The IKEA Kullen and Malm 6-drawer dressers are staples for stylish, affordable storage, but they cater to very different needs and budgets. The Kullen is the ultra-budget, no-frills option, built with basic materials for pure function, while the Malm offers a significant upgrade in style, construction, and drawer quality for a higher price.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA dresser for your bedroom.
IKEA Kullen 6-Drawer Dresser
The Kullen is IKEA's answer for anyone needing maximum storage on a minimal budget. It’s a simple, lightweight piece designed to provide the basics without any extra bells or whistles. Its straightforward design allows it to fit into guest rooms, kids' rooms, or first apartments where practicality and cost are the top priorities.
- What it is: A basic 6-drawer dresser designed for affordability and simple function.
- Key features: Six drawers in a three-over-three layout, minimalist look without physical handles.
- Price: Around $149.99
- Dimensions: 55 1/8" W x 16 1/8" D x 28 3/8" H.
- Style: Utilitarian and minimalist. Its simple lines allow it to blend into the background of a modern or Scandinavian-style room.
- Materials/Construction: Made primarily from particleboard with a plastic foil finish. The drawers operate on simple plastic runners without a stop-catch for smooth operation.
- Pros: Extremely budget-friendly, often costing about half as much as the Malm. Lightweight and easier to move than more robust furniture. The simple design can fit into almost any decor scheme.
- Cons: Materials feel and look less premium. The plastic foil finish can scratch or peel easily. Drawers are not as smooth and can feel flimsy with heavy use. Lacks the finished, substantial look of the Malm.
The Kullen is a great pick if you need a temporary storage solution, are furnishing a secondary space, or if budget is your single most important concern.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/kullen-6-drawer-dresser-white-00363755/
IKEA Malm 6-Drawer Dresser
The Malm collection is one of IKEA's most iconic and popular series, known for its clean, timeless design and sturdy construction. The 6-drawer Malm dresser is a solid, versatile piece that looks more expensive than it is, providing smooth functionality and a polished aesthetic that works well as a long-term fixture in a primary bedroom.
- What it is: A sleek, modern 6-drawer dresser known for its sturdy build and versatile design.
- Key features: Smooth-running drawers with pull-out stops, available in multiple finishes, solid feel. The wide-top version offers great surface area for display.
- Price: Around $279.99
- Dimensions: 63" W x 18 7/8" D x 30 3/4" H.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and contemporary. Its handle-less design and simple geometry make it a versatile foundation for many decor styles.
- Materials/Construction: Built with particleboard and fiberboard, but finished with a higher-quality acrylic paint or real wood veneer (on oak and black-brown models), giving it a more premium look and feel. The drawer mechanisms are more robust.
- Pros: Sturdy and durable construction feels substantial. Smoothly gliding drawers with safety stops. More sophisticated and stylish appearance. Available in several colors/finishes to match other furniture. Wider and deeper than the Kullen, offering more storage space.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than the Kullen. Heavy and very difficult to move once assembled. Assembly can be more time-consuming due to the more complex drawer hardware.
The Malm is for those who want a good-looking, reliable, and durable piece of furniture that anchors a bedroom for years without the high-end price tag.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/malm-6-drawer-dresser-white-10360464/
Kullen vs. Malm Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
Directly comparing the popular wide models, the Malm is a significantly larger and more substantial piece of furniture. At 63" wide and nearly 19" deep, it commands more wall space and offers a generous top surface for photos, lamps, or a TV. Its physical presence makes it feel like a permanent anchor in a room.
The Kullen is more compact at 55" wide and 16" deep. This smaller footprint makes it a better fit for tighter spaces, smaller bedrooms, or apartments. Its lesser depth can be a key advantage when placing it in a narrow walkway or at the foot of a bed. Visually, it's understated and doesn't dominate the room's decor.
Materials & Construction
The difference in quality is immediately apparent here. The Kullen is constructed with basic particleboard finished with a thin plastic foil. The drawers run on simple plastic grooves and lack the smooth feel and safety stops of the Malm. It's functional, but not designed for heavy, long-term daily use - think of it as entry-level furniture.
