ᐅ MALM Furniture and Moisture – What Precautions Should Be Taken?

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding the MALM furniture series from IKEA, which is mainly made of particleboard with a foil veneer. Since I am currently planning to place one of the dresser models in a relatively humid room, I am wondering what precautions should be taken in this situation.

Specifically, I am interested in how sensitive this type of furniture is to humidity and occasional moisture – for example, from condensation on cold walls or if water accidentally spills nearby.

Are there any special water-repellent treatments or protective measures that make sense? Or would it be better to choose different types of furniture from the start?

I look forward to your experiences and tips on how to best protect MALM furniture against moisture without affecting its appearance or functionality. Thanks in advance for your advice!

sefifu schrieb:
how sensitive this type of furniture is to humidity and occasional moisture

MALM furniture is made from wood particle board with a foil coating that is not waterproof. Therefore, avoid direct contact with water at all costs.

sefifu schrieb:
Are there special impregnations or protective measures

An additional varnish or furniture oil is not very effective. It is better to use a dehumidifier in the room and prevent moisture buildup on the back of the furniture.

sefifu schrieb:
or should one rather switch to other types of furniture

Yes, if humidity is consistently high, it is better to choose solid wood or metal furniture.

Hello sefifu,

Here is a more detailed response to your concern:

MALM furniture is made of melamine resin-coated particleboard, which offers some resistance to moisture but is not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to moisture causes the boards to swell and the structure to be damaged.

What you can do:
1. Avoid placing the cabinet directly against exterior walls, which are often colder and more humid.
2. Leave a small gap between the furniture and the wall to allow air circulation and let the back of the furniture breathe.
3. Control indoor humidity – for example, by regular ventilation and, if necessary, using dehumidifiers.
4. Do not place wet items directly on the surface.
5. In critical cases, use protective films on the base panel or beneath the furniture (such as felt pads or plastic mats) to prevent splash water damage.

Sealing the surface with special furniture waxes or varnishes is possible but not recommended by IKEA, as it voids the warranty and can affect the appearance.

If the furniture is planned for a location in the middle of a room with high humidity, MALM furniture is not ideal. Solid wood or metal furniture would be more suitable in such cases.

If you like, I can also provide tips on how to accurately measure and control humidity.

I hope this helps you!

Hello sefifu,

I’d like to revisit this topic from a technical perspective, as there are several important details to consider when placing MALM furniture in more humid environments.

As already correctly mentioned, the MALM series is made of wood particle boards coated with a foil layer. While this foil is moisture-resistant, it is not completely waterproof. Moisture can penetrate at exposed edges (e.g., edge banding, back panels, inside of drawers) and cause the particle boards to swell.

An important point is that these particle boards are permeable and breathable materials: they are quite sensitive to water vapor and condensed water. For example, if there are large temperature fluctuations in the room, moisture can settle on the cold furniture surfaces.

I recommend the following steps to help prevent damage:

1. Keep a gap of approximately 2-3 cm (1 inch) from the wall to allow air circulation and help evaporate condensation.
2. Use a dehumidifier or ensure good ventilation, especially during the summer months.
3. Additional protective barriers on the floor beneath the furniture can prevent water splashes, but this should be considered more of an emergency measure.
4. Make sure to wipe off water on the surface immediately. This also applies to any spilled liquids.
5. Regularly inspect the back and base of the furniture for early signs of damage, as minor dents can still be repaired with wood filler or putty.

Regarding impregnation or coatings:
There are furniture finishes that repel water, but these usually alter the look of the foil surface and do not guarantee moisture protection. Moreover, incorrect application can cause tension in the foil and lead to the coating peeling off.

If you can tell me the average relative humidity and room temperature where you plan to place the furniture, I can provide more specific advice.

I hope this helps, and if you have any further questions, feel free to ask!