The Ikea Malm dresser epitomises what is great about Ikea furniture. It is sturdy, functional, simple and open to an Ikea hack!
There have been so many amazing Ikea Malm hacks carried out by enthusiastic Ikea hackers that we thought we’d go back and pick out some of the best that have appeared since out last Ikea Malm hacks post.
There is such a great variety in what you can do with the Ikea Malm dresser because it starts off as something so plain.
Let’s take a look at some of the amazing creativity involved in hacking the Malm dresser.
Striped Makeover Adds Charm To Malm Dresser
The striped pattern on this Ikea Malm dresser breathes fresh life into the classic piece. This clever twist by @maatrez turns a simple dresser into an eye-catching bedside companion.
Painting alternating mint green and white stripes on the drawers adds a playful yet sophisticated style. The gold knobs add a touch of elegance, contrasting beautifully with the soft green shade.
This style is perfect for anyone wanting to brighten their bedroom with a custom, cheerful vibe.
Bold Geometric Tile Design On Malm Dresser
The deep navy blue base of this Malm dresser grabs attention right away, especially with that unique tile pattern popping on the drawers. This beautiful transformation comes from @nadruhypohled, whose clever use of square tiles adds sharp contrast and texture to the piece.
The natural wood circle handle is a perfect focal point, breaking the grid and softening the bold lines. The tiles appear to be hand-painted or stained wood squares, giving a subtle warmth against the navy. This look offers plenty of room for personal tweaks, like different color combos or alternate tile shapes. It’s a refreshingly modern take that still feels cozy and artistic.
Try mixing tile sizes or experimenting with asymmetrical designs to make your own signature statement.
Sweet Heart Knobs Transform A Classic Malm Dresser
This white Malm dresser gets a charming twist with the addition of warm, heart-shaped knobs, thanks to the creative touch from @schwedenbaby.de. It’s a simple swap that really brings personality to the piece, making it feel more like a custom find than a store standard.
The dresser doubles as a cozy changing station, topped with a soft braided cushion that adds a plush, inviting vibe to the setup. The mix of practical and pretty here proves how a few thoughtful tweaks can elevate your everyday furniture to something special. This setup highlights how subtle details like unique handles and comfy fabrics turn a basic dresser into a stylish nursery essential.
If you like neat, functional spaces with a sprinkle of charm, this approach from @schwedenbaby.de offers a lovely, approachable idea.
Modern Geometric Charm For Malm Dressers
Transforming a simple dresser into a standout piece doesn’t always mean a full makeover. @norseinteriors nails it by adding subtle geometric patterns to the front, giving this Malm dresser a fresh, modern vibe. The soft grey paint on the drawer fronts paired with light wood really brings an airy, Scandinavian feel.
The brass knobs add a touch of warmth and sophistication, perfectly balancing the cool, minimalist palette. This type of makeover encourages mixing textures and colors while keeping the functional simplicity of the original design. @norseinteriors shows how small tweaks like these can revamp your space without overwhelming it.
This style fits beautifully in a cozy, modern bedroom or minimalist living area where subtle details make all the difference.
Serene Sage Green Ikea Malm Dresser Update
This calm sage green makeover by @leoxbella gives the classic Ikea Malm dresser a fresh, understated vibe. The flat drawer fronts stay simple, but the color shift makes a big statement without going overboard.
The addition of sleek black handles adds just the right punch of contrast and modern flair. The clean lines stick to Malm’s minimal roots while inviting a cozy, nature-inspired feel into the room. This hack features a matte finish that’s easy on the eyes and perfect for mixing with soft textiles and artwork.
Try customizing your own Malm dresser with unique hues and hardware to suit your style.
Bold Graphic Trim Makes Malm Stand Out
What grabs your attention first is the striking geometric trim painted in crisp white against a deep navy blue base on this Malm dresser. This clever touch by @drivenbydecor turns a simple dresser into a bold statement piece that anchors the room’s modern vibe.
The clean, circular and linear shapes create a unique contrast to the traditional dresser silhouette. This hack keeps the original drawer fronts intact, but adds personality with just paint, so it’s a perfect weekend project for anyone looking to refresh their space without swapping furniture.
Pairing this navy and white look with soft decor and plants balances out the boldness beautifully.
