27 Brilliant IKEA Malm Hacks That Will Transform Your Furniture

The IKEA Malm series offers clean lines and minimalist design at an affordable price point.

These simple pieces provide the perfect blank canvas for creative customization.

With just a few materials and basic tools, you can transform your Malm furniture from mass-produced to one-of-a-kind.

These hacks range from simple afternoon projects to more ambitious weekend transformations.

Get ready to see your basic Malm in a whole new light with these 27 ingenious ideas that prove great style doesn’t require a designer budget—just a little imagination and elbow grease.

1: Gold Leaf Drawer Fronts

Transform your Malm dresser with gold leaf applied to drawer fronts for instant luxury.

This metallic finish catches the light beautifully and elevates the entire piece.

Apply gold leaf in a solid pattern or create geometric designs by using painter’s tape to mark off sections.

Seal with clear polyurethane for durability.

This high-impact change requires minimal materials but delivers maximum visual punch, perfect for adding glamour to bedrooms or living spaces.

2: Leather Pull Handles

Replace the integrated finger pulls with leather straps for a sophisticated, tactile upgrade. Cut strips from an old belt or purchase leather by the foot from craft stores.

Secure with brass screws for a polished look, choosing hardware that complements your room’s existing metals.

The warm leather adds organic texture to the minimalist Malm design.

These handles patina beautifully over time, developing character with use while providing a more substantial grip than the standard recessed pulls.

3: Marble Contact Paper Transformation

Apply marble-patterned contact paper to the top surface of your Malm dresser for a high-end look without the weight or cost of real stone.

Carefully smooth out air bubbles during application using a credit card or plastic scraper.

Extend the paper slightly over the edges and fold for a seamless appearance.

This quick transformation takes less than an hour but looks remarkably luxurious, especially when paired with new hardware or other upgrades.

4: Mid-Century Leg Addition

Add tapered wooden legs to your Malm dresser to create mid-century modern flair and improve proportion. This simple change elevates the piece—literally and visually.

Purchase pre-made furniture legs online or at hardware stores. Attach metal mounting plates to the dresser bottom, then screw in the legs securely.

The added height improves functionality while creating an airier look that transforms the Malm’s low-profile design into something much more sophisticated.

5: Grasscloth Wallpaper Overlay

Cover drawer fronts with textured grasscloth wallpaper for natural warmth and subtle pattern. This organic material adds depth to the Malm’s flat surfaces.

Cut wallpaper precisely to size before applying with wallpaper adhesive. Press firmly and allow proper drying time for best results.

This natural fiber addition works beautifully in both casual and formal spaces, adding textural interest while maintaining the clean lines of the original piece.

6: Herringbone Wood Veneer Pattern

Create a custom herringbone pattern on drawer fronts using thin wood veneer sheets. This architectural detail adds sophistication far beyond the Malm’s price point.

Cut veneer pieces at matching 45-degree angles and arrange them in the classic herringbone formation. Adhere with wood glue and finish with clear polyurethane.

This technique works particularly well on larger Malm pieces where the pattern has room to make a statement across multiple drawers.

7: Mirrored Panel Upgrade

Attach mirrored panels to Malm drawer fronts for a glamorous, light-reflecting transformation.

This hack works particularly well in smaller spaces that benefit from more visual depth.

Purchase mirror panels cut to size or have glass shops cut them for you. Adhere with mirror-specific construction adhesive for secure attachment.

The reflective surfaces create dynamic light play in your room while upgrading the Malm to a statement piece that feels custom and luxurious.

8: Upholstered Headboard Conversion

Transform a Malm bed frame by adding an upholstered panel to create a custom headboard. This soft addition enhances comfort while adding textural interest.

Cut plywood to your desired headboard shape, add batting and fabric, then attach to the existing Malm headboard with screws from behind.

Add decorative nailhead trim for a finished look.

This cozy upgrade makes your bed feel more substantial and expensive while providing a more comfortable backrest for reading in bed.

