The IKEA Malm and Hemnes dressers are two of the brand's most popular storage solutions, but they differ significantly in material, style, and price. The Malm is a minimalist and budget-friendly piece made from particleboard, while the Hemnes is a more traditional and durable dresser crafted from solid wood for a higher price.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA dresser for your bedroom.
IKEA Malm Dresser
The Malm series is an IKEA staple, recognized for its sleek, modern lines and affordability. This dresser is a go-to for anyone seeking a functional, minimalist aesthetic that works seamlessly in contemporary bedrooms. Its simple, no-fuss design makes it incredibly versatile and a favorite choice for apartments, dorm rooms, and first homes.
- What it is: A minimalist dresser with flat-front drawers and a clean, low-profile design.
- Key features: Smooth-running drawers, available in various sizes from 2 to 6 drawers, multiple finish options.
- Price: Ranges from $150 to $250 for a six-drawer model.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian. Its simple silhouette allows it to blend into almost any contemporary decor scheme.
- Materials/Construction: The frame and drawer fronts are made from particleboard and fiberboard with a laminate or wood veneer finish.
- Pros: Very affordable, sleek design fits well in small or modern spaces, simple to coordinate with other furniture, available in multiple sizes and finishes.
- Cons: Particleboard construction is less durable than solid wood, the veneer finish can chip or peel over time, assembly can be time-consuming.
The Malm is the perfect choice for anyone who prioritizes a modern style and a low price point over long-term durability.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/malm-6-drawer-dresser-90304209/
IKEA Hemnes Dresser
The Hemnes collection offers a more traditional and timeless feel, drawing inspiration from classic Scandinavian design. Made from solid wood, this dresser has a more substantial presence and a higher-quality construction. It's designed for those who want a long-lasting piece of furniture with classic details that won't go out of style.
- What it is: A classically designed dresser built from solid wood.
- Key features: Smooth-running drawers with pull-out stops, paneled drawer fronts, classic knob hardware, renewable solid pine construction.
- Price: Ranges from $200 to $300 for a six-drawer model.
- Style: Traditional, classic, farmhouse, and rustic. Its substantial look adds a sense of warmth and character to a room.
- Materials/Construction: Made primarily from sustainably-sourced solid pine, giving it a sturdy and durable feel.
- Pros: Solid wood construction is very durable and built to last, timeless design has lasting appeal, easy to paint or customize, feels more high-end and substantial than particleboard alternatives.
- Cons: More expensive than the Malm, the traditional style may not suit modern decor, solid wood can be prone to scratches and dents if not handled with care.
The Hemnes is ideal for someone looking for a long-term furniture investment that offers classic style and superior durability.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/hemnes-6-drawer-dresser-50328309/
Malm vs. Hemnes Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
While the six-drawer versions of the Malm and Hemnes have similar overall L x W x H dimensions, their visual weight is quite different. The Malm's clean lines, flat-panel drawers, and lack of hardware give it a low-profile, sleek appearance that can make a small room feel less cluttered.
In contrast, the Hemnes has a bulkier, more substantial presence. Its paneled drawers, distinct feet, and classic knobs give it the look and feel of traditional furniture. This makes it a great anchor piece in a larger primary bedroom but could potentially overwhelm a very small space.
Materials & Construction
This is the most critical difference between the two dressers. The Malm is made from particleboard and fiberboard with a smooth finish. This construction keeps the price down and the piece relatively lightweight, but it's more susceptible to damage from moisture and wear over the years. The veneer surface is also difficult to repair if it gets chipped or scratched.
The Hemnes is constructed from solid pine, a renewable material that gives it a sturdy, quality feel. It’s significantly heavier and more robust, making it a better choice for long-term use, especially in a household with children. The solid wood construction also means it can be sanded and repainted, offering options for customization down the line.
Style & Versatility
The Malm is a blank slate for modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian interiors. Its simple design serves as a neutral backdrop, allowing other decor elements to stand out. It blends in effortlessly and doesn't demand attention, which is perfect for a clean, uncluttered look.
The Hemnes offers a classic, timeless aesthetic that works wonderfully in traditional, farmhouse, or coastal-inspired rooms. Its design has more character and warmth, acting as a statement piece rather than just a storage unit. While versatile, its traditional features may clash with ultra-modern decor.
Price & Value
On price alone, the Malm is the clear winner for shoppers on a strict budget. It provides excellent function and style for a very accessible price point. Its value is in its immediate affordability and modern aesthetic.
The Hemnes costs more upfront, but its value proposition is tied to its longevity. The solid wood construction means it will hold up far better over time, making it a more economical choice if you view it as a long-term investment. You are paying for higher quality materials and a piece that will last through multiple moves and years of use.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Malm is perfectly suited for students, renters, and anyone furnishing their first apartment. Its low cost, light weight, and sleek profile make it ideal for temporary living situations or smaller bedrooms where space is at a premium. It's also the obvious choice for anyone committed to a strictly modern or minimalist design.
The Hemnes is better for homeowners or those looking to invest in furniture that lasts. Its durability makes it a great option for primary bedrooms or even kids' rooms that see a lot of wear and tear. If you prefer a classic, cozy aesthetic and want a piece you won't need to replace in a few years, the Hemnes is the way to go.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA dressers are excellent choices, but they are built for different customers and different priorities.
Choose the Malm if:
- You're decorating on a tight budget.
- You love a clean, simple, and modern aesthetic.
- You are furnishing a small bedroom, apartment, or a guest room.
- You might be moving in the next few years and need a lightweight option.
Choose the Hemnes if:
- You prioritize durability and want a dresser that will last for years.
- You prefer a classic, traditional, or farmhouse look.
- You view furniture as a long-term investment.
- You want the option to sand and repaint your dresser in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Malm and Hemnes?
The primary differences are material and style. The Malm is made of particleboard with a veneer finish for a sleek, modern look. The Hemnes is made of solid wood, giving it a more durable, traditional, and substantial feel.
Is the Hemnes dresser worth the extra money?
If you value longevity and durability, yes. The solid wood construction of the Hemnes means it will withstand wear and tear far better than the Malm's particleboard frame, making it a better long-term investment.
Which dresser is easier to assemble?
Both require typical IKEA self-assembly, which can be time-consuming. The Malm's design is slightly simpler with fewer decorative details, which might make its assembly process marginally quicker for some people.
Can you paint the Malm or Hemnes dresser?
The Hemnes is much better for painting. As it's made of solid wood, you can easily sand and repaint it to give it a custom look. Painting the Malm's laminate/veneer surface is more difficult and requires specialty primers for the paint to adhere properly.
Which dresser has more storage space?
For comparable models like the six-drawer versions, the internal storage capacity is very similar. The choice between them should be based on style and materials rather than significant differences in space.
Do IKEA Malm and Hemnes dressers need to be anchored to the wall?
Yes. Both dressers come with safety hardware and IKEA strongly recommends anchoring them to the wall to prevent the risk of tip-over, which can be a serious hazard, especially in homes with children.
Which one is a better choice for a kids' room?
The Hemnes is generally a better choice for a kids' room due to its solid wood construction. It can handle more daily wear and tear and is more likely to last from childhood into the teenage years.
How durable is the Malm dresser over time?
For its price, the Malm is reasonably durable for everyday use. However, its particleboard core is susceptible to water damage, and the edges can chip if knocked. It's a great option for a few years but may not hold up as well as the Hemnes over a decade.
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