27 Brilliant IKEA MALM Hacks to Transform Your Furniture on a Budget

IKEA’s MALM series offers clean lines and minimalist appeal at affordable prices, but sometimes you want something more personalized than standard flat-pack furniture.

With some creativity and basic tools, you can transform these simple pieces into custom designs.

These versatile dressers, beds, and nightstands provide the perfect blank canvas for DIY projects ranging from simple hardware swaps to complete structural transformations.

Best of all, most of these hacks require minimal skills and basic materials.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your bedroom’s style, maximize storage, or completely reimagine your furniture’s function, these MALM hacks will inspire your next weekend project.

1: Gold Leaf Drawer Fronts

Transform your MALM dresser with metallic sophistication by applying gold leaf to the drawer fronts.

This simple technique creates a high-end look with minimal effort.

Prep surfaces with primer before applying adhesive size and gold leaf sheets. Seal with clear protective finish to prevent tarnishing and ensure durability.

This glamorous upgrade works particularly well with dark-colored MALM pieces, creating striking contrast between the metallic drawers and frame.

2: Leather Pull Handles

Replace the minimal finger pulls with handcrafted leather handles for sophisticated warmth. This simple swap adds natural texture and elevates the entire piece.

Cut strips of quality leather in your desired length and fold them to create loops. Secure with brass screws or rivets for a professional finish.

Choose leather in cognac, black, or navy to complement your existing decor while adding tactile interest to the otherwise smooth surfaces.

3: Upholstered Headboard Addition

Convert your MALM bed frame into a plush upholstered bed by adding a custom headboard panel.

This comfortable upgrade dramatically changes the bed’s appearance.

Create a simple frame slightly wider than your MALM headboard and cover with foam, batting, and your chosen fabric.

Attach to the existing headboard with strong adhesive or brackets.

Select textured fabrics like velvet, linen, or bouclé for maximum impact and comfort when sitting up in bed.

4: Marble Contact Paper Transformation

Give your MALM dresser a luxurious makeover with high-quality marble contact paper applied to the drawer fronts or top surface.

This affordable alternative to real stone creates instant sophistication.

Clean surfaces thoroughly before application and use a credit card to smooth out air bubbles. Trim edges precisely with a sharp utility knife for professional results.

This versatile technique works with various contact paper designs from concrete to woodgrain, allowing you to match any décor style.

5: Campaign-Style Hardware Addition

Add architectural interest to your MALM dresser with brass corner brackets and campaign-style pulls.

This historical furniture reference transforms the minimal design into a statement piece.

Install metal corners at each drawer edge and replace the finger pulls with substantial brass handles.

The metallic elements create beautiful contrast against the MALM’s clean surfaces.

This sophisticated enhancement works particularly well on white or black MALM pieces where the hardware visually pops.

6: Fluted Wood Panel Overlay

Create texture and architectural detail by adding vertical fluted wood panels to your MALM drawer fronts.

This dimensional upgrade brings contemporary sophistication to the simple dresser.

Purchase pre-made fluted panels or create your own using thin wood dowels attached to a backing board. Secure to drawer fronts with construction adhesive.

Paint the entire piece in a single color for a cohesive, custom-built appearance that disguises the MALM’s budget origins.

7: Nightstand-to-Bar Cart Conversion

Transform a MALM nightstand into a mobile bar cart by adding quality casters and a towel bar for a handle.

This functional repurposing creates an entertainment essential from bedroom furniture.

Install locking wheels on the bottom for stability and mobility. Add a brass towel rail to one side for both pushing the cart and hanging bar towels.

Line drawers with water-resistant material to protect against spills and consider adding a tray on top for serving drinks.

8: Rattan Door Insert Upgrade

Create boho sophistication by replacing portions of drawer fronts with cane webbing or rattan.

This textural element adds natural warmth to the MALM’s clean lines.

Cut recessed sections from drawer fronts and secure rattan webbing from behind with a simple frame.

This technique requires basic woodworking skills but delivers impressive results.

The contrast between smooth painted surfaces and natural woven material creates visual interest that elevates the entire piece.

