IKEA Chest of Drawers – Malm vs Hemnes Guide

IKEA offers one of the most extensive ranges of chest of drawers available today, with models spanning budget-friendly options to solid wood constructions designed for decades of use. Two of the most discussed lines—the MALM and the HEMNES—are now approaching their final chapters, as IKEA has announced these collections will be discontinued by the end of 2026. For shoppers weighing their options before these models disappear from store shelves, understanding the differences in materials, safety considerations, and real-world performance becomes essential.

This guide cuts through the marketing language to deliver a fact-based comparison of what these IKEA chests actually offer, backed by specifications, user experiences, and safety data. Whether furnishing a nursery, upgrading a bedroom, or simply maximizing storage in a compact space, the right information can make the difference between a purchase that lasts and one that creates problems.

What Are the Best IKEA Chests of Drawers?

Determining which IKEA chest of drawers represents the best choice depends heavily on priorities: budget, available space, intended use, and expected durability. The MALM and HEMNES lines dominate buyer consideration, but understanding their comparative strengths requires examining specific use cases rather than relying on general impressions.

The HEMNES line has earned consistent praise for its solid wood construction, with reinforced metal brackets supporting the larger drawers. Reviewers frequently cite its durability and suitability for long-term use, including as a changing table in nurseries. The 96-centimeter height aligns with optimal diaper-changing ergonomics, and the generously sized surface accommodates standard changing pads comfortably.

The MALM, by contrast, targets a different market segment. Its minimalist, sleek design comes in four color options—white, white stained oak veneer, gray stained, and black-brown—making it versatile for various interior styles. The price point of €99.99 positions it as an accessible entry point, though some durability concerns have surfaced in user reviews, including reports of pieces breaking during assembly and drawers potentially warping over time due to thinner bottom boards.

• All MALM and HEMNES models ship with free anchor kits as standard since 2017
• The HEMNES 8-drawer version offers significantly more storage capacity than the standard 3-drawer configuration
• MALM drawers feature smooth glides designed for easy operation, though some users report long-term reliability issues
• Both lines work with compatible changing table toppers, making them suitable for nursery applications
• The MALM’s 100-centimeter height is also considered ideal for most parents when used as a changing surface
• Consumer feedback indicates the HEMNES outperforms in longevity, while the MALM excels in initial value proposition

Are IKEA Chests of Drawers Safe?

Safety concerns around IKEA dressers peaked following a massive recall in 2016, when the Consumer Product Safety Commission required the company to recall approximately 29 million chests and dressers after multiple incidents of tip-over-related injuries and fatalities, particularly involving young children. Understanding what has changed since then directly informs current safety assessments.

The 2016 Recall and Industry Response

The recall centered on unstable chests that lacked proper anchoring mechanisms. IKEA faced significant legal and reputational consequences, ultimately agreeing to provide free anchor kits to affected customers and redesigning several models to improve stability. The incident also prompted the development of stricter standards for clothing storage units, culminating in ASTM F2057, which establishes performance requirements for drawer storage units to resist tip-over.

The MALM specifically carries a higher inherent tip-over risk compared to heavier solid wood alternatives like the HEMNES. This is largely due to its particleboard frame construction, which weighs less than solid wood equivalents. The HEMNES, being made of solid pine and therefore heavier, presents less tipping hazard, though IKEA still recommends wall anchoring for safety regardless of model.

Current Safety Standards

Modern IKEA chests sold in the United States are designed to meet or exceed ASTM F2057 requirements. This standard mandates that clothing storage units up to 30 inches tall must resist tip-over forces without anchoring, though IKEA extends this philosophy to all heights. Independent testing by organizations like Consumer Reports evaluates dresser stability, drawer extension forces, and overall construction quality.

The current lineup—including both MALM and HEMNES—ships with anti-tip hardware as a standard inclusion. Assembly instructions across all models emphasize the importance of proper wall attachment, and warning labels appear prominently on packaging and instruction sheets. IKEA’s dedicated safety page outlines replacement programs and provides video guides for anchoring installation.

How Do You Assemble an IKEA Chest of Drawers?

Assembly complexity varies considerably between the MALM and HEMNES lines, primarily due to material differences and construction approaches. Both models arrive flat-packed with detailed illustrated instructions, though the actual experience differs in meaningful ways.

MALM Assembly Considerations

The MALM’s particleboard components are pre-drilled and designed for straightforward two-person assembly. The smooth-glide drawers arrive pre-assembled on their tracks, reducing the number of moving parts during setup. However, some buyers have reported issues with drawer alignment after assembly, and a minority of reviewers mention pieces arriving damaged or with defects that complicate installation.

