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The IKEA Malm range is familiar to many homes: a versatile collection of dressers, wardrobes and beds that form a blank canvas for creativity. If the stock look feels too plain, a few targeted changes can dramatically alter both appearance and feel. In this guide you will find a selection of practical DIY ideas and styling cues—ranging from a refined monochrome refresh to full structural updates—that keep the original piece functional while turning it into something personalized and distinctive. The Malm series is ideal for this because its clean lines and modular build accept new knobs, legs and surface treatments with minimal effort.
Stylish finishes and hardware swaps
A fast way to change the dresser’s character is to swap surface color and hardware. For a contemporary, almost seamless wall-to-furniture effect, paint the dresser in a single matte shade that either contrasts or blends with the wall; adding a set of Bodil knobs or similar pieces creates a refined focal point. If you prefer a calming, organic look, choose wood-toned accents and Bill 40Ø knobs to emphasize texture and warmth. For a contemporary-bohemian twist combine golden metal details with wood handles and half-circle pulls to add visual depth, or keep things classic in children’s rooms with small, tactile Bill 30Ø knobs that pair well with toys and soft furnishings. Each of these swaps is low-risk and reversible, making them great first projects.
Changing height and silhouette: attaching legs
Many Malm dressers were designed without a robust bottom structure for attaching legs, so adding feet often requires reinforcing the base. A common fix is to install a wooden plank or a supportive plate across the underside, which distributes screw loads and turns a flimsy bottom into a reliable mounting surface for decorative legs. Some creators have built a perimeter frame to lift and stabilize the dresser before attaching legs such as Ture 180 or Ester 60. Note that specific leg models used in past projects may be discontinued, but similar alternatives exist to achieve the same raised, airy silhouette while keeping the piece sturdy and functional.
Adding a sturdy base
To add legs safely, first remove drawers and secure a reinforcing board spanning the lower cavity of the dresser. Screwing a support frame or plank into the internal side rails creates anchorage points that prevent wobble and reduce stress on the particleboard. Once the base is reinforced you can attach commercially available fitting plates or leg kits and choose a height that suits your room. This method works for elevated bedside units, modern hallway consoles and even raised changing furniture in nurseries.
Budget-friendly structural hacks
For those watching costs, pairing two Malm units side-by-side creates instant storage or a larger tabletop without custom furniture prices. Many makers use this setup to build a changing table or a compact desk: two dressers plus a top board provide surface area and abundant drawer storage. Reinforce the central joint with a frame or battens beneath the top, then attach legs to the outer edges or to a shared base plate. This approach replicates expensive designs at a fraction of the price while remaining easy to disassemble if you move.
Full makeovers and finishing touches
If you want a dramatic transformation, cover drawer fronts with patterned or textured wallpaper for an intricate surface without painting, or perform a complete overhaul that changes color, hardware and silhouette until the piece no longer reads as its original self. Upgrades like replacing pulls with Felix 200 or Frida 80 handles can convert a dresser into a functional vanity or bespoke entry console. Other creators have combined fluted panels, metallic legs and two-tone paint to create statement pieces; a total makeover can obscure the factory look entirely and produce a living-room-worthy cabinet. Whatever route you choose, small investment items—well-chosen knobs and legs—deliver outsized returns in style.
Ready to start? Test one change at a time: swap a knob, raise the unit on new legs, or add a peelable wallpaper panel. Share your results with the community by tagging @prettypegs and explore a range of compatible products designed to fit and personalize the Malm family. Whether you aim for subtle refinement or a full redesign, these approachable methods will help you turn an economical piece into a unique, practical centerpiece for your home.