Friday, May 18, 2012

87 IKEA Malm Dresser Update

I recently gave you an update on our super exciting and looong project list.  One of the easiest ones of all was going to be the white dresser in our dressing room.  The reason I selected this one first, was because I had cheated and purchased all of the supplies awhile back, so I had everything I needed on hand now.  And, many of you seemed most interested in that one as well, so it worked out swimmingly!

Here she was in her previous state:


Pretty boring eh?

But first, let's chat about the rest of the room.  Originally we had the dresser between our armoires.  Then, for some reason we moved it.  I thought a vanity would look better than the dresser in that location.  But as we have been living with it, it absolutely makes no layout sense to have the dresser across the room from the rest of the clothes?  So when thinking about the design, we had to keep in mind that it was going to be in front of a really busy wall.


The plan I had in my brain, was to go to the home improvement store and find some very thin wood trim to affix to the front, just to give it some more dimension.  I went, I didn't find anything that I loved.  Or that wouldn't cause my husband 564 cuts.  Then, the fabulous blog world introduced me to Overlays.  The super easy and lovely way to quickly update IKEA furniture.  Consider me a fan.  I found a promo code and ordered four of these.  They were exactly what I envisioned doing with trim, but without all the work off cutting.

When they arrived, I got right to work painting them.  I selected a grellow color that I had color matched to the stripe duvet in the adjoining master bedroom:


I just placed the Overlays on a box and painted with a brush.  Super simple.



Along with the Overlays, I wanted to add some drawer pulls, but I didn't want anything that would compete too much, so I went with simple glass knobs I found on eBay.

The update was pretty simple.  We started out by laying things out on the drawer fronts first, just to get an idea where we wanted the knobs and Overlays to be placed.  Then, we measured:


And installed the knobs:


Next we used a small tube of Liquid Nails to affix the Overlays to the drawer fronts:



We found that we had a very small time frame to wiggle the Overlay in the correct spot, with a quick tape measure check, and then it set quite quickly.

So here you can see a natural progression:


The best part of any project is putting it all back together.  The dresser was moved to it's new home between the armoires:


 
As you may also notice, this update was a trickle effect to another update.  My necklace display went from bright yellow boarder to simple floral fabric.


The yellow just wasn't right.  And the tin graphic over the cork wasn't right either.  It's OK, I know I make mistakes all the time.  It is about learning and growing right?  That's what I tell myself anyway.  And I can reuse the tin for another project, so nothing lost.  The new display is still the same cork, now just with fabric over the front, which is a much more simple look.  It also gives me more hanging space since I removed the frame's matte.



But back to the dresser, I really love the difference the painted Overlays and new knobs made to the simple, inexpensive IKEA dresser!


So chic and pretty!  How about a before and after to save your scrolling fingers:


And, it feels just wonderful to have another project checked off the list!  Once the paint dried, the whole project only took about an hour {while also watching Hulu so we were a bit distracted}.

Anyone knocking a project off the ol' list this weekend?  Who else is a giant Overlays fan?


87 comments:

  1. I have the mini bedside dressers from Ikea's Malm collection in dark brown. For a while now I've wanted to make them distressed and add some hardware.. but I thought the edges would be too sharp for the style I was looking for (shabby chic) - now with this idea I'm thinking it will work.. thanks so much :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think their site may crash. It's going SO SO SLOW. Cute idea to fix up a ikea dresser!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm a fan and hope to use them at some point. We have two ikea dressers in our room that are in desperate need of an update this summer!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I don't usually comment your posts because I have no time, but today I have to!
    It's sooo cool! I really love what you did! =)
    I'll keep it in mind to my future home ;)
    xoxo

