IKEA MALM Bed Frames

Lasted through multiple relationships till it finally caved in (much like my mental health) – I’d relate the malm bed to the titanic. It doesn’t sink immediately, but when is does there’s little hope for any casualties. I had this bed for over 5 years, closer to 7? Idk I just woke up and still feel last nights valium induced sleep. Lately it’s just been my two dogs and I, but this bed has seen some things. When I had a chance to look at… Read more

what went wrong (besides my mom cheaping out on movers and making the head board detached, but that was not all or else I would not be writing this review from a mattress on my floor.

I lifted my mattress to find the wooden slats that seemed indestructabable on the day of purchase either curved more than the jokers smile in one of those horrible fan art pieces that usually only attract incels. The rest were either detached from their fabric or about to detach. The sides of the bed did not want to stay together (much like anyone who’s ever been with me lol) it was as though the bed had said “I’m through with this, can you please buy something else if you’re going to have so many people and animals on me, I am not a farm.

So I laid the bed to rest in front of my moms house (kinda sad I couldn’t keep it for memory sake, but I’ve also grown out of the all black furniture vibe).

I think I was about 22 when I got this bed and it was on a girlfriends request as I’d been using a pallet to sleep on (I also did other questionable things such as use bar soap for my hair) so like Ariana grande says thank you to my ex or whatever, I won’t name them all here, but they probably all had something to contribute in terms of me deciding to hop on the modern furniture train.

So yes I’d say this could last a child a life time just maybe no jumping on the bed or multiple kids jumping. As for an adult it depends on your lifestyle, did you buy it while trapped with your mother grieving your dead dad and your mother is treating you like a teenager trying to save your virginity? Then this bed will probably last you a long time.

Now if like me, the bed saw action for multiple years AND then you moved to your moms while emotionally messed up from multiple things, even the lack of action won’t save ya there pal, 5-7 year life span, so choose wisely.

Worst experience ever – Ordered the Malm bed frame and mattress last week, waited a whole day for the delivery this Tuesday. Did not come. Called customer service (1 hour wait time) three times which were unhelpful and refused to cancel the order. Fourth time a reasonable staff sorted it and finally received a refund. Had to sleep on the floor for the following nights.… Read more

Placed another order of the same bed to deliver on Wednesday because it was the earliest option I had. Only the mattress was delivered, bed frame disappeared. Customer service said they could "compensate" me with a free delivery of the same bed, which is essentially no compensation. Avoid purchasing anything from Ikea in Brisbane. Even if you do, DO NOT CHOOSE THE DELIVERY OPTION. The bed was average, just like any other IKEA products.

Good but quirky dimensions – Since this is new purchase, I cannot vouch for its durability or long term use. Looks are good, especially on darker floors/carpets ("stained white oak" color). We have bought a queen bed only to find it is narrower than the one we've had before. Upgraded to king size, had to buy a mattress as well. Turns out that king size is 2cm shorter than… Read more

the queen size (but much wider of course). The issue with being shorter is that the 4 boxes we have also bought do not fit, so we shall return 2 boxes and will keep only two. All four would fit under queen size, but not under king size! Be aware , buy only 2 boxes for king otherwise they will not go all the way "in" and "under" the side panel, but the face panels of boxes will touch the side of the frame and will not go in (too wide for slightly shorter King size). Queen is fine for all four but too narrow for my liking (152cm). No creak no rattling so far :) IKEA's return policy is excellent so you will be able to return (may need to hire a truck from Bunnings or IKEA if you don't have one).

All in all, use your ruler all the time, even check in store, check every dimension you can :) unless you live next door to an IKEA store.

Sweet dreams y'all!

A poorly-designed cheap product – This bed frame is easy to assemble, but it may not be possible to easily disassemble it later. I could not do it with the limited time I had (insufficient time to find real tools) and the supplied Allen wrench, so had to break the backboard apart (ruined it) to accomplish disassembly. Problem is the very poor, cast-zinc camlock design that locks… Read more

the side rails to the backboard. These get jammed from loading of the bed frame, but CANNOT take excessive torque without becoming uselessly cracked/stripped, which renders them permanently locked in place. The MALM bed frame backboard is real wood veneer, but the substrate is only hollow CARDBOARD honeycomb, so breaks apart with amazingly little effort. The cost of this unit was low, and after initial assembly, the bed frame did hold up OK for nearly two years, so I give it two stars. However, it is otherwise a poorly-designed product. I'm handy with tools, so will repair the busted backboard with lots of epoxy, Bondo, and screws and replace the useless camlocks with studs/nuts, but it will look like crap.

