The IKEA Malm and Kullen dressers are two of the brand's most popular storage solutions, but they differ significantly in design, size options, and price. The Malm offers a sleek, modern look with a wider range of configurations and deeper drawers, while the Kullen is a more basic, budget-friendly option with a simpler, more traditional design ideal for tight spaces and tighter budgets.
Here's a detailed look at both dressers to help you decide which piece of IKEA furniture is right for your bedroom.
IKEA Malm Dresser
The Malm dresser is an IKEA classic, celebrated for its clean, modern lines and versatile storage capabilities. It features a minimalist design with flat-front drawers and no visible hardware, allowing it to blend seamlessly into contemporary or Scandinavian-inspired bedrooms. Thanks to its wide array of sizes, it's a flexible choice for primary bedrooms, kids' rooms, or even as entryway storage.
- What it is: A modern, minimalist dresser with smooth-running drawers, available in multiple sizes and finishes.
- Key features: Flat-front drawers for a sleek look, a wide range of configurations (from 2 to 6 drawers), available in different heights and widths, smooth-running drawer function.
- Price: Ranges from approximately $99 for a 2-drawer chest to $249 for a 6-drawer dresser.
- Dimensions: Available in many configurations, but a popular model like the 6-drawer dresser measures 63" W x 19" D x 30 3/4" H.
- Materials/Construction: Made from particleboard and fiberboard with a veneer or painted finish. Drawers feature fiberboard bottoms.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian. Its simple design works with many decor styles.
- Pros: Sleek, versatile design fits most modern decor. Available in a wide variety of sizes. Smooth, functional drawers offer ample storage. Relatively affordable for its style and size.
- Cons: Assembly can be time-consuming for larger models. Particleboard construction isn't as durable as solid wood. Can show wear and tear on edges over time. REQUIRES wall anchoring for safety.
The Malm is the perfect choice for anyone who values modern aesthetics and needs a versatile dresser with plenty of configuration options to fit their space and storage needs.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/malm-series-12497/
IKEA Kullen Dresser
The Kullen dresser is IKEA's straightforward, no-frills storage solution designed for maximum function at the lowest possible price. It offers a simpler, more traditional look and is slightly more compact than its Malm sibling, making it a great choice for small bedrooms, guest rooms, or closets. The primary focus of the Kullen is on providing basic, reliable storage without any added design flourishes.
- What it is: A functional, budget-friendly dresser with a simple design for essential storage needs.
- Key features: Simple drawer fronts, compact footprint, includes safety fittings for wall anchoring, designed for utility over style.
- Price: Highly affordable, ranging from $70 for smaller chests to about $150 for larger models.
- Dimensions: More limited sizes than Malm. A common 5-drawer chest measures approximately 27 1/2" W x 16 1/8" D x 44 1/8" H.
- Materials/Construction: Comprised of particleboard and fiberboard with a paper foil or laminate finish.
- Style: Simple, traditional, and utilitarian. It's meant to be functional rather than a statement piece.
- Pros: Extremely budget-friendly. Compact size is ideal for small spaces. Straightforward assembly. A reliable choice for basic storage.
- Cons: Drawers are not as deep or smooth as the Malm. The paper foil finish is less durable. Limited size and color options. Simplistic design may not appeal to everyone.
With its focus on pure functionality and price, the Kullen is great for shoppers on a tight budget, those furnishing a secondary space, or anyone who needs simple storage in a compact form.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/kullen-series-55099/
Malm vs. Kullen Comparison
Dimensions & Sizing Options
The most significant difference lies in the available options. The Malm collection is extensive, offering everything from tall and narrow chests to long, low dressers with 2, 3, 4, or 6 drawers in various layouts. This variety allows you to find a perfect fit for nearly any room or storage requirement. Malm dressers are also generally deeper, offering more storage volume per drawer.
The Kullen series, on the other hand, is much more limited. It typically comes in a few standard configurations, like a 2-drawer chest or a 5-drawer chest. Its overall footprint is smaller and its drawers shallower, making it better suited for small apartments, kids' rooms, or inside closets where space is at a premium.
Materials & Construction
Both dressers are constructed from similar core materials: particleboard and fiberboard. Quality is comparable for budget furniture, but the difference is in the exterior finish. The Malm features a more durable painted finish or wood veneer that provides a smoother, more substantial look and feel.
