27 Creative IKEA Malm Hacks That Will Transform Your Home on a Budget

Looking to breathe new life into your trusty IKEA Malm furniture without breaking the bank?

The minimalist design of these Swedish staples makes them perfect candidates for creative DIY transformations.

With just a few simple tools and materials, you can elevate these affordable pieces into custom furniture that looks anything but mass-produced.

From elegant upgrades to complete makeovers, the possibilities are endless.

Ready to unleash your inner furniture designer?

Let’s explore 27 ingenious Malm hacks that will have your friends asking where you bought your “new” furniture.

1: Luxe Gold Leaf Drawer Fronts

Transform your plain Malm dresser into a luxurious statement piece by applying gold leaf to the drawer fronts.

This metallic finish instantly elevates the simple design to high-end status.

You’ll need gold leaf sheets, sizing adhesive, and a soft brush. Apply the adhesive, carefully lay the gold leaf, and then seal with a clear topcoat for durability.

The contrast between the sleek white or black Malm body and shimmering gold drawers creates a sophisticated look that would cost hundreds more in high-end furniture stores.

2: Leather Pull Handles Upgrade

Replace the invisible grip edges of your Malm drawers with stylish leather pull handles for a warm, organic touch.

This simple addition completely changes the dresser’s personality.

Purchase leather straps online or cut them from an old belt. Fold each strap in half, secure with screws through the dresser front, and enjoy your new custom hardware.

This hack works particularly well with darker Malm finishes, creating a masculine, industrial-chic vibe that looks far more expensive than the modest investment required.

3: Grasscloth Wallpaper Overlay

Apply textured grasscloth wallpaper to drawer fronts for an organic, beachy upgrade to your Malm.

This natural material adds subtle texture and dimension to the otherwise flat surfaces.

Measure each drawer, cut wallpaper to size with a slight overhang, and adhere with wallpaper paste or heavy-duty spray adhesive.

Finish edges with a clear sealant to prevent fraying.

The neutral, textured finish works beautifully in coastal, bohemian, or nature-inspired rooms while maintaining the clean lines that make Malm pieces so versatile.

4: Floating Nightstand Mount

Convert a Malm 2-drawer chest into a sleek floating nightstand by removing the legs and mounting it directly to wall studs.

This space-saving hack creates a modern, minimalist look.

Use heavy-duty mounting brackets inside the bottom of the dresser, ensuring they’re securely fastened to wall studs.

Finish the bottom edge with trim for a built-in appearance.

This elevated installation frees up floor space, makes cleaning easier, and gives your bedroom a custom, high-end look that belies the dresser’s affordable origins.

5: Mirrored Drawer Front Inserts

Create a glamorous, light-reflecting dresser by adding mirrored panels to your Malm drawer fronts.

This dramatic transformation works in both modern and traditional spaces.

Purchase mirror panels cut to size or have mirrors cut at your local glass shop.

Adhere them to drawer fronts with mirror adhesive, being careful to align edges perfectly.

The reflective surfaces bounce light around your room, making spaces appear larger while adding a touch of Hollywood regency style to your affordable IKEA piece.

6: Wood Slat Overlay

Apply thin wooden slats vertically across Malm drawer fronts for a mid-century modern update that adds wonderful texture and dimension.

This architectural detail transforms the flat surfaces completely.

Purchase thin wood strips from your hardware store, cut to length, stain or paint as desired, and attach with wood glue and brad nails. Space them evenly for the best effect.

This textural addition pairs beautifully with brass hardware and works especially well on the 6-drawer Malm chest for a dramatic, designer-worthy transformation.

7: Custom Color Paint Job

Update your Malm with a high-quality paint job in a custom color that perfectly complements your space. This simple hack allows endless personalization options.

Sand surfaces lightly, apply a good primer specifically for laminate surfaces, then add 2-3 coats of your chosen paint color. Finish with a clear sealer for durability.

Bold jewel tones create dramatic statement pieces, while soft pastels offer a subtle, sophisticated update.

Either way, you’ll have a uniquely colored piece that fits your exact design vision.

8: Fluted Wood Panel Upgrade

Add architectural interest to your Malm by attaching vertical fluted (grooved) wood panels to the drawer fronts. This textural element adds depth and designer flair.

Purchase pre-made fluted panels or create your own using a router on thin plywood. Cut to fit your drawer dimensions, paint or stain as desired, and attach with strong adhesive.

