Ikea is renowned for its affordable and practical furniture, offering a wide range of styles that can complement any decor. But what do you do when you want to give your Ikea pieces a personal touch? You hack them, of course! And when it comes to upgrading and personalizing furniture, one of the most fun pieces to tackle is the Ikea Malm dresser.
The Malm line from Ikea is sleek, modern, and versatile. While its minimalist design is appealing, it also makes it the perfect canvas for customization. So, when you feel that your Malm furniture needs a refresh, don't throw it away. Instead, take the eco-friendly and crafty route by giving it a hack that will breathe new life into it.
Can You Paint Ikea Malm Products?
Before diving into the exciting world of Malm hacks, let's address a common question: Can you paint the Malm? The answer is yes, you definitely can. However, painting Malm products can be a bit challenging due to their laminated veneer chipboard construction. The smooth melamine surface doesn't easily adhere to paint without proper preparation.
To ensure a smooth and professional finish, I highly recommend using a paint roller or a paint sprayer instead of paintbrushes, which can leave unsightly streaks. This is especially important for ultra-smooth surfaces like Malm products. Additionally, if you only want to touch up scratches and dings, there are amazing products available specifically for that purpose.
Now, let's dive into the inspiring world of Ikea Malm dresser hacks. Here are 20 creative ideas to spark your imagination and transform your furniture:
1. Cane Charmer
This captivating hack showcases the elegance of cane webbing, giving your Malm dresser a luxurious touch. Though it requires some effort, the results are truly outstanding. The final piece will look like a high-end designer item that you'd find for a hefty price tag.
2. Wonderful Textured Wallpaper
If you're a novice looking for a simple yet effective way to update your Malm dresser, consider adding textured wallpaper. Erika from @whitesageco provides a step-by-step tutorial on her TikTok channel that will make you look like a DIY expert. This hack is a great alternative to priming and painting, giving your dresser a fresh and stylish look.
3. Outstanding with Overlays | Sarah Hearts
For a unique and visually appealing upgrade, paint the Malm dresser drawers white and add overlays to create an interlocking circle pattern. Complete the transformation with simple drawer knobs from Home Depot, and you'll have a distinctive piece that will catch everyone's eye.
4. Built-In Malm Work Station
Finding the perfect desk that fits your workspace can be challenging and expensive. Instead of searching endlessly, why not make use of budget-friendly Malm units to create a custom work station that fits your home office space perfectly? Not only will this hack save you money, but it will also allow you to personalize your workspace according to your needs.
5. Darling in a Dressing Room
Amy shows us how to transform a Malm dresser into a beautiful dressing room piece using 3D stickers. Alternatively, there are many companies on Etsy that offer custom-made decals for Ikea furniture. This simple hack can have a huge impact, turning your dresser into a focal point of your dressing area.
6. Art Deco Hack | A Crafted Passion
If you prefer a modern and sleek look, this hack is for you. By using black contact paper to cover the boards between the drawers and adding 4-inch black drawer pull bars, you can give your Malm dresser a custom and art deco-inspired makeover. This simple yet effective hack will transform your dresser into a contemporary statement piece.
7. Beautiful Bunk
Short on storage space in your college dorm or apartment? This hack is perfect for you. Create a space-saving platform bed using a Malm base, and you'll have a stylish and functional solution. This hack is not only practical but also adds a touch of elegance to your living space.
8. Turn a Dresser Into a Worktable | Gray House Studio
If you're looking for a versatile and multipurpose piece of furniture, this hack is for you. Convert a Malm six-drawer chest into a worktable by adding wheels to the bottom and a raised top that is bar stool height. The piece will not only provide you with ample storage but also function as a stylish workstation. To add a unique touch, incorporate weathered wood to the back while keeping the front drawers hidden for easy storage.
9. Lovely Legs
Sometimes the simplest changes make the biggest impact. Give your Malm dresser a new lease on life by adding cool and trendy angled legs. This small modification can completely transform the overall look and feel of the piece, making it a stylish and unique addition to your space.
10. White and Gold Ikea Malm Dresser Hack | Preciously Me
For those who want a completely unique look for their Malm dresser without the labor-intensive process of painting the laminate finish, contact paper is the perfect solution. Using contact paper in a white and gold design, you can achieve a striking and sophisticated result. This hack is both time-saving and visually impressive.
11. Rustic Ruse | The Inspired Hive
If you love the rustic aesthetic, this hack is for you. Give your Malm dresser a rustic-chic makeover by using wood grain adhesive vinyl. The result is a stylish piece that appears to be made of reclaimed wood, adding warmth and character to any room.
12. Crackle Paint for a Chic Bedroom Chest of Drawers | Anika’s DIY Life
For a unique and textured look, try the crackle paint technique. Layer white glue with paint to create a stunning crackled effect on your Malm dresser. This chic and artistic hack will elevate the style of your bedroom and give your dresser a truly one-of-a-kind appearance.
13. Statement Bedside Table
Are you looking to create a statement piece for your bedroom? Lorein from @reinmart.interiors dressed up her Malm side table with wooden dowels, turning it into a stunning and eye-catching element. If you want to add a touch of uniqueness to your space, consider this easy yet impactful hack.
14. Glam it up | Homey Oh My
Elevate your Malm dresser to glamorous heights with a campaign-style makeover. Paint the drawers white, attach brass corner hardware and drawer pulls, and you'll have a beautiful new dressing table that exudes elegance and sophistication. Showcase your stylish creation and revel in its beauty.
15. Amazing Architectural Update
Prepare to be amazed by this architectural update of the Malm dresser. Incorporating wood panels and vintage-look knobs, this hack completely transforms the dresser into a piece that looks far more expensive than its Ikea origins. The attention to detail and clever execution make this makeover truly remarkable.
16. Simple, Stunning Suede Pulls | Nayla Smith
Nayla will teach you how to make and add stunning suede drawer pulls to your Ikea Malm dresser. This simple DIY project completely transforms the look of the dresser and adds a touch of luxury. Sometimes, it's the small details that make the biggest difference.
17. Lovely Leather Pulls
In a similar vein to the suede pulls, leather pulls offer another way to spruce up your Malm dresser. With minimal craft supplies and a few small holes, you can achieve a stylish and modern look. This hack is perfect for those who appreciate simplicity with a touch of elegance.
18. Terrific Tween Furniture Flip | A Baby on Board
Gill Crenshaw breathed new life into a 4-drawer Malm dresser with a trendy geometric design. Using bright and playful colors, this hack is perfect for a tween's space or even a nursery. Ikea furniture is known for its affordability and durability, making it an excellent choice for kids' spaces.
19. Mid Century Modern Marvel | House on Sugarhill
If you've been searching for a unique mid-century modern piece without success, why not create one yourself? Jodi from House on Sugarhill shows us how to make a stylish MCM-style dresser using a white 6-drawer Malm unit. With her detailed tutorial, you can achieve a custom look at a fraction of the cost.
20. (BONUS!) Wood Glue + Wallpaper = Wonderful | Stefana Silber
Saving the best for last, Stefana Silber astounds us with her budget-friendly high-end look-alike. By using wood glue and wallpaper, she recreated a beautiful Serena & Lily table that retails for over $1200. The results are truly incredible and showcase the power of creativity and DIY.
Conclusion
No matter your home's style or your budget, these Ikea Malm dresser hacks provide endless inspiration for transforming your furniture. With a touch of creativity and a sprinkle of DIY magic, you can create custom pieces that perfectly suit your taste and budget. So let your imagination soar and have fun breathing new life into your Malm dresser!
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