Skip to main content

Seamless, integrated MALM drawers for walk-in closet

I decided to use the MALM chest of 4 drawers as the solution to an integrated drawer in a walk-in closet.

The MALM’s minimalistic and flat frontage made it a great choice for a project like this.

It was much simpler and cheaper to hack the MALM unit than build something bespoke.

IKEA items used:
  • MALM chest of 4 drawers, Oak veneer, 80x100cm
  • IKEA VIKEDAL mirrored doors to form the access to the walk-in closet area. One is used as a door, whilst the other is hung on “Z” brackets to form the illusion of a door (to create symmetry of design but also to throw light in to the room).
Other materials & tools used
Tools:
  • Saw (handsaw or chopsaw)
  • Screwdriver/drill driver and screws
  • Bucket (used for both the self-adhesive tape activation and mixing the filler)
  • Wall trowel / filler knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Paintbrush, rollers, etc.

Integrated MALM drawers hack instructions

Preparing the MALM drawers:

1.1. Install MDF on either side of the unit to meet the top piece. This will act as the edge of the unit that will be integrated with the MALM drawers.

walk in closet space - before

The closet space – before

1.2. Create a sturdy frame in 3”x2” timber, the same size as the footprint of the MALM unit, and attach the bottom.

This should raise the MALM unit from the floor enough for the skirting to pass seamlessly. (You may need to raise higher depending on the size of skirting board used in your room.)

studwork and plasterboard

Studwork in, starting to plasterboard and the MALM unit fitted

1.3 Lightly sand the drawer fronts and any other front-facing elements of the MALM unit.

1.4. Paint the drawer fronts and other front-facing elements of the unit with a suitable undercoat.

Creating the overall closet and installing MALM drawers in to the wall

2.1. Build stud walls using 3″x2″ timber. Ensure you leave enough room for your door casing for the door to hang within. (For my project, as I was using the VIKEDAL flush-mount door, this was simply a case of leaving a gap the width of the door).

2.2. Whilst building the stud wall, build in the MALM unit (as prepared earlier) and fit the stud-work to the top and sides of the unit. (This will make it really sturdy).

Note that you will need to ensure that the MALM unit protrudes exactly as much as the plasterboard so that you can get a flush look. Also check that the drawers still run freely and the unit remains square.

2.3 Once the studwork is all installed, run any cabling that you require (for lighting or power supply. Consult an electrician if necessary).

2.4 Install plasterboard on both sides of the stud wall.

plasterboard and opening to closet

Plasterboard completed. (You can also see the “z” brackets for the false door)

2.5. Install the door casing for the entrance to the closet.

Preparing the surface for paint

2.6. Tape all joints of the plasterboard, including taping around edges of the MALM unit (I used “Wet n Stick” self adhesive paper tape – it’s more expensive but much easier for novices)

Integrated MALM drawers in walk in closet

Plasterboard filled, sanded and base coat applied

2.7 Skim over the tape and screw holes of the plasterboard with dry wall filler, also known as “fine-fill”. This should take at least two coats, but you may choose to do more after sanding depending on the finish. (Multiple thin coats will get a much better result than thick coats.)

Integrated MALM drawers in walk in closet

Plasterboarded plus skirting board fitted

2.8 Once fully dried, sand the filler using fine sandpaper. (No harsher than grade 120 grit.)

2.9 Repeat 2.7 and 2.8 as necessary until you are happy with the finish. Pay particular attention to where the MALM unit meets the plasterboard – you want this to be seamless.

Painting the drawers and closet front

2.10 Paint the whole thing (walls, MALM unit and MALM drawers) in desired finish. It’ll need to be a tough paint as you will need to do the drawers and walls in the same finish to get a seamless result. (I used Dulux Easy Care matt emulsion due to its hardiness).

Integrated MALM drawers in walk in closet

Close up of the integrated MALM drawers

2.11 Connect / install any lighting or power sockets as appropriate (using an electrician if necessary).

2.12 Hang the VIKEDAL door to the door casing using the standard hinges.

2.13 With the second VIKEDAL, install “Z” hanging brackets to the rear and wall, and align with the Vikedal door. This should then look like two doors, but only one opens in to the closet.

Integrated MALM drawers in walk in closet

All done!

