ᐅ MALM nightstand is wobbly – how can I improve its stability?

Hello everyone,

I have a MALM nightstand from IKEA that feels a bit unstable. It’s the smaller nightstand with two drawers, and especially when I lean on it or place something on top, you can notice a slight wobble. I’ve already tried tightening all the screws and connections, but that didn’t really help.

My question is: What options are there to improve the stability of a MALM nightstand without having to completely disassemble it or make major modifications? Are there any proven methods or small aids that can definitely make it more reliable? I’m particularly interested in whether the stability can be increased through additional measures like small wooden strips, felt pads, or similar, without changing the basic structure.

I would really appreciate practical tips, as the table is in my bedroom and should be sturdy enough without needing constant adjustments.

Thanks in advance!

Hi,

tighten all screws again carefully, especially those on the feet. If there is no sufficiently stabilizing middle board, you can place small wooden blocks or furniture wedges underneath. Rubber pads or felt gliders also often help to keep the bedside table firmly on the floor.

barEsperan schrieb:
tighten all screws thoroughly once again

That is a good first step, but with the MALM nightstands that have two drawers, the frequent wobbling is usually caused by the side panels being stressed by the drawer slides and the back panel being relatively thin.

To improve stability, I recommend the following detailed approach:

1. Check all screw connections: Screws in the carcass panels often loosen slightly. Use a hex key or screwdriver to tighten them completely.

2. Optional: Reinforce the back panel. If possible, you can attach an additional thin MDF or plywood panel (about 3-5 mm (0.1-0.2 inches) thick) inside the back, running horizontally. This significantly strengthens the construction. You can secure it using small brackets or special clamping strips.

3. On the feet: Small rubber pads or anti-slip mats under the legs increase stability and compensate for minor floor unevenness.

4. Reinforce the internal base: Adding a piece of plywood with hinges at the bottom inside can provide extra rigidity to the nightstand.

5. Finally: Perfectly aligned shelves prevent one side from sitting higher, which can cause tipping when leaning on it.

Using a combination of these tips usually results in a noticeably more stable nightstand. Have you also checked whether the floor beneath the MALM is level? This is often the main cause of wobbling.

bapar schrieb:
That’s a good first step

I agree with that and would like to add that the MALM series tends to become unstable if it is not fully assembled or properly aligned.

It’s best to follow this structured approach:

- Check the floor level using a spirit level or a ruler. Even slight unevenness can increase wobbling.

- Use furniture shims or self-adhesive felt pads under the legs to compensate for minor floor irregularities.

- If the wobbling is caused by lateral stress from the drawers, you can reinforce the back panel with wood glue and additional screws, provided the back panel is made of thin material.

- Alternatively, wooden braces can be attached on the inside as reinforcement. Make sure they do not interfere with the drawer function.

It is also relevant to consider whether the nightstand has been standing for a long time or if the wobble is a recent issue, since wood can warp over time or screws can loosen.

If DIY measures seem too complicated and you want to avoid modifications, as mentioned, non-slip pads and furniture shims are the simplest and most effective solution.