The Ikea MALM is a modern classic that is perfect to customise with Ikea Malm hacks. Its minimalist design and range of finishes make it one of the most adaptable pieces Ikea offers.
Modifying it can be as straightforward as applying some decorative stickers.
If you have a MALM dresser or bedside table sitting around without a purpose then we have some creative solutions for you. After implementing any of the ideas we’ve collected here, your MALM dresser will be unrecognizable!
And if you’re a bit hesitant about DIY projects, fear not. Among the hacks we’ve gathered, there are some so easy that even my three-year-old son could handle them (he’s quite a prodigy, I must say!)
Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest to see tons of great Ikea Hack ideas as well as home decor inspiration.
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Charcoal Painted MALM Dresser With New Knobs
Charcoal gray paint gives this MALM dresser a calm, moody presence, while the slim shape keeps the room feeling tidy. The painted dresser with new knobs, featured by @prettypegs, turns a basic storage piece into something wonderfully personal.
This IKEA hack works beautifully with the deep wall color, pale wood floor, and little woodland display arranged above. Sand the drawers, use furniture paint, and add small metal or ceramic knobs; soft gray, forest green, or warm beige also suit the look without making it fussy.
Keep the styling sweet with wooden alphabet blocks, a framed nature print, and a small basket tucked beside the dresser.
Fluted Drawer Fronts For A Warm Malm Makeover
Warm vertical fluting gives this IKEA Malm hack a tailored, furniture-like presence, while the honey-toned wood brings welcome softness to the tall chest. Created by @lovetohomedesign, the design pairs beautifully with blush-pink, line-drawn wallpaper and a slim pale marble top.
It features fluted drawer fronts with a marble top, using narrow wood moulding to add rhythm without making the room feel heavy. A soft gray base grounds the piece, while brass-toned trim or painted edges offer easy variations for your own version.
Keep the upper surface useful for framed art, a small plant, or daily essentials.
Greek Key Overlay Malm Makeover
A crisp Greek key border gives this MALM chest a confident, tailored look, turning simple drawers into a striking charcoal focal point. The design from @myoverlays shows how bold contrast makes everyday furniture feel collected.
This decorative overlay panel makeover uses white geometric panels against a deep charcoal finish, with clean lines that frame every drawer beautifully. Apply similar overlay pieces with careful spacing, then try cream, brass, or soft gray accents for a gentler variation.
Style the top with sculptural lamps, stacked books, or a simple vase so the dramatic pattern still gets its moment.
Textured Fabric Malm Dresser Makeover
Plain lines get a wonderfully tactile lift in this Textured fabric wrap makeover, turning an Ikea Malm dresser into a calm, tailored anchor. Created by @die_andi_, the soft gray fabric fronts add depth without making the room feel busy.
The crisp white top keeps the piece bright, while the slim drawer layout preserves that familiar Malm simplicity in a much richer finish. This hack suits an entryway or bedroom, and variations with oatmeal fabric, timber edging, or brushed brass pulls feel just as lovely, honestly.
Use sturdy upholstery fabric, careful measuring, and smooth edges for a polished result that feels custom rather than temporary.
Warm Brown Trimmed Malm Dresser
This warm brown Malm dresser turns simple bedroom storage into a handsome vintage-inspired feature, with a finish that feels cozy beside the layered bedding. Created by @jennasuedesign, the hack uses trim to sharpen each drawer and give the flat-front design more character.
Paint, bun feet, and new knobs complete the transformation, adding warmth, height, and a little old-fashioned charm without making the piece fussy. Try a deep cocoa brown, muted olive, or soft black, then swap in brass, wood, or antique bronze hardware for your own version.
Styled with a rounded vase, books, and bedside lighting, this Ikea Malm hack feels collected rather than showroom-perfect.
Fluted Wood Fronts Elevate A Malm Dresser
Soft gray paint gives this Malm dresser a calm, tailored look, while the fluted wood drawer fronts bring in delicious texture. Created by @anahita_poura, this hack turns a simple storage piece into a quiet focal point.
