Kullen Vs. MALM Dresser: A Comprehensive Comparison For Your Bedroom

I stood in the middle of IKEA’s sprawling furniture section, overwhelmed by the sleek lines of dressers stretching out before me. My mission? To choose between the Kullen and MALM dressers for my bedroom. Both are iconic, affordable, and promise to tame my clothing chaos, but which one fits my life best?

In this article, I’ll walk you through my journey of comparing these two IKEA staples, breaking down their features, pros, cons, and quirks.

By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which dresser suits your space, style, and budget.

A Brief Comparison Table

My First Impressions of Kullen And MALM

Walking through IKEA, the Kullen and MALM dressers caught my eye for different reasons. The Kullen, with its slightly softer, more traditional vibe, felt approachable and budget-friendly. Its rounded edges and simpler design screamed practicality, like a trusty friend who’s always there when you need them.

The MALM, on the other hand, exuded a modern, almost futuristic elegance. Its clean lines and smooth surfaces made it look like it belonged in a chic urban loft. Both dressers promised functionality, but their differences in style, build, and price set the stage for my deep analysis.

Design and Aesthetic: Kullen’s Charm Vs. MALM’s Sleekness

Let’s talk looks. The Kullen dresser has a traditional aesthetic that feels warm and inviting.

Its rounded edges and slightly bulkier frame give it a classic, almost vintage feel, perfect for cozy bedrooms or spaces leaning into cottage-core vibes.

Available in black-brown and white, it’s versatile but doesn’t scream “trendy.”

I noticed the Kullen’s design is less about making a statement and more about blending in, which works if you want furniture that doesn’t demand attention.

The MALM, however, is the cool kid on the block. Its minimalist design, with flat surfaces and sharp, clean lines, fits perfectly in modern or Scandinavian-inspired spaces.

Available in a wider range of finishes—white, oak veneer, black-brown, and even high-gloss options—it feels like a canvas for personalization. I could imagine it in a sleek apartment or a minimalist dorm room. The MALM’s smooth, almost glossy look gives it an edge for those who want their furniture to feel contemporary and polished.

Materials And Build Quality: A Tale of Trade-Offs

When I started comparing the materials, the differences became clearer. The Kullen is made of particleboard with a foil finish and uses plastic drawer slides. It’s lightweight, which makes it easy to move, but this comes at a cost.

The plastic slides feel flimsy, and I could tell they might not hold up under heavy use.

Several users on forums like Reddit have mentioned the Kullen feeling “cheap” or wobbling over time, especially if you’re stuffing the drawers with heavy items like jeans or sweaters.

The MALM, by contrast, uses particleboard with a veneer finish and metal drawer slides. This makes it sturdier and smoother to operate.

When I tested the drawers in-store, the MALM’s slides glided effortlessly, while the Kullen’s felt a bit sticky.

The veneer on the MALM also gives it a slightly more premium look, though it’s still not solid wood. However, the MALM’s heftier build means it’s harder to move, which could be a hassle if you’re someone who rearranges furniture often or relocates frequently.

Price Point: Budget Vs. Investment

Price was a big factor in my decision. The Kullen is undeniably the budget champ. A 2-drawer Kullen costs as little as $29.99, while the 6-drawer version tops out at around $79.

For someone like me, furnishing a first apartment or a temporary space, this affordability is a godsend. It’s no wonder the Kullen is a go-to for college students or renters on a tight budget.

The MALM, while still affordable by furniture standards, is pricier. A 2-drawer MALM starts at around $49.99, and the 6-drawer version can hit $179, depending on the finish. That’s a significant jump, especially if you’re buying multiple pieces.

But the MALM’s higher price feels justified when you consider its durability and smoother operation. I had to ask myself: am I saving now with the Kullen only to replace it sooner, or am I investing in the MALM for the long haul?

Storage Capacity: How Much Can You Fit?

Storage is where the MALM pulls ahead.

Its drawers are deeper, allowing me to pack in more clothes or bulkier items like blankets.

For example, the 6-drawer MALM can hold significantly more than its Kullen counterpart, which has shallower drawers.

I tested this by mentally organizing my wardrobe: the MALM could handle my sweaters, t-shirts, and even some linens, while the Kullen felt like it would struggle with anything beyond lightweight clothing.

The Kullen’s shallow drawers, while a drawback for adults, could work well for kids’ clothing, which tends to be smaller. Some parents on forums like The Bump noted that the Kullen’s size is perfect for a nursery, as kids’ clothes don’t need as much depth.

Still, if you’re like me and have a growing collection of hoodies, the MALM’s extra space is a game-changer.

Safety Concerns: A Critical Consideration

Safety was a non-negotiable for me, especially since I have a young nephew who visits often. The MALM has a troubling history here. In 2016, IKEA recalled 29 million MALM dressers in the U.S. due to tip-over risks, particularly for children.

Several tragic incidents were linked to unanchored MALM dressers, prompting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to urge owners to secure them to the wall. While IKEA now includes anchoring hardware and claims the issue is resolved, this history gave me pause.

The Kullen, on the other hand, has no such recall history. Its rounded edges and lighter weight make it feel safer, especially in homes with kids. Some users have pointed out that the Kullen’s shorter height (especially the 3-drawer version) makes it less prone to tipping.

For me, this tipped the scales in Kullen’s favor if safety is a priority.

Assembly: The IKEA Flat-Pack Experience

Anyone who’s shopped at IKEA knows assembly is part of the deal. Both dressers come flat-packed, but their assembly experiences differ. The Kullen is lighter and simpler to put together.

I found the instructions straightforward, and the whole process took me about an hour for the 6-drawer version. Its lightweight build made it easy to maneuver, even in my cramped apartment.

