How to Attach Legs to an IKEA MALM Dresser

Many people want to add legs to an IKEA MALM dresser to give it a lighter and more elevated look. Raising the dresser off the floor can instantly make it feel more modern and better integrated with other furniture in the room.

The challenge is that attaching legs to MALM has traditionally been difficult. The underside of the dresser does not provide the right surface to mount universal fitting plates, especially for the back legs.

To solve this, we developed the MALM Bracket, a simple support piece designed specifically for this problem. Once installed beneath the dresser, it creates the correct attachment point so universal fitting plates and furniture legs can be installed properly.

In this guide we show how the MALM Bracket works and how to attach legs to your IKEA MALM dresser step by step.

Why it has been difficult to add legs to IKEA MALM

The IKEA MALM dresser was designed to sit directly on the floor. Because of this, the underside of the frame does not provide the right mounting surface for furniture legs.

Universal fitting plates normally solve this problem for many cabinets and dressers. On MALM however, there is no proper support where the back legs need to be placed.

This has made it difficult to attach legs neatly and securely.

The solution: the Prettypegs MALM Bracket

The Prettypegs MALM Bracket was developed to solve this exact problem.

It is a wooden support piece that installs beneath the dresser and creates the missing attachment point needed for universal fitting plates. Once installed, the back legs can be positioned correctly and securely.

This small structural addition makes it possible to elevate the MALM dresser in a clean and reliable way.

Before and after: IKEA MALM makeover with legs

To show what this upgrade can look like in practice, we transformed a standard IKEA MALM dresser using the MALM Bracket, new furniture legs and a painted finish.

By elevating the dresser and updating the surface, the piece instantly feels lighter and more custom. A simple structural change makes it possible to turn a familiar flat-pack piece into something that looks more integrated with the rest of the room.

If you are looking for more ways to upgrade this classic IKEA piece, explore our 11 guides on how to upscale your IKEA MALM.

Step by step: How to attach legs to IKEA MALM dresser

Before starting, make sure you are working carefully and following the installation instructions for both the bracket and the legs you choose. Once the bracket is installed, adding legs becomes a straightforward furniture upgrade.

If you are new to installing furniture legs, it can also be helpful to understand how mounting plates and fittings work. In our guide on how to change furniture legs: fittings and styling tips, we explain the basics step by step.

What you need

To attach legs to an IKEA MALM dresser you will need:

• Prettypegs MALM Bracket

• universal fitting plates

• furniture legs

• screws included with the products

• screwdriver or drill

• a soft surface to protect the dresser while working

Preparing all components before starting makes installation easier.

Step 1: Install the bracket

Start by attaching the two small support pieces to the underside of the dresser.

Place each piece along the back edge on the inside of the dresser frame. The flat side should face the dresser and the open U-shaped side should face outward. Align them so the top of the U-shape sits level with the bottom edge of the dresser sides.

Once positioned correctly, secure the pieces using the screws supplied with the bracket.

Next, insert the long bracket piece between the two mounted supports. Make sure the flat side of the bracket faces upward toward the dresser, while the shaped edge fits into the two support pieces.

Finally, fasten the long bracket using the pre-drilled holes so it attaches securely to the two mounted supports. Once installed, the bracket creates the stable connection point needed to mount the back legs.

Step 2: Attach the universal fitting plates

With the bracket in place, universal fitting plates can now be mounted in their proper positions. The plates connect the legs to the dresser and ensure a stable installation.

Make sure the placement is symmetrical so the dresser stands evenly.

Universal fitting plates make it possible to attach many different leg styles to furniture that was not originally designed for them. You can learn more about universal fitting plates for furniture legs here.

Step 3: Mount the legs

Once the fitting plates are installed, attach the furniture legs.

This step changes the appearance of the dresser immediately. A MALM piece that previously sat heavily on the floor now feels lighter and more refined.

Final check

Before using the dresser, make sure all screws are tightened and the legs stand evenly on the floor.

If your dresser is wall anchored, remember to reattach it according to IKEA's safety recommendations.

How to choose the right leg height for IKEA MALM

Once you know how to attach legs to an IKEA MALM dresser, the next question is usually which legs to choose. You can explore our full collection of furniture legs to find styles that work well with MALM.

Low legs (60–80 mm)

Low legs create a subtle lift while keeping the dresser close to its original design.

Pros: minimal visual change and very stable.

Considerations: smaller visual impact and limited space for cleaning underneath.

Medium legs (80–120 mm)

Medium-height legs are usually the best choice for most MALM setups. They create a noticeable lift while keeping the proportions balanced.

Pros: lighter appearance and often enough space for robot vacuums.

Considerations: slightly changes the original look.

High legs (120–170 mm)

Higher legs create a stronger transformation and make the dresser feel more like a freestanding piece of furniture.

Pros: airy look and easier cleaning underneath.

Considerations: changes the proportions more significantly.

Ready to hack your IKEA MALM?

If you’ve been looking for a way to add legs to an IKEA MALM dresser, the MALM Bracket makes it possible. Create the attachment point you need and transform a familiar piece into something lighter, more elevated and more personal.

Explore further

• How to change furniture legs: Fitting and styling tips

• 11 Guides on how to upscale your IKEA MALM

• 5 Easy ways to refresh your home without spending too much

• 12 Most loved furniture hacks of 2025 (Using Prettypegs)

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