IKEA Malm Dresser Hack: A DIY Campaign Style Transformation

Do you have an old IKEA Malm dresser that needs a new lease on life? Are you looking to update your furniture without breaking the bank? This tutorial will guide you through transforming a basic IKEA Malm dresser into a chic and stylish campaign-style piece. With a few simple materials and a bit of elbow grease, you can achieve a high-end look for a fraction of the cost. This project is perfect for beginners and experienced DIYers alike. Get ready to unleash your creativity and give your furniture a stunning makeover!

I had a black IKEA Malm dresser for years. It was functional, but it lacked personality. When I moved into a new house, the black finish felt out of place with my new decor. I wanted to create something more stylish and sophisticated, so I decided to transform it into a campaign-style dresser. This involved using chrome hardware, self-adhesive contact paper, and a fresh coat of paint. The result was a dramatic and stunning transformation that completely changed the look and feel of the dresser.

This DIY project is an excellent way to personalize your furniture and create unique pieces that reflect your style. It’s also a sustainable way to update your home decor by repurposing existing furniture instead of buying new items. By following these simple steps, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will impress your friends and family.

The transformation was pretty drastic, right? And the best part is, it wasn’t difficult to do! It just took a little time, patience, and effort. The key to success is to follow the instructions carefully and pay attention to detail. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years to come.

This project is also a great way to experiment with different colors, patterns, and textures. You can customize the dresser to match your existing decor or create a bold statement piece that stands out. The possibilities are endless!

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the materials you’ll need to create your own campaign-style dresser:

• Wood tone contact paper: This will give your dresser a sophisticated, campaign-style look. Choose a color that complements your existing decor.
• Round chrome pulls: These will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your dresser. Choose a size that is proportional to the drawers.
• Decorative chrome corners: These will protect the corners of your dresser and add a decorative touch. Choose a style that complements the chrome pulls.
• White latex paint and a brush: This will give your dresser a fresh, clean look. Choose a paint that is suitable for furniture and has a durable finish.
• Fine grit sandpaper: This will help prepare the surface of the dresser for painting. Use a fine grit sandpaper to avoid scratching the surface.
• A drill and a hammer: These will be needed to install the hardware. Make sure you have the correct drill bit size for the screws.

Before you begin, gather all of your materials and tools in a well-ventilated area. Cover your work surface with a drop cloth to protect it from paint and other materials. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to prevent injury.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Follow these step-by-step instructions to transform your IKEA Malm dresser into a stylish campaign-style piece:

1. Prepare the Surface: Begin by sanding the entire dresser with fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a slightly rough surface that will help the paint adhere better. Wipe down the dresser with a damp paper towel to remove any sanding dust. A clean surface ensures a smooth and even paint job.
2. Paint the Dresser: Next, paint the entire dresser white with latex paint. You may need two coats to achieve full coverage, depending on the color of your original dresser and the quality of the paint. Be sure to let the first coat dry completely before applying the second coat. This will prevent the paint from peeling or cracking.
3. Allow Drying Time: Let the second coat of paint dry for at least a day or two. This will ensure that the paint is fully cured and will not be easily scratched or damaged. Avoid placing anything on the dresser during this time.

4. Apply Contact Paper: Lay a piece of wood-tone contact paper over each drawer. Trim the paper, leaving enough excess to cover the edges of the drawer. Carefully fold the excess paper over the edges of the drawer, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles. This will create a seamless and professional-looking finish. Use a credit card or similar tool to help smooth the contact paper and remove any air pockets.
5. Install Corner Hardware: Begin drilling your decorative chrome corners onto each of the drawers. Position them evenly on all four corners of each drawer. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screws to prevent the wood from splitting. Ensure the corners are securely attached.
6. Drill Holes for Pulls: Drill a hole in the center of each drawer for your round chrome pulls. The Malm dresser is made of a dense material, so you may need to apply some pressure and be persistent to drill through it. Use a drill bit that is the correct size for the screws that come with the pulls.
7. Attach the Pulls: Add a chrome pull to each drawer. The screws that came with the pulls may not be long enough, so you may need to use screws that are about half an inch longer. Ensure the pulls are securely attached and that they are easy to grip.

That’s it! You’re finished! Your IKEA Malm dresser has been transformed into a stylish campaign-style piece that will add a touch of elegance to any room.

Customization Options

This technique can be used with different paint colors and different types of contact paper. A colorful patterned paper would look great too! You can also experiment with different types of hardware, such as gold-tone pulls or antique brass corners. The possibilities are endless!

Consider using a stencil to add a decorative pattern to the painted surface. You can also use different types of paint, such as chalk paint or milk paint, to achieve a different look and feel. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative!

For a more traditional campaign-style look, try using gold-tone hardware. This will add a touch of warmth and sophistication to your dresser. You can also use different types of wood-tone contact paper to achieve a different look.

Remember to have fun and enjoy the process! This is a great way to express your creativity and create a unique piece of furniture that you will cherish for years to come.

Final Thoughts

This IKEA Malm dresser hack is a simple and affordable way to update your furniture and create a unique piece that reflects your personal style. With a few basic materials and a little bit of effort, you can transform a plain dresser into a stylish campaign-style piece that will add a touch of elegance to any room. So, gather your materials, follow the steps, and get ready to create a stunning new piece of furniture that you will be proud to show off!

This project is not only a great way to update your furniture but also a sustainable way to reduce waste and repurpose existing items. By giving your old furniture a new lease on life, you can save money and help protect the environment.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your IKEA Malm dresser hack today and create a beautiful and unique piece of furniture that you will love for years to come!