ᐅ How can MALM furniture be made more child-friendly?

Created on: 15 Mar 2024 09:07
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Go_kla
Hello everyone,

I was wondering how to make IKEA’s Malm furniture, especially the dressers and beds, more child-friendly. Since these pieces are often used in children’s rooms, it’s important to make them safer and more practical for everyday use by kids. Specifically, I’m interested in ways to easily improve the often-criticized sharp edges, drawer safety to prevent finger pinching, and overall stability.

It would also be helpful to know if there are practical extensions or add-ons compatible with the Malm design that make storage safer for children and easier to access. Experiences with modifications or additional materials would also be very interesting.

Looking forward to your opinions and tips!
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GALEO4
15 Mar 2024 11:07
I always wonder why, with Malm furniture, we try to solve the safety issue only by adding attachments. Wouldn't it make much more sense to choose furniture that is designed to be child-friendly from the start? I see MALM more as a design piece than as children’s furniture.
Dopoki schrieb:
Corner protectors made of rubber or silicone significantly reduce the risk of injury.

That’s true, but that’s more of a fix to the product rather than genuine “child-friendliness.” Ikea simply doesn’t market it that way. If you really want to think sustainably, this should be taken into account when making your choice.
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TRADI
15 Mar 2024 11:15
This is an interesting point raised by GALEO4, but there is no reason why a popular and visually appealing piece of furniture like MALM cannot be made child-friendly with appropriate attachments and safety measures. When fitted correctly with child safety locks, soft-close mechanisms, and wall anchors, MALM can certainly serve its purpose well in a child's room.

Additionally, the price-performance aspect is important. Not everyone can or wants to replace furniture immediately.
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Go_kla
15 Mar 2024 11:50
Thanks for the previous answers, they have already helped me a lot.

A quick question: How difficult are such conversions or additional installation work usually? I would prefer not to have to remove or extensively modify the entire piece of furniture. Are there also child-safe shelves or dividers that can be easily retrofitted to securely store items or keep them out of children's reach?

Thanks in advance!
J
Jukin
15 Mar 2024 12:07
Most modifications are not particularly complicated. Corner protectors can be easily installed with adhesive tape, requiring no special tools. Drawer locks need minimal effort, usually just screws or snap mechanisms.

For storage, there are insert boxes and compartments that can be used flexibly. This way, items can be secured so they do not move around freely or are easily accessible.
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Marcellela
15 Mar 2024 12:15
Corner protectors and drawer locks are essential for the MALM in the children's room. Accessories are affordable and easy to install. Accessories for compartmentalizing are also often available in the form of boxes.
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Dustin
15 Mar 2024 13:45
Additionally, install wall anchors to prevent the furniture from tipping over. There are also simple snap-on drawer locks available for small children.