Woven Cane Drawer Fronts For Cozy Vibes
This bedside table makeover by @alisheinleht turns a plain Ikea Malm into a warm, textured treasure. The taupe-painted frame pairs beautifully with the natural woven cane drawer fronts, creating a fresh take on rustic charm.
The black matte knobs and elevated black legs add just the right amount of contrast and modern flair. This hack shows how mixing materials like wood and cane can breathe life into an everyday dresser. It’s a style that’s both inviting and sophisticated.
Try this if you want a relaxing, stylish twist on your bedroom storage.
Cozy Toddler Bed Upgrade With Storage Dresser
This clever setup from @fru.olsens transforms an Ikea Malm dresser into the base of a snug toddler bed. The soft beige paint and added side handle give it a fresh, functional twist perfect for a kid’s room.
The bed frame is customized with a safety rail that blends seamlessly with the dresser below, which provides ample storage for clothes or toys. A fabric canopy with fairy lights adds a warm glow and playful vibe, complementing the rose-toned walls beautifully.
This design shows how storage and comfort can come together in one smart piece.
Sunshine Orange Patterned Ikea Malm Makeover
Forget boring dressers, this Ikea Malm hack from @sevenpalmtreehouse bursts with bold charm. Painted a cheerful sunshine orange and adorned with stenciled white patterns, it’s a total showstopper in any room.
The subtle geometric design on the drawers adds texture without overwhelming, proving that small details pack a punch. Swapping out the standard knobs for warm brass ones gives the whole piece a vintage flair that feels thoughtfully curated.
This hack shows how refreshing a well-planned color and pattern combo can be on classic Ikea furniture.
Soft Pink Built In Desk With Malm Storage
This stunning soft pink built-in desk blends seamlessly with matching Malm drawers, creating a cohesive workspace. The gentle hue adds warmth without overwhelming the room, thanks to @thegoodmanhouse.
The sturdy wood chair with white cushions complements the pastel tones perfectly, making the setup incredibly inviting. Functional brass knobs and open shelves give this hack a smart balance of style and practicality.
Small touches like framed florals and woven baskets add personality and texture to this charming workspace.
Playful Pastel Drawer Color Block Style
Brighten up a classic Ikea Malm dresser with a playful pastel color block approach. This clever look uses soft pink, yellow, grey, and dusty rose shades for an unexpected twist, crafted by @renovating_no.2. The mix of cheerful hues brings a fresh and fun vibe to any kid’s room or creative space.
The drawers are painted individually with matte finishes, making each drawer pop in its own unique way. Cute cloud and pineapple-shaped knobs add a whimsical touch that perfectly complements the pastel palette and the cozy, rainy cloud wall decals behind. @renovating_no.2 shows how simple hardware swaps and paint can totally transform a basic dresser.
This setup encourages mixing and matching colors for a playful, personalized look that stands out.
Maximize Small Spaces With Underbed Storage Drawers
This clever use of an Ikea Malm dresser tucked right under a bed makes so much sense for small rooms. The crisp white finish blends seamlessly into the space, creating a clean and airy vibe thanks to @sagalindberg.se.
The hack features removing drawer fronts and extending the height to fit perfectly beneath the bed frame, making every inch count. The green leafy bedding and soft cushions add a lively contrast and make the storage feel less like an afterthought.
It’s a smart, stylish way to keep clutter out of sight and your room looking tidy.
Textured Black Malm With Brass Accent Handles
This textured makeover gives the classic Malm dresser a sleek, modern twist. @elm.abode turned plain surfaces into a tactile masterpiece with deep grooves and a bold black finish.
The brass handles pop against the dark drawer fronts, adding a subtle luxe vibe. This look thrives on the contrast between matte black and shiny gold, perfect for anyone who loves minimalist glam. @elm.abode shows how layering textures on a basic piece can transform your space.
This idea works well with other colors too, but the black and brass combo feels particularly bold and stylish.
Bold Aboriginal Art Transforms Malm Drawers
This stunning Ikea Malm makeover by @kamilyalowana turns ordinary drawers into captivating art pieces. The vivid Aboriginal dot painting style adds warmth and culture to the clean white dresser.
The design features intricate circular patterns in earthy tones of ochre, rust, and soft blue, bringing an organic feel to the piece. Using decals or hand-painting, this hack lets you customize the look while keeping the original drawer structure intact.