2.14 You can then install rails, shelving, etc inside the walk-in closet. (We maximised space by running them down each side, which is why we needed to only have one opening door).

Points 2.3 and 2.11 are optional depending on your circumstances and may require expert help from an electrician.

How long did it take?

In total it took approximately 4 days to complete the entire project but that includes the wider walk-in closet and the need for drying times (between coats of filler)

How much did it cost?

Cost of MALM unit (with Family discount) £40 and VIKEDAL doors including hinges £90.

Overall cost of building materials (for entire creation of the walk-in closet, including internal shelving and rails, c.£100)

What was the hardest part of this hack?

Ensuring the drawers and plasterboard / filling are perfectly flush. If they are even 1mm off then this could impact the overall look as you’d see the join.

What to pay special attention to?

You need to ensure the carcass of the MALM unit is firmly fixed in place to allow no movement when operating the drawers. When fixing in place you also need to ensure it remains true and square so that the drawers continue to line up and fit properly.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently?

Seriously, I’m not sure I would. I took a long time planning it and am very pleased with the result.

I would have liked to have completed it sooner. (We had a 5-month gap between starting and finishing the project due to a serious cycle accident at the start of the year, just as I’d started to build it!)

The end result is just what I imaged — the illusion of seamless integration with the wall. The drawers truly look like they’re part of the wall.

~ by Chris Moores

The post Seamless, integrated MALM drawers for walk-in closet appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SKÅDIS: 5 ways to make the IKEA pegboard even better

IKEA introduced its own pegboard system, SKÅDIS, two years ago and I’d say it’s one of the best systems IKEA launched in recent years. I love how super customisable it is, with a growing range of accessories that help keep things organized. It works everywhere, in your wardrobe to bathroom . Probably anywhere you have a flat surface to hang it up. Photo: IKEA.com SKÅDIS pegboard system See it on IKEA.com But no matter how perfect a system, you can trust IKEA hackers to improve on the SKÅDIS. And they’ve settle these 5 issues you may have faced with the handy IKEA pegboard. Read on for their fixes. 5 IKEA SKÅDIS issues and fixes #1 Expensive hooks? You’ll need quite a number of hooks and accessories to fill up the SKÅDIS pegboard, and Kenyer was shocked at how quickly they all added up. So he figured he could make his own hooks to save cost. Photo: Kenyer Over at Instructables , he shows us how to twist copper wires into the SKÅDIS hook shape. It works s...
Post a Comment
Read more

KALLAX desk ideas: Three ways to set up a workstation

Three great ideas for a KALLAX desk . #1 Compact, minimalist desk for laptop I put together a KALLAX desk for my laptop for just under 25 euros. Just a KALLAX 2×2 is needed. No other materials required. IKEA item used: KALLAX 2 x 2 (77 x 77 cm) KALLAX 2×2 | IKEA.com All you need to do is assemble 3 of the pieces in a U shape. That is all.  If you want to strengthen the structure you would need to drill a couple of holes in order to use the long middle shelf of the KALLAX unit as a back reinforcer. Easy and it works. ~ by Fabio Tudela #2 KALLAX standing desk I choose to stand at work because it makes me feel infinitely more productive. Our department recently moved into a new building and we had the opportunity to design our own spaces. Items Used: VIKA AMON / TORNLIDEN table top x 2 (discontinued, replaced by LINNMON ) KALLAX 4 cube x 2 KALLAX drawer unit x 2 8 – 3″ locking casters / wheels 1 – 6′ zinc brace I had a few VIKA AMON tables ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Amped up KURA bed with drawers and safety rail

We saw other KURA beds with storage drawers underneath on this site. So, we also wanted the same — to make space for LEGO s and wooden trains under the bed. We installed the additional headboard panels because the configuration of the room and the location of the windows in the room meant that we wanted the children’s heads on the right and the ladder on the left. The KURA plans did not seem to allow this configuration, though I have seen online that there are models of this bed from 2003 that allowed more options for setup. Additional safety features Safety rail panel for the lower KURA bed helps our two year old feel secure, as he just transitioned from a crib directly to this bunk. Likewise metal handles on the ladder. They added a lot of confidence for both the five-year-old and the two-year-old when climbing up to the top bunk. We are aware that the bunk is now even higher than before and both children are under 6. Use caution and common sense before making these modifi...
Post a Comment
Read more