most important thing is to reinforce the joints at the corners with additional angle brackets or metal corner braces.

I can only agree with that. Additionally, I would recommend fastening the back panel with stronger screws and, if necessary, reinforcing it from the inside with a second plywood sheet.

Attaching a solid wood base plate to the underside can also make the entire structure significantly more stable, especially if the chest of drawers is placed on uneven floors.

Thanks for the tips so far!

Laluri schrieb:
the back panel is often a weak point

Interesting, I have suspected the same for the back of my dresser. Are there any recommendations on how to reinforce the back panel without affecting its appearance? I want to avoid it being visible or making changes that cannot be reversed later.

Also, I’m wondering if replacing the simple tension elements with sturdy metal brackets or reinforced screw connectors is worthwhile. Does anyone have experience with whether this actually results in noticeably greater stability overall?

If you want to reinforce the back panel while maintaining the original look, I recommend screwing a thin plywood sheet on the inside. You can attach this invisibly through the open sides of the drawers. It’s important to secure the new fasteners with glue and make sure the screws don’t damage the front or outer edges.

Jaongi schrieb:
whether replacing the simple tension elements with sturdy metal brackets or reinforced screw fasteners is worth it

Yes, metal brackets make a difference, especially when it comes to stress at the corners. For wider dressers like Malm, this helps prevent warping. It’s worth investing in quality components here.

Always check the floor carefully. Often, simply attaching sturdy felt pads or small wooden blocks under the dresser can help prevent wobbling. Securing the joints with screws provides additional stability, but a solid footing is essential.