ᐅ Reinforcing an IKEA Malm Dresser – How Easy Is It?

Hello everyone,

I am currently considering how to make my IKEA Malm chest of drawers safer and more stable, as it is heavily used in my bedroom. The drawers operate smoothly, but I have noticed that the side panels and the back panel flex slightly under load. My question is: Is it possible to reinforce a Malm chest of drawers with reasonable effort, without having to completely disassemble or extensively modify it?

I am particularly interested in experiences or tips on how to strengthen the structure using simple methods (e.g., wooden strips, special brackets, metal profiles) to make it more durable and capable of handling heavier loads. Are there any known weak points that should be addressed specifically?

Thank you in advance for your opinions and advice!

gatohau schrieb:
Is it possible to stabilize a Malm chest of drawers with reasonable effort by adding reinforcements, without having to completely disassemble or extensively rebuild it?

Absolutely, that's definitely possible! 🙂 Usually, just a few simple tricks like attaching additional corner brackets on the inside of the chest or adding wooden strips are enough. It’s important to identify the weak points, which are usually the back panel and the joints where the side panels meet the bottom and top—they tend to be a bit wobbly.

Small metal brackets, properly screwed in, can really make a big difference. You don’t have to take the chest apart entirely; many reinforcements can be added afterward. Just be careful not to add too much bulk, or your drawer liners might not fit as well anymore. 😉 Good luck!

Hello,

I would like to share a simple guide on how to reinforce a Malm chest of drawers:

1. Check the back panel: The original thin hardboard panels often have some play. I recommend attaching a thin plywood sheet (about 4 mm (0.16 inches)) to the back, either screwed or nailed, to increase stability.

2. Additional brackets: Install metal corner brackets inside the chest to strengthen the connection between the side panels and the top or bottom.

3. Bottom support: The bottom components should be secured; if needed, add extra cross braces by gluing or screwing them in place.

Be careful not to use screws that are too long, as they can damage the front or the drawer runners.

This minor modification can usually be done without fully disassembling the piece.

I hope these tips help!

Take a look at the back panel; it is often the cause of wobbling. Reinforce it with plywood and add brackets at the edges, and the Malm will stand much more securely.

It is important to secure the connection between the side wall and the floor. A simple metal angle bracket kit and wood glue are usually sufficient for this.

gatohau schrieb:
Is it possible to reinforce a Malm dresser with minimal effort to make it more stable, without fully disassembling or extensively modifying it?

Yes, I completely understand if you don’t want or can’t take it apart completely. I have a Malm myself and felt the same way because I was worried it might give in under heavy use. For me, the solution was mainly to reinforce the corners selectively.

If you take a practical approach, small metal brackets and an additional thin back panel can help a lot. This greatly improved my sense of stability.

Have you checked the screws yet? Sometimes they’re a bit loose, and tightening them already improves stability significantly. If you want, feel free to share which version you have so far, and we can suggest more targeted options.