ᐅ How do I securely attach MALM shelves to the wall?

Created on: 12 Feb 2019 09:13
K
keomo
Hello everyone,

I want to securely mount some Malm shelves from IKEA on the wall in my apartment. Since these are relatively large and heavy shelves, the stability of the installation is especially important to me. I have a drywall with wood studs behind it. I am unsure which anchors to use and how to ensure the shelf will not eventually pull away from the wall.

Could you please explain step by step how to best install the shelves? Which screws and anchors are recommended, especially for drywall? Is there anything special to consider regarding alignment and load distribution?

I look forward to your tips and experiences!
J
JORDON
13 Feb 2019 08:09
I hung some Malm shelves last month.

My advice: Buy the appropriate wall anchors separately, as those provided by IKEA often aren’t the best quality. Also, be sure to drill pilot holes of the correct size so the screws don’t split the wooden studs.

And yes, use the original holes in the shelf—they fit perfectly.

One more thing: when you press the shelf against the wall and gently wiggle it, you can quickly tell if the screws are holding. No need to worry, I had to tighten mine several times until everything fit properly! 🙂
B
barEsperan
13 Feb 2019 08:15
Always use a drill bit one size smaller than the screw. This ensures the screw holds better. This is especially important for wood.
P
pakokla
14 Feb 2019 11:44
Just as a reminder: Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage the wood in the stud. Tight means enough to hold securely, but do not overtighten.
J
Jatau
14 Feb 2019 12:03
For anchors in drywall without studs, I recommend metal toggle anchors. They hold much better than plastic ones and are more reliable for heavy shelves.
K
keomo
14 Feb 2019 14:22
Thanks for the many suggestions! In summary, I will first locate the wooden studs using a stud finder. Then I will use the original holes for mounting the MALM shelf, using at least two screws with washers, approximately 6cm (2.4 inches) long, and insert them carefully to avoid splitting the wood. In case I don’t hit any studs, I will use metal toggle bolts.

This sounds like a practical and safe approach to me. I will report back on how the installation went!
R
Roninkla
15 Feb 2019 10:51
Glad to hear you found a good solution.

One last tip: After hanging the shelf, check it again with a spirit level—even if you took care during installation. If you notice any unevenness, adjusting the screws slightly can help.

Good luck!