    *Ma vie en rose*

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am in love with the overlay project. How SIMPLE! I've been reading your blog for a few weeks now, and you are such an inspiration. I know I'm not the first to say that! But my goodness, you make my salvation-army-shopping life so much brighter!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cool transformation. Thinking of copying your jewelry board idea! Fun!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is great! Thanks for the inspiration!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love them but they're pricey. Especially since Ikea is so affordable, it turns that inexpensive piece of furniture into a budget buster.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jen, you have such an eye for making things beautiful and elegant. I like so many of your ideas, and am slowly incorporating them into my own home. Thank you for sharing!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jen, I need to know if there is an easier way to look at one of your older posts, without scrolling all the way down to find it? And do your older posts eventually get moved to project galery? I think it would be great if you could organize your older posts into the front page with a tab of it own. Anyways, I love all your ideas!!! And it's really a blessing to read your blog!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try the search bar or the blog label section. If you know what you are looking for like the playroom, you can hit that label and it will take you to all posts on the playroom. Or if you know when the post was, go into the archives.

      Delete
    2. Thank you Jess for your help! I didn't even know there was a archives area.

      Delete
    3. Hi Diana!

      I do have a project gallery tab, however, it's not exactly current, however, as other readers mentioned you can do a search or select the labels on the sidebar of the blog. A better project gallery is absolutely on my list of "to do's"

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  11. SO, SO, SO, SOOOOO pretty!!! I have been looking at those Overlays for a while bc our PAX wardrobes have plain white doors -- now I am just totally inspired! LOVE the idea of using liquid nails, and those drawer pulls just make it look so chic. Another gorgeous project, Jen!! You are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I just found you from Pinterest and I LOVE! I have this same dresser in black and I've been trying to think of a way to make it look less blah and you've given me some serious inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  13. looks beautiful! I love overlays...especially for use when antiquing a piece of furniture. I was told they're also sold at Lowe's but have to yet to see them there.

    Veronica
    chaosinmycasa.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I LOVE this! I want to do something like in my son's room

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, so so simple and pretty! I love that little egg crate looking thing on the dresser too. Cute!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Had no idea they made overlays like that- I think in black over white furniture would be beautiful too! So cool- I also really do like the floral fabric- it just works so well. I also liked you "I make mistakes too" comment, not that I didn't like the yellow but nice to know I'm not the only one who does a project..and it turns out fine but not as amazing as I had hoped for so I continue to tinker with and update :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Holly!

      Thanks! I am always tweaking things until I get them just right. Sometimes it takes me a couple of goes at it until it sticks {and sometimes one change then trickles to another}, but I have learned to accept that is 100% OK. :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  17. That looks so great! I need little tips like this as I start dipping my toes in the water of looking for furniture for my (future) house.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I had never heard of the overlays. Love the ideas - ALL OF THEM. The back of our headboard is a huge 24 drawer unit, that we built ourselves, so now, I am wondering where else I could use these wonderful little inventions.

    Also, I adore your jewelry display. I just don't feel I have the appropriate place for it, but...that doesn't stop me from thinking about creating one... Hmm, just don't let my husband read this... :-0

    ReplyDelete
  19. I heard of Overlays a while back and I think that they are GENIUS! I moved away from Ikea and am heartbroken. I now have a house that I can use furniture for and I am dying for Ikea. The closest one to Nashville is Atlanta. Insert loud crying .... Lesley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Lesley, I live a long way away from Ikea, too. Did you know that you can find a lot of their stuff on Amazon? The shipping rates are usually way better, too!

      Delete
    2. Lesley,
      Would Charlotte be easier/closer to you? I am an Eastern NC gal and unfortunately Charlotte is still the closest (the next would be the one near DC). Heading through Charlotte in a few weeks and my hubby is already dreading it! I've got lots of pent up IKEA shopping to take care of!
      Allison

      Delete
  20. Looking good! I really like that fabric you used on your jewelry frame. We have two of those Malm dressers in our closet. It made a huge difference in appearance when we added handles to them (we got long satin nickel ones). They no longer looked quite so IKEA.

    ReplyDelete
  21. The Overlays are brilliant and the dresser looks fabulous! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi, Jen. Love the Overlays idea! But, I'm sorry, I'm not really digging the floral fabric. It's pretty, yeah, but I think your other necklaces are harder to see now. Just my opinion. ^_^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is OK Mrs. B. I really love the fabric {I have been having the hardest time finding colors that work with the wall color}, and the best part is that it's just a small piece of fabric that I can continue to swap out easily. In person, I don't have a hard time at all seeing which necklace is which.