Innovative Storage Ideas – We went to the Richmond Ikea store a few years ago and after going through their store, we came across a MALM bed and especially the storage bed head which we found to be ingenious at the time. Although, the bed itself.... we didn't really like it that much, especially with the sharp corners for safety concerns including around children. … Read more

Instead of paying for new, we actually paid for ex-demo stock and found a beige coloured version in the clearance section of the Ikea store. What's more, lucky for us, we didn't have to spend a great deal of time assembling because it was already done other than the bed rest which just needed some basic assembling skills; re-aligning the wooden shelves and the plated glass in addition to some basic TLC.

In relatively perfect condition along with the head rest, the two strolling (trolley) storage carts that nicely conceals itself with the head rest; plus the plated transparent glass that sits on top of the cart.

Its suited our storage needs at the time.

The good thing was, the clearance section was right next to the loading bay of the car park and was easily mobile to place it into the back of our SUV... a much better experience than say IKEA Springvale.

Once we got it home, we have continually used it for various circumstances, both as front and rear bed heads.

Using it in the frontal position creates a balancing act, just so you would normally have to be careful not to knock the units; since bed heads are normally found in the rear of the bed frame; it'll sit snuggly against the wall and the bed frame as opposed in the front position with little support.

I believe if IKEA or just using some wood work know-how, replacing the T-junction chip-board wood with say... a stronger and thicker piece of either MDF or other types of stronger wood sources; it can act as a usable shelf for holding just about anything. Though ensuring that the replaced T-junction does not impede the two side trolley carts that are generally hidden from plain view.

Since opting for a storage bed, we have since moved the entire unit into the kitchen area where it is used for other purposes. Very smart storage capabilities; invisible if used properly; can hold a lot of weight; comes in several colours if bought new to match your furniture T-junction support a bit weak; mobile wheels are not omni-directional;

Exceeded expectations – My daughter and I put this bed together on our own and she just loved it. Doesn’t freak. Good firmness / softness. Storage underneath better. Fits nicely in her room. Solid frame.  Show details

Solid and Cheap – Was one of the easiest thing to build Ive ever found from ikea. the wood is really light but really strong. Typical IKEA quality which was impressive. Will withstand quite the bedroom shenanigans.  Show details

Easy to assemble and affordable – I have bought two of these from Ikea and very happy with them. The price is not that expensive and easy to be assembled. I assemble both bed frame by myself and the instruction is easy to be followed.  Show details

Malm bed queen – Around 12 months the creaking became apparent and kept getting worse. You tube full of ideas to fix but didn’t work Ikea didn’t want to refund as I didn’t alert them until after 12 months but I truly believe a manufacturing fault. Purchased in 2019 and I note still an issue (seeing review from September 2022). Ikea need to change their construction of this product. Show details

Can not sleep on this bed – This bed creaks so badly that you can not sleep. The slats are not the correct size. The slightest movement is unbearable creaking sounds. Show details

Squeaky squeaky squeaky!!!! – This bed was not easy to assemble because the way the side boards connect to the headboard and footboard are odd round things that you have to get just right (took me about an hour to make them fit correctly. The very first time I got on the bed it made a lot of creaking noise. I've tightened the screws up and now it will make noise from the… Read more

smallest movement. Aside from waking you when you turn over in your sleep it's just to loud for people to ...."make whoopie" without the whole house hearing the bed. I think the noise is from the small slats that hold the matress up and from the odd bolt connections from foot/headboards to side boards. DONT BUY THIS BED!

Non-stop creaking – This bed was difficult to set up - took way too long, and only had one week with no creaking but ever since it has creaked. Disassembled-reassembled to try and fix but didn’t. Had this bed for 4 months now and is still bad Show details

Cheap squeaky bed – Quite easy to assemble, but has been squeaking since first week of sleeping, has to tighten the screws once a week to reduce squeaks for a good sleep, terrible and would not recommend. Show details

Squeaking non-stop – Assembly wasn't bad but have tired everything to fix this god damn squeaking. Would return it if I could find my receipt and be done with terrible cheap IKEA products .. Show details

Malm assembly difficult – Parts of the assembly were difficult or impossible (the silly metal criss-cross bars had the wrong screw sizes). The slats had to be individually inserted and there was little info in the instructions how to do it. Figure a ten hour job. Wouldn't recommend. Show details

Gas lift bed frame – Communivation was ok via email. Until I received a bed frame with wrong bar and then no answer over almost a week. Things scattered on floor, causing me stress of messy bedroom and loss of money. Never order online Show details

Unable to assemble due to wrong items packaged within – I had the packaging home delivered and found that the screws provided to assemble the support under the wooden bed slats are of the wrong size. It all came from the packaging within which is a disappointment. I tried to ring IKEA twice to only have my phone cut off after being on hold for 20 minutes and another for 15 minutes. I would appreciate if IKEA could get back to me to resolve the issue.  Show details

