how to build malm 6 drawers

How to Build IKEA MALM 6 Drawer Dresser

By Emily MooreNovember 23, 2025

Are you looking to maximize your storage space with a sleek and modern design? The IKEA MALM 6-drawer chest is a popular choice for its clean lines and ample storage. Building this piece of furniture can be a rewarding DIY project. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to build the MALM 6-drawer chest, optimized for search engines to help you find the information you need.

Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary tools and parts. You'll need a Phillips head screwdriver, a rubber mallet, a drill with a countersink bit, and a ruler. The MALM 6-drawer chest comes with all the required hardware and parts, including screws, dowels, and wooden plugs.

Understanding the MALM 6-Drawer Chest Design

The MALM 6-drawer chest is designed for easy assembly. It consists of six drawers, a top panel, a bottom panel, and four side panels. The drawers are made of particleboard with a foil finish, while the rest of the chest is made of solid wood.

13 Ikea Malm Dresser Hacks We Wanted to Show You

How to Create A DIY Dresser | IKEA Malm Dresser Hack

a white dresser with the words ikea malm makeover on it's side

The key to a successful assembly is understanding how the parts fit together. The side panels have pre-drilled holes for the screws, and the drawers have grooves for the runners. The top and bottom panels are held in place by wooden plugs and dowels.

Assembling the Side Panels

Start by assembling the two long side panels. These panels are identical, so you can work on them simultaneously to save time. Lay one panel flat on the floor and locate the pre-drilled holes. Insert the screws provided into these holes and attach the corresponding side panel piece. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten the screws.

a dresser with the words how to diy this ikea mam dresser hack

22 Ikea Malm Hacks You've Probably Never Seen Before

Once the side panels are assembled, you can attach the wooden plugs to the top and bottom. These plugs will hold the top and bottom panels in place. Apply a small amount of wood glue to the dowels and insert them into the holes in the side panels. Tap the wooden plugs into place using a rubber mallet.

Attaching the Top and Bottom Panels

Next, attach the top and bottom panels. These panels are also identical and have pre-drilled holes that align with the dowels in the side panels. Apply wood glue to the dowels and insert them into the holes in the top and bottom panels. Tap the panels into place using a rubber mallet.

Use a drill with a countersink bit to recess the screw heads into the wooden plugs. This will give the chest a clean, finished look. Be careful not to drill too deeply and damage the panel.

Malm Dresser Diy, Upcycled Ikea Dresser, Ikea Malm 6 Drawer Dresser Hack, Ikea Malm Chest Of Drawers Hack, Upcycle Ikea Drawers, Hemnes Drawers Hack, Malm Drawers Makeover, Ikea Malm Drawers Hack, Ikea Drawers Makeover

DIY Ikea Dresser Makeover | Ikea Malm Dresser DIY

a person standing next to a wooden bookcase on top of a hard wood floor

Ikea Hacking A Malm Into A Built-In Dresser | Young House Love

10 Clever Ways to Hack IKEA's Malm Series

Installing the Drawers

Now that the main structure of the chest is assembled, it's time to install the drawers. The MALM 6-drawer chest comes with six identical drawers. Each drawer has a groove on the bottom that fits onto the runner provided.

To install a drawer, first, locate the runner on the inside of the chest. The runner should be level with the bottom of the drawer. Apply a small amount of wood glue to the runner and insert it into the groove on the bottom of the drawer. Gently slide the drawer into the chest until it is fully seated.

Securing the Drawers

Once the drawer is in place, use the screws provided to secure it to the side panel. Locate the pre-drilled holes in the side panel and insert the screws. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten the screws. Repeat this process for all six drawers.

An IKEA Malm Dresser Hack That Only Costs $200 (But Looks Like It’s Worth $900)

6 hacks to add drawers to closets: Easy to hard IKEA DIY

a bedroom with built in wardrobe using ikea malm

Werbung | Ikea Kommode aufwerten #ikea #ikeahack #Büro

an ikea malm hack with the words ikea malm hack above it

a tv is sitting on top of a dresser in a room with carpeted floors

a white dresser sitting on top of a hard wood floor

Ikea malm drawer hack to single bed - Renovation Bay-Bee

a woman standing in front of a dresser next to a mirror and television set on top of a hard wood floor

21 Awesome Ikea Malm Hacks that will Make your Day

To ensure smooth operation of the drawers, apply a small amount of furniture wax to the runners. This will help reduce friction and make the drawers slide more easily.

Finishing Touches

With all the drawers installed, your MALM 6-drawer chest is almost complete. The final step is to attach the wooden plugs to the front of the chest. These plugs will cover the screw holes and give the chest a finished look. Apply a small amount of wood glue to the dowels and insert them into the holes in the front of the chest. Tap the wooden plugs into place using a rubber mallet.

Use a drill with a countersink bit to recess the screw heads into the wooden plugs. This will give the chest a clean, finished look. Be sure to wipe away any excess glue with a damp cloth.

Congratulations! You've successfully built the MALM 6-drawer chest. This stylish and functional piece of furniture will add both storage and a touch of modern design to your space. Enjoy your new chest and happy organizing!