ᐅ How can I install Malm drawers deeper?

Hello everyone,

I am currently looking into how to "deepen" the drawers of my IKEA Malm dresser, or how to install or modify the drawers so that they have more depth within the cabinet frame, without damaging the front or having to alter the entire case.

At the moment, I need more storage space in depth to accommodate larger or deeper items. Does anyone know of good and practical solutions for increasing the depth of Malm drawers? Perhaps there are modifications to the drawer slides, the case itself, or alternative drawer runners that allow for deeper installation?

I’m looking forward to your suggestions and experiences!

You can use longer drawer slides. Simply remove the old ones and install longer ones, as long as the cabinet is deep enough. This way, you can push the drawers further back.

That's brilliant if you want to store the drawers deeper! 🙂 Try modifying the slides – some have done this and gained more space using stronger, longer slides! Just keep at it, it's definitely worth it! Every centimeter (inch) of extra storage makes a big difference. Good luck, you can definitely do it!! :-)

The term "store deeper" is somewhat vague. If you mean that the drawer should extend further back, this is technically only possible if the cabinet itself has more depth or if you modify the cabinet depth.

Alternatively, you can obtain longer metal drawer slides that support greater extension depth and install them instead of the original slides. Be sure to consider the maximum load capacity and the correct positioning of the guides.

It would also be advisable to check whether the drawer front and the drawer’s sliding functionality within the frame would be affected. Sometimes removing the bottom of the cabinet and mounting the drawers on a lower base frame can help, but this is more complex.

How deep is your dresser currently, and exactly how much more depth do you need?

roryvin schrieb:
The term "store deeper" is somewhat vague.

Thank you very much, that was a helpful tip! What I really meant is that I want the drawers to pull out further when opened, so they have a greater extension depth.

My current Malm carcass has a depth of 48cm (19 inches), and the drawers are about 40cm (16 inches) deep. I would need about 10cm (4 inches) more extension depth, so nearly 50cm (20 inches) drawer length, preferably without altering the dresser itself.

Is this even technically possible without extending the carcass or modifying the front? Or would I need to consider options like "pull-out inserts" or drawers with full extension slides?

Hello ba_flo,

Thank you very much for the detailed description. Basically, I would recommend switching to full-extension drawer slides (also called telescopic slides). These allow the drawer to be fully extended and can often be adjusted for greater extension depth if your carcass allows it.

Since your carcass is 48cm (19 inches) deep, it is difficult to install a drawer about 50cm (20 inches) deep without the back of the drawer protruding beyond the carcass.

Check if there is space under or behind the carcass for a small modification – for example, a plinth or a later extension that can increase the carcass depth. Alternatively, you could cut off a few centimeters from the back of the carcass and replace it with a suitable wooden back panel to gain more interior space.

Also, make sure that the drawer front and carcass still align harmoniously. Sometimes it makes sense to design or build the drawer differently to achieve the desired depth.

If you need help with that, feel free to provide more details about the exact dresser version. 🙂 I’m happy to assist further!