The Ikea MALM dresser is one of Ikea's most iconic pieces of furniture and as such has been hacked time and time again over the years. It is also one of Ikea's most versatile pieces of furniture due to its simplicity and variety of finishes.
Hacking can be as simple as adding dome decals.
If you have one of these and don't know what to do, we might have some answers for you. If you use any of the tricks collected here, you will hardly recognize your MALM dresser.
For those of you who aren't really into DIY, don't worry, here are some life hacks I think my son could do (he's 3...but he's very talented!)
Dont forget to follow usPinterestto see tons of awesome Ikea hack ideas as well as home decor inspiration.
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Cut Ikea Malmgrau and leather
Source: josefinegunhamre via InstagramThe Ikea MALM dresser comes without handles; The wedge-shaped top of the drawer front acts as an opener. With that in mind, an easy way to update MALM is to add some handles!
This simple offer fromjosefinegunhamreon Instagram does just that with someleather straps. They also painted the dresser a calming gray to match the bedroom decor.
Ikea Malm Tree Decoupage-Hack
Fonte: sophierobinsoninteriores via InstagramI think you can make anything look good with this classic tree wallpaper fromcabbage and son. We particularly like the fact that the MALM chest of drawers was color-coordinated by matchingsophirobinsoninterioresNo Instagram
This trick involved simply pasting wallpaper over the drawer fronts by cutting out the shape of the drawer fronts and then using a water-based glue such as EMod Podge. After curing, go over one more time with the same glue to seal it.
Can you identify the drawer handles? They fit perfectly but you can use theseAntique Gold Butterfly Doorknobsals Alternative.
Ikea Malm cut in black and white
Source: home talkThis is a very elegant treatment of the Ikea MALM chest of drawershome talk. It has an art deco feel due to the black and white contrasts, and we love the hexagonal shelf that's added the same black touch.
They added black bar handles to the drawers and painted the dividers between the drawers black to make them stand out. Black tapered legs have also been added to ensure the dresser is off the floor which can make it look square.
A final addition of a strip of wood at the bottom is a small tweak that changes the look of the dresser really brilliantly.
Ikea Malm Tricolor Hack
Source: Milien_intheloft via InstagramThis little easy trick for the Ikea MALM dressermilien_intheloftOn Instagram, it only adds two new colors. The top drawer was left unpainted and the middle and bottom drawers were painted white and black, respectively. Very simple but very effective.
The addition of star handles gives the chest of drawers another unique element, making it perfect for a child's bedroom.
cactus lamp? We love it too and you might find oneAlternative not Etsy.
Ikea Malm Reliefmuster Hack
Fonte: Lux Hax via Instagram Show moreLux Haxhas great adhesive pads for a variety of Ikea furniture. This MALM dresser has an elegant embossed top in the same colour, then added some oversized wooden handles. The good old white and wood finish is a tried and tested look that stands the test of time.
This trick can be applied to the larger dresser as well, I just couldn't take a picture of it in the same style (and I had to include it because I really like this trick!).
Ikea Malm Black & White Hack (invertido!)
Those: Mercedes.doczi via InstagramWe had the mostly white black and white hack, now we have the mostly black version which has a completely different look and feel and we think it looks great!
It's Hack Ikea MALM bymercedes.docziIt looks especially good on Instagram when paired with black and red accessories.
The fact that they used three dressers in a row to make it another sideboard also helped transform the dresser into something different.
This method has been used in a number of these hacks, and in fact it's a great way to take almost any piece of Ikea furniture and turn them into "modules" that you can combine into larger pieces of furniture.
We also love the French bulldog black and red print and found onecute pug version!
Detail from Ikea Malm floral pattern
Font: StickersColoray via EtsyThere is a wide range of decals available for most Ikea furniture. This Ikea MALM hack byColored stickerson Etsy makes extensive use of their own tropical floral print decals applied to the front of a black-tan MALM.
It's such an easy way to transform MALM and of course you can find any style of stickers you like, we especially like this tropical plant. Floral patterns are hip! (at present!)
Combine it with a fantastic large vase and twigs as above and you have style in your bedroom instantly!
Ikea Malm media unit in section
Font: Katrin_gaimakova via InstagramAnother Ikea MALM hack that makes good use of the ever-popular white and wood look.