HEMNES Assembly Considerations

The HEMNES requires more substantial assembly due to its solid wood construction and reinforced drawer mechanisms. The reinforced metal brackets that support larger drawers add complexity but contribute to long-term durability. This model benefits significantly from two-person assembly, particularly when attaching the heavy solid wood panels. Assembly time typically exceeds the MALM by 30-50 percent depending on experience level.

What Are the Key Specs and Prices for IKEA Chests?

Direct specification comparisons reveal material and dimensional trade-offs that impact both price and long-term value. The following breakdown applies to the standard configurations most commonly available.

Detailed Specifications

The HEMNES commands a premium price reflecting its solid wood construction, with the standard 3-drawer model priced at €199.00 in European markets and the larger 8-drawer configuration reaching $399.99 in the United States. The MALM offers more accessible pricing at €99.99 for the standard configuration, though 3-drawer and 6-drawer variants provide flexibility depending on space and storage requirements.

Availability and Discontinuation Timeline

IKEA has confirmed that both the HEMNES and MALM lines will be discontinued by the end of 2026, replaced by newer models including STORKLINTA and GULLABERG. This means the current versions represent the final iterations available through the discontinuation date. For shoppers considering these models, stock availability may tighten in coming months as IKEA transitions production toward successor lines.

A Timeline of IKEA Dresser Safety Events

Understanding the safety landscape for IKEA chests requires context of the events that shaped current standards. The following timeline traces key developments from reported incidents through industry-wide changes.

1. 2014-2015: Tip-over incidents involving MALM and other IKEA dressers begin accumulating, with several fatalities reported, primarily involving young children.
2. June 2016: The CPSC announces a massive recall affecting approximately 29 million IKEA chests and dressers sold in the United States. IKEA agrees to provide free repair kits and improve design stability.
3. 2017 onward: All IKEA dressers begin shipping with complimentary anchor kits as standard. Redesigned feet and improved construction methods implemented across product lines.
4. 2019: ASTM F2057 standard officially updated to establish stricter requirements for clothing storage unit stability, influencing industry-wide design practices.
5. 2024: IKEA announces continuation of safety campaigns and free anchor kit programs as MALM and HEMNES enter final production phases before 2026 discontinuation.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?

Transparency about what verified information exists versus areas of uncertainty serves readers better than presenting incomplete pictures as definitive answers.

The Broader Context: Comparing IKEA Chests to Alternatives

IKEA occupies a distinct position in the furniture market, balancing affordability against construction quality. For chests of drawers specifically, competing options range from mass-market retailers to custom cabinetmakers, each with trade-offs worth understanding.

The MALM’s particleboard construction places it in direct competition with similar offerings from other flat-pack furniture brands. Its advantage lies in the IKEA ecosystem—standardized parts, widespread availability of replacement hardware, and decades of assembly tutorials. The HEMNES competes differently, targeting buyers willing to pay more for solid wood that can potentially last generations but without the investment required by custom furniture.

Alternative approaches include modular systems like the IDÅSEN line, which features a steel frame with configurable wood panels, offering greater flexibility but at a different price point. For those prioritizing sustainability, solid wood options from smaller manufacturers often provide better repairability and longer service life, though at premium pricing that may exceed the HEMNES.

Sources and Official Statements

Several authoritative sources inform the factual basis of this comparison. IKEA’s official newsroom provides confirmation of discontinuation timelines and ongoing safety programs. Consumer Reports has published detailed testing data on dresser stability and construction quality. The CPSC recall documentation remains publicly available for reference, and ASTM standards provide industry benchmarks against which IKEA products are measured.

The CPSC recall documentation states that IKEA chests and dressers recalled in 2016 were associated with multiple tip-over incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities, prompting the largest furniture recall in American history.

Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2016

IKEA’s safety commitment includes providing free anchoring hardware for all affected products, with ongoing programs to ensure every customer can secure their furniture safely.

IKEA Safer Homes Initiative

Summary and Recommendations

The choice between IKEA’s MALM and HEMNES chests of drawers ultimately reflects a balance between immediate budget and long-term priorities. The MALM delivers clean aesthetics and accessible pricing at €99.99, making it suitable for renters, first-time homeowners, or those furnishing spaces where furniture turnover is expected. Its higher tip-over risk demands consistent wall anchoring, and some durability concerns merit consideration for heavy daily use.

The HEMNES justifies its premium pricing through solid wood construction and reinforced drawer mechanisms, offering superior durability and a classic Scandinavian aesthetic that ages well. Its compatibility with changing table toppers makes it particularly suitable for nursery applications where the 96-centimeter height aligns with ergonomic standards.

With both lines approaching discontinuation by the end of 2026, current stock represents a closing window for those specifically seeking these models. The anchor kit inclusion standard since 2017 addresses historical safety concerns, though proper installation remains the consumer’s responsibility. For those seeking related guidance on maximizing storage throughout the home, understanding how to organize bathroom cabinets effectively complements bedroom storage decisions.