The IKEA Malm and Storklinta dressers serve a similar purpose but differ significantly in material, price, and overall quality. The Malm from IKEA is a popular, budget-friendly option made from particleboard with a minimalist design, while the Storklinta is a premium piece featuring solid wood or high-grade engineered wood, superior craftsmanship, and a significantly higher price tag.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which dresser is the right fit for your bedroom and budget.
IKEA Malm Dresser
The IKEA Malm is one of the most recognizable pieces of flat-pack furniture in the world, prized for its clean lines, practical storage, and exceptional affordability. Its simple Scandinavian design has made it a versatile staple in modern homes, from college dorms to primary bedrooms, for years.
- What it is: A best-selling line of minimalist, self-assembly dressers made from particleboard.
- Key features: Smooth-running drawers with pull-out stops, multiple size configurations (from 4-drawer to 8-drawer wide chests), sits flush to the floor.
- Price: Typically ranges from $150 to $250.
- Dimensions: Available in several sizes, with the popular 6-drawer chest measuring approximately 31.5" wide, 19" deep, and 48" high.
- Materials/Construction: Particleboard and fiberboard core with a veneer or laminate finish. Metal drawer runners. Must be anchored to a wall for safety.
- Style: Strict Scandinavian minimalism with flat drawer fronts and a simple frame. Available in standard neutral finishes like white, black-brown, and oak veneer.
- Pros: Highly affordable and excellent value for the price. The design is versatile and fits nearly any modern decor style. Widely available online and in stores. A variety of sizes fit different spaces and storage needs.
- Cons: Particleboard construction is less durable and can be easily damaged by moisture or heavy use. Assembly is required and can be time-consuming. Can feel less substantial than more expensive furniture.
This dresser is perfect for renters, first-time homeowners, or anyone needing a stylish storage solution on a tight budget.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/malm-6-drawer-chest-black-brown-50360475/
Storklinta Dresser
The Storklinta dresser represents a more premium approach to bedroom furniture, focusing on high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and timeless design. It’s built for longevity and offers a sophisticated look and feel that justifies its higher investment.
- What it is: A contemporary, high-quality dresser designed for durability and refined style.
- Key features: Solid wood or high-grade engineered wood construction, premium hardware with soft-close mechanisms, dovetail joints for superior strength.
- Price: Starts around $500 and can go up to $900 or more.
- Dimensions: Often sized for medium to large bedrooms, with a more substantial and taller profile than typical budget dressers.
- Materials/Construction: Built with solid wood or durable engineered wood with natural wood veneers. Features reinforced drawer mechanisms and superior construction techniques.
- Style: Elegant Scandinavian design with softer edges, integrated handles, and a focus on natural wood grains. The aesthetic is sophisticated and less trend-driven.
- Pros: Exceptionally durable and built to last for decades. Premium materials provide a high-end look and feel. The craftsmanship ensures great stability and smooth function. Often arrives assembled or with an option for professional delivery.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than mass-market options. Fewer size and finish options may be available. Not as widely accessible, often sold through select online retailers.
This dresser is ideal for homeowners who are investing in "forever furniture" and prioritize longevity, build quality, and a sophisticated aesthetic.
Shop this product: storklinta.com
Ikea Malm Dresser vs. Storklinta Dresser Comparison
Dimensions & Sizing
The IKEA Malm series offers extensive versatility with compact 4-drawer, tall 6-drawer, and wide 8-drawer configurations. This modularity makes it easy to find a Malm that fits almost any room size, from small apartments to larger primary suites. The standardized dimensions are a major advantage for space planning.
The Storklinta dresser generally comes in fewer sizes, focusing on well-proportioned pieces that feel substantial in a room. They tend to be slightly taller and heavier, designed as standalone statement furniture for medium-to-large bedrooms rather than a flexible, modular solution.
Materials & Construction
This is where the two products differ the most. The Malm uses particleboard with a plastic or wood veneer finish. While functional, it's susceptible to chipping, and the core can swell with moisture exposure. It holds up well for its price point but isn't considered a long-term investment. Crucially, the Malm must be securely anchored to the wall to prevent tipping.
