Hello everyone,
I have several MALM furniture pieces from IKEA, mostly in white or birch, and I’m looking for ways to visually enhance them. I’m less interested in a complete makeover and more in making them look a bit more individual and modern with manageable effort and without requiring advanced DIY skills.
Do you have any tips or experiences on how to refresh MALM furniture without having to buy brand-new pieces? For example, ideas for paint, handles, adhesive films, or small details that can make a big difference? I’m looking forward to your suggestions and also your thoughts on the pros and cons of each method!
I have several MALM furniture pieces from IKEA, mostly in white or birch, and I’m looking for ways to visually enhance them. I’m less interested in a complete makeover and more in making them look a bit more individual and modern with manageable effort and without requiring advanced DIY skills.
Do you have any tips or experiences on how to refresh MALM furniture without having to buy brand-new pieces? For example, ideas for paint, handles, adhesive films, or small details that can make a big difference? I’m looking forward to your suggestions and also your thoughts on the pros and cons of each method!
Thank you for the valuable advice! Overall, it sounds to me like films are a good option for quickly and reversibly making changes, while paint and lacquer require more effort but might also offer greater individuality.
Are there any recommendations on what to consider when choosing handles? For example, size or screw spacing? I’ve read that some Malm furniture has standardized fittings, while others do not.
One more question: What do you think about decorating the inside sides of drawers with patterned wallpaper or film? Does it make much sense, or is it hardly noticeable later on?
Are there any recommendations on what to consider when choosing handles? For example, size or screw spacing? I’ve read that some Malm furniture has standardized fittings, while others do not.
One more question: What do you think about decorating the inside sides of drawers with patterned wallpaper or film? Does it make much sense, or is it hardly noticeable later on?
Ninevio schrieb:
Are there any recommendations for handles? For example, size or screw spacing?The screw holes on MALM furniture handles are usually spaced 64 mm (2.5 inches) apart. This is a common standard, and there are many handles available with exactly this measurement. Still, always check the exact description before buying or measure carefully yourself.
Ninevio schrieb:
What do you think about decorating the inside of drawers with patterned wallpaper or adhesive film?I think that’s a great idea. It looks fantastic, especially when the drawer is open, and can serve as an eye-catcher. Important: use thin self-adhesive film or wallpaper and apply it carefully to prevent peeling.
About handle replacement: It’s best to ask at the hardware store for handles with a 64mm (2.5 inches) hole spacing – these are compatible with MALM. If you want custom handles, you may need to enlarge the drill holes or fill them in.
About interior design: Yes, it’s worth it and looks especially good with light-colored furniture.
About interior design: Yes, it’s worth it and looks especially good with light-colored furniture.
Thanks so much for all the helpful information!
By now, I’m leaning towards starting with changing the handles first and then applying adhesive foil to the inside surfaces of the drawers.
If I have the time and motivation, I might even paint one of the drawer fronts with chalkboard paint, which I think is really cool and practical at the same time.
I’ll be happy to keep you updated here on how things are going and what I’ve done. Thanks again for your suggestions and for sharing your experiences!
By now, I’m leaning towards starting with changing the handles first and then applying adhesive foil to the inside surfaces of the drawers.
If I have the time and motivation, I might even paint one of the drawer fronts with chalkboard paint, which I think is really cool and practical at the same time.
I’ll be happy to keep you updated here on how things are going and what I’ve done. Thanks again for your suggestions and for sharing your experiences!
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