Everything You Need to Know Before Building an IKEA Malm Bed Frame

Building furniture is an emotional process filled with lots of highs and lows. It can feel so great and then so, so bad. If you're about to tackle the very popular IKEA Malm bed frame, here's everything I wish I knew before I built mine.

For what it's worth, after I completed the 14-step process the end result was totally worth it. It just took some trial and error to get there. That's why I'm here to help you out. Check out the video above for a complete, step-by-step breakdown of exactly how to get it right on your first try. Then read the finer details below, so you know just what to do to build a bed you'll be able to sleep on tonight—without going into a rage blackout beforehand.

What You Need To Know Before Building The Malm Bed:

First: The way you unbox everything matters.

Lay out the frame as it should look when it's complete, so you can picture what it's supposed to look like. This will make each step easier because you'll have a general idea of what needs to happen, but it will also help you stay organized.

Now that you're ready to get going, here are the specific steps most likely to trip you up. At least, this was the case for me—and I've made more than a few Malm beds at this point.

Step one: This is easier than it looks. Trust.

I won't lie, I got tripped up on this step because there wasn't enough guidance. Yes, you're hammering three plastic pieces (#122628, in case you're cross-referencing the manual) into a footboard and backboard with no pre-made holes here. Just align the piece with a hole on the opposite end of the board, and you'll be set.

Step three: Don't fully push the side panel into the backboard.

Insert the short wooden dowels (#101367) into the side panel, then insert the side panel into the backboard. Don't actually connect the pieces together just yet; think of it more as lightly placing them together.

Step four: Now, you connect them.

Per the instructions, insert the round-lock piece (#114670). For your sanity and to save time, properly align the arrow so it's facing away from the backboard. Push both panels into eachother as you twist, then they'll lock into place.

Step seven: Place the pieces on top of each other.

Take the plastic piece (#122998) and put it on top of the screw (#114254), then insert it into the backboard and twist. Already having them together when you go to insert them will make life easier.

Step 13: Screw from underneath.

Sounds silly, but I wish someone told me to screw the pieces (#105163) from underneath and then add the plastic caps (#102267) on top. That little tip can save you a lot of head-scratching. And silently cursing the whole project.

MALM Bed Frame

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.