Thin vertical battens cover each drawer, creating crisp rhythm without making the room feel busy. Timber strips, strong adhesive, and a smooth gray finish handle the transformation, with oak, walnut, or painted slats offering easy variations for your own space.
A slim top ledge, sculptural vase, and black-framed artwork finish the dresser with a collected, modern feeling.
Painted Black MALM Dresser With Moody Gallery Style
Dark and polished, this painted black MALM dresser gives an entryway a handsome, tailored mood without feeling heavy. Created by @jonnacarlgren, the hack pairs crisp drawer fronts with a matte finish and quietly dramatic styling.
A framed black-and-white print, fresh tulips in a clear vase, stacked books, and a small round ornament make the top feel collected rather than crowded. Sand the surface, use durable black furniture paint, and add slim trim or new pulls for a variation that feels more custom, though the clean lines already look lovely.
This MALM makeover suits a narrow hall, bedroom, or living room where strong contrast and thoughtful little details do the talking.
Navy Trim Molding Malm Nightstand Makeover
A plain Malm dresser turns into a handsome navy blue bedside piece with layered trim molding and a warm wood top, thanks to @about_our_home_diy. The deep blue-gray finish gives the bedroom a tailored feel, while the natural timber adds just enough softness.
This hack features Trim molding and brass handles, creating crisp drawer fronts with a quietly classic edge. Try slim black pulls, antique brass knobs, or a walnut-toned top for a variation that suits your room, though the original pairing feels especially polished.
It is a clever Malm upgrade for anyone wanting built-in character without losing the dresser’s useful storage.
Full Fluted Drawers For A Soft White Malm Makeover
Plain furniture gets a sculptural lift here, with this brilliant Ikea Malm hack turning a familiar chest into a softly dramatic focal point. @jonesnewhome2024 adds slim wood half-round moulding across the drawers, then coats everything in a calm white finish.
The Full fluted drawer fronts create lovely rhythm, while small square metal pulls bring a little texture against the pale surface. Try evenly spaced timber strips, MDF trim, or a muted cream finish for your own version, especially beside beige walls and warm artwork.
A slim tray, framed line art, and gathered perfume bottles make the dresser top feel collected rather than crowded.
Floral Wallpaper Drawer Makeover For A Cheerful Malm Hack
Plain Malm drawers turn wonderfully joyful with this Floral wallpaper drawer makeover, mixing coral, peach, cream, and muted green blooms. The sage green top adds a calm little pause above the busy pattern, while @4ourhouseonthehill shows how much personality simple furniture can hold.
This hack uses floral wallpaper carefully fitted across each drawer front, with painted trim keeping the finish crisp and tidy. Try a similar makeover with peel-and-stick paper, or repeat one flower shade on the handles for a more tailored look.
It is a bright, friendly bedroom update that makes affordable storage feel collected rather than ordinary.
Warm Slat Fronts For A Moody Malm Makeover
A plain Malm chest gets serious character with horizontal wood slat drawer fronts, creating a warm contrast against its black frame. Created by @anotherfknflat, this hack feels tailored without losing the dresser’s clean shape.
Thin timber strips line each drawer, while the surrounding surfaces wear a deep charcoal-black finish for a crisp, graphic look. Try oak-toned slats, walnut stain, or wider battens to shift the mood, and add a matching top panel for an even more built-in feel.
A leafy plant and brushed metal wall lamp soften the bold contrast, making this clever Malm upgrade feel calm, useful, and wonderfully individual.
IKEA MALM Scalloped Overlay Drawer Fronts
A plain IKEA MALM chest finds its personality in the scalloped makeover from @frontcover.se. The soft gray finish and crisp white pattern feel calm, graphic, and a little playful without crowding the room.