The Malm series uses particleboard as well, but features a much more durable painted or real wood veneer finish that resists wear and tear better. More importantly, the drawers use metal runners with ball bearings and built-in stops, making them operate smoothly and quietly. The overall construction of the Malm is heavier, denser, and feels far more solid and durable over time.
Style & Versatility
With its ultra-simple design, the Kullen is a blank slate. It blends in anywhere but won't be a standout piece. Its minimalist look fits in modern bedrooms but can feel slightly generic. Color options are usually limited to basic white and black-brown.
The Malm's design is a modern classic. Its sleek, handle-less facade, thicker frames, and variety of finishes - including crisp white, deep black-brown, and a warm wood veneer - make it far more versatile. It can anchor a room's aesthetic, serving as a functional piece that also contributes to the overall style. Many people also add the custom-fit glass top (sold separately) to protect the surface and add another layer of polish.
Price & Value
This is the primary decision point. The Kullen offers unbeatable upfront savings, costing around $150. If your main goal is to get functional storage for the lowest possible price, it wins without question. Its value is in its pure utility per dollar.
The Malm, at about $280, is a bigger investment, but it offers a far greater return in user experience and longevity. The superior construction, smoother drawers, and more refined appearance feel like they belong to a much more expensive dresser. For anyone looking for a piece to last five years or more through daily use, the extra cost for the Malm delivers tangible value.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA dressers are reliable choices, but they are built for entirely different priorities and stages of life.
Choose the Kullen if:
- You're on a strict, tight budget and need the most affordable option.
- You are furnishing a guest room, a secondary space, or a child's room.
- You need a lightweight and relatively compact storage solution.
- The dresser will see light-to-moderate use, not heavy daily activity.
Choose the Malm if:
- You want a stylish, modern centerpiece for your primary bedroom.
- Durability and a solid feel are more important than initial cost.
- You value a better user experience with smooth-gliding drawers.
- You're looking for furniture as a long-term investment that will last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between an IKEA Kullen and Malm dresser?
The main differences are price, material quality, and design. The Kullen is an entry-level dresser with basic particleboard and a foil finish, designed for maximum affordability. The Malm is a step up, featuring a sturdier build, better quality veneer or painted finish, smoother drawer runners, and a more substantial, modern design.
Is the Malm dresser worth the extra money?
For most people furnishing a primary bedroom, yes. The additional cost translates directly into better everyday functionality (smoother drawers), superior durability, and a much more finished look that elevates a space. The Malm is built to withstand years of daily use, whereas the Kullen is better suited for lighter use or more temporary situations.
Do both the Kullen and Malm need to be anchored to the wall?
Yes, absolutely. This is a critical safety instruction. IKEA provides anti-tip hardware with both dressers, and you must use it to secure the furniture to the wall to prevent the risk of tip-over accidents, which can be very dangerous for children.
Which IKEA dresser is easier to assemble?
The Kullen is generally easier and faster to assemble. Its design is simpler, and it has fewer and less complex hardware components. The Malm isn't difficult to assemble, but its robust construction and more intricate drawer runner system require a bit more time and care.
What are the drawers like on the Kullen vs. the Malm?
The Kullen drawers slide on simple plastic rails fitted into grooves on the particleboard. They are functional but can feel jerky and don't have a stopping mechanism, meaning a drawer can be pulled out completely by accident. The Malm drawers use metal runners with bearings and have an integrated pull-out stop, making them much smoother, quieter, and safer to operate.
How long does an IKEA Kullen dresser last?
With careful use, a Kullen dresser can last for a few years. However, its foil finish is prone to chipping, and the drawers may become less stable over time with heavy loads. It's best suited for temporary situations or spaces with low traffic.
Is the Malm dresser real wood?
No, the core of the Malm dresser is particleboard and fiberboard. However, certain finishes like the "oak effect" use a real wood veneer atop the particleboard, which gives it the look and texture of solid wood at a much lower cost. The white version has a durable painted finish.
Does the Malm come with a glass top?
The glass top is sold as a separate, optional accessory called the MALM glass top. It's designed to protect the dresser's top surface from scratches and spills and adds an extra layer of style, making it look even more refined.
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