9: Nursery Changing Table Conversion

Transform a MALM dresser into a practical changing station by adding a topper with raised edges. This dual-purpose hack maximizes function in nursery spaces.

Purchase a purpose-made changing topper or build your own with side rails for safety. Secure to the dresser top with straps or non-damaging adhesive methods.

Add dividers to the top drawer for diapering supplies and consider child safety locks for lower drawers as your baby becomes mobile.

10: Anthropologie-Inspired Overlay

Create the look of expensive designer furniture by adding decorative Overlays® or similar geometric panel appliqués to your MALM dresser.

These adhesive decorative elements instantly transform plain surfaces.

Clean the dresser thoroughly before applying panels with construction adhesive.

Paint the entire piece one color after installation for a cohesive, custom-built appearance.

This sophisticated upgrade mimics high-end furniture details at a fraction of the retail cost.

11: Hidden Cat Litter Cabinet

Convert a MALM dresser into discreet pet furniture by cutting a cat-sized entrance in one side panel.

This clever hack conceals unsightly litter boxes while maintaining your room’s aesthetics.

Remove one drawer and create an opening in the side panel sized for your cat.

Install a plastic liner or shelf to hold the litter box and prevent damage to the furniture.

Add a small battery-operated motion light inside for your cat’s comfort and consider weatherstripping around the entrance to contain odors.

12: Wood Slat Wrap Around

Create architectural interest by wrapping your MALM bed frame or dresser with vertical wood slats.

This three-dimensional enhancement adds texture and natural elements to the minimal design.

Cut uniform wooden slats and attach them around the furniture’s perimeter using wood glue and brad nails. Sand edges smooth and finish with stain or paint.

This technique transforms basic furniture into a designer-worthy statement piece with depth and character.

13: Console Table Conversion

Repurpose a low MALM dresser as an entryway console by raising it on tapered furniture legs.

This elevation creates more sophisticated proportions while adding practical storage.

Remove the existing base and attach 6-8 inch furniture legs with mounting plates. Consider painting or staining the legs to match or contrast with your dresser.

Style the top with a mirror, lamp, and decorative tray to create a welcoming entryway moment that offers hidden storage.

14: Grass-cloth Wallpaper Application

Add rich texture to your MALM drawer fronts with natural grasscloth wallpaper.

This sophisticated covering brings organic warmth and subtle pattern to the minimal design.

Cut wallpaper precisely to drawer front dimensions and apply with appropriate adhesive.

Consider applying clear polyurethane over the grass-cloth for durability and protection.

The natural variations in grasscloth create unique, one-of-a-kind furniture that looks significantly more expensive than its origins.

15: Mid-Century Leg Addition

Transform your MALM dresser’s silhouette by replacing the base with angled mid-century style legs.

This simple swap dramatically changes the furniture’s style and visual weight.

Remove the existing base and attach tapered wooden legs using mounting plates. Position legs at corners and add center support for larger dressers.

This modification elevates the piece literally and aesthetically, creating better proportions and architectural interest.

16: Desk-to-Vanity Conversion

Repurpose a MALM desk into a sophisticated makeup vanity by adding a mirror and organizing accessories.

This functional transformation creates a dedicated beauty station.

Mount a framed mirror or series of smaller mirrors on the wall above the desk.

Add drawer dividers for makeup organization and consider a small stool that tucks underneath.

This practical hack utilizes MALM’s clean lines to create a stylish getting-ready space that doesn’t sacrifice valuable floor area.

17: Two-Tone Paint Treatment

Create visual interest by painting your MALM in contrasting colors. This simple technique adds designer flair with minimal effort and materials.

Paint drawer fronts in one color and the frame in another, or create horizontal color blocking across the piece. Use painter’s tape for clean lines between colors.

Choose complementary hues from the same color family for subtle sophistication or bold contrasting colors for dramatic impact.

18: Fabric-Wrapped Drawer Fronts

Add soft texture by covering MALM drawer fronts with upholstery fabric.

This unexpected treatment brings warmth and acoustic dampening to bedroom furniture.

