Hello everyone,
I recently assembled a Malm nightstand (IKEA) and now notice that it is quite wobbly. I followed the assembly instructions carefully, but I wonder if I might have made a mistake somewhere.
Specifically, the table wobbles mainly when you gently push it or place something on it. The individual side panels and the top are all securely attached, but the overall stability is still lacking.
Could it be that I didn’t tighten some screws enough, or that the assembly sequence was incorrect? Or are there known stability issues with this model that should be considered?
I would appreciate a knowledgeable assessment, as well as any tips for improving the stability. Thanks in advance!
I recently assembled a Malm nightstand (IKEA) and now notice that it is quite wobbly. I followed the assembly instructions carefully, but I wonder if I might have made a mistake somewhere.
Specifically, the table wobbles mainly when you gently push it or place something on it. The individual side panels and the top are all securely attached, but the overall stability is still lacking.
Could it be that I didn’t tighten some screws enough, or that the assembly sequence was incorrect? Or are there known stability issues with this model that should be considered?
I would appreciate a knowledgeable assessment, as well as any tips for improving the stability. Thanks in advance!
M
marcosku5230 Mar 2020 12:16son68 schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with Malm screws?Yes, the screws can sometimes be a bit tight, especially if the wood is a little harder. I’ve made it a habit to tighten the screws carefully but firmly using a manual drill or cordless screwdriver—at medium speed to avoid driving them in too deep and damaging the material.
It’s important to regularly check that the parts are pulling tightly together and nothing is loose while tightening.
Don’t try to force the screws all the way in with too much power, as that can make the connection unreliable.
I question the whole idea that the nightstand wobbles only because of "incorrect assembly."
Wobbling can also be caused by uneven flooring or the construction itself. Malm is attractive in terms of price, but the thin panels sometimes tend to give way.
So: have you checked if the floor is really level? Even a carpet underneath can cause this.
And one more thing: I’ve heard that some Malm nightstands are delivered with slightly asymmetrical parts—especially when they come from multiple production batches. So maybe try swapping parts?
son68 schrieb:
wobbles especially when lightly pushed or when something is placed on it
Wobbling can also be caused by uneven flooring or the construction itself. Malm is attractive in terms of price, but the thin panels sometimes tend to give way.
So: have you checked if the floor is really level? Even a carpet underneath can cause this.
And one more thing: I’ve heard that some Malm nightstands are delivered with slightly asymmetrical parts—especially when they come from multiple production batches. So maybe try swapping parts?
liste schrieb:
Instability can also be caused by uneven flooring or the construction itself.That’s true, it’s important not to forget that. Especially with more affordable furniture designs, a level foundation is essential.
son68, I recommend checking your floor with a spirit level to see if it is completely even. If it isn’t, you can use small shims under the feet to eliminate wobbling.
One last tip: if the bedside table still wobbles despite this, sometimes a suitable furniture glide with a non-slip coating helps, as it ensures the bedside table stands more securely.
liste schrieb:
did you also check if the floor is really level?Thank you very much for this suggestion! The nightstand is actually standing on a slightly uneven laminate floor, which has tiny bumps in one spot.
I have now moved the nightstand to another smooth area, and as expected, it wobbles significantly less.
Kinbu schrieb:
you can place small shims under the feet to eliminate the wobbling.That’s exactly what I tried now, using small felt pads, and it seems more stable.
I will check all the screws again and carefully review the assembly steps to ensure it has the best possible stability.
Many thanks to everyone for the helpful feedback! I will get in touch if I have any further questions ;-)
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