The Affordable Solution That Adds A Timeless Elegance To IKEA MALM Dressers

IKEA is known for selling highly functional, clever, and space-saving designs that work well in any home. Whether you are furnishing a first apartment or updating a room, they make it easy to find something that works. The flat-pack design also makes transport and assembly convenient, with clear instructions and interchangeable parts. However, while practical, IKEA pieces often lack the charm and character found in more unique or vintage furniture. Fortunately, though, many of IKEA's furniture pieces (including the MALM dresser) can be easily hacked to add character. For instance, you can frame the drawers with trim molding and then paint the whole unit to take your MALM dresser from basic to beautiful. All you need for this hack is a palm sander, molding, miter shears, wood glue, bonding primer, paint, painting supplies, drawer pulls, a drill, and a screwdriver.

This IKEA MALM upgrade is super simple and will transform your plain dresser into something that looks like you found it in a high-end shop. Not only is this an easy hack, but it's affordable too — especially if you already have the tools. Molding is generally inexpensive, though you can spend a little more for the ornamental type. The primer and paint will cost about $30, and your drawer pulls can be thrifted or purchased for under $4 apiece. The total price depends on the finishes you want, but it will still be far less than an elegant new dresser.

To elevate your IKEA MALM dresser, start by scuff sanding its entire outer surface. This is done using fine-grit sandpaper and applying light pressure with your palm sander. Then, measure where you want the trim to go on your drawers and cut the pieces at an angle with your miter shears. Mark their placement, apply wood glue to the back of the pieces, and secure them to the drawers. When the glue is dry, coat everything with bonding primer. Let it dry before applying two coats of paint — just make sure the dresser dries between each coat. Finally, use your drill and screwdriver to install the drawer pulls.

It's important to know that IKEA's furniture pieces are generally made from particleboard. If you have ever tried to paint particleboard before, you know how difficult it can be. Due to the non-porous, plastic-like outer surface, it doesn't absorb paint. So, while it might be tempting to skip sanding and priming your MALM dresser, save yourself the headache by just going ahead and completing these steps. Understanding the process and importance of scuff sanding and priming particleboard furniture can empower you to upgrade other items, as well.

Even though this MALM upgrade hack is straightforward, there's no one way it needs to be done. There are plenty of ways to modify it for a look that suits your taste. The trim you choose, for example, can be ornate and vintage-inspired or have a clean-lined, modern design. The placement of the trim on your drawers is another area of customization. Whether you place the trim flush against the edges of the drawers or further to the center will make a difference in how the finished product looks. It's a good idea to have someone hold the trim at different points on the drawers (or use command strips to hold it in place) and stand back to see if you like the result. And hey, maybe even line the perimeter of the dresser's top with trim to further elevate it.

The finish you choose for your dresser is also vital for crafting a visually pleasing unit. Solid paint, of course, is an option if that's what you want. You could also bring a rustic, weathered touch by running a small piece of sandpaper over the finished dresser in various places. Alternatively, using chalk paint for the main finish and going over that with either a lighter or darker shade of chalk wax will give your MALM dresser a vintage-inspired charm. For a faux wood finish, use wood-colored glaze and a brush to create the grain effect.