ᐅ IKEA Malm Nightstand Wobbles – How Can I Fix It?

Hello everyone, I recently assembled an IKEA Malm nightstand, but unfortunately it wobbles quite a bit when touched or when something is placed on it. The construction seems correct, and I have already checked that all the screws are tight and the connectors are properly installed. However, the wobbling remains, which makes me wonder whether it could be due to an uneven floor surface or if the piece of furniture inherently has some tolerance in stability. Has anyone experienced this issue and can offer advice on how to permanently fix the wobble? I would appreciate any helpful tips or guidance on the correct assembly steps to ensure the nightstand stands firmly and safely in the end.

Make sure that all screws are properly tightened. Also, check if the floor level is correct. Using felt pads for support can often help.

A common cause of wobbling in IKEA Malm nightstands is uneven contact between the table legs and the floor. The Malm series typically uses simple feet without height-adjustable pads. I recommend first checking with a spirit level to see if the nightstand is standing evenly. If the floor is uneven, self-adhesive felt or rubber pads designed specifically for furniture feet can help. Alternatively, small adjustable furniture feet can be purchased at hardware stores and placed under the existing ones to precisely adjust the standing height.

I can understand how frustrating it is when a piece of furniture wobbles despite being assembled correctly. I had a similar experience myself. Back then, I tried to reduce the wobbling using small wooden shims. While this helped temporarily, the bedside table never felt truly stable. That’s why I would suggest that a permanent solution is more likely to come from adjustable or flexible furniture glides. It’s annoying, but in the end, what matters is that you feel comfortable with it and don’t have to worry about it tipping over. 😉

You can also check whether the connection of the drawer sides is properly fitted. Sometimes, an incorrectly installed drawer can cause instability. Empty it completely once and then reinstall it correctly.

To stabilize the Malm nightstand, you can additionally place small anti-slip pads under the legs. These not only compensate for uneven surfaces but also prevent slipping. It is also important to check the screws in the back area carefully, as this is where the greatest pressure often occurs. If the wood at the joints slightly gives way, a drop of wood glue in the connection area might help.