ᐅ How can Malm furniture be protected against warping?

I have several Malm furniture pieces from IKEA, and I’ve noticed that over time they sometimes warp slightly or don’t stand completely straight anymore. This is especially noticeable with dressers that have wide drawers. Therefore, I’m interested in learning: How can Malm furniture be protected against warping to keep it stable and straight? Are there any special care instructions or construction tips to preserve the material and maintain the furniture’s shape in the long term? I look forward to your experiences and advice.

isidro-fu schrieb:
How can Malm furniture be protected from warping to keep it stable and straight?

Hey! Malm furniture is solid but not indestructible. My advice: Don’t place your Malm dresser directly against heated walls or in damp corners, as this can cause wood and particleboard to warp.

Also, make sure to distribute weight evenly in the drawers, because uneven loading can quickly lead to deformation.

One fun tip: Small felt pads under the legs create some space from the floor and protect against moisture from below :-)

These simple steps really help keep your furniture straight and stable!

leteo schrieb:
Do not place your Malm dresser directly against strongly heated walls or in damp corners, as this can cause wood and particleboard to warp significantly.

That’s right, fluctuations in humidity and temperature are the main factors causing deformation. Especially with furniture made from particleboard like Malm, since it is less durable than solid wood.

Additionally, I would recommend not overloading the drawers and, if possible, filling them evenly. For heavier items in the drawers, it helps to distribute the weight as evenly as possible along the drawer slides and avoid constant overloading.

Another tip: If you have Malm drawers that no longer close properly or are sticking, be sure to check the screw connections and tighten them if necessary. Loose connections can significantly reduce stability and promote deformation.

I hope this helps! 🙂

Avoid drafts.
Do not store heavy objects only on one side.
Regularly check screws.

isidro-fu schrieb:
Are there any special care instructions or construction tips to preserve the material and keep the furniture shape-stable over time?

One construction tip that works well with Malm: you can install a small spacer strip between the wall and the furniture so the dresser doesn’t sit directly against the wall. This allows air to circulate, preventing moisture buildup in the wood, which protects the material in the long run.

Renla47 schrieb:
Loose connections can significantly reduce stability and promote deformation.

I totally agree with that. I regularly check the screws and tighten them if needed. My dresser has been rock-solid for three years now 😉

Last but not least: once a year, use a damp cloth (not wet) to remove dust and dirt. This keeps the surface well-maintained and prevents it from drying out.