ᐅ How can I repair Malm furniture when replacement parts are not available?

Hello everyone,

I have a somewhat specific question: How can I repair furniture from the Malm series by IKEA when no original replacement parts are available? Specifically, I am dealing with damaged drawer slides and handles that I can’t find either as original parts or suitable reproductions. Additionally, a wooden joint has come loose at one corner. I have decent DIY skills but would like to keep the piece as close to the original as possible. What options are there to effectively replace or repair damaged or missing parts without relying on original components? It would be helpful if you could share experiences with DIY solutions, alternative materials, tool recommendations, and so on. Thanks in advance!

For drawer slides, you can often use suitable universal guides available at hardware stores. Simply measure the dimensions and get a replacement. Handles can be replaced with similar models, which are often more affordable. For wooden joints, wood glue and small corner brackets can help if the joint is loose.

BEATE schrieb:
For drawer slides, you can often use suitable universal guides from the hardware store.

That’s true, universal usually fits! If you want to make the slides yourself, you can also recycle metal slides from old drawers in a pinch, if you can find any somewhere.

BEATE schrieb:
Handles can be replaced with similar models.

If you want the original look, you can also paint or felt plastic handles to adjust the color and surface.

Regarding wood joints: Use small wooden dowels or work with epoxy resin if the corner will be heavily stressed. 🙂

For repairing Malm furniture without original replacement parts, I recommend the following approach:

1. Drawer slides: Most Malm slides are standardized metal runners. Measure the exact running length, width, and mounting points. Replacement slides from hardware stores or online suppliers, which advertise similar dimensions, can usually be adapted without issues. In rare cases, custom adjustments with a file or drill may be necessary.

2. Handles: Since the handles are often only screwed on, replacement models with compatible hole spacing are suitable. If there is no perfect fit, you can fill the drill holes with wood filler and drill new ones.

3. Wood joints: Using wood glue is standard; for more significant damage, I recommend reinforcing with wooden dowels. For broken-off corners, special epoxy wood glue is preferable to regular glue, as it provides better adhesion and stability. Finally, uneven areas can be smoothed out with wood filler.

Tool tip: A drill with a dowel attachment, wood glue, epoxy resin, sandpaper with a grit of 120–240, and suitable screws/handles should always be on hand.

I would like to add that thorough preparation of the damaged areas is very important. Old adhesive residues and loose wood particles should be carefully removed to ensure the wood glue or epoxy resin adheres optimally.

If you can’t find drawer slides that fit exactly, you can also use soft-close slides as an upgrade. This even improves the user experience. Just make sure to check the dimensions and screw holes.

For handles, there are attractive alternatives made of wood or metal available on Etsy or specialized shops, which can give your interior a unique character if you don't necessarily want the original ones.

If you like, I can also provide tips for color matching in case any color differences appear after the repair. Just let me know! 🙂