Decorative overlay drawer fronts create the repeating fan design, while slim trim gives each panel a tidy edge. Try painted MDF, thin wood, or ready-cut appliqués, then pair the gray and white palette with brass pulls or simple round knobs.
This hack keeps the clean MALM shape but adds texture and character, making a simple dresser feel thoughtfully collected.
Floral Appliqué Drama For A Black MALM Makeover
A little floral rebellion gives these paired MALM chests a wonderfully moody personality. Painted black with floral appliqués, the drawers turn a plain IKEA shape into a striking bedroom statement, and @941of_a_kind makes every detail feel considered.
The hack adds raised botanical pieces, layered paint, slim legs, and ornate metallic knobs for a vintage furniture feel. Use resin flowers, wood appliqués, or molded trim in different patterns, then pair the finish with brass, silver, or aged pewter hardware.
Try one chest beside the bed, or place two together when the room needs a bold, collected focal point.
Blue Overlay Panels Transform A MALM Dresser
Blue Moroccan-inspired overlays turn this white MALM chest into a crisp, graphic focal point with serious personality. This clever hack from @myoverlays uses Blue decorative overlay panels across each drawer, creating a repeating quatrefoil pattern against the pale frame.
@myoverlays shows how adhesive overlay pieces refresh the drawer fronts without changing the useful, clean-lined structure. Keep the surrounding frame white for contrast, or try the same panels in navy, teal, or soft gray with brass pulls for a different mood.
Layer it in a bedroom, entryway, or hallway, and let the orderly pattern bring a little collected charm to everyday storage.
Wood Dowel Drawer Front Malm Hack
Plain white furniture gets a warm, ribbed refresh in this clever Malm hack. The drawer front swaps a flat surface for closely spaced natural timber strips, giving the bedside table a soft, tactile rhythm, and @thebohoabode5 shows how charmingly simple the change feels.
The Wood dowel drawer front pairs neatly with the crisp white frame, while the slim profile keeps the bedroom calm beside the charcoal upholstered bed. Try round dowels for softer lines, half-round trim for a flatter finish, or stain the wood honey, oak, or walnut to shift the mood.
Add a small tray, ceramic cup, and trailing plant on top, then let the textured drawer carry the visual interest.
White Decorative Molding Malm Dresser With Brass Handles
Clean lines get a charming little lift in this white Malm dresser hack, where decorative molding turns simple drawers into tailored panels. Created by @home_in_ni, the soft white finish feels airy beneath the sloped ceiling.
Brass handles add a warm glint against the cool white surface, while layered trim gives every drawer a furniture-like presence. Use wood molding, strong adhesive, primer, and durable paint for your own version, or try black pulls and a deeper neutral for a moodier variation.
A vase of fresh flowers, stacked books, and delicate artwork keep this polished IKEA hack feeling welcoming rather than fussy.
Fluted Front Malm Vanity With Brass Handles
A plain MALM desk becomes a quietly glamorous vanity in this thoughtful hack from @cb_loves_interiors_20. Its crisp white finish suits the soft bedroom palette, while the simple shape keeps the corner feeling calm rather than fussy.
The Fluted front and brass handles give this Ikea malm hack its lovely tailored character, adding texture without making the furniture feel heavy. A round mirror, warm globe lamp, curved chair, and fluffy rug build a gentle dressing nook around it, and the vertical detailing carries nicely onto the wall.
Try slim half-round moulding, painted trim, or darker hardware for a moodier variation that still keeps the MALM silhouette beautifully clean.
Layered Wood Trim Malm Dresser Makeover
This Malm dresser trades its plain beginnings for deep walnut-brown character, thanks to the beautifully detailed drawer treatment by @my_homeandfamily. The blackened frame and rich wood finish give this Ikea Malm hack a handsome, almost vintage presence beneath the bright windows.
It features Layered wood trim drawer fronts, built from slim moulding or wood strips arranged in nested rectangles, then stained for a seamless finish. A satin or matte topcoat suits the look, while lighter oak stain, painted trim, or brushed brass pulls create easy variations without losing the strong lines.