Pairing it with simple decor like a potted cactus keeps the focus on the vibrant drawer fronts.
Bold Black Contrast And Wood Texture Combo
This Malm dresser makeover by @handcraftedbyaled nails a striking mix of matte black sides with warm wood drawer fronts. The herringbone pattern on the drawers adds a cool, tactile element that really changes the whole vibe.
The solid black frame grounds the piece, making the wood pop even more in this cozy corner. It’s a simple tweak that turns a basic dresser into a centerpiece without losing function or clean lines. Plus, this hack leaves room to play with different stains or paint colors on the drawers.
Pair it with unique wall shelves or personal memorabilia for a personalized setup.
Chic Olive Green Storage Bed Upgrade
Transforming a basic Malm dresser into a clever olive green storage bed, this idea from @solhemhuset blends functionality with charm. The bold color shift adds a fresh vibe to the cozy corner without overwhelming the room.
Adding a metal rail as a headboard and a compact built-in ladder boosts safety and accessibility, making it perfect for a small bedroom setup. The hack keeps the original drawer space intact, offering easy storage with a stylish twist.
This approach feels personal and inviting, encouraging creative personalizations with colors or hardware swaps.
Rich Brown Makeover With Vintage Charm
This deep brown dresser is a bold twist on the classic Malm style, brought to life by @jennasuedesign. The warm, earthy tone adds a cozy vibe that feels both timeless and fresh.
The subtle addition of vintage brass knobs and rounded bun feet lifts this piece beyond its original look, giving it a refined, old-world elegance. It’s a beautiful way to turn simple furniture into something that feels like an heirloom. @jennasuedesign really nails the balance between modern minimalism and classic appeal here.
Try this style with different finishes or hardware to match your own unique taste.
Clever Green Storage Bed From Ikea Malm Dressers
What a smart use of Ikea Malm dressers turned into a raised bed with storage underneath by @villa_akerladan. The uniform olive-green paint blends the pieces into a serene, cohesive unit that doubles as a cozy sleeping spot.
The addition of matching stairs and a safety rail adds function and charm, perfect for a child’s room. This practical yet stylish setup features clean lines and cleverly hides clutter with ease. @villa_akerladan nails a balanced look that invites creativity and order.
The natural wood slat headboard adds warm texture, making this a standout Ikea Malm dresser hack worth trying yourself.
Smart Storage Steps Elevate Your Ikea Malm Setup
This clever Ikea Malm hack by @outhausberlin turns a simple dresser into a multifunctional sleeping platform with built-in steps. The crisp white finish keeps the look clean, contrasting nicely with the warm wood floor and soft pink walls.
The addition of open shelving above the drawers adds an extra layer of accessibility and style. The steps double as shoe storage, proving that smart design can also maximize every inch of space. Featuring minimalist hardware and a modular feel, this setup encourages personalization with baskets or workout gear.
Small tweaks like these make a big difference in room flow and function.
Sleek Matte Black Drawers With Natural Wood Tops
This setup from @mobel_magi shows how painting Malm dressers matte black instantly amps up their style. The clean black fronts make every drawer pop with a modern edge.
The natural wood tops add warmth and contrast, creating a fresh balance between industrial and cozy vibes. It’s a simple touch but changes the whole feel of the room, turning ordinary furniture into a custom look. @mobel_magi also swapped out the original handles for sleek black pulls, keeping everything unified.
This idea works just as well in bedrooms or living areas craving a chic, personalized upgrade.
Elegant Gold Trimmed Ikea Malm Hack
This is such a gorgeous Ikea Malm hack to start on. We love the combination of the black and gold on this dresser by Andrea S. via Overlays.
They have used the Overlays adhesive frames on the drawer fronts to create a stunning gold trim to the front of the dresser. Then added some ring pulls to finish the elegant look.
The gold legs are the perfect way to elevate this glamorous Malm up off the floor for a stylish look.
Marble fronted Ikea Malm Hack
This is a stunning Ikea Malm hack from 123kea. They make custom stickers for the front of furniture like the Ikea Malm and this marble effect decal is amazing!
We are big fans of adhesive vinyl to add a completely different material effect to any piece of furniture, especially marble.
This turns the plain Malm dresser into something that could adorn any high end home or even business space (I can easily see this is a spa!).