Storklinta uses solid wood or premium-grade engineered wood, which provides far superior stability, durability, and a richer finish. Construction details like dovetail joints and reinforced drawer mechanisms mean it's built to withstand a lifetime of daily use and heavier loads without warping or breaking.
Style & Aesthetic
Both dressers draw from a Scandinavian design heritage, but the execution is different. The Malm is minimalist to its core, with sharp lines, flat planes, and no visible hardware. Its simple, almost generic look allows it to blend into any modern space without drawing too much attention.
The Storklinta offers a more refined, elegant take on Scandinavian style. Features like beveled edges, natural wood grain variation, and perhaps integrated or subtle handles give it a softer, more handcrafted feel. Its aesthetic is timeless rather than trendy, designed to be a centerpiece of the room's decor.
Price & Value
Priced between $150 and $250, the IKEA Malm offers incredible short-term value. It's a quick, affordable, and stylish way to fulfill your storage needs without breaking the bank. Its value lies in its low entry cost and immediate functionality.
The Storklinta, starting at $500, offers long-term value. While the upfront cost is significantly higher, its superior materials and construction mean it won't need to be replaced in a few years. It's an investment in a durable piece of furniture that maintains its appearance and function over time, making it more cost-effective over its lifespan.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Malm and Storklinta are excellent options, but they cater to very different needs, budgets, and lifestyles.
Choose the IKEA Malm if:
- You have a strict, limited budget.
- You need a functional and modern storage solution right now.
- You are furnishing a rental, dorm room, or a space where you won't live long-term.
- You don't mind assembling furniture yourself.
Choose the Storklinta if:
- You are buying furniture for a long-term home and view it as an investment.
- Durability and high-quality materials are your top priorities.
- You prefer the rich, warm look and resilience of solid wood.
- Your budget is higher and you prefer furniture that comes assembled or with professional service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Malm and Storklinta?
The main differences are material, cost, and construction. The Malm is an affordable, particleboard, flat-pack dresser. The Storklinta is a premium, solid-wood (or equivalent), pre-assembled or professionally installed piece that is much more durable but also far more expensive.
Is the IKEA Malm durable enough for everyday use?
Yes, for general daily use like storing clothes, the Malm is perfectly suitable. However, it's not designed to handle excessive weight in the drawers and is prone to surface damage from scratches or moisture. Its lifespan is typically shorter than that of solid wood furniture.
How much assembly is required for each dresser?
The IKEA Malm requires full assembly from a flat-pack box, which can take a few hours. Storklinta dressers, being a premium product, often ship fully assembled or offer a white-glove delivery service that includes assembly and placement.
Does the IKEA Malm need to be anchored to the wall?
Absolutely yes. Due to its design, the Malm dresser can be a tip-over hazard if not securely attached to the wall. IKEA provides anti-tip hardware and instructions for this critical safety step.
Why is the Storklinta dresser so much more expensive?
Its price reflects the cost of higher-quality materials (solid wood versus particleboard), advanced construction techniques like dovetail joinery, premium hardware, and avoiding the mass-produced, flat-pack model. You are paying for craftsmanship and longevity.
Can you customize or paint an IKEA Malm?
Yes, the Malm is one of the most popular IKEA products for DIY "hacks." Many people paint them, add new hardware, or apply decals to customize the look. The smooth surface requires proper priming before painting for the best results.
Which one offers more storage?
This depends on the specific models you compare. IKEA offers a very wide 8-drawer version of the Malm that has a huge amount of storage capacity. Generally, the Malm series offers more configurations, making it easier to maximize storage for your specific room dimensions.
Which dresser has better eco-friendly credentials?
Both brands have strong points. IKEA leverages its scale to use sustainably sourced, FSC-certified wood and recyclable materials. Storklinta's sustainability argument rests on longevity - creating a product that lasts for decades reduces consumer waste and the need for frequent replacement.
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