The IKEA Malm and Kullen series both offer clean-lined bedroom storage, but they are designed for different needs and budgets. The Malm series is a complete, style-focused bedroom collection with a more robust build and higher price point, while the Kullen series is a highly affordable, utilitarian line of basic storage chests and wardrobes designed for maximum function.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right furniture from IKEA for your space and budget.
IKEA Malm Series
The Malm is one of IKEA's most iconic and comprehensive bedroom collections, best known for its sleek, minimalist aesthetic. This series isn't just about dressers, it includes bed frames with optional under-bed storage, nightstands, and chests of varying sizes, allowing you to create a fully coordinated modern bedroom.
- What it is: A versatile and cohesive collection of bedroom furniture, including bed frames, dressers, and nightstands.
- Key features: Clean, handle-less design, smooth-running drawers, available in multiple finishes like white, black-brown, and various wood veneers. Popular Malm beds offer spacious under-bed storage drawers.
- Price: Mid-range for IKEA. Dressers typically range from $150 to $250, while bed frames start around $200.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist. Its simple lines are a cornerstone of Scandinavian design and fit well into contemporary interiors.
- Materials/Construction: Built with particleboard and fiberboard, finished with real wood veneer or paint. The construction is sturdier than IKEA's most basic lines, designed for daily use as primary bedroom furniture.
- Pros: Creates a stylish, cohesive bedroom look. Offers functional solutions like beds with built-in storage. Better build quality and finish compared to Kullen. A wider range of furniture types and sizes.
- Cons: More expensive than entry-level options like Kullen. Assembly can be more time-consuming. Particleboard core isn't as premium or durable as solid wood.
The Malm series is ideal for anyone looking to furnish a primary or guest bedroom with a coordinated, modern style without spending a fortune.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/malm-bedroom-furniture-series-11993/
IKEA Kullen Series
The Kullen series is IKEA's answer for simple, no-frills storage on a very tight budget. This collection strips furniture down to its most essential form, focusing purely on providing drawer and wardrobe space at an extremely low price point. It's less a designer collection and more a practical solution for basic needs.
- What it is: An ultra-affordable line of basic storage furniture, primarily consisting of chests of drawers.
- Key features: Very simple, functional design, compact dimensions ideal for small spaces, lightweight construction.
- Price: Extremely budget-friendly. Most chests of drawers in the Kullen line are priced well under $100.
- Style: Utilitarian and basic. The design is simple enough to blend into the background but lacks the distinctive style of the Malm.
- Materials/Construction: Made from particleboard and fiberboard with a paper foil or plastic finish. The construction is lightweight and best suited for less intensive use.
- Pros: Exceptionally low price point. Very easy and quick to assemble. Compact sizes are perfect for closets, small apartments, or kids' rooms. Gets the job done for basic storage.
- Cons: Lacks standout style. The lightweight material feels less durable than Malm. Limited product range - almost exclusively chests of drawers. Plastic drawer stop mechanism isn't as smooth.
The Kullen is perfectly suited for students, renters, or anyone needing functional, secondary storage in a closet or guest room on a rock-bottom budget.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/search/?q=kullen
Malm vs. Kullen Comparison
Materials & Construction
The most telling difference between the Malm and Kullen series lies in their materials and build quality. Malm units use a denser particleboard and often feature a real wood veneer or a high-quality painted finish, which gives them more heft and durability. The drawers run more smoothly and feel more substantial, making them suitable for frequent, long-term use in a primary bedroom.
Kullen, by contrast, is built to be as affordable as possible. It uses lighter-weight particleboard with a simple paper foil finish. While it's perfectly functional for storing clothes, it doesn't feel as solid and won't stand up to heavy use or multiple moves as well as a Malm piece would. The focus here is cost-effectiveness, not longevity.
Style & Aesthetics
Aesthetically, these two lines are miles apart. The Malm series is a leading example of IKEA's minimalist design philosophy. Its clean, unbroken lines, handle-less drawers, and proportional look make it a purposeful style choice that can define a modern bedroom. The wood veneer options add a layer of warmth and texture reminiscent of classic Scandinavian furniture.
The Kullen series is all about function over form. Its design isn't meant to make a statement - it's meant to blend in and serve a purpose. It's clean but generic, lacking the specific design details and crisp edges that give the Malm its signature look. It serves its purpose, but it won't be the focal point of a room.
Product Range & Sizing
If you're looking to furnish an entire room, Malm is the clear choice. The collection includes high and low bed frames (with optional storage), multiple sizes of dressers (from 2-drawer nightstands to wide 6-drawer chests), and floating shelves. This allows you to create a completely unified space.
The Kullen collection is much more limited. It primarily consists of a few sizes of chests of drawers and a simple wardrobe. It’s not a comprehensive room solution but rather an à la carte offering for anyone who just needs a basic, space-efficient storage unit.
Price & Value
Kullen is the undisputed winner on pure price. A multi-drawer Kullen chest can often be had for less than half the price of a similarly sized Malm dresser. This represents incredible value if your only goal is to add storage capacity for the absolute minimum cost.
However, Malm offers better long-term value. For the extra money, you get a much more stylish piece of furniture with better durability, smoother functionality, and the option to build a fully coordinated bedroom set. The investment translates to a better-looking and feeling piece of furniture that is more likely to last.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA collections are popular for a reason, but they serve different needs and priorities.
Choose the Malm if:
- You want a cohesive, modern, and stylish look for your bedroom.
- You are furnishing a primary bedroom and need furniture that can withstand daily use.
- Integrated storage is important to you, like the under-bed drawers on the Malm bed.
- You’re willing to spend more for better materials, finishes, and durability.
Choose the Kullen if:
- Your top priority is the lowest possible price.
- You need a simple, functional storage solution for a small apartment, closet, or guest room.
- You don't need a perfectly coordinated "designer" look.
- The furniture will see lighter use or may be a temporary solution while you save for something else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Malm and Kullen?
The main difference is their purpose and price point. Malm is a mid-range, style-focused bedroom collection designed for a complete, coordinated look with better durability. Kullen is an entry-level, function-focused series offering the most basic storage for the lowest possible price.
Is Malm better quality than Kullen?
Yes. Malm furniture is constructed from denser materials, often with real wood veneer finishes, and features smoother hardware. It is designed to be more durable and withstand the daily use expected of primary bedroom furniture.
Which one is easier to assemble?
Kullen is generally easier and faster to assemble due to its simpler design and fewer intricate parts. Malm furniture, especially the bed with storage, can be a more involved project.
Can you mix and match Malm and Kullen furniture?
You can, especially in matching finishes like simple white. However, the design differences will be noticeable up close. For example, the Malm's sharp, clean edges and handle-free design contrast with the Kullen's more basic appearance and simple hardware.
Which series is better for a guest room?
This depends on the budget. A Kullen chest is a fantastic budget-friendly choice for a guest room that sees occasional use. If you want the guest room to have a more polished and inviting style, Malm would be a better investment.
How do you clean Malm and Kullen furniture?
Both should be cleaned with a soft cloth dampened with water or a mild cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals. Because of Malm's wood veneer finish, be careful not to oversaturate it with water.
Do IKEA dressers still have tip-over issues?
IKEA has conducted safety recalls in the past and strongly emphasizes securing dressers to the wall. Both Malm and Kullen chests come with safety hardware and explicit instructions to anchor them to the wall to prevent tip-over accidents. It is critical to follow these instructions.
Is the Malm bed with storage worth it?
For many, yes. The four large drawers provide an immense amount of storage in a space that is often wasted under the bed. It’s an excellent, space-saving solution for smaller homes or apartments where clearing clutter is a priority.
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