The vertical lines elongate the dresser visually while adding a subtle play of light and shadow that transforms the plain surfaces into something truly special.

9: Overlaid Greek Key Pattern

Apply a Greek key pattern to your Malm using thin wood trim for a classic, elegant upgrade.

This geometric design adds sophisticated detail to the minimalist dresser.

Create your pattern layout first on paper, then transfer to the furniture.

Attach thin wood trim with wood glue and small brad nails, then paint the entire piece for a unified look.

This timeless pattern works beautifully in traditional and transitional spaces, adding architectural interest without overwhelming the clean lines of the Malm design.

10: Cane Webbing Inserts

Replace sections of drawer fronts with natural cane webbing for a bohemian, texture-rich update.

This on-trend material adds warmth and visual interest to sterile surfaces.

Cut recessed areas from drawer fronts, create a frame with thin wood strips, then stretch and staple cane webbing across the opening. Seal with clear polyurethane for protection.

The contrast between the natural webbing and sleek dresser creates a beautiful, organic-modern piece that looks like boutique furniture at a fraction of the cost.

11: Concrete Effect Top Surface

Create an industrial chic look by applying concrete overlay to your Malm dresser top. This durable finish adds texture and edge to the otherwise minimalist design.

Use a concrete microtopping product designed for furniture, apply in thin layers according to manufacturer instructions, then seal thoroughly for a waterproof finish.

The juxtaposition of sleek drawers with the raw, industrial top surface creates visual interest and transforms your basic Malm into a high-end designer-inspired piece.

12: Book Nook Transformation

Convert a horizontal Malm dresser into a cozy reading nook by removing the top drawers and creating a cushioned seating area.

This clever hack maximizes functionality in small spaces.

Remove upper drawers, build a simple frame to support seating, add a cushion covered in fabric of your choice, and surround with throw pillows.

The remaining drawers provide storage.

This multi-purpose piece works beautifully in children’s rooms, entryways, or anywhere you need both seating and storage in a compact footprint.

13: Decoupage Botanical Prints

Apply botanical prints to drawer fronts using decoupage techniques for a nature-inspired, artistic transformation.

This decorative technique adds color and character to plain surfaces.

Select printed napkins, wrapping paper, or actual botanical prints.

Apply with decoupage medium both under and over the paper, allowing proper drying time between coats.

The natural elements bring life and personality to your Malm while creating a unique piece that reflects your style and appreciation for botanical beauty.

14: Rustic Wood Plank Overlay

Create a farmhouse-style dresser by covering Malm drawer fronts with thin weathered wood planks.

This rustic transformation completely disguises the modern origins of the piece.

Cut thin wood planks to fit drawer fronts, distress with sandpaper and stains if desired, and attach with construction adhesive.

Add rustic pull handles for a cohesive look.

The contrast between rustic drawer fronts and the clean lines of the Malm creates an interesting transitional piece that bridges modern and farmhouse styles beautifully.

15: Geometric Overlay Design

Apply a geometric pattern using thin wood strips to create a custom overlay design. This architectural detail transforms your basic Malm into a showstopping focal point.

Design your pattern first on paper, then transfer to the dresser. Attach thin wood strips with wood glue and brad nails, then paint the entire piece for a cohesive look.

The dimensional pattern creates wonderful shadow play and visual interest while maintaining the clean-lined silhouette that makes Malm pieces so versatile.

16: Built-In Window Seat

Transform a low, wide Malm dresser into a custom window seat with storage by adding a cushioned top.

This clever hack creates a cozy reading nook with hidden organization.

Secure the dresser in place, build a simple frame atop it to support seating, add dense foam cut to size, and cover with your chosen fabric. The drawers remain functional below.

This multi-purpose piece saves space while adding both comfort and storage – perfect for bay windows, children’s rooms, or anywhere you need extra seating with hidden organization.

17: Upholstered Fabric Panels

Add luxurious texture by upholstering Malm drawer fronts with padded fabric panels. This soft update completely transforms the dresser’s look and feel.

Cut foam backing to size, cover with your chosen fabric, and attach to drawer fronts using a staple gun around the back edges or strong adhesive.

Add decorative nailhead trim for extra detail.

The plush fabric panels add warmth and acoustic dampening properties, making this hack particularly nice for bedroom furniture where soft textures create a cozy atmosphere.

18: Two-Tone Paint Treatment

Create visual interest with a two-tone paint treatment that highlights the clean lines of your Malm.

