Ikea to Discontinue Popular Malm Furniture Series

The Evolution of the Modern Bedroom: Moving Beyond the IKEA MALM Era

For years, the MALM series has been a cornerstone of minimalist interior design, appearing in thousands of homes globally. Known for its streamlined look and versatility, it transitioned from a simple furniture choice to a canvas for “IKEA hacks.” However, the era of MALM is drawing to a close as the furniture giant shifts its focus toward new design directions.

IKEA has confirmed that the MALM series will be gradually phased out between 2026, and 2027. This transition primarily affects the most popular items in the collection, including bed frames, nightstands, and the majority of its dressers.

Enter STORKLINTA: The New Standard for Minimalist Storage

As MALM exits the stage, IKEA is introducing the STORKLINTA series. This new line is designed to reflect how people live today, focusing on modern aesthetics and functional organization.

STORKLINTA offers a contemporary take on the bedroom suite, featuring clean lines and integrated handles. This design shift moves away from the traditional look of the MALM series toward a more integrated, seamless appearance that fits into various room sizes.

Key Differences in Design Philosophy

While MALM focused on a timeless, streamlined aesthetic, STORKLINTA emphasizes versatile storage solutions. The transition is part of a broader strategy of continuous assortment development, ensuring that furniture reflects current lifestyle needs rather than sticking to static designs.

For those who loved the MALM look, STORKLINTA provides a similar minimalist vibe but with updated hardware and a more modern silhouette.

The Lifecycle of a Design Classic: Update vs. Replace

The departure of MALM highlights an interesting trend in furniture longevity. Not all “classics” are treated the same. For instance, the Billy bookcase has survived for decades by evolving; it received significant design updates in 2011 and again in 2022 to adapt to changing habits, such as the rise of e-books.

In contrast, other series are completely replaced. The Expedit shelves, once a favorite for vinyl enthusiasts, were phased out in 2014. The MALM series now follows this path of complete replacement rather than iterative updates.

The Rise of “Vintage” IKEA: Furniture as an Investment

As certain series are discontinued, a secondary market often emerges. We are seeing a trend where popular IKEA classics are sold for significantly more than their original retail price.

A prime example is the Hella Jongerius vases. Launched in 2005 for 349 kroner, some rare variants now sell for several thousand on international sites, with starting auction prices often reaching 1,000 kroner.

This suggests that as MALM becomes a relic of the mid-2020s, well-maintained pieces may eventually hold a nostalgic or collector’s value on platforms like Finn, where MALM items already show high search volume compared to other series.

Prioritizing Home Safety in the Modern Era

Regardless of whether you own a MALM dresser or a new STORKLINTA unit, safety remains the most critical aspect of bedroom furniture. IKEA has emphasized that the phase-out of MALM is due to assortment development and not related to past safety incidents involving unsecured dressers.

To ensure a safe home environment, all large and tall furniture must be properly fastened to the wall using the included wall-attachment devices. Following the assembly instructions strictly is the only way to prevent tipping accidents.

For more information on home safety, you can visit IKEA’s official safety guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you think about the shift from MALM to STORKLINTA? Are you a fan of the minimalist look, or do you prefer more traditional styles? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more interior design trends!