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  23. Sometimes Ikea furniture just screams "I'm from Ikea!!!" Don't get me wrong, I'm a total Ikea junkie... but the Malm especially has that Ikea look. Your very simple touches make a world of difference and now it looks like a hip boutique piece of furniture. Totally fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am SUCH an IKEA junkie! However, I rarely keep it looking as it was intended, it's just too much fun to play with. :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  24. I love that this simple update makes the dresser look so, so different. You can't even tell that it came from Ikea anymore. I love idea furniture but sometimes it can be a little too flat and simple, now this is a piece that wows!

    Also, I'm delighted to see that Overlays ships internationally. I'll definitely be remembering that!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Jen, where did you buy your overlays from and if I googled them would they just be called "timber overlays"? Great work, as always.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nikki,

      Here is the website for the Overlays: http://www.myoverlays.com/Home.aspx

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  26. So simple and pretty! It looks great, and I love the new fabric also. My question is, what are you going to do with the jewelry thats color clashes with the fabric? Because you know that will just drive you crazy, right? ; )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are funny! I don't own too many necklaces, but I think that anything will pop nicely against the fabric, or add some interest anyway. And, because it's just a small piece of fabric, it's totally changeable someday if I wish. But for now, I am loving it! :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  27. Do you have any hints re: drilling for the knobs? Does the Ikea "wood" splinter? Did you drill front to inside, or in reverse?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Use a small drill bit and drill slowly (don't power through!) from front to inside--it will probably be less awkward that way, too. Any shavings or rough edges from the hole will be on the inside, which you can sand away. IKEA furniture is easy to modify!

      Delete
  28. It's beautiful Jen! I LOVE it!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow I love what you did with the dresser and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the glass knobs.. I think it looks great between the two..
    Robyn

    ReplyDelete
  30. Yay! I was looking forward to your update on the dresser so I can get ideas for my malm dresser :) This turned out great! And the overlays are such a simple solution!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Looks great! Where did you find the decorative metal grate for your jewelry holder?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Krista!

      I found it at Home Depot. :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
    2. I read your blot almost every day and this is one of my favorite posts yet! Probably because it seems like it was pretty simple to do but had incredible results...those are my favorite kinds of diy projects haha.

      Delete
  32. Just the other day I was thinking about putting knobs on the exact same dressers at our house. I am going to make sure to do it after seeing this. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. The overlays make the dresser look chic and expensive. Lovely! I have that same vintage blossom fabric that I'm eventually going to use for our bedroom update.

    ReplyDelete
  34. You knocked it out of the park with that seemingly simple addition! Way to go.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh, I have been wanting to try those. They look fantastic. It's crazy what a little bit of detail can do. And I really like the dwell studio fabric you switched up. Super cute. I wonder if they make those for the little rast dresser. I need to check!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love this, Jen! So simple and chic :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Just found your blog, and I’m OBSESSED! I must know... where did you get your vanity stools? They would look 100% PERFECT in my new bedroom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alex!

      Thanks so much! Here is a link to the stools: http://www.target.com/p/Modern-Stool/-/A-13783511?ref=tgt_adv_xasd0001&AFID=Performics_IHeart%20Organizing&LNM=Primary

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  38. This is really cool!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi Jen, where did you find a promo code for the Overlays? Also, where are your knobs from?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I found it while another blogger was running a review and promo {which has since expired}. However, I recently liked their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Overlays/153971091338481

      They announce current promotions as well.

      xoxo,
      Jen

      Delete
  40. I love this! Looks great. Where did you get the inserts for the jewelry holders?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      You can find links here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/simple-diy-jewelry-display.html

      The metal grate is from Home Depot.

      xoxo!
      Jen

      Delete
  41. Jen- You used to have a little white single charger on your nightstand that you mentioned you got from Target's clearance section a long long while back Did you get rid of it? I didn't see it in your pictures! (I've yet to find the single charger I also have the large black one from Pottery Barn)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do still have it! :) I just don't charge my phones near our bed any longer. We keep one upstairs and one in our dressing room.

      xoxo!
      Jen

      Delete
  42. You are so talented! I love your style - this looks great :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love that bowl for your bracelets! Where did you get that?

