ᐅ How do I secure MALM dressers to the wall to make them child-safe?

Created on: 10 Mar 2021 19:37
P
prasar
P
prasar
10 Mar 2021 19:37
Hello everyone, I recently set up a few MALM dressers from IKEA at home, and since I have small children, I am naturally concerned about safety. I definitely want to secure the dressers to the wall to prevent tipping hazards. However, I find the included mounting materials and instructions insufficient for our wall structure (concrete with plaster).

Does anyone have experience or helpful tips on how to securely and, above all, childproof attach the MALM dressers to the wall? I am especially interested in suitable screws, anchors, or special devices that reliably prevent the dresser from tipping, even if children pull on or climb them.

Also, it would be great if you could advise me on any specific considerations during installation to ensure the safest possible attachment – for example, weight limits, distance from the wall, mounting height, etc.

Thank you in advance for your support!
V
vinpau
10 Mar 2021 20:09
Very important topic! 🙂 I also secured the MALM dresser to the wall in our home and can only recommend replacing the supplied wall plugs with proper heavy-duty anchors—especially for concrete walls. This holds very securely, and the little climbers won’t stand a chance!

Also, it’s best to use screws of an appropriate length so they go deep into the anchors, which provides the best stability. I always chose two fixing points at the top on the back of the dresser to distribute the load evenly.

I wasn’t too strict about the mounting height; in our case, the dresser is flush against the wall and positioned so that children can’t easily climb on it :-)
P
pikin
11 Mar 2021 08:25
For child-safe wall mounting of MALM dressers on a concrete wall, I recommend the following procedure:

1. Use heavy-duty wall anchors (e.g., Fischer SXR or equivalent) of appropriate length, matched to the wall thickness and screw length.

2. Precisely mark the drill holes on the back panel of the dresser and transfer the positions to the wall.

3. Drill straight into the wall with a drill bit that matches the anchor size (usually 8 mm (0.3 inches) for SXR).

4. Install the mounting hardware so that two points at the top of the dresser are used to prevent tipping.

5. Make sure the screws are not too long to avoid damage to the dresser.

6. If water or electrical lines run nearby, check first with a cable and pipe detector.

This method ensures a secure mounting that can withstand the stresses caused by children.
L
LAYNE
11 Mar 2021 13:53
prasar schrieb:
I really want to securely attach the dressers to the wall now to prevent tipping hazards.

Completely understandable, and absolutely a MUST when children are involved! 😉 I’d add that while the IKEA mounting kits are okay, they are often quite minimal. If your wall is indeed concrete and plastered, as mentioned before, I would recommend using heavy-duty anchors designed for high loads.

I also always use small angle brackets—not the clip holders from the IKEA set, but sturdy metal brackets from the hardware store. These provide extra security when attached to the back of the dresser and firmly screwed into the wall.

And very important: take your time to align everything properly! An uneven installation can also cause tipping hazards. Measure carefully with a spirit level beforehand and it’s best to work with two people—that way, it’ll be perfect.

Good luck, you’ll manage it! 🙂
V
vinpau
12 Mar 2021 09:41
pikin schrieb:
Use heavy-duty anchors (e.g., Fischer SXR or equivalent) of appropriate length, matched to wall thickness and screw length.

Exactly! The Fischer SXR anchors are really excellent! I used them myself, and the dresser has been rock solid for months without any issues.
LAYNE schrieb:
I would add that the IKEA mounting kits are okay but often quite minimalistic.

I can only agree with that. It’s better to get materials from a hardware store and then fasten everything properly – it just gives you more confidence.

A few extra tips: If the dresser stands on carpet, the risk of tipping is higher because it wobbles more easily. Therefore, it’s best to secure it on a flat, hard surface or make sure the anchors are installed really firmly :-)