How to Assemble IKEA MALM Bed Frame

Step-by-step assembly

1. 

   Step 1

   Tap 6 felt pads (122628) into the bottom edges.

   Three each on the head panel and the footboard — use a hammer.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:19)

2. 

   Step 2

   Screw 8 connector bolts (123491) into the panel ends.

   Use the spanner (113453). The collar should sit on the surface — don’t sink it in.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:26)

3. 

   Step 3

   Push 12 short dowels (101359) into the rail ends.

   Three in each end. Use 101359 here — not the long 101367 ones.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:34)

4. 

   Step 4 · manual step 3

   Stand the head panel and footboard up, rails in between.

   The bolts face inwards, towards the rails.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:41)

5. 

   Step 5 · manual step 4

   Insert 8 cam locks (114670) into the inner faces of the rails.

   Two at each end. Check the arrow on each lock — see the manual, step 4.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:48)

6. 

   Step 6 · manual step 4

   Push the head panel and footboard onto the rails.

   The bolts and dowels go into the holes in the rail ends.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:55)

7. 

   Step 7 · manual step 4

   Turn the cam locks clockwise with the Allen key (100049).

   This pulls the rails tight against the panels.

   ▶ Watch this step (1:01)

8. 

   Step 8 · manual step 5

   Push 5 long dowels (101367) into the top edge of the head panel.

   ▶ Watch this step (1:08)

9. 

   Step 9 · manual step 6

   Screw 4 threaded studs (114334) into the upper headboard.

   Use the spanner (113453). Don’t sink them below the surface.

   ▶ Watch this step (1:14)

10. 

    Step 10 · manual step 7

    Lift the upper headboard onto the head panel.

    The studs and dowels go into the holes in the top edge.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:22)

11. 

    Step 11 · manual step 7

    Fit 4 plastic inserts (122998), then tighten 4 nuts (114254).

    Reach in through the round holes on the inside of the head panel. Tighten with the spanner.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:29)

12. 

    Step 12 · manual step 8

    Screw the metal slat supports to both side rails.

    16 screws (110789), 8 per rail. Two heights are possible depending on the mattress — see the manual, step 8.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:38)

13. 

    Step 13 · manual step 9

    Screw a beam bracket (116791) to the head panel and the footboard.

    Centred on the inside, 2 screws (110789) each — 4 in total.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:47)

14. 

    Step 14 · manual step 10

    Fit the 4 telescopic rods (117228) between brackets and rails.

    8 screws (117327): one at each end of every rod.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:55)

15. 

    Step 15 · manual step 11

    Check the frame is square, then lock each rod.

    One screw (117327) in the middle of each rod — 4 in total. The sides must not bow in or out.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:04)

16. 

    Step 16 · manual step 12

    Extend the centre beam and lay it on the two brackets.

    Careful — don’t trap your fingers when you pull it out.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:12)

17. 

    Step 17 · manual step 13

    Fit 8 slat clips (10096286) with 8 screws (105163).

    At both ends of each rail and of the beam. Skip this if you use a framed slatted base (manual p. 15).

    ▶ Watch this step (2:20)

18. 

    Step 18 · manual step 14

    Roll out the slats and tuck their ends under the clips.

    One roll each side of the centre beam.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:29)