ᐅ Is there a way to better protect Malm furniture?

Hello everyone,

I have several Malm furniture pieces from Ikea at home and find their design and value for money really good. However, I’m often concerned about the relatively soft surfaces, as they can easily get scratched or dented. That’s why I’m asking the community: Is there a way to better protect Malm furniture so it stays looking nice longer and is more resistant to everyday wear and tear? I’m especially interested in tips regarding surface treatments, special protective films, or other proven methods that you might use yourselves.

Thanks for your experiences and advice!

Basically, the surfaces of Malm furniture are covered with a foil coating that is not particularly scratch-resistant. To provide better protection, I recommend a combination of gentle care and additional safeguards.

One option is to use furniture care products (wax or oil) specifically designed for foil surfaces. While these do not create a permanent protective layer, they help reduce scratches and keep the surface more supple.

Additionally, clear transparent protective films can be applied to high-wear areas (edges, tabletops). These films are designed for furniture surfaces and can be removed if necessary.

I also recommend using glass or acrylic sheets on tabletops if long-lasting protection is a priority.

draleo schrieb:
You can apply clear, transparent protective films to areas with heavy use (edges, tabletops).

Exactly, special furniture protective films are very suitable for this purpose. It is important to thoroughly clean and degrease the surface beforehand so that the film adheres well. A small tip: if you want to apply the film without air bubbles, a squeegee or a straight plastic card can help.

Also, make sure to buy films made of polyurethane, as they are more durable than simple PVC films.

For maintenance, gentle microfiber cloths can be used to avoid scratching the surface further.

I have noticed with Malm furniture that scratches cannot be completely avoided, especially with frequent use. However, regular care does help.

I would also recommend using coasters for glasses and plates, and avoiding placing heavy objects directly on the surface.

As an additional measure, I have suggested attaching small felt pads under items that are regularly moved – this helps prevent scratches caused by friction.

Another idea is to treat the surface with a special furniture wax (compatible with plastic or laminated surfaces) to build up a protective layer.

For Malm furniture, I often recommend clear plastic edge protectors. The corners tend to get damaged very quickly. Simply stick them on, and that's it.

In addition to using films, I recommend not exposing sensitive surfaces directly to sunlight. UV radiation accelerates the aging and brittleness of films and coatings.