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🛠️ IKEA Malm Drawer Hack: Affordable & Stylish DIY Makeover

Plus: Urban answers some of the common questions

Author

@ ikeahack
April 29, 2023

Hej! Welcome to this week's newsletter, where we serve up a smorgasbord of tips and tricks that will take your DIY game to the next level.

Today’s estimated read time: 4 minutes and 27 seconds

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN TODAY:

  • How you can give your Malm dresser a unique look.

  • Urban answers a few readers’ Malm hack questions.

  • A new idea that might give you some inspiration.

IKEA HACK TUTORIAL ⭐️

This week, we were thrilled to share an amazing IKEA Malm Drawer Hack on Instagram by the creative @anotherfknflat, transforming ordinary drawers into a stylish, budget-friendly centerpiece for your home.

We understand that some of our readers may not have seen it, so we wanted to feature it here and provide additional insights from our in-house DIY expert, Urban Kantola.

Without further ado, let's dive into our step-by-step guide to achieve this stunning transformation!

WHAT YOU NEED: First, you'll need to gather your materials. Here's what you'll need:

  • IKEA Malm drawers

  • White primer & paint (optional) – We used Lick BLACK02

  • Wood timber – We used (L)2.4m (W)38mm (T)15mm packs from B&Q

  • Wood glue – We used EverBuild 5 Minute Polyurethane Wood Glue Gel from Tool Station

  • Spring clamps

  • Fine sandpaper

  • IKEA Malm glass top (optional) – for added protection

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Snag an IKEA Malm drawer set. Check out platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where you’ll often find fantastic deals on used furniture, perfect for a wallet-friendly hack.

Step 2: Lightly sand down all surfaces to prep for painting.

Step 3: Apply a coat of white primer to the drawer surfaces.

Step 4: Paint with your desired color (we recommend a couple of coats for the best result).

Step 5: Measure the length of the drawer fronts and cut the timber to the same length.

Step 6: Lightly sand the cut timber edges.

Step 7: Lay the timber pieces on one drawer front, spacing them evenly. We used cardboard cutouts to align the gaps between the pieces.

Step 8: Apply a thin line of wood glue down the center of each timber piece. Be cautious not to use too much glue, as it may seep out the edges while drying.

Step 9: Starting at one end of the drawer, place the timber flush to the edge and clamp it down for 10 minutes. Repeat this process on the opposite end of the drawer.

Step 10: Attach the remaining center timber pieces using the same method. Place another piece of timber diagonally across, clamping the edges and placing a heavy object in the center to help weigh down the timber.

Step 11: Complete these steps for all drawer fronts.

Step 12: Once finished, place the IKEA Malm glass top on the drawers for added protection, and voila! You’ve successfully completed the Affordable & Stylish: IKEA Malm Drawer Hack.

THE NORDIC EYE 🇸🇪

The above IKEA Malm drawer hack sparked quite the buzz on our Instagram page, with many DIY enthusiasts asking questions. Fear not; our in-house woodworking wizard, Urban, is here to help! With his expertise and attention to detail, he's ready to answer some of the most common questions we receive. Let’s dive in.

1. Are there any recommended paint or stain types or brands that would work best for this hack?

Urban: For paint, I would recommend using a high-quality acrylic or latex paint, as they are easy to work with, provide good coverage, and have great durability. Some popular brands include Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Behr. For stain, you can use water-based or oil-based stains, depending on your preference. Minwax and Varathane are well-regarded brands for wood stains.

2. How can I ensure that the trim pieces are properly aligned and evenly spaced on the drawer fronts?

Urban: To ensure that the trim pieces are properly aligned and evenly spaced on the drawer fronts, you can use a few methods. First, measure and mark the locations where the trim pieces should be placed on each drawer front. Using a level or a straight edge, check that your markings are level and parallel to the edges of the drawers. You can also create a template from a piece of cardboard or paper to maintain consistent spacing and alignment for each drawer.

3. Are there any alternative methods or materials to attach the trim pieces to the dresser, or is wood glue enough?

Urban: While wood glue is a popular choice for attaching trim pieces to the dresser, you can also consider other options. Using a combination of adhesive and nails, like brad nails or finishing nails, can provide extra stability and support, especially if you're working with larger or heavier trim pieces.

For this project, using wood glue alone should suffice. Therefore, I would ask you: why would you want small nail holes visible on your project? 🤷‍♂️

4. How long should I wait for the adhesive to dry before painting or staining the trim pieces?

Urban: The drying time for adhesives can vary depending on the type of glue and environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Generally, it is recommended to wait for at least 24 hours for the adhesive to fully cure before proceeding with painting or staining the trim pieces. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific adhesive you are using to ensure proper drying time.

We're always excited to see your creativity flourish and to support you on your DIY journey! If you have DIY questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your curiosity and passion inspire us, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Keep those questions coming, and let's continue creating amazing projects together!

- Urban

Just a friendly reminder to always use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when tackling your DIY projects. Wearing safety glasses, gloves, ear guards, and other appropriate safety equipment can truly be a game-changer in ensuring your safety. Let's make sure we're enjoying our creations without risking our well-being. Happy crafting and stay safe, friends!

Follow Urban at @thenordiceye

EXTRA IKEA SNACKS 🍿

At Home with Ashley Created a cozy bed nook using an IKEA Songesand bed, adding storage behind the headboard and integrating it into the framing.

Doubleteezy shares an innovative Method for Showcasing Polaroid Photos

This Creator shared 10 IKEA Kitchen Hacks to spice your Culinary Creativity Up

IDEA OF THE WEEK 💡

THE IDEA: Create a kitchen island with storage using IKEA Kallax shelves and a countertop.

THE INSPIRATION: 👇

THAT’S A WRAP. HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

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