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Used MALM dresser and bed: the guide (and the anti-tip safety rule)
Aggiornato il 2026-06-17
Why MALM works well second-hand
MALM has been one of IKEA's best-sellers for years: 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-drawer chests, beds, dressing tables and nightstands share clean lines and stable finishes (ash veneer, white, black-brown, grey). That longevity is an asset second-hand — the same finish is easy to match, and common wear parts stay available in the catalogue.
It is also made in huge volumes, so it is common in second-life areas: with an alert you quickly spot a well-priced chest in your stores instead of scanning shelves by hand.
Safety: a chest of drawers is ALWAYS anchored to the wall
This is the most important point here. A tall chest can tip over if a child opens or leans on the drawers. IKEA ships its chests with a wall-anchoring (tip-over) restraint; a second-hand unit often arrives without that hardware.
- Plan for a wall-anchor kit: IKEA sells them for a few euros, and anti-tip straps are widely available.
- Anchor the chest before use, especially around children — do not wait.
- Check that drawers slide without forcing: a damaged runner tempts you to pull hard, which makes tipping worse.
Specific checkpoints
MALM is veneered board: the surface looks good but the veneer chips on edges and around screw holes if it has taken damp or knocks. Check the corners, the top (object marks, cup rings) and the drawer bottoms, a thin board that can bow under weight. On a MALM bed, check the slatted base and the joining fittings, usually the first to develop play.
What to pay
Aim for 40-60% off new for a chest in good condition, more if the veneer is marked or a drawer sticks. Factor in a wall-anchor kit if you need to buy one. Each reference's page on this site shows your region's current new price and today's second-life offers, with an alert the moment a MALM appears near you.