With patience, adhesive, trim pieces, and careful measuring, this bold upgrade turns a familiar chest into a proper statement piece.
Cane Fronted Malm Nightstand Glow
A soft taupe finish gives this IKEA Malm nightstand a calm, tailored presence beside the bed, while slim black legs lift its chunky shape. Created by @alisheinleht, this hack features Cane webbing drawer fronts that bring pattern, texture, and a lovely handmade note.
Simple round black knobs sharpen the warm cane, and the painted frame keeps the whole piece feeling collected rather than overly rustic. Try cane sheets, trim moulding, or brass pulls for your own variation; a muted olive or creamy beige finish works beautifully too, honestly.
Pairing the nightstand with woven baskets, linen bedding, dried stems, and a soft wall lamp makes the bedroom feel layered without looking fussy.
Floral Drawer Fronts Refresh A MALM Dresser
A quiet floral pattern gives this white MALM dresser a surprisingly graceful lift, turning plain storage into a soft focal point. This patterned drawer front makeover from @monicakarlstein feels collected rather than overly polished.
Wallpaper, découpage paper, or printed fabric can create the delicate fronts, while a clear protective finish keeps the surface practical. The hack suits a calm bedroom or sitting room, and muted gray, blush, sage, or black floral patterns each shift the mood a little.
Pair it with sculptural décor, a curved mirror, and warm candlelight for a room that feels personal, pretty, and not too precious.
Malm Wooden Decor Overlay Panels
Don’t want to put in hours of work making your Malm drawers look better? Here is a fantastic solution for the DIY-challenged among us!
You simply stick these thin wooden decor panels onto the drawer fronts (they are specifically designed to fit Malm) and hey-presto! A new set of drawers, more or less!
Fluted Drawer Fronts on This Ikea Malm Dresser
In this revamp of an IKEA MALM dresser, Jennifer Liu upgraded a nondescript MALM dresser into a deluxe, custom-made item flaunting an elegant black and gold aesthetic.
She began with a $15 deal from Facebook Marketplace, which was initially marred by discoloration, peeling veneer, and scratches.
To add texture, Jennifer used pole wrap, fastened tapered wooden legs for a contemporary flair, and applied a coat of black paint using a shellac-based primer for added longevity. She complemented this with gold hardware and spray-painted the legs for a polished finish.
Simple Green Paint Job Transformation
Sometimes, all you need is a fresh lick of paint. The gorgeous green in this Malm hack from Interior Twin matches the wall behind it and therefore helps the Malm dresser blend in a bit better.
We love the combination of the green paint with the green of the plants as well as the natural material of the wicker basket.
Chunky Wooden Slats
The chunky wooden slats used in this Ikea Malm hack give the dresser a cool new look.
You can leave to wood natural like this or stain it and varnish it for a darker style. I think that would have made it one of our favourite Ikea Malm hacks here.
It’s a fairly simple hack to achieve by cutting the lengths of wood to the right size and gluing them onto the drawer fronts.
Ikea Malm Gray and Leather Hack
The Ikea MALM dresser does not come with handles; the wedge shaped top of the drawer front acts as the opener. With that in mind, an easy way to update the MALM is to just add some handles!
This simple offering from josefinegunhamre on Instagram does just that with some leather strap pulls. They have also painted the dresser a calming grey to go with the decor on the room
Ikea Malm Tree Decoupage Hack
I think you could make anything look good with this classic trees wallpaper from Cole & Son. We also particularly love that the MALM dresser has been paired with bright colours by sophierobinsoninteriors on Instagram.
In this hack the drawer fronts have simply been covered in the wallpaper by cutting out the shape of the drawer fronts and then gluing with a water based glue such as Mod Podge. Once that is set, go over again with the same glue to seal it.
Can you spot the moth drawer knobs? They fit in perfectly, but you could use these antique gold butterfly knobs as an alternative.