The MALM, however, is a bit more complex. Its heavier parts and metal slides require more precision, and I spent closer to two hours assembling the 6-drawer model. Some Reddit users complained about the MALM’s instructions being confusing, especially for first-timers.

If you’re not handy or lack patience, the Kullen might save you some frustration.

Durability and Longevity: Which Lasts Longer?

Durability was a big concern for me, as I didn’t want to replace my dresser in a year.

The Kullen’s plastic slides and thinner particleboard make it less durable.

I read horror stories online about Kullen drawers warping or the veneer chipping after a move.

One user even mentioned a Kullen back panel snapping during assembly.

For a temporary setup, this might be fine, but I worried it wouldn’t survive multiple relocations.

The MALM, with its metal slides and thicker build, feels like it’s built to last. Users on X and Reddit often praise the MALM for holding up through moves, with some owning theirs for over a decade.

However, the MALM isn’t immune to wear—its veneer can chip if you’re not careful, and some users reported wobbling if not assembled properly. Still, for long-term use, the MALM feels like the safer bet.

Customization: Making It Your Own

One thing I love about IKEA furniture is the potential for customization. The Kullen’s affordability makes it a favorite for DIY hacks. I found countless Pinterest posts showing Kullen dressers transformed with paint, new handles, or decals. Its simple design is a blank canvas, and because it’s so cheap, I wouldn’t feel bad experimenting with it.

The MALM, while pricier, is also highly customizable. Its smooth surfaces take paint well, and I saw tutorials for adding mirrors, wallpaper, or even leather pulls to give it a high-end look.

The MALM’s popularity means there’s no shortage of hack ideas online, from turning it into a media console to creating a glam vanity. If you’re into DIY, both dressers offer endless possibilities, but the MALM’s sleeker base might appeal to those aiming for a polished result.

Versatility: Where Do They Fit?

I thought about where each dresser would work best. The Kullen’s traditional vibe makes it a great fit for cozy, eclectic, or family-oriented spaces. Its smaller size and rounded edges suit nurseries, guest rooms, or small apartments.

However, its limited color options and less modern look might clash in a sleek, contemporary setting.

The MALM’s minimalist design makes it a chameleon. It blends seamlessly into modern, Scandinavian, or industrial spaces. Its range of sizes (2, 3, 4, or 6 drawers) and finishes means it can work in a master bedroom, a dorm, or even as a living room credenza.

If you want furniture that adapts to different aesthetics, the MALM is your pick.

My Personal Experience: Testing Them Out

To get a real feel for these dressers, I visited my local IKEA and tested both. The Kullen’s drawers felt a bit flimsy when I pulled them out, and the plastic slides made a slight grinding noise. It was functional, but it didn’t inspire confidence.

The MALM, with its smooth metal slides, felt like a step up. Opening and closing the drawers was satisfying, almost luxurious compared to the Kullen. However, the MALM’s weight made me dread the thought of carrying it up my third-floor walk-up.

I also talked to friends who own these dressers. One friend raved about her MALM’s durability, saying it survived three moves without a scratch. Another friend, who owns a Kullen, admitted it’s “fine for now” but wouldn’t buy it again due to its shallow drawers.

These real-world insights helped me weigh the practical differences.

Pros And Cons of Kullen And MALM Dresser

Kullen Pros

• Affordable: Starts at $29.99, making it ideal for tight budgets.
• Easy Assembly: Lightweight and straightforward to put together.
• Safer Design: No recall history, rounded edges, and less tip-over risk.
• DIY-Friendly: Perfect for hacks due to its low cost.
• Compact: Great for small spaces like nurseries or dorms.

Kullen Cons

• Lower Durability: Plastic slides and thin particleboard wear out faster.
• Shallow Drawers: Less storage capacity, not ideal for bulky items.
• Budget Feel: Looks and feels cheaper, with visible wear over time.
• Limited Finishes: Only black-brown and white, less aesthetic flexibility.
• Not Move-Friendly: Prone to chipping or breaking during relocations.

MALM Pros

• Durable Build: Metal slides and thicker particleboard ensure longevity.
• Deeper Drawers: More storage for clothes, linens, or bulkier items.
• Modern Aesthetic: Sleek design fits a variety of contemporary spaces.
• Wide Range of Options: Multiple sizes and finishes for customization.
• Smooth Operation: Metal slides make drawers glide effortlessly.

MALM Cons

• Higher Cost: Pricier, with 6-drawer models reaching $179.
• Safety Concerns: Past recalls due to tip-over risks; must be anchored.
• Complex Assembly: Heavier and trickier to put together.
• Heavy Weight: Harder to move, a hassle for frequent movers.
• Veneer Wear: Can chip or warp if not handled carefully.

Which One Wins?

After weighing every angle, I leaned toward the MALM for its durability, storage capacity, and modern style.

Its metal slides and deeper drawers make it a practical choice for my overflowing wardrobe, and its sleek look fits my minimalist apartment.

However, the Kullen’s affordability and safety features are hard to ignore, especially for budget-conscious buyers or families with kids.

Your choice depends on your priorities: if you need a cheap, temporary solution, the Kullen is a solid pick.

If you’re investing in a long-term piece, the MALM’s quality is worth the extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Perfect Dresser Awaits

You’re now armed with everything you need to choose between the Kullen and MALM dressers. I’ve shared my journey of comparing their design, durability, storage, and more, and I hope it helps you make an informed decision.

Whether you go for the budget-friendly Kullen or the sleek, sturdy MALM, consider your space, style, and needs. You can’t go wrong with either, but the right choice will make your bedroom feel like home.

Let me know in the comments which one you’d pick and why!