9: Chinese Lacquer Finish

Paint your Malm dresser with high-gloss lacquer-like paint for a sleek, upscale look inspired by Chinese furniture traditions.

Bold colors like emerald green or navy create striking statements.

Sand thoroughly before applying multiple thin coats rather than fewer thick ones. Allow proper drying time between applications for the best finish.

This glossy transformation completely disguises the Malm’s budget origins while creating a focal point that looks like a high-end designer piece.

10: Floating Nightstand Installation

Mount a Malm two-drawer chest to the wall as a floating nightstand that saves floor space and creates a streamlined, contemporary look in your bedroom.

Use sturdy wall anchors or mount directly to wall studs for proper support.

Remove the legs and reinforce the connection points for safety.

This space-saving hack works beautifully in small bedrooms or guest rooms where maximizing floor area creates a more open, spacious feeling.

11: Decorative Overlay Panels

Add intricate overlay panels to Malm drawer fronts using pre-made decorative O’verlays specifically designed for IKEA furniture.

These add architectural interest and dimension.

Select patterns that complement your design style—from Moroccan lattice to Greek key designs.

Attach with construction adhesive and paint the entire piece for a cohesive look.

This transformation adds sophistication through texture and shadow play while completely disguising the Malm’s simple origins behind custom-looking detailing.

12: Concrete Top Application

Create an industrial-chic look by adding a thin concrete overlay to your Malm dresser top.

This unexpected material adds urban edge and remarkable durability.

Use concrete specifically formulated for countertops, applying in thin layers according to product instructions. Seal thoroughly to prevent staining and dust.

This rugged yet sophisticated finish pairs beautifully with both warm woods and cool metals for a balanced, contemporary aesthetic with industrial influence.

13: Campaign Hardware Addition

Install brass campaign hardware on drawer corners and sides to give your Malm dresser a luxurious, classic look inspired by vintage travel furniture.

Purchase campaign corners, brackets, and pulls from specialty hardware suppliers. Position templates carefully to ensure precise placement before drilling.

This metallic upgrade transforms the Malm’s contemporary simplicity into something more traditional and substantial with historical design references.

14: Cane Webbing Insert

Replace the center panels of Malm drawer fronts with natural cane webbing for texture and visual interest. This natural material adds warmth and trendy style.

Cut recessed areas in drawer fronts, create a lip to hold the cane, and secure the webbing with thin molding around the edges. Finish with clear polyurethane for protection.

This airy, organic addition transforms the solid Malm into something more delicate and detailed while maintaining its clean-lined practicality.

15: Two-Tone Paint Treatment

Create visual interest by painting the drawer fronts a different color than the dresser frame. This simple technique adds custom flair with minimal effort.

Choose complementary colors from the same paint strip for subtle sophistication or contrasting hues for bold impact. Use painter’s tape for clean lines between colors.

This quick upgrade requires just paint and basic tools but completely transforms the one-note Malm into a more designed, intentional piece.

16: Graphic Decal Application

Apply large-scale graphic decals across multiple drawers to create artistic impact.

Choose botanical prints, geometric patterns, or abstract designs that complement your decor.

Position decals carefully before adhering to ensure pattern alignment across drawer fronts. Press firmly to eliminate air bubbles for a professional finish.

This removable transformation allows you to update your furniture periodically without permanent commitment—perfect for rental homes or changing design preferences.

17: Fluted Wood Panel Upgrade

Add vertical fluted wood strips to drawer fronts for sophisticated texture and architectural detail.

This trending design element instantly elevates the simple Malm.

Cut thin wood strips of equal width, sand edges smooth, and attach vertically with wood glue. Finish with paint or stain that matches or contrasts with the base.

This three-dimensional modification creates beautiful shadow lines that change throughout the day, adding visual interest through subtle texture rather than color.

18: Vintage Map Decoupage

Personalize your Malm with decoupage using vintage maps or reproductions of places meaningful to you. This conversation-starting modification adds character and color.

Cut maps to size, apply decoupage medium to both the drawer and paper underside, smooth carefully, and seal with multiple protective topcoats for durability.