Etched Geometric Ikea Malm Dresser
Another source of fantastic adhesive panels for your Malm dresser is Norse Interiors.
They have a huge selection styles, but this elongated hexagonal pattern is our favourite and would add an elegant touch to any setting.
Combine it with some gorgeous brass knobs (you could splurge a bit on the knobs as you are saving so much by hacking a Malm!) and you have a gorgeous, stylish dresser!
Simple Adaptation of the Classic Malm
Sometimes you do not need to do a lot to a piece of furniture to turn it into something stunning. This Malm dresser hack by David Giles on Ideal Home is a perfect example.
They have added some bronze adhesive decals to the front frame of the Malm, just above the handles, to give a gorgeous highlight.
The final touch is the set of short brass hairpin legs to raise it off the floor.
Dramatic Mirror Effect Malm Dresser Hack
Using mirror is a great way to both add a bit of glamour and bounce light around a room. This lovely Malm dresser hack from Home Art Stickers on Etsy shows you the kind of results you can get.
They have used their Geometric mirrored overlays for the fronts of the drawers to create something that looks ten times the price.
You can get the panels in different sizes and finishes to match whatever Malm dresser you have.
Bobbin Decorated Ikea Malm Dresser
We love the playfulness of this bobbin trimmed Malm dresser from My Dear Irene.
They have used tons of little wooden balls glued around the outside edge of the drawer fronts to create a stunning, tactile finish.
It might be a labout of love, but I think worth it in the end!
Banana Leaf on your Malm!
For another fun Ikea Malm hack, we love this banana leaf decal from 123kea.
You can get so many different decals to front your Ikea Malm dresser but there is something about a banana leaf that adds some drama to a room. If you can’t get the real thing in your room, then this is the next best!
The Ikea Malm drawer fronts are quite a large area of blank space just begging for something interesting stuck to them!
Modernist Ikea Malm Makeover
We adore the chunky curved handles that have been added to this Ikea Malm dresser by House on a Sugar Hill.
They have raised the Malm up on some simple legs that are somehow chunky and elegant! These legs could easily be home made from some off cuts of pine or oak.
The handles could be made from some small wooden plates cut in half.
Rusted Sheet Metal Effect Drawers
This incredible, industrial effect finish to the Malm from Behangfabriek makes a bit statement!
It is another adhesive decal, but this one looks so sumptuously industrial it is a real head turner.
I would be tempted to wrap more of the dresser in this rusted metal effect sticker, or perhaps something completely different. Although the white does contrast well with it.
Solid Oak Mid Century Malm Hack
Ok, this is not technically a Malm hack from House Seven Design, but I believe you can easily recreate the look of this gorgeous mid century dresser with a Malm. It is already the right shape!
You can recreate this with a brown stained ash veneer Ikea Malm dresser, or with some oak effect adhesive vinyl and a bit of patience!
The legs can be made from oak timber in a very simple way. Just four short legs, joined by a rectangular frame to sit the Malm on top of.
Wood Wrapped Kitchen Island Malm Hack
This is an amazing Ikea Malm hack from Ikea Hackers. They have joined three Malm dressers together to form a long unit and then wrapped the whole thing with a solid timber counter top.
This could be a great way to create a cheap kitchen island or a fantastic long sideboard or dresser for any room.
As a kitchen island it provides loads of great drawer storage, which we find is the best way to store things in the kitchen!
Ikea Malm Desk Storage Hack
Using Ikea furniture as supports for a desk is nothing new, but this Ikea Malm desk hack from Lust Living gives loads of storage.
The Malm drawers are big and using them as desk supports means you create a really practical desk or dressing table that will never let you down on the storage front.
Use two Malm units with an Ikea Linnmon desk top to recreate this.
Gorgeous accessories optional. but highly recommended!
Dark Wood Campaign Chest Hack
This is a magnificent statement campaign chest hack, using a Malm dresser, from Designer Trapped.
They have used the brown stained ash Malm dresser with some cup handles added to complete the look.
They have also added another shelf at the back of the unit for a different look and additional open shelving, but this could be an optional extra.
It’s been lovely going back to look at Ikea Malm hacks again. The Malm is one of our favourite pieces of furniture to hack and it’s always entertaining seeing the many ways people imagine it can be upcycled.
I hope you have found something inspiring here, we’d love to see your own Ikea Malm dresser hacks!