Time waster and lowest quality material – The Drawers dont fit under King bed and a joint whole broke after assembled the 4th time ( moved a lot lately)Extremely cheep material, accessories like drawers, side tables dont always fit to all Malm bed!  Show details

Stylish and steady – I have been sleeping on this bed frame for approximately 2 years now. My favourite part of the bed frame is they allow 4 drawers to be under the bed which is an optional purchase. It's very convenient as I use it to store my clothes and shoes. The bed is also very steady and strong, it does not make noises when you lay on it.  Show details

The worst bed I have ever bought – I bought Malm double. Difficult to assemble, supplied with 2 single Luroy wooden bed slats that balance side by side on the central bed frame support so fall out with the slightest movement. Drawers don't fit properly. I am accustomed to Ikea furniture assembly and have dismantled and reassembled the bed and drawers again with no improvement. My worse Ikea purchase ever!!  Show details

Decent cheap bed – The bed frame is difficult to assemble without a drill. The supporting beams are difficult to screw in, and the bed frame is very squeaky. The corners of the bed is also quite painful to walk into!  Show details

Bad idea to discontinue low profile – IKEA changed the whole design of the MALM low profile bed frame making it not a low profile bed. Very disappointing when one wants another low profile bed. The high bed frame does not offer the effect of a low profile which was original MALM bed. If you are buying a MALM, make sure you know the design changed.  Show details

Simple but not the best quality – These bed frames are not made from the best wood but are sturdy nevertheless. Would not suggest buying it at full price, but they are more worth it if you catch it on sale. They also come with optional drawers.  Show details

Drawers don't fit! – Be wary, we ordered the king malm bed and the drawers didn't fit. When we returned the bed, we were informed that there is an old version that has been out for years and those drawers are slightly to big. Make sure you get the latest version king bed drawers!!  Show details

Bed – Fabulous I am happy with my bed that I have got from you’s and it that strong and the money I spent it worth it and my bed side tables are fabulous as well  Show details

Good looking frame, squeaky with every little move – I bought the king size bed frame as I was attracted by the design and storage drawers. I thought it looked sturdy, however with every little movement it makes a squeaking noise. I've taken the mattress down and re-tighten all the screws. It still squeaks whenever I'm on it. I regret getting it as I'm always cautious and try to make minimal movement in fear of the slat/frame breaking.  Show details

Do NOT buy this bed!!!! – From the day I purchased the King Sized Malm platform bed, the slats do NOT stay put. I have even gone so far as to have two pieces of particle board cut to rest under the mattress and the slats STILL fell out. I have replaced the rails, I have taken the bed apart and put it back together man times, I've used longer screws....I hate this bed and can't wait to get another one!  Show details

Good for the price – It's just a bed frame. Nothing special. Aside from the simple looks, it's utterly practical and of decent quality. I purchased it second hand for next to nothing and have had no issues with it over the last 2 years. There's no squeaks and it's feels stable and solid.  Show details

Never a quiet moment – This is hands down the worst bed I have ever used. So much so that when we move, we will probably have to pay someone to take it. Every little move you make makes the entire bed squeak so loud it will wake your neighbors up. It is constantly making noise. Even if you're able to fall asleep, good luck staying asleep if you breathe too much.  Show details

The bed slats fall at the slightest weight. Terrible bed – This bed is new to me and as a student I bore the cost in mind considerably. The bed design is nice but the slats are unreliable. I am constantly having to lift up the mattress and fix the slats underneath as they become crooked and the whole mattress slants. Awful design.  Show details

Storage problem – Hi my names megan and I have bought the 200cm (king) malm bed and drawers for underneath storage but the drawers do not fit properly?? what should I do, i dont want to take the drawers back so i have to make up news again  Show details

Noisy, squeaky - awful bed! – The design of the bed is nice and the storage drawers underneath are good - although a little shallow. The bed itself makes clunking, squeaking sounds at even the slightest movement. It's the king size bed which comfortably holds two people - but the noise it makes when you move or roll over keeps me awake at night if my partner so much as… Read more

breathes too heavily! Awful and such a disappointment as a previous Ikea bed was not like this. I would NOT recommend this bed to anyone!!!

Bought it second-hand, built it together myself and it's GREAT! – I bought this bed off someone else, so I had to build it back together again after they disassembled it. You would think that taking it apart and all would make it squeaky after or damage it, but quite the contrary! It was still exceptional quality and I've now had it for half a year. The bed head is moving a bit when you lean into it, that's… Read more

just because of the way it was designed, pretty much only held there by two screws, that's the only thing I'd critique. Other than that, I love this bed, the way it looks, the strong build (I work for a well-known home improvement store, so I know a thing about quality or two).

Definitely recommend it!

Ikea furniture never disappoints :)