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love the new fabric! Where did you find that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a Dwell Studio fabric that I found through fabric.com.

      xoxo!
      Jen

      Delete
  45. Wow I love what you've done! Feeling inspired to do something about my place as well. But first I need to declutter the entire place. Love the wallpaper :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love overlays! Also in love with that beautiful wallpaper in your dressing room! Where did you get it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! It's actually a wall stencil, here are the details: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/08/we-did-it-and-how-to-stencil-wall.html

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  47. hi Jen,

    wow !!! what a drastic change with small changes in dressing table.. i too have a white dresser .. now i got an inspiration to change its look beautifully n easily.. like new one....

    thanks..

    ReplyDelete
  48. I have this same dresser and i cant wait to try this!! Such a great idea..what size overlays did you order??

    http://someofhereandsomeofthere.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Jen, I recently came across your blog through IkeaHackers. Just have to give a BIG shout out "LOVE LOVE LOVE your creations!!" Really wish I have your creativity :) Keep up the good work!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi Jen... I jus loveeeeee ur ideas.... N would love to try these in my flat too..

    Well I was working full time n jus quit job n want to do a makeover of my apartment.. It's all jus set plain n simple lik your earlier pics of your home.

    Well I have a brown night stand of this same white u have above... What could I do with it to make it look chic lik how u did??? Please suggest and u cud start looking out for stuff :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Azee!!

      If you do a search on Pinterest for MALM, you will find endless ideas of those dressers. So much inspiration!

      http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=malm

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  51. Hi Jen,
    I discovered you in your spread in BHG and I've been hooked ever since! You have great taste and ideas and you have been an inspiration to me. The question I have for you is one that I've never seen on your site. How do you use spray adhesive without making a mess? How do you contain the spray so that it doesn't go on stuff other than your project?

    P.S. Your MALM dresser now looks like a classic piece of furniture. One would never know it came from IKEA! Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Which size Anne overlays did you use, 6x29 or 7x30? I love what you did and im looking to do the same to the 2 Malm dressers I bought.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did the 7x30 but you will want to measure your dresser drawer fronts to be sure you get the ones that work best for you. :)

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  53. Hi Jen,
    What kind of paint did you use to paint the overlays?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      I just used regular latex paint, but I think craft and spray paint both would work as well. :)

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  54. I'm loving the knobs, how did you install? With a drill? I just want to make sure the drawers don't splinter or crack. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, we used a drill bit close to the size of the knob screw, and drilled the holes for the knobs. No splintering occurred. :)

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  55. Where did the cute turquoise jewelry holder??

    ReplyDelete
  56. Beautiful job on the dresser! This article caught my eye as I was searching for wall borders/overlays. I'm looking for a wall border that is similar to what you have on yours however I'd like the corners to have an angled look... exactly like the Ikea ones! I don't want to cut and measure. Do you know where I can purchase pre-cut large wall borders?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!

      We DIY'd ours here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/02/basement-progress-master-bedroom.html

      I have never seen a pre-made version/option.

      xoxo!

      Delete
  57. Hey Jen, I know this post is old and I love your DIY makeover of the malm. I currently have 6 in our home in our closets. I am looking at buying two more as night stands. Of course I would love for them to be a little dressier than a plain IKEA malm. My question - What thickness did you use for your dresser? Their website has 1/8 or 1/4 and 1/2 (custom thickness) Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hi Jenna! I believe ours are 1/8th. I don't believe we had the option to select back when we initially ordered. :) Best of luck with your project, we still love the custom look it has provided! xoxo!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking a moment to join in on the conversation! I read and appreciate each and every comment, however, I will remove any comment that I believe to be inappropriate, malicious, or spam-like. I would love for this comment section to be used as a place to engage in purposeful dialogue, I only ask that everyone remains constructive and considerate.

All comments will be moderated and may take a moment to appear.