IKEA is discontinuing the MALM chest of drawers

If you’ve recently visited IKEA’s website or one of its physical stores, you may have clocked a notice announcing that IKEA is discontinuing the popular MALM chest of drawers.

That’s right, this is your last chance to shop the iconic MALM range. But fear not as there will be a new range taking its place. However, this is a sentimental moment for many as they would have grown up with a MALM chest of drawers, first debuted in 2002, much like I did with a HEMNES one.

After all, IKEA MALM hacks are among the most popular IKEA hacks out there, since the design is so budget-friendly and makes for the perfect blank canvas for an easy DIY project.

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Over the years, there have been issues and concerns over the safety of both the MALM and HEMNES chest of drawers and their tipping hazard. This is why the new STORKLINTA range set to replace the MALM – and that looks almost identical to the original style – comes with a safety feature that prevents the pieces from tipping over.

‘Product development and democratic design is fundamental to IKEA,’ IKEA spokesperson said to Ideal Home. ‘Part of that is constantly evaluating, improving and adapting to the wants and needs of the many people. We know our products carry real and special meaning in homes all over the world and we are committed to meeting people in ways that reflect how they live today. As part of that commitment, parts of the MALM range will be phased out globally as we introduce more options built around the preferences and needs of people today.’

The safety feature doesn’t allow for more than one drawer to be open at the same time in order to prevent the risk of tipping. However, if you anchor the chest of drawers to the wall – as is recommended – this unlocks the safety and allows you to open all the drawers together.’

While the STORKLINTA chest of drawers is set to take the place of the MALM in the near future, at the moment, the STORKLINTA series only offers wardrobe doors, with the chest of drawers yet to launch in the UK.

Meanwhile, there are rumours of the IKEA HEMNES getting discontinued in the future, too. Especially since there have been the same tipping safety concerns surrounding it as with the MALM and the HEMNES is set to be discontinued in the US. Not to mention that the newly launched IKEA GULLABERG range looks strikingly similar to the HEMNES. But according to IKEA, the HEMNES is staying, at least for now.

‘Other IKEA families, including HEMNES will still remain and you will be first to hear of any changes,’ IKEA spokesperson says.

While it’s sad to see the classic MALM go, at the same time, the STORKLINTA style replacing it looks almost identical.

Not to mention that many other brands stock similar designs to the MALM these days. These are a few of my favourites, and they’re all even more affordable than the original MALM.

Exact dates and timelines are not yet confirmed, other than that the ranges of chests of drawers are going to be axed by the end of the year. But as soon as more information becomes available, we’ll be sure to let you know. So watch this space!