Anything better for the price than Ikea Malm?

[Tisy]

I am adding additional drawer space to my new bedrooms and am struggling to find half decent quality at a reasonable price point. Not wishing to push the boat out to solid oak, price wise, but not wanting cheap-ass flimsy crap with plastic rails that snaps in 2 seconds, either.

Is there anything else I should be considering other than Ikea Malm drawers, which seem to be decentish quality with proper metal rails and a 'better than average' drawer depth meaning you can actually get more than 2 pairs of socks in them?

I've looked at Ikea Kullen range but the quality is absolutely shocking with cracked plastic runners even on the showroom models.

I've ruled out secondhand stuff due to silly price expectations and hassles with the logistics of needing someone who doesn't have a bad back/shoulder to grab the other end.

[ARHarh]

Upcycle some old furniture. Cheap as chips and a few hours to paint or clean up. Good quality stuff can be had for £20 - £30 easily.

I have recently done a post war utility furniture cupboard over 3 drawers. cost just over £40 all in.

[Tisy]

LR90 said:

OP - we have an IKEA Hemnes chest of drawers that's ten years old and still solid as a rock.

Thanks. Just noticed there's a TheRange store not far away and they have some stuff that could be worth a look.

Re secondhand stuff, as I said, logistics issues rule that out. Also, "upcycled" stuff I've seen nearly always translates into some 'tard painting it badly with a spoon and then renaming it "shabby chic". I don't want any of that crap in my house.

[ARHarh]

LR90 said:

ARHarh said:

Upcycle some old furniture. Cheap as chips and a few hours to paint or clean up. Good quality stuff can be had for £20 - £30 easily.

I have recently done a post war utility furniture cupboard over 3 drawers. cost just over £40 all in.

Where do you find this stuff, out of interest? Whenever I scour FB Marketplace, eBay etc. for similar stuff, it's usually furniture that's already been upcycled by some budding entrepreneur and sold at a premium.

OP - we have an IKEA Hemnes chest of drawers that's ten years old and still solid as a rock.

House clearance shops, charity shops, etc. Never looked on ebay or Facebook. Some can be found in antiques shops but that is rare. Most towns have a furniture recycling type charity shop. It takes time to find something but I am always looking, and often see stuff. Just yesterday I saw a 1950's Ercol dresser ripe for an upcycle, for £40.

[skeeterm5]

I think that IKEA is great stuff for the price if you put it together properly. I always add an extra support under the draw bottoms to support the middle to deal with the inevitable overfilling that happens and can push the bottom out..

Just add a ply strip along the bottom and glue and screw and it will last forever.

[jimothyc]

We managed to get a lot of high quality furniture from local auctions. Have a look at EasyLiveAuction for something local to you.

[megaphone]

It lasts for as long as it needs to, until it goes out of fashion.

[Pistom]

I've had Malm for in the region of 20 years - it's lasted well however upcycling is certainly a smarter if probably more expensive way to go unless you value your time for free or you enjoy doing stuff like that.

There's a lot of cheap alternatives online but Ikea is simple and reliable.

Quality is middle of the road but that's good enough for most of us.

[Byker28i]

We had two sets of the Malm, low set of 3 wide drawers in the bedroom in Wales, as the fitted under the eves of the loft bedroom. Had them 6 years before moving out and left them, still looked like new.

[beambeam1]

If you still go with the Ikea MALM option then have a look on FB or elsewhere for groups/pages that jazz them up a little. Etsy has a load of handles and toppers that can rejuvenate how the original units look.

[Danm1les]

We have had Malm stuff for yonks in various rooms and houses. Always worth getting the glass tops for them as its the top that gets chipped and this will stop that happening and keeping them looking like new.

[RotorRambler]

skeeterm5 said:

I think that IKEA is great stuff for the price if you put it together properly. I always add an extra support under the draw bottoms to support the middle to deal with the inevitable overfilling that happens and can push the bottom out..

Just add a ply strip along the bottom and glue and screw and it will last forever.

I’ve found the the Ikea stuff does have good reinforcement straps already TBH.
Other flat pack stuff doesn’t come close!
Often see good stuff in my local Hospice furniture store, they deliver too for a reasonable price.

[RotorRambler]

skeeterm5 said:

I think that IKEA is great stuff for the price if you put it together properly. I always add an extra support under the draw bottoms to support the middle to deal with the inevitable overfilling that happens and can push the bottom out..

Just add a ply strip along the bottom and glue and screw and it will last forever.

I’ve found the the Ikea stuff does have good reinforcement straps already TBH.
Other flat pack stuff doesn’t come close!
Often see good stuff in my local Hospice furniture store, they deliver too for a reasonable price.

[Gastons_Revenge]

I've had a couple of Malm bits. I've had the desk for years and it's held up very well, recently I bought a pair of the bedside tables off a mate who's had them for a few years and they're still mint.