This simple approach adds designer flair without major modifications.

Paint the dresser body one color and the drawer fronts a complementary or contrasting shade. Use painter’s tape for crisp lines and apply a clear protective topcoat.

This color-blocking technique can make your piece appear more expensive and intentional while allowing you to incorporate multiple colors from your room’s palette.

19: TV Stand Conversion

Transform a low, wide Malm dresser into a media console by adding cable management and equipment-friendly modifications.

This practical hack creates stylish entertainment storage.

Drill holes in the back panel for cables, add ventilation if needed for electronics, and consider installing adjustable shelving in place of some drawers for media components.

The clean lines and substantial storage make Malm dressers ideal TV stands that offer more organization than typical media consoles at a fraction of the price.

20: Kitchen Island Creation

Convert a Malm dresser into a functional kitchen island by adding a butcher block top and casters for mobility.

This clever hack adds valuable workspace and storage to small kitchens.

Secure a butcher block or other countertop material to the dresser top, add locking casters to the base for mobility, and consider adding towel bars or hooks to the sides.

The drawers provide excellent storage for kitchen tools and linens, while the new top creates additional work surface that can be moved where needed and locked in place.

21: Nursery Changing Table

Adapt a Malm dresser into a baby changing station by adding a secure changing pad on top.

This practical hack creates a dual-purpose piece that grows with your child.

Attach a changing pad securely to the dresser top using straps or a changing pad frame. Add a small shelf above for diapers and creams if desired.

The drawers provide perfect storage for baby clothes and supplies, while the sturdy construction offers a safe changing height.

Once babyhood passes, remove the changing pad to revert to a standard dresser.

22: Stenciled Pattern Design

Apply intricate stenciled patterns to drawer fronts for a personalized, artistic upgrade.

This decorative technique offers endless possibilities for customization.

Choose a stencil design that complements your style, secure it with painter’s tape, and apply paint with a nearly-dry stencil brush using a dabbing motion. Seal with clear topcoat.

From Moroccan-inspired geometrics to delicate damasks, stenciled patterns add character and detail while allowing you to incorporate specific colors from your room’s palette.

23: Rattan Door Upgrade

Replace drawer fronts with rattan or cane door inserts for a tropical, texture-rich transformation. This natural material adds warmth and organic appeal.

Remove drawer fronts and replace with a frame-and-panel construction using rattan inserts. Add small handles or knobs for easy opening of the new cabinet-style doors.

This modification completely changes both the look and function of the piece, creating a breezy, natural cabinet perfect for displaying items behind the semi-transparent rattan.

24: Desk Conversion

Transform a Malm dresser into a stylish desk by removing upper drawers and creating a knee space. This smart hack creates a workspace with built-in storage.

Remove middle drawers to create leg room, add a larger top surface if desired, and install a small shelf where the removed drawers were for additional storage.

The remaining drawers provide excellent organization for office supplies, while the solid construction creates a sturdy work surface at the perfect height.

25: Leather Wrapped Edges

Add sophistication by wrapping the edges of your Malm with leather strips. This tailored detail elevates the simple design with rich, organic texture.

Cut leather strips to size, attach with strong adhesive or small upholstery tacks, and finish edges neatly. Choose leather that complements your existing décor.

This subtle upgrade adds warmth and tactile interest while maintaining the clean lines that make Malm pieces so versatile in various design styles.

26: Living Room Bar Cabinet

Convert a tall Malm dresser into a stylish bar cabinet by adding glass holders, bottle storage, and serving surfaces.

This entertaining-focused hack creates a functional conversation piece.

Install wine glass racks underneath the top, add dividers in some drawers for bottle storage, and consider mirrored or tray surfaces for mixing drinks.

The plentiful drawer space stores bar tools and accessories, while the flat top provides the perfect surface for serving drinks at your next gathering.

27: Entryway Organization Station

Transform a Malm dresser into a hardworking entryway command center with specialized storage zones. This practical hack creates organization right where you need it most.

Add hooks or a small shelf above for keys and mail. Designate specific drawers for seasonal accessories, important papers, and everyday essentials.

The flat top surface provides a landing spot for packages and purses, while the clean design keeps your entryway looking tidy and welcoming regardless of what’s stored inside.

Conclusion

With these 27 creative Malm hacks, you can transform basic IKEA pieces into custom furniture that perfectly suits your style and needs.

Pick your favorite idea, gather supplies, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something uniquely yours!