This media drive hacks fromkatrin_gaimakovaon Instagram is also another great way to leverage MALM's modular nature to create something that works perfectly for you.
The fact that the TV is on a level with the dresser next to it helps it not stand out as much, which is a perennial struggle we all have with TVs!
Using soft furniture like pillows and plants helps to disguise even more.
Ikea Malm Pastellhack
Fonte: shaking See more
It's Hack Ikea MALM byshake offuses the same principle as the previous three-color example, but with calmer pastel tones.
There aren't any innovative handles on these dressers that work well in this situation, so the overall look is muted.
The dressers are very well styled with accessories and lighting and the whole look is very sophisticated...all from Ikea MALM!
Rustic bench cut Ikea Malm
Fonte: greyhousestudio via Instagram
We're not sure if it was intended as a workbench or a console, but if it works well then it's a great piece of design! It's a great piece of design anyway!
The makers inStudio gray house(who has lots of great ideas!) basically completely clad a MALM dresser in reclaimed wood and added a sturdy raised worktop with storage baskets.
The whole piece is a gorgeous piece of rustic furniture that, as mentioned, would look good almost anywhere!
Moroccan cut mirrored Ikea Malm
Source: HomeArtStickers via Etsy
Mirrors are always a great way to instantly add some flair, reflected light and an illusion of space, and this Ikea MALM hack byArt stickers for the homeon Etsy takes the MALM dresser to another level.
The adhesive plate comes in one piece (mirror surface and beading) and is simply glued to the chest of drawers.
This is perhaps one of the best ways to completely transform MALM.
It's wonderful to have all these specially created Ikea addon sources that make Ikea hacking so much easier and fun.
Ikea Malm kitchen island hack
Fonte: Ginawohnen via Instagram
This is a great way to use the Ikea MALM dresser. The dressers themselves didn't do anything to them, but the combined design is perhaps the biggest transformation of all these hacks.
revitalizedsimply placed four MALM dressers back to back on Instagram and placed a countertop on top to create this kitchen island. It is so creative and also very practical and beautiful.
There is still room for a breakfast bar and benches! This hack makes the kitchen island dream accessible to anyone who has the space.
Ikea Malm Gold Trim Hack
Fonte: Precious me
You may have seen this Ikea MALM hack on Pinterest many times, and with good reason! A touch of gold always adds an element of elegance, making it easy to transform the MALM.
lovely mecreated a gorgeous nightstand with just the addition of gold vinyl in the gaps between the drawers.
We think they could have improved the look (literally!) by adding short legs, but it's stunning in and of itself.
Ikea Malm mirror cut
Fonte: Cozy apartment
Another awesome Ikea MALM mirror hack byComfortable residence. This one covers the entire dresser in mirrored vinyl sheets to almost disappear into space.
Again, the way the dresser is decorated with gold mirrors, dressing room lights and soft furniture adds a lot to the look.
Sticker Ikea Malm raindrop hack
Font: Sliik Show more
I think this has to be the easiest Ikea MALM hack ever! In theSliikthey just addedSticker with raindropsto a white MALM dresser to match her monochromatic decor.
It's a fun trick that would look great in a child's room as shown. You can get all kinds of colors and styles of stickers like this to fit whatever scheme you have.
Ikea Malm Rustic Shabby Chic Dresser Hack
Source: Anitanosova_pro_kraski via Instagram
This is such a nice Ikea MALM hack byanitanosova_pro_kraskiOn Instagram. Looking at her other creations, she seems to be an expert in distressed and chic looks.
The added decorative panels give the dresser an almost Moroccan feel and the extra wooden finish on the top completes the look perfectly.
Scheblonenschnitt Ikea Malm
Source: home talk
Stencils are a great way to add a little interest to any piece of furniture, a wall, or any type of surface. This Ikea MALM hack byhome talkuses a variety of stencils to transform the dresser into something amazing.
we have found itPlaying card symbols templatewhich we thought was really cool.
It's so easy to make and there are so many stencils to choose from, it's a great way to hack MALM!
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The Ikea MALM gives us a large blank canvas that we can customize in many different ways.
We hope to have shown you that there are many ways to transform such a simple piece of furniture into something special.
Feliz MALM hacks!