ᐅ Protecting IKEA Malm Furniture in Everyday Use – What Are the Best Methods?

Hello everyone,

I have several IKEA Malm furniture pieces—mainly dressers and nightstands—in my home, and I’ve noticed that they tend to get scratched and show signs of wear quite quickly in everyday use. The light-colored surface, in particular, is quite prone to small dents and marks, so I’m looking for the best ways and tips to protect this furniture for daily use.

I’m especially interested in practical solutions that offer more than just short-term protection, but truly help with long-lasting durability without significantly changing the appearance. Has anyone had experience with special protective films, coatings, or other methods that work well in everyday situations?

I’m looking forward to your tips and experiences!

The most effective options are transparent protective films or special plastic furniture pads. They hardly allow scratches and are barely visible. Simply stick them onto the surface and replace them when needed.

I use felt pads under decorations and appliances myself. This prevents scratches when items are moved. For larger areas, self-adhesive protective mats made of polycarbonate are also suitable.

Thanks already for the tips!

Regarding the protective films: Do you have any recommendations on the best way to apply them without creating air bubbles? And how long do the films typically last with daily use?

I’m also interested if anyone has experience with special furniture care products that can make the finish more durable, possibly including preservation waxes or sealants?

I know exactly how frustrating it is when the Malm gets scratched after a short time. I also have three dressers of that model.

Renjan schrieb:
Regarding protective films: Do you have any recommendations on how to apply them without creating air bubbles?

For me, it helped to thoroughly clean the surface beforehand and then slowly press the film down bit by bit using a squeegee or a credit card. That method works for the most part.

Renjan schrieb:
Has anyone here had experience with special furniture care products that can make the finish more durable?

I occasionally use a thin wax designed for furniture. While it didn’t replace the protective film, the surface has become noticeably more durable. You do have to reapply regularly.

Hi Renjan, I understand that you don’t want your Malm to look like it’s been through a fight after just a few weeks 😄

My tip: a combination of felt pads and a black coaster protective layer, uh, I mean a transparent film 😂 Jokes aside, I believe that a clear protective film along with regular waxing works wonders.

Also, for families with children, just place placemats or runners on it – looks stylish and offers great protection. 🙂