The Kullen uses a thinner paper foil finish, which is more susceptible to peeling, scratches, and water damage. While neither promises heirloom quality, the Malm's finish is designed to withstand a bit more daily use than the Kullen's ultra-economical coating.
Style & Aesthetic
Aesthetically, the two are worlds apart. The Malm is defined by its hardware-free, modern facade and clean, crisp lines, embodying the Scandinavian design ethos that made IKEA famous. It's a stylish piece that can ground a room and set a contemporary tone. It's available in neutral finishes like white, black-brown, and various wood tones, making it easy to coordinate with other furniture.
The Kullen is pure utility. Its design is basic and traditional, with simple drawer division lines and no pretense of being a high-design object. It's not meant to be a focal point, it's meant to discretely hold your clothes. This makes it a safe but unexciting choice that blends into the background of a room.
Price & Value
Price is where the Kullen shines. It is consistently cheaper than the Malm across comparable sizes. If your decision is purely budget-driven and you need basic wardrobe storage, the Kullen offers unbeatable value. You get a functional chest of drawers for a very low price.
The Malm, while more expensive, arguably offers better overall value for most people. For the extra cost, you get significantly more style, a better finish, deeper drawers, and a much wider selection of sizes. It feels less like a temporary solution and more like a deliberate-if-budget-friendly-design choice.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Malm is ideal for those who want a cohesive, modern bedroom look on a budget. Its versatility makes it suitable for anything from a college student's apartment to a master bedroom in a first home. If aesthetics and flexible sizing options are important to you, the Malm is the clear winner.
The Kullen works best for anyone whose primary concern is cost. It's a great fit for a child's room (where dings and scratches are inevitable), a guest room that sees infrequent use, or as a secondary storage unit inside a closet or basement. It solves a storage problem without any fuss and for minimal financial outlay.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA dressers are practical and affordable choices, but they serve very different needs and style preferences.
Choose the Malm if:
- You want a clean, modern, and minimalist aesthetic.
- You need a specific size or configuration to fit your space perfectly.
- The dresser will be a visible, central piece of furniture in your room.
- You're willing to spend a little more for a more durable finish and deeper drawers.
Choose the Kullen if:
- You are on a very strict budget.
- You need a storage solution for a small room, apartment, or closet.
- Function is far more important to you than style.
- You're looking for furniture for a kid's room or a low-use space like a guest bedroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Malm and Kullen?
The main difference is style and price. The Malm has a sleek, modern design with a more durable finish and comes in many sizes. The Kullen is simpler, more traditional, significantly cheaper, and available in fewer, more compact sizes.
Is the Malm dresser better quality than the Kullen?
The general construction quality is similar since both use particleboard. However, the Malm's veneer or painted finish is thicker and more resilient than the Kullen's paper foil finish, making it feel more substantial and better prepared for daily use.
Do IKEA Malm and Kullen dressers have to be anchored to the wall?
Yes, absolutely. For safety, IKEA requires that all chests and dressers be securely anchored to the wall to prevent tip-over accidents. Both the Malm and Kullen come with the necessary safety hardware and instructions.
Which dresser is better for a small bedroom?
The Kullen is generally better for very small bedrooms due to its smaller overall footprint and shallower depth. This allows it to fit more easily into tight spaces without jutting out as much as the deeper Malm dressers.
How deep are the drawers on the Malm vs. the Kullen?
Malm drawers are significantly deeper, offering more storage volume. A typical Malm drawer has an interior depth of about 17 inches, while a Kullen drawer is closer to 14 inches deep, which makes a big difference when storing bulky items like sweaters.
Which dresser is easier to assemble?
Both use IKEA's cam-lock assembly system. Because Kullen dressers are smaller and have a simpler design, they generally take less time to assemble than the larger, more complex Malm models.
Can you put a TV on an IKEA dresser?
IKEA recommends placing TVs only on furniture designed for media. However, many people place small to medium TVs on the longer, 6-drawer Malm models. Always check the weight limit and ensure the dresser is securely anchored to the wall for stability.
How long do IKEA dressers typically last?
With proper assembly and reasonable care, both a Malm and Kullen dresser can last for many years. The Malm is likely to maintain its appearance longer due to its superior finish, especially with daily use.
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