Check out my Ikea Malm Dresser Hack! I turned two boring dressers into one large custom dresser with just a few basic tools. Free plans by Shanty2Chic!
I moved into my new home last summer and I am working so hard to get every room complete with custom-built furniture. My daughter’s room was at the top of my list. She is a new teenager and I wanted her to have her own space that she was comfortable in and loved. She has had a lot of change with a new school and town, I thought having her bedroom ready would be a good retreat for her, as she adjusts.
She was in need of serious clothes storage so a dresser was the first piece of furniture I built her! With the Texas summer heat and a huge list of to-do’s, I decided to hack a set of Ikea Malm Dressers. Dressers can be pricey right now and they take a lot of time to build. So, I got busy designing a custom dresser that I would create from two 4-drawer dressers.
So, let’s get started!
You can check out the how-to video I shared on our IG page here.
Make sure to grab the free plans and follow along with the how-to instructions below.
Click here to jump to the free printable plans!
IKEA Malm Hacks
Materials List:
Supplies:
Tool:
Assembling the Malm Dressers
Step 1: Building the Dressers
Follow the instructions to build the majority of the dressers. I did not attach the tops, backs or the front bottom trim. These pieces are not necessary for the final product.
Adding Trim to the Frames
Step 2: Middle Trim
After assembling both dressers, cut the middle trim pieces to size and attach them to the inside of dresser one, with my nail gun, 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue.
Step 3: Side Trim
Cut the side trim pieces to size and attach them to the outside, sides of both dressers with 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue. All trim pieces should be flush with the outside of the cabinet frame.
Joining the Dressers
Step 4: Bring the Dressers Together
Once the trim is all attached, bring the two dressers together, making sure they are flush with each other.
Use wood glue and 1 1/2″ wood screws to attach on the front and back side, through the inside of the dresser frame, into the middle trim. Do this on both sides of the dresser.
Base Trim
Step 5: Attaching the Base Trim
Cut the front, bottom base trim to size. Attach it to the front of the dressers with 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue.
Giving the Dresser a Top
Step 6: Adding the Top
Cut the project panel to size and attach it to the top of the dressers with 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue. There should be a 3/4″ overhang on both sides and the front. The back should be flush with the back of the dressers. You can also use wood slats for the top of the dresser.
Note: I stained the top and painted the dresser before attaching.
The Finish for my IKEA Hack
Step 7: Wood filler
Make sure to fill any of your exposed nail holes with wood filler and give it alight sanding (you can use a sander or sandpaper for this).
Step 8: Paint
I opted to stain the project panel and paint the base. I painted the cabinet base before attaching the top.
I used two coats of our FAVORITE paint by Valspar. It works so well for furniture, doors, trim and cabinets. We have used it for years, it requires zero sanding or priming and can paint directly over any paint (including oil-based). I had it tinted to Sherwin Williams Extra White.
Step 9: Stain
While the paint was drying, I applied one coat of Golden Oak stain by Varathane over the entire project panel.
I stained the top before attaching it to the dresser.
Step 10: Hardware
Once the stain and paint had dried, I got busy attaching a cabinet pull to each dresser drawer. You can get really creative with the hardware, from knobs, to pulls, there are so many different ways to style this piece and make it your own!
That was it!
This Malm Hack was such a fun, easy and needed project! I love that I was able to create a large custom-looking dresser out of two basic dressers. It’s so versatile, too. It would look great in an entryway, master bedroom, a family / living room or any spot you need a lot of storage space.
The possibilities to make this piece unique are unlimited. You could change up the drawer fronts with some cane webbing, splurge on some unique leather pulls or even add some texture with a paint technique, wallpaper or fabric.
I love how her room is coming along and I can’t wait to see it all finished. Next up, a nightstand!
Check Out Some of Our Other DIY Dresser Projects
IKEA Malm Dresser Hack
Check out my Ikea Malm Dresser Hack! I turned two boring dressers into one large custom dresser with just a few basic tools. Free plans and how-to tutorial by Shanty2Chic! Click here to download the full set of PDF plans including the shopping list!
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Miter Saw
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Drill
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Nailer
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Table Saw (optional)
- 2 1x6x8 Primed Pine Boards
- 1 3/4″x20″x6′ Unfinished Pine Board
- 1 1/2″ Wood Screws
- 1 1/4″ Brad Nails
- 8 Drawer Pulls
- 2 IKEA Malm Dressers
- Wood Glue
- Wood Filler
- Finish
Adding Trim
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After assembling both dressers (without backs, tops or bottom supports), cut the middle trim pieces to size and attach to the inside of dresser one with 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue.
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Cut the side trim pieces to size and attach them to the outside, sides of both dressers with 1 1/4″ brad nails and wood glue. Al trim should be flush with the outside of the cabinet frame
Joining the Dressers
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Once the trim is all attached, bring the two dressers together, making sure they are flush with each other. Use wood glue and 1 1/2″ wood screws to attach on the front and back side, through the inside of the dresser frame, into the middle trim. Do this on both sides of the dresser.
The Finish
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Now, you can fill your nail holes, paint and add some hardware!Make sure to share your builds with us on social media and use #shanty2chic so we can share them too!Happy Builiding!