Ikea Malm Black & White Hack
This is a very elegant treatment of the Ikea MALM dresser from Home Talk. It has an art deco feel to it due to the black and white contrasts and we love the hexagonal shelf that has had the same black touch added.
They have fitted black bar handles to the drawers as well as painting the separation strip between the drawers black to make them stand out. Black tapered legs have also been added to make sure the dresser doesn’t sit on the floor which can make it seem boxy.
A final addition of a strip of wood across the bottom is a small tweak that actually transforms the look of the dresser brilliantly.
Ikea Malm Tricolor Hack
This simple little hack for the Ikea MALM dresser from milien_intheloft on Instagram just adds two new colours. The top drawer has been left wihtout paint and the middle and bottom drawers have been painted white and black respectively. Very simple, but very effective.
The addition of star knobs give another unique element to the dresser and make it perfect for a kids bedroom.
Cactus lamp? We love it too and you can find an alternative on Etsy.
Ikea Malm Relief Pattern Hack
Lux Hax have some great stick-on panels for a variety of Ikea furniture. This MALM chest of drawers has had a stylish relief panel applied in the same colour and then some oversize wooden knobs added. The good old white and wood look is a tried and tested look that stands the test of time.
This hack can be applied to the larger dresser too, I just couldn’t find a picture of it in the same style (and I had to include it because I really like this hack!).
Ikea Malm Black & White Hack (Reversed!)
We’ve had the mostly white black & white hack, now we have the mostly black version which is a completely different look and we think the look is good!
This Ikea MALM hack from mercedes.doczi on Instagram looks especially good when teamed up with some black and red accessories.
The fact that they have used three dressers in a row to turn it into more of a sideboard has also helped transform the dresser into something different.
This method has been used on several of these hacks and in fact is a great way to use almost any piece of Ikea furniture, turning them into ‘modules’ that you can combine into larger pieces of furniture.
We love the black and red french bulldog print too and found a gorgeous pug version!
Ikea Malm Floral Pattern Hack
There are a huge array of decals available for most pieces of Ikea furniture. This most colorful of Ikea MALM hacks from Stickerscoloray on Etsy makes great use of their own tropical floral print decals added to the front of a black-brown MALM.
It’s such a simple way to transform the MALM and you can obviously find any style of decal you desire, we just particularly like this tropical plant one. Floral patterns are the way forward! (for now!)
Pair it with a fantastic oversize vase and twigs, like they have done above and you’ve got instant style in your room!
Ikea Malm Media Unit Hack
Another Ikea MALM hack making good use of the white and wood look that is fairly universally liked.
This media unit hack from katrin_gaimakova on Instagram is also another great way to use the modular nature of the MALM to create something that works perfectly for you.
The fact that the TV is sitting down a level from the dresser next to it helps it not stand out so much, which is an eternal struggle we all feel with televisions!
The use of soft furnishings such as cushions and plants help disguise it further.
Ikea Malm Pastel Hack
Source: Shake
This Ikea MALM hack from Shake uses the same principle as the tricolor example earlier but with calmer, pastel colours introduced.
There are no novelty handles on these dressers which works well in this situation so that the overall look is muted.
The dressers are really well styled with accessories and lighting and the entire look is quite sophisticated…all from a starting point of the Ikea MALM!
Ikea Malm Rustic Workbench Hack
Source: grayhousestudio via Instagram
We’re not sure if this was meant to be a workbench or a console, but if it works well as either then it’s a great piece of design! It is a great piece of design anyway though!
The creators at Grey House Studio (who have loads of great ideas!) have basically completely clad a MALM dresser with reclaimed wood and added a chunky raised worktop with storage baskets.
The whole piece is a gorgeous rustic hunk of furniture that, as mentioned, would look great almost anywhere!
Ikea Malm Mirrored Morroccan Hack
Source: HomeArtStickers via Etsy
Mirrors are always a great way to add some instant elegance, reflected light and an illusion of space and this Ikea MALM hack from homeartstickers on Etsy takes the MALM dresser to another level.
