ᐅ Why do Malm bedside tables tend to wobble?

Created on: 20 Nov 2021 08:23
B
brigitte
B
brigitte
20 Nov 2021 08:23
Hello everyone,

I have a somewhat specific question: Why do Ikea Malm nightstands tend to become wobbly quite quickly? I own two of these tables and notice that despite seemingly correct assembly and normal use, they keep loosening and wobbling. I’m interested in whether this is due to the furniture design or materials, or if it’s more related to the way they are assembled. I would appreciate it if anyone with solid knowledge or experience could share their insights!

Thanks in advance.
R
ronti
20 Nov 2021 08:45
The wobbling usually results from screws or anchors that are not securely fastened. Retightening the screws often solves the issue.
K
koneo
20 Nov 2021 09:12
Hello brigitte,

Malms are known for their simple construction made from particleboard with a foil coating. The design is minimalistic and stable when properly weighted, but the material is quite soft and vulnerable to stress at the joints. Frequent opening of the drawers or movement can cause the connections to loosen over time. Another issue is that the screws are often not fully tightened during assembly or the material is not seated evenly.

It helps to retighten the screws after a few weeks and, if necessary, place small pads under the feet if the floor is uneven. Regular checks also prevent wobbling.
G
Giagau
20 Nov 2021 10:03
An important aspect is the quality of the materials. Many Malm nightstands are made from MDF or particleboard, which can start to deform under stress – this promotes the loosening of screw connections.

The fasteners used, such as plastic dowels or simple metal screws, often do not provide long-term stability under frequent mechanical load. Retrofitting with metal brackets or stronger screws can help.

Additionally, the tension during assembly is crucial: if the screws are tightened too much, the material can crack; if too loose, it will wobble.
V
Vinlen
20 Nov 2021 10:17
One more point comes to mind that is often overlooked: the subfloor. If the bedside table stands on an uneven surface, even a well-assembled structure can wobble.

A small leveling pad under the feet can work wonders here and prevent pressure marks at the contact points.
C
COLEBAR
20 Nov 2021 10:36
Installation errors are the main cause. Screws are often not countersunk deeply enough or are too loose. This should be checked.