How long does it take to assemble an IKEA MALM bed frame?

A standard MALM bed frame takes 60–90 minutes for most people. The storage bed version (with built-in drawers) adds 30–45 minutes. Both can be done solo.

Is the IKEA MALM bed easy to assemble?

Yes — MALM is one of the more straightforward IKEA bed frames. The main thing to watch is getting the frame square before tightening the side rails, and not overtightening the cam bolts on the headboard.

Can one person assemble the MALM bed frame?

Yes. The MALM panels are manageable solo. The headboard and footboard can be leaned against a wall while you connect the side rails. Most people complete it in 75–90 minutes working alone.

How long does the MALM storage bed take to assemble?

The MALM storage bed (with two under-bed storage boxes) takes 90–120 minutes. The storage boxes need to be built separately and the lift mechanism requires extra steps before the slats go in.

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Guide

IKEA MALM Bed Assembly Time and Difficulty

4 min read · Based on real buyer data

Most IKEA MALM beds take 1.5–4 hours to assemble depending on the frame size, slats, center beam, and whether the bed includes storage drawers. A standard MALM frame takes 60–90 minutes. The high bed frame with storage boxes runs 2–3 hours.

Person assembling an IKEA bed frame on the floor with instructions and screws spread out nearby — A MALM frame mid-assembly — build it flat on the floor before standing it up.

1.5–2h

standard bed frame

2.5–3.5h

storage bed

Moderate

difficulty

Standard MALM vs storage MALM

The standard MALM bed frame is a straightforward build — headboard, footboard, side rails, and slats. Most people finish it in under 2 hours. The MALM storage bed is a different story. The under-bed drawers and lift mechanism add significant complexity and at least an extra hour.

Variant	Avg Time	Difficulty
MALM Bed frame (Twin/Full)	1.5–2 hours	Moderate
MALM Bed frame (Queen/King)	2–2.5 hours	Moderate
MALM Bed with 2 storage boxes	2.5–3 hours	Moderate–Hard
MALM Bed with 4 storage boxes	3–3.5 hours	Hard

MALM storage bed with gas lift mechanism raised, revealing the under-bed storage compartment — The MALM storage bed's gas lift in action — attach the pistons before installing the slats or you can't reach them.

Tools you'll need

Electric screwdriver — bed frames have a lot of screwsAmazon →Rubber mallet — for tight slat holders and dowelsAmazon →Hex key set — better grip than the included keyAmazon →Knee pads — you'll be on the floor for 2 hoursAmazon →Moving blanket — protects the headboard while assemblingAmazon →

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Tips for assembling MALM faster

Count all parts before you start

Lay everything out and check the quantity of each part against the manual before touching anything. Missing hardware mid-build costs you a trip to IKEA.

Assemble in the bedroom

MALM bed frames are too large to move assembled through doorways. Build it in the room it'll live in.

Attach the slat holders before raising the frame

The plastic slat holders on the side rails are much easier to attach while the rails are flat on the floor.

Storage bed: mount the lift pistons early

If you have the storage bed, attach the gas lift mechanism before the slats — you can't reach it afterwards.

If it has drawers, test them while everything is still loose

Before final tightening, fully extend and close every drawer. Adjusting alignment is easy now — nearly impossible after the frame is rigid.

Two people for queen and king sizes

The headboard and side rails are heavy and need to be held in position simultaneously. Solo is doable for twin/full, but not recommended for larger sizes.

Tighten bolts in order

Work from the center outward. Tightening corner bolts first can cause the frame to rack slightly out of square.

Person assembling wooden bed slats and side rails on the floor — Attach slat holders while the side rails are still flat — much harder once the frame is standing.

Look up your exact MALM model

Assembly times vary by size and configuration. Check the exact time for your specific MALM:

See all MALM assembly times →Search all products →

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