This geographical customization transforms utilitarian furniture into a personal storytelling piece that showcases your travels or heritage.

19: Rattan Fronted Media Console

Convert a Malm dresser into a media console by removing the top drawer, creating a component shelf, and adding rattan webbing to remaining drawer fronts for ventilation.

Cut openings in drawer fronts, create a frame to hold the rattan, and add a power strip inside for electronics. Drill small holes in the back for cables.

This functional transformation repurposes bedroom furniture for living spaces while adding trendy texture and practical media storage solutions.

20: Copper Pipe Leg Upgrade

Replace standard legs with copper pipe structures for an industrial-meets-glam upgrade. This mixed-material approach adds warmth and metallic shine.

Purchase copper pipe and elbows from hardware stores, cut to desired heights, and assemble with strong adhesive. Seal the copper to prevent tarnishing if desired.

These structural elements catch the light beautifully while elevating the dresser to a more comfortable height and adding architectural interest to the base.

21: Fabric-Wrapped Drawer Fronts

Cover Malm drawer fronts with stretched fabric for soft texture and pattern.

This technique allows you to coordinate furniture perfectly with your room’s textiles.

Wrap fabric around thin batting and drawer fronts, securing on the back with staples or adhesive. Reattach to dresser frame for a complete transformation.

This soft modification works beautifully with everything from linen to velvet, adding tactile interest while completely disguising the original minimalist design.

22: Pegboard Organization Panel

Add a pegboard panel to the back of a Malm desk for vertical organization that maximizes your workspace. This practical hack improves function while adding style.

Cut pegboard to size, paint to match or contrast with your desk, and attach securely to the back edge. Add hooks, small shelves, and containers as needed.

This organization system keeps frequently used items visible and accessible while freeing up valuable desk surface for active work projects.

23: Geometric Inlay Effect

Create the look of intricate inlaid wood using paint and careful taping techniques.

This high-impact modification mimics expensive marquetry at a fraction of the cost.

Design your geometric pattern first, then execute with painter’s tape and multiple paint colors. Work in layers, allowing proper drying time between steps.

This artistic upgrade transforms the Malm’s plain surfaces into statement pieces that look like skilled woodworking rather than simple painted furniture.

24: Bookshelf Headboard Conversion

Combine a Malm bed with matching dressers at the head to create a storage-rich headboard perfect for small spaces.

This integrated solution maximizes functionality.

Position two Malm dressers at the head of your bed frame, securing them to both the wall and bed frame for stability. Add lighting for bedtime reading.

This smart configuration provides abundant storage for clothes, books, and bedside necessities while creating a custom built-in look without construction.

25: Nursery Changing Table Adaptation

Convert a Malm dresser into a nursery changing station by adding a secured changing pad on top and basket storage underneath for baby essentials.

Attach a changing pad securely to the dresser top using safety straps. Install a shelf or tension rod underneath for diaper storage access.

This practical repurposing saves space and money while providing a changing station that will transition to regular dresser use as your child grows.

26: Waterfall Side Extension

Build a waterfall edge extension on your Malm desk to expand your workspace around a corner.

This architectural modification adds function and visual flow.

Cut matching wood panels to create an L-shaped continuation of the desktop. Secure with brackets underneath and finish to match the original surface.

This expanded surface gives you more working area while creating an architectural feature that makes the simple Malm look like custom millwork.

27: Leather Surface Overlay

Cover your Malm dresser top with leather for a sophisticated, tactile surface that develops character over time.

This unexpected material adds luxury and warmth.

Cut leather slightly larger than the surface, wrap edges underneath, and secure with adhesive. Add decorative nailhead trim around edges for a finished look.

This rich upgrade feels luxurious to the touch while protecting the surface from scratches and creating a distinctive focal point in your room.

Conclusion

With creativity and a few simple tools, your basic Malm furniture can become truly extraordinary.

Choose the hack that matches your style and skill level to transform these affordable basics into custom showpieces for your home.