ᐅ IKEA Malm nightstand surface damaged – how to repair?

Hello everyone, I have an issue with the surface of my IKEA Malm nightstand. Unfortunately, there are several small scratches and one slightly deeper dent that look unappealing. The surface is made of a laminate on engineered wood, and I’m wondering if and how such damage can be effectively repaired without having to replace the entire nightstand or repaint it completely. Are there proven methods to permanently fix scratches and small dents on laminated surfaces? Maybe with special repair kits, fillers, or other techniques? I’d like to keep the nightstand as original as possible and would appreciate any experience or tips on how to restore the surface of the Malm series to give the furniture a well-maintained appearance again. Thanks in advance for any advice!

kimlis schrieb:
I have a problem with the surface of my IKEA Malm bedside table. Unfortunately, there are several small scratches and a slightly deeper dent that look unattractive.

Hello kimlis, I know this issue well, especially with laminated surfaces, as the plastic coating is very thin. Basically, you have two approaches: cosmetic touch-up or a more thorough repair.

For light scratches, you can use special furniture repair markers, which are available at furniture or hardware stores. These markers are often color-matched to wood finishes and can visually hide minor scratches. It’s important to choose the exact color and apply the marker sparingly.

If the dent is a bit deeper, you can carefully use a filler designed for wood or furniture surfaces. Afterwards, you may need to gently smooth the area with very fine sandpaper before matching the color of the surface.

A tip: try this on a less visible spot first and proceed slowly. Sometimes the effort is worth it compared to buying new furniture. In the end, it also depends on the condition of the piece and your expectations for the result. If you have any questions about specific products, I’m happy to help!

renpeo schrieb:
For minor scratches, you can use special furniture repair markers

Absolutely! I once used a repair wax on my Malm bedside table, and it works great for filling in small scratches. Afterward, the surface looks almost like new. 🙂

kimlis schrieb:
I want to keep the bedside table as original as possible and would appreciate any experience or tips on how to repair the surface of the Malm series

My advice: Gently rub a very fine sanding sponge (one designed for furniture) over the damaged areas to smooth rough edges before applying wax or repair paint. This helps the repair last longer and look better.

And don’t worry – these kinds of marks are not a disaster. With a little patience, you can easily make it look good again! Oh, and if you enjoy DIY, do a test first – some products may leave a slightly different sheen in the end.

I completely understand how a damaged surface on the Malm nightstand can be frustrating. I had the same issue and found it somewhat annoying because it affects the overall appearance.

What helped me a bit was first gently sanding the damaged area with very fine sandpaper, and then carefully touching it up with a furniture marker that matched the color. It’s not 100% perfect, but definitely much better than before. It’s important not to overdo it — less is often more in this case.

Maybe it helps to remember that furniture that’s used will eventually show some signs of wear. On the other hand, it’s great when a little repair work can restore your enjoyment of the piece. I hope you find a solution that feels right for you. 🙂 Feel free to ask if you’re unsure about any of the steps!