Hello everyone, I’m considering how to best adapt my Malm dressers since I have rather small rooms and the standard size simply takes up too much space. My question is: What options are there to modify or arrange Malm dressers in small rooms so that they remain functional but occupy less space? I’m thinking of changes like alterations, custom fitting, or clever placement. I’m interested in tips for do-it-yourself measures as well as recommendations for proven design approaches. Who has experience or ideas? Thanks in advance!
Hey Torotu, great topic! 🙂 I cut my MALM dresser in half – meaning I simply removed the top drawer and shortened the dresser’s height. This saves vertical space and gives the room a lighter feel. You can also place the dressers at an angle instead of flush in the corner. This often makes the room feel more dynamic and frees up breathing space.
Sometimes it’s enough to cover the tops with fabric and use the dressers as seating – saves extra furniture! 😉
Torotu schrieb:
What options are there to modify or arrange MALM dressers in small rooms so they remain functional but take up less space?
Sometimes it’s enough to cover the tops with fabric and use the dressers as seating – saves extra furniture! 😉
M
Marlenepa22 Feb 2022 12:25Hello, I can only add to Marlona’s suggestions: Especially for small rooms, I recommend choosing light colors for MALM dressers, as this makes the space feel larger. If you are handy, you could also cut the side panels to make the dresser narrower. However, you should keep stability in mind, as MALM dressers are not originally designed for that.
It also helps not to place the dresser directly in front of windows to avoid blocking natural light. Consider replacing the handles with recessed or minimalist ones, which visually saves space and prevents catching in narrow walkways.
That’s a nice solution for multifunctionality, thanks for the tip!
It also helps not to place the dresser directly in front of windows to avoid blocking natural light. Consider replacing the handles with recessed or minimalist ones, which visually saves space and prevents catching in narrow walkways.
Timofa schrieb:
Sometimes it’s enough to cover tops with fabric and use the dressers as seating – saves extra furniture!
That’s a nice solution for multifunctionality, thanks for the tip!
MALM dressers have standard dimensions of 80x48 cm (31½x19 inches) in depth. For small rooms, the first step is to measure the maximum available floor space accurately. A practical adjustment is shortening the drawer fronts to make the dresser appear less wide if needed – however, this is only a visual modification. Physical alterations, such as cutting off the side panels, can negatively affect the structural stability. A better solution might be to use several smaller MALM dressers (for example, 3- or 2-drawer models) instead of one large one and place them along walls or under windowsills.
Additionally, flexible room dividers or open shelving units can be combined with MALM pieces to create both storage and openness.
Additionally, flexible room dividers or open shelving units can be combined with MALM pieces to create both storage and openness.
I would like to follow up: Has the amount of weight you plan to place on the dresser been taken into account here?
This is a very important point. While a MALM dresser is quite sturdy, it is often underestimated in small spaces. Sometimes shrinking the dresser is done at the expense of safety.
Additionally: Who says that a MALM dresser is the best choice for small rooms? There are definitely more suitable pieces of furniture that are modular and can be purchased in smaller units. It might be more practical to consider alternatives if your space is really very compact.
liskar schrieb:
Physical modifications, such as cutting off side panels, can negatively affect structural stability.
This is a very important point. While a MALM dresser is quite sturdy, it is often underestimated in small spaces. Sometimes shrinking the dresser is done at the expense of safety.
Additionally: Who says that a MALM dresser is the best choice for small rooms? There are definitely more suitable pieces of furniture that are modular and can be purchased in smaller units. It might be more practical to consider alternatives if your space is really very compact.
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