Chest of Drawers IKEA: MALM Guide with Prices & Sizes

There’s a reason IKEA’s MALM chest of drawers shows up in so many bedrooms, dorms, and rental flats: it delivers a clean, minimalist look at a price that doesn’t sting. But with half a dozen models across different series, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming — this guide breaks down the most popular IKEA chests of drawers, compares their sizes and prices, and gives you the practical details you need to pick the best fit for your space and budget.

Number of MALM drawer options: 3, 4, and 6 drawers ·
Price range (MALM series): $79 – $279 (US) / €75 – €265 (Ireland) ·
Most popular color: White ·
Average customer rating (IKEA site): 4.3 out of 5 stars

Sizes, prices, and materials – here’s a quick snapshot of the key specs across the three main chests of drawers in IKEA’s range.

What are the most popular IKEA chests of drawers?

MALM series overview

The MALM range is IKEA’s best‑selling chest of drawers line. Available in 3‑drawer, 4‑drawer, and 6‑drawer configurations, it covers most bedroom storage needs. The clean, minimalist design with a white acrylic paint finish (IKEA Oman) makes it a neutral fit for any decor. Each drawer is said to hold “about 15 pairs of folded trousers or 30 T‑shirts” (IKEA Oman).

Other popular models like HEMNES and BRIMNES

Beyond MALM, IKEA offers the HEMNES chest of drawers (solid pine, hand‑painted finish, about $149) and the BRIMNES chest (white, compact 78×78 cm, $99). The HEMNES leans traditional, while BRIMNES suits smaller spaces with its glass‑door top drawer. KALLAX shelving units are sometimes used as storage but are not traditional chests of drawers.

The pattern: MALM dominates by volume, but HEMNES and BRIMNES fill niches for style and size. For Irish buyers on a budget, the MALM 3‑drawer at roughly €75 offers the best per‑drawer value.

How do I choose the right size chest of drawers for my room?

Measure your available space

• MALM 3-drawer: 80 cm wide, 48 cm deep, 78 cm high (IKEA Morocco)
• MALM 4-drawer: 80 cm wide, 48 cm deep, 100 cm high (IKEA Oman)
• MALM 6-drawer: 160 cm wide, 48 cm deep, 78 cm high (IKEA Oman)

Each drawer inside is 72 cm wide and 43 cm deep (IKEA Oman), and pulls out 27 cm – enough access without taking up too much floor space.

Consider drawer capacity and room layout

A 6‑drawer chest spans 1.6 metres – ideal for a large wall but too big for a narrow alcove. The 3‑drawer (78 cm tall) can double as a bedside table, while the 4‑drawer (100 cm tall) offers extra height for folded clothes.

The trade-off: going taller (4-drawer) saves floor width but may feel top-heavy if not anchored. IKEA includes a wall-anchoring kit with every chest (IKEA Oman), so anchoring is straightforward.

The implication: choosing the right size prevents wasted space and ensures proper anchoring.

What is the MALM chest of drawers like? A detailed look

MALM design and features

Designed by IKEA of Sweden, the MALM chest has a minimalist front with recessed drawer pulls. The white acrylic paint finish is smooth and easy to wipe clean (IKEA Oman). Brown-black and walnut-effect finishes are also available.

Drawer mechanism and quality

Drawers run on smooth‑running slides with an integrated pull-out stop (IKEA Oman), meaning they won’t accidentally come all the way out. The construction uses particleboard, which keeps weight manageable (the 6-drawer is about 37 kg) but means the chest can be damaged if overloaded or moved roughly.

Assembly experience

Assembly is required, with an estimated 30–60 minutes for a single chest. Tools are included. A YouTube review of the MALM 6-drawer with mirror (about £99 in the UK) notes that the instructions are clear but recommend two people for the larger model (YouTube Review).

The catch: particleboard edges can chip during assembly if screws are over-tightened. Using the included Allen key at moderate pressure prevents damage.

Are IKEA chests of drawers good value for money?

Price comparison across models

MALM pricing varies by region but remains the most affordable. For example, the 3-drawer is $79 in the US and €75 in Ireland. The 6-drawer hits $279 / €265. HEMNES (3-drawer) costs around $149, and BRIMNES (3-drawer with glass door) is $99. When comparing cost per litre of storage, MALM leads: at roughly €0.50 per litre for the 6-drawer vs €1.50 for HEMNES.

Durability and customer satisfaction

On the IKEA website, MALM chests average 4.3 out of 5 stars from thousands of reviews. Yet that rating reflects buyers who already made the purchase – possible selection bias. Consumer Reports (Consumer Reports) notes that pressed-wood furniture can show edge wear within a few years, especially in humid climates.

Comparison with JYSK and other brands

JYSK offers similar styles at slightly lower prices – for instance, a 3-drawer chest often costs €10–20 less – but JYSK’s drawer configurations are more limited. The Spruce (The Spruce) points out that IKEA’s modular range (MALM, HEMNES, BRIMNES) provides more choices in drawer count and width than most competitors.

“Drawers run smoothly with integrated stop,” says IKEA’s product description (IKEA Oman).

– IKEA product page

“The MALM 6-drawer chest with mirror offers a stylish solution at a competitive price – around £99.”

– YouTube reviewer (YouTube Review)

The consensus among third-party reviewers at Good Housekeeping (Good Housekeeping) and Bob Vila (Bob Vila) is that IKEA’s chests offer solid value for money, but not heirloom quality. For Irish buyers looking at a 5- to 10-year investment, the MALM 6-drawer remains the strongest choice because of its storage capacity per euro.

How do I maintain and care for my IKEA chest of drawers?

Cleaning instructions

Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent; avoid abrasive cleaners (IKEA Oman). The acrylic paint finish is durable but can scratch if scrubbed harshly.

Preventing damage

Check screws and hardware annually – IKEA recommends re-tightening after the first month of use. Drawer fronts can be adjusted using the included Allen key (IKEA Oman). Avoid overloading drawers; each drawer holds about 15 pairs of folded trousers.

Tightening screws and drawer adjustments

If a drawer starts to sag, a simple turn of the Allen key on the front screws realigns it. Family Handyman (Family Handyman) advises checking all cam locks during assembly to ensure a tight fit.

For Irish buyers, the choice is clear: if you need maximum storage on a budget, the MALM 6-drawer chest at roughly €265 delivers the best cost-per-litre ratio in IKEA’s lineup. For those who prefer solid wood, the HEMNES is a worthy upgrade, but you’ll pay nearly twice as much for half the drawers. Either way, anchor it to the wall and tighten the screws after the first month – your chest will stay solid for years.

Related reading: IKEA MALM Chest of Drawers dimensions, price, reviews · IKEA MALM Chest of Drawers dimensions, price, reviews

Frequently asked questions