Hello everyone,
I own several IKEA Malm dressers and want to install them in the house as child-safe as possible. Since my little ones are often curious and sometimes climb on furniture, a stable, secure fastening is important to prevent tipping accidents.
I’m interested in which methods you find particularly effective for stabilizing Malm dressers that are also technically easy to implement and child-friendly – meaning no protruding screws or hazards, but still maximally stable.
It would also be helpful to know if you have used any specific products or tools and whether the installation can be done without extensive DIY skills.
Looking forward to practical tips and experiences!
I own several IKEA Malm dressers and want to install them in the house as child-safe as possible. Since my little ones are often curious and sometimes climb on furniture, a stable, secure fastening is important to prevent tipping accidents.
I’m interested in which methods you find particularly effective for stabilizing Malm dressers that are also technically easy to implement and child-friendly – meaning no protruding screws or hazards, but still maximally stable.
It would also be helpful to know if you have used any specific products or tools and whether the installation can be done without extensive DIY skills.
Looking forward to practical tips and experiences!
G
GUSTAVO566 Jul 2021 09:24Hello kujeren,
your question is very important because Malm dressers tend to tip over due to their height and slim design, especially when children are involved in climbing or crossing over them.
Basically, there are three key points:
1. Wall attachment: IKEA includes a safety mechanism that is mounted both to the wall and the dresser. You should check what type of wall you have (concrete, drywall, etc.) and use suitable anchors. For drywall, for example, special cavity anchors are necessary.
2. Floor considerations: If the floor is not completely level, it helps to stabilize the dresser with shims (e.g., small rubber wedges) to prevent tipping caused by wobbling.
3. Internal load: Ideally, the drawers should not be overloaded, meaning the lower compartments should carry more weight. This reduces the risk of the dresser tipping forward if a child pulls or climbs on it.
Regarding tools: for installation, a cordless drill, crosshead screwdriver, and a drill for concrete walls are recommended. If you don’t have a drill, this can also be done with a well-controlled screwdriver in pre-drilled holes.
Could you also specify the material of your walls? Then I can give you more detailed advice on which anchors and screws are best.
your question is very important because Malm dressers tend to tip over due to their height and slim design, especially when children are involved in climbing or crossing over them.
Basically, there are three key points:
1. Wall attachment: IKEA includes a safety mechanism that is mounted both to the wall and the dresser. You should check what type of wall you have (concrete, drywall, etc.) and use suitable anchors. For drywall, for example, special cavity anchors are necessary.
2. Floor considerations: If the floor is not completely level, it helps to stabilize the dresser with shims (e.g., small rubber wedges) to prevent tipping caused by wobbling.
3. Internal load: Ideally, the drawers should not be overloaded, meaning the lower compartments should carry more weight. This reduces the risk of the dresser tipping forward if a child pulls or climbs on it.
Regarding tools: for installation, a cordless drill, crosshead screwdriver, and a drill for concrete walls are recommended. If you don’t have a drill, this can also be done with a well-controlled screwdriver in pre-drilled holes.
Could you also specify the material of your walls? Then I can give you more detailed advice on which anchors and screws are best.
Thanks in advance, @GUSTAVO56, for the detailed response.
My walls are brick masonry on the outside with plaster, and mostly drywall (plasterboard) on the inside. I would mainly attach the dressers to interior walls, which likely means drywall.
You mentioned hollow wall anchors – could you specify which types work best? And how is the anchoring strength of these anchors evaluated, especially regarding tilt stability?
From your perspective, would it also make sense to take additional measures, such as placing non-slip pads underneath or securing something to the back?
One more question: For aesthetic reasons, I would like to avoid overly visible fasteners. Are there also discreet solutions available?
My walls are brick masonry on the outside with plaster, and mostly drywall (plasterboard) on the inside. I would mainly attach the dressers to interior walls, which likely means drywall.
You mentioned hollow wall anchors – could you specify which types work best? And how is the anchoring strength of these anchors evaluated, especially regarding tilt stability?
From your perspective, would it also make sense to take additional measures, such as placing non-slip pads underneath or securing something to the back?
One more question: For aesthetic reasons, I would like to avoid overly visible fasteners. Are there also discreet solutions available?
Hello kujeren,
I completely understand your concerns. Safety must always come first, especially in children’s rooms.
Regarding drywall: hollow wall anchors are usually the best option, as they expand inside the cavity to provide strong support. Types like “Fischer UX” or “Fischer HM” are proven anchors. It’s important to install them according to the package instructions to ensure they hold properly.
Securing the dresser with the safety straps provided by IKEA will keep it firmly attached to the wall.
You can also add non-slip pads under the dresser legs to prevent it from sliding, but these do not replace wall mounting.
If the visible straps bother you, there are also low-profile metal brackets that can be screwed behind the dresser and attached to the wall. These are usually installed so that they are barely noticeable.
If you like, I can share a link (description only) to a video that clearly demonstrates drywall installation.
I completely understand your concerns. Safety must always come first, especially in children’s rooms.
Regarding drywall: hollow wall anchors are usually the best option, as they expand inside the cavity to provide strong support. Types like “Fischer UX” or “Fischer HM” are proven anchors. It’s important to install them according to the package instructions to ensure they hold properly.
Securing the dresser with the safety straps provided by IKEA will keep it firmly attached to the wall.
You can also add non-slip pads under the dresser legs to prevent it from sliding, but these do not replace wall mounting.
If the visible straps bother you, there are also low-profile metal brackets that can be screwed behind the dresser and attached to the wall. These are usually installed so that they are barely noticeable.
If you like, I can share a link (description only) to a video that clearly demonstrates drywall installation.
Thanks for the tips, Grace.
The idea of using metal brackets sounds interesting, especially since it minimizes the negative impact on aesthetics. If I understand correctly, the brackets would virtually stabilize the dresser from the back, while the anti-slip pads improve its grip on the floor.
How about flexibility? I imagine I might rearrange the dressers sometimes. Is the fastening easy to remove and reattach without drilling a lot or creating new holes?
Or is this more of a one-time solution?
I’m also curious about safety concerning small children who might hold onto the drawers and pull themselves up. Could you provide any helpful advice on that?
The idea of using metal brackets sounds interesting, especially since it minimizes the negative impact on aesthetics. If I understand correctly, the brackets would virtually stabilize the dresser from the back, while the anti-slip pads improve its grip on the floor.
How about flexibility? I imagine I might rearrange the dressers sometimes. Is the fastening easy to remove and reattach without drilling a lot or creating new holes?
Or is this more of a one-time solution?
I’m also curious about safety concerning small children who might hold onto the drawers and pull themselves up. Could you provide any helpful advice on that?
Similar topics