The adhesive panel comes in one piece (mirrored surface and fretwork) and you simply stick them on to the dresser.
This is perhaps one of the best ways to completely transform the MALM.
It’s wonderful to have all these sources of specially made Ikea add-ons that make Ikea hacking so much easier and varied.
Ikea Malm Kitchen Island Hack
Source: Ginawohnen via Instagram
This is such a great way to use the Ikea MALM dresser. The dressers themselves haven’t actually had anything done to them but the combined project is perhaps the biggest transformation of all these hacks.
Ginawohnen on Instagram has simply fitted four MALM dressers back to back and put a worktop on top to create this kitchen island. It is so creative and also really practical and good looking.
There is even room for a breakfast bar and stools! This hack makes the kitchen island dream accessible to anyone with the space for it.
Ikea Malm Gold Trim Hack
Source: Preciously Me
You may have seen this Ikea MALM hack a lot on Pinterest, for good reason! A touch of gold always adds an element of elegance and this is such an easy way to transform the MALM.
Preciously Me have created a gorgeous bedside dresser with just the addition of gold vinyl to the gaps between drawers.
We think they could have elevated (literally!) the look by adding short legs but it is stunning by itself.
Ikea Malm Mirrored Hack
Source: Comfy Dwelling
Another fantastic example of mirrored Ikea MALM hacks from Comfy Dwelling. This one covers the whole dresser in mirrored vinyl sheets to make it almost disappear into it’s surroundings.
Again, the way the dresser is styled with gold mirror, dressing room lights and soft furnishings adds so much to the look.
Ikea Malm Raindrops Decal Hack
Source: Sliik
I think this has to be the simplest Ikea MALM hack ever! At Sliik they have just added raindrop decals to a white MALM dresser to help it fit into their monochrome decor.
It’s a fun hack that would look great in a kids room, as demonstrated. You can get all sorts of colours and styles of decals like these to fit into whatever scheme you have.
Ikea Malm Rustic Shabby Chic Dresser Hack
Source: Anitanosova_pro_kraski via Instagram
This is such a gorgeous Ikea MALM hack from anitanosova_pro_kraski on Instagram. Looking through her other creations she seems to be an expert at distressing and the shabby chic look.
The embellishment panels that have been added give an almost Moroccan feel to the dresser and the added wood surface on top completes the look perfectly.
Ikea Malm Stencilled Hack
Source: Home Talk
Stencils are a great way to add a bit of interest to any piece of furniture, a wall or all sorts of surfaces. This Ikea MALM hack from Home Talk uses a variety of stencils to transform the dresser into something quite amazing.
We found this playing card symbols stencil which we think would look really cool.
It’s so easy to do this and there are so many stencils out there to choose from, it’s a really good way to hack the MALM!
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The Ikea MALM gives us a great blank canvas that we can customise in so many different ways. These Ikea Malm hacks should give you enough decor ammunition to tackle your own Malm transformation!
We hope we’ve shown that there are so many ways you can hack such a simple piece of furniture into something special.
Happy MALM hacking!
Wow
Really inspiring ideas! – I can feel a trip to Ikea coming on….! Always loved the Malm, because the drawers slide easily (although my really old ones have needed repair over the years) but found them ugly and they seemed to stick out in the room like a sore thumb. Now I see that can be improved with all these creative ideas to make them fit into the decor. 🙂
Wow, I am in awe of everyone of these hacks, that rustic one ,mirrored, oh my gosh all of them are amazing that black and white one is quite sexy too, you are correct these are the best of the best.
So many great ideas. I have two malm dressers I’m trying to re-imagine. I am not sure which I like best.
Lovely ideas! Thank you!
I too was inspired. I’m adding beautifully shaped furniture feet to the bottom of my Malm bureau. I also saw a bureau covered in antique effect mirrored tiles. Wonderful!