This article focuses on IKEA PAX concepts for a bedroom closet, along with my candid assessment of the PAX system.
I recently converted our walk-in closet into a home office, which required a fresh storage option for our garments. The IKEA PAX closet system has been on my list for some time, making this an excellent chance to test it out.
After conducting extensive research and organizing, I purchased and set up an IKEA PAX wardrobe that features hanging areas, shelves, drawers, and space for smaller items such as jewelry and accessories.
We are extremely satisfiedwith the practicality and storage capacity of our new wardrobe. I will include all the specifics below, including the wardrobe sizes we selected, internal storage solutions, a breakdown of IKEA PAX costs, and more.
Should you have any inquiries, don’t hesitate to drop a comment at the bottom of the page!
This article may include affiliate links.
Introduction: My Reason for Choosing the IKEA PAX System
The Significance of a Purposeful, Well-Crafted Wardrobe
Have you ever felt swamped by an overstuffed closet, only to come to the realization that you wear a mere fraction of your wardrobe? I’ve experienced that. Recently, I have been gradually evaluatingour household to ensure we only retain possessions we genuinely cherish and utilize. Naturally, this extends to our wardrobes as well.
Like many newly constructed homes, our residence included basic wire shelving in all closets. While this can be effective in some circumstances, it didn’t suit our clothing needs. After dealing with twisted hangers a few too many times, I had enough. We required a practical bedroom wardrobe design that would assist us in taking care of and wearing the garments we already possess.
Overview of the IKEA PAX Wardrobe and Storage System
The IKEA PAX system is extremely favored, and justifiably so. It’s an economical closet solution with numerous customization possibilities including wardrobe interiors (rails, drawers, shelves, etc.), coordinating organizers, and three color choices.
The PAX system can serve as a walk-in closet or a bedroom wardrobe like ours. Moreover, you can choose between no doors, hinged doors, or sliding doors based on your preference for space. Both glass doors and full-length mirror doors are also options.
Achieving the Custom Built-In Wardrobe Aesthetic on a Budget
If you adore the appearance of custom built-in wardrobes designed by interior decorators but are deterred by the cost, look no further. Even without any modifications, IKEA PAX wardrobes present beautifully as standalone furniture.
For instance, I merely took off part of the…
baseboard situated behind our closet, and did not incorporate any supplementary trim. Nevertheless, if you possess some skills, you can integrate the IKEA PAX frames so that they appear even more luxurious.
Later in this article, I will share IKEA PAX ideas to “transform” your wardrobes, for those passionate about DIY endeavors. The PAX framework is an exceptional choice for customized wardrobes at a reasonable cost.
IKEA PAX Ideas: Factors to Consider During Planning
Questions to Consider Before Crafting Your Ideal Wardrobe
Prior to delving into the specifics of designing your IKEA PAX wardrobe, it is crucial to reflect on your unique storage requirements and inclinations. Here are some questions to ponder:
- What number of outfits (tops, trousers, jeans, coats, dresses, etc.) do I wish to possess?
- Do I favor hanging or folding my garments?
- Will footwear be housed in the wardrobe, or situated elsewhere?
- Will seasonal clothing be stored in the wardrobe, or rotated out?
- Do I prefer no