Remove drawer fronts and wrap with thin batting and your chosen fabric, securing on the back with staples. Reattach to the drawer boxes for a completely new look.

This technique works beautifully with textured linens, velvets, or performance fabrics in children’s rooms.

19: Floating Nightstand Mounting

Create space-saving bedside tables by wall-mounting MALM nightstands without their legs. This floating effect modernizes the design while freeing up floor space.

Remove the base and secure the unit directly to wall studs using strong brackets. Ensure proper weight distribution and support for long-term stability.

This modification works particularly well in small bedrooms, creating a more spacious feel while maintaining necessary storage.

20: Wood Trim Detail Addition

Add architectural sophistication by attaching decorative trim to your MALM drawers.

This simple enhancement creates the appearance of expensive inset panel construction.

Cut thin wood trim to create frames on each drawer front and attach with wood glue and brad nails. Paint the entire piece one color for a seamless, custom-built look.

This technique transforms flat surfaces into dimensional, designer-worthy furniture with minimal material costs.

21: Functional Bed Storage Upgrade

Maximize your MALM bed frame’s functionality by adding rolling storage drawers underneath.

This practical hack creates valuable space for seasonal items or extra bedding.

Build simple box drawers sized to fit your bed’s undercarriage and add casters for easy access. Create handles by cutting hand-holds or adding simple pulls.

This hidden storage solution works with most MALM bed frames and significantly increases your bedroom’s organization potential.

22: Leather Drawer Front Wrapping

Add sophisticated texture by covering MALM drawer fronts with real or faux leather. This unexpected material brings rich, tactile interest to minimal furniture.

Remove drawer fronts and wrap with your chosen leather, securing on the back with strong adhesive or staples. Fold corners neatly for a professional finish.

This luxurious upgrade works particularly well on smaller pieces like nightstands where the leather becomes a standout feature.

23: Built-In Entertainment Center

Create the look of custom millwork by flanking your TV with two tall MALM dressers and adding a bridge shelf above.

This arrangement mimics expensive built-ins at a fraction of the cost.

Position dressers on either side of your television and connect across the top with floating shelves.

Paint all elements the same color for a cohesive built-in appearance.

This entertainment solution provides ample closed storage while creating an architectural focal point in your living space.

24: Nursery Bookshelf Addition

Transform a horizontal MALM dresser into a combination changing table and bookshelf by adding vertical dividers on top.

This practical nursery solution maximizes function in small spaces.

Construct a simple bookshelf sized to sit securely on the dresser top. Attach with brackets for safety and paint to match your dresser for a unified look.

This modification keeps baby books, diapering essentials, and monitoring devices within easy reach during changes.

25: Brass Corner Protection

Add subtle glamour and practical protection with brass corner plates on your MALM dresser. This small detail elevates the simple piece with minimal effort.

Install decorative metal corners at each drawer edge using small screws or strong adhesive.

Choose aged brass for vintage appeal or polished for contemporary spaces.

This enhancement adds both visual interest and practical protection against wear on vulnerable corners.

26: Reedbed Glass Drawer Front Insert

Create sophisticated texture by replacing portions of drawer fronts with reedbed or fluted glass.

This architectural detail adds dimension while maintaining the clean-lined aesthetic.

Cut recessed sections from drawer fronts and install glass panels from behind with silicone adhesive.

This technique requires precise cutting but delivers stunning results.

The translucent quality of the glass adds visual lightness while the reeded texture provides privacy for drawer contents.

27: Media Console Transformation

Convert a low, wide MALM dresser into a stylish media console with simple modifications.

This repurposing creates purpose-built entertainment furniture from bedroom pieces.

Add cable management holes in the back panel for electronics. Consider replacing the top drawer with a flip-down front for media components.

Style with carefully curated accessories and consider adding furniture legs for improved proportions in living spaces.

Conclusion

Start with simpler hacks if you’re new to DIY and always prepare properly with sanding and priming.

These transformations prove that with creativity and basic tools, affordable MALM pieces can become custom furniture that perfectly suits your style and needs.