ᐅ How can I make better use of MALM furniture?

Created on: 21 Mar 2022 08:43
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so_pi
Hello everyone,
I have several MALM furniture pieces from IKEA, especially dressers and nightstands, and I would like to use them more efficiently in my apartment.
Since the design is quite simple, I am wondering if there are practical and creative ways to better organize storage or make the furniture more multifunctional.
I am particularly interested in how to optimally organize the drawers and maybe customize the furniture individually without having to do extensive modifications myself.
Does anyone have practical tips or tried-and-tested solutions for making better everyday use of MALM furniture? Thanks in advance!
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zarHenning
22 Mar 2022 08:46
I usually buy partition walls directly from IKEA, as they fit precisely.
Alternatively, inexpensive plastic organizers are available from online retailers.
For use as a TV stand: Malm dressers with sufficient width, for example 160 cm (63 inches), work well if you have a stable base.
Just pay attention to the maximum weight the dresser can support.
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SauDietmar
22 Mar 2022 09:19
For building partition walls with wooden slats yourself:
- Use thin, lightweight slats (e.g. 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) thick, 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches) wide) and carefully measure the internal dimensions of the drawer.
- Cut the slats to the appropriate lengths using a handsaw.
- Fix the slats in place using wood glue or double-sided tape.
- Tip: After the adhesive has dried, check if the slats hold securely and that no edges obstruct the drawer.
so_pi schrieb:
würde gerne so viel wie möglich selbst machen, möchte aber keine Möbel beschädigen

This is possible if you only attach things that can be removed without leaving residue. I avoid screws and do not drill if possible.
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so_pi
23 Mar 2022 06:55
Great, that helps me a lot!
Another question: How do you use the MALM nightstands to create more than just a surface?
I’m thinking about upgrading their functionality, maybe by adding built-in power outlets or extra compartments.
Are there any suitable, simple extensions?
Or are nightstands generally just meant to be surface storage?
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LUISABEL
23 Mar 2022 08:41
MALM nightstands are actually quite simply designed when it comes to functionality.
Recommendation:
1. Install self-adhesive power strips or USB charging adapters on the inside if the furniture is near a power outlet.
2. Use drawer organizers for small items, chargers, or glasses.
3. Add open shelves or small boxes on the surface to increase organization without major structural changes.
This makes nightstands more flexible – however, technical upgrades usually rely on external solutions.
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PULAU
23 Mar 2022 09:47
LUISABEL schrieb:
Recommendation: Installing self-adhesive power strips or USB charging adapters on the inside

I fully agree with this.
I installed something similar using a cable conduit on the inside of a MALM bedside table.
This keeps things organized and prevents rummaging in the dark for charging cables.
The furniture stays intact while its functionality is clearly improved.
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so_pi
24 Mar 2022 07:34
Thank you all for the detailed and helpful tips!
To summarize: For increased functionality of MALM furniture, it makes sense to organize drawers with custom-fit dividers or DIY inserts, use furniture surfaces multifunctionally (for example, as a TV stand or workspace), and upgrade nightstands with smart technical solutions (like self-adhesive power outlets).
Those are exactly the practical solutions I was looking for. :-)
Does anyone have ideas for more unusual uses or clever additions that I might have missed?