12 Makeovers for the IKEA Dresser Everyone Owns

The best-selling MALM is virtually unrecognizable in these impressive DIY ideas. If you already own this discontinued dresser, don't forget to anchor it to the wall after your makeover. The heavy chest poses a dangerous tip-over risk, causing IKEA to recall it.

IKEA

The Original

The MALM dresser is one of IKEA's most popular items because it's simple, costs very little, and comes in a variety of finishes. But if you're tired of owning the same dresser as, well, almost everyone you know, try one of these DIYs to give it a brand new look.

IKEA, $$

Courtesy of Amanda Carol Interiors

Classical Chic

Stick-on overlays in a gold Greek key pattern give this white dresser a glamorous update without requiring a hammer and nails (meaning way less pressure if you don't like the final outcome).

[link href="http://amandacarolinteriors.com/2011/09/ikea-malm-dresser-goes-glam" target="_blank" link_updater_label="external"]Get the tutorial at Amanda Carol Interiors »

Courtesy of My DIY Habits

Green and Glossy

If you want to make this popular dresser look way pricier than it is, add on three (yep, three) coats of high gloss paint like this blogger did. The layers bring gorgeous depth to the finish.

Get the tutorial at My DIY Habits »

Courtesy of Oakland Avenue

Easiest Upgrade

Anthropologie knobs (swoon) give the clean-lined dresser just a hint of personality. While this DIY doesn't require any paint or brushes, it doesneed the help of a drill to create holes for the handles.

[link href="http://www.oaklandavenueblog.com/2013/11/oakland-avenue-home-tour-master-bedroom.html" target="_blank" link_updater_label="external"]See more at Oakland Avenue »

Courtesy of Sarah Hearts

Mod Modular Storage

File this under overachiever status: Here's a stylish revamp that sports overlays andnew handles. Two individual dressers were used to create a multifunctional area for clothing storage in this bedroom.

[link href="http://sarahhearts.com/2013-05-06/malm-dresser-1/" target="_blank" link_updater_label="external"]Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts »

Courtesy of Calling It Home

Vintage Glam

The cool undertone of retro mint green contrasts with the warm gold details. To make sure the new paint color stands up to the long haul, this blogger prepped the piece by sanding and priming thoroughly.


Get the tutorial at Calling It Home »

Courtesy of Harmonious

Statement Hardware

Vertical-oriented pairs of handles almost have a sculptural presence, giving the plain white dresser an unexpected elegance.

Get the tutorial at Harmonious »

Michael Partenio

Pulls With Presence

What you didn't spend on your dresser, you should put towards some heavy brass pull rings like this blogger did — the luxurious weight of the knobs makes the dresser feel way fancy.

Get the tutorial at Elements of Style »

Courtesy of Ikea Hackers

Ombre Love

Have you ever realized the MALM is the perfect height for a changing station? Just add a padded bed on top for your baby. (This blogger put two together to also add extra surface space.) Graduated hues of yellow give the station a cheerful personality.

Get the tutorial at Ikea Hackers »

Courtesy of Homey Oh My!

Campaign-Style Corners

This blogger painted the drawer fronts of her black MALM white, then added brass details at the corner that recall stately Campaign-style furnishings. (We love the coordinating pulls, which remind us of old-school letter boxes.)


Get the tutorial at Homey Oh My! »

Courtesy of Yellowfish

Bold Blue

This bright hue requires more upkeep (word to the wise: add a protective coat!), but is a far cry from the white, black, and wooden version found in IKEA stores everywhere. Plus, it just makes us happy.

Get the tutorial at Yellowfish »

Courtesy of Gold Star Women

Patterns That Pop

Here, dimensional overlays bring dramatic texture to the drawer fronts of a white MALM. The best part? The overlays attach using double-sided tape, making this one of the fastest DIYs of all time.

Get the tutorial at Gold Star Women »

Courtesy of Sugar & Cloth

Luxe Leather Pulls

Just because sometimes it's super annoying to have to pull MALM drawers out from the top (also, don't EVER do this with wet nails) why not add some leather straps to make life a little easier?

Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »

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11 IKEA Makeovers That Look Shockingly Luxe

By Lauren Smith