ᐅ How do I properly secure Malm furniture?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought some Malm furniture from Ikea – mainly dressers and shelves – and I want to secure them safely and properly to the wall to prevent tipping. My question is: How do I correctly attach Malm furniture, especially to different wall types like drywall (plasterboard) or concrete? Are there specific anchors or screws that work best?

Also, I’m curious whether the provided fixing materials are actually sufficient and safe, or if there are better alternatives I should use instead. I have read that some people use additional brackets or straps – are those useful?

Maybe you have experience with installation beyond what the instructions cover. What should I definitely watch out for to ensure the furniture stands firmly and hangs straight?

Thanks in advance for your help!

RENTRA0 schrieb:
How do I properly fix Malm furniture, especially on different wall types like drywall or concrete?

For drywall, be sure to use special cavity anchors so the screws hold securely.

For concrete, it’s best to use hammer-in anchors. The screws provided are often only suitable for wooden walls.

Using brackets in addition can never hurt, especially for taller furniture.

islaron schrieb:
For concrete, it’s best to use hammer anchors.

Additionally, I would like to elaborate more on installation with different wall materials, as many mistakes are made in this area. When mounting Malm furniture—especially concerning safety and the risk of tipping—you need to know the exact wall type.

For concrete walls, I strongly recommend hammer anchors or chemical anchors, depending on the load. It is important to determine the correct drill depth before drilling so the anchor sits fully within the wall material. Also, it is essential not to overtighten the screws to avoid damaging the anchor.

For drywall (plasterboard) walls, cavity anchors are standard, but not all are equal. You should use expansion anchors or toggle anchors that spread behind the panel, rather than just simple plastic plugs.

RENTRA0 schrieb:
Are there special anchors or screws that are particularly suitable?

My advice: Get anchors and screws that are properly sized—e.g., 6 mm diameter and an appropriate length—instead of the typical universal fasteners that come with Ikea furniture, which are designed more for convenience than for safety.

Regarding the straps included: These are important as anti-tip restraints but should not be the only means of securing the furniture. Always combine screws with anti-tip devices.

What is the wall construction like in your case? Could you describe the wall type in more detail? That would help provide more specific advice.

Domau0 schrieb:
One should use toggle bolts or spring toggle anchors that expand behind the panel, not just simple plastic wall plugs.

Exactly, and to ensure the stability of the fastening, it is essential to choose the right type of anchor based on the substrate.

For free-standing furniture, a tip-over restraint system is recommended, which involves two key considerations: first, the attachment to the furniture itself, and second, a secure hold in the wall. Supplied brackets and fasteners are usually sized for standard interior walls, which often proves insufficient in practice.

Example drywall: hollow wall anchors with metal clips or metal expansion sleeves are preferable because plastic anchors without an expansion mechanism tend to pull out easily.

Example concrete: chemical anchors or heavy-duty anchors provide a secure hold, especially for furniture that is frequently moved or loaded.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the spacing of the fasteners is correct and that they can withstand sufficient tensile load. Using additional safety straps increases security and should always be applied, but it does not replace proper anchor installation.

Finally, when in doubt, it is advisable to use appropriate tools, such as a hammer drill for concrete or a spirit level for correct alignment.

RENTRA0 schrieb:
I have read that some people use additional brackets or straps – are they useful?

I would consider this practice not just useful but absolutely necessary, especially if there are children in the household or if the furniture is placed in high-traffic areas. Anti-tip safety is not just a buzzword; it actually helps prevent accidents.

However, I wonder if the discussion often remains too superficial when it only focuses on anchors and screws.

Can we really be sure that the furniture is properly installed when the entire system – furniture, wall, and mounting materials – is evaluated in terms of load and stress?

For example, the variation in wall materials should be standardized as a point included in every installation manual.

Therefore, my question to the professionals here: Are there official or at least recommended standards for securing furniture of this kind that go beyond the IKEA instructions? How do you measure load capacity? Because using standardized anchors alone does not necessarily mean that the whole system is safe.