In a recently published press release, the furniture giant describes the decision as a farewell to a long-lived product.
Malm is more than just a dresser – it has become a part of everyday life and the home for countless families. It has followed people through different phases of life and been there in both turbulent and calm periods. These are the kinds of relationships you don't just say goodbye to without pausing for a moment, says Rikke Andersen, press officer at Ikea Denmark.
Recalls and Damages in North America
While the phase-out is currently communicated as a natural end to a product lifecycle, the Malm series has a history marked by serious incidents and legal proceedings, primarily in the North American market.
At least nine deaths have been linked to the furniture, as accidents occurred when unsecured dressers tipped over on children. In 2016, IKEA chose to recall approximately 30 million dressers in the US and Canada. The company has since paid compensation to affected families in several cases. The most publicized settlement occurred in 2020, when IKEA paid $46 million (equivalent to approximately 430 million Swedish kronor) to the family of a two-year-old boy who died when a Malm dresser fell.
According to the lawyers representing the family, this was likely the largest sum ever paid in a similar case in American history. IKEA announced in connection with the settlement that they continued to work proactively on home safety issues.
Remained on the Swedish Market
Despite the extensive recalls in North America, the Malm series continued to be sold in Sweden and in many other markets until now. IKEA has consistently stated that the safety requirements applicable in each market are met, and emphasized the importance of anchoring the furniture to the wall.
IKEA Sweden commented on the situation in connection with the North American legal cases:
Our products meet all applicable safety requirements in all markets where they are sold, worldwide. At the same time, I would like to emphasize how important it is to follow the assembly instructions. If you have anchored the dresser to the wall, it is safe, said Jakob Holmström, then press officer at IKEA Sweden.
IKEA has not provided any specific sales figures for how many Malm dressers are in Swedish homes today, but confirms that the series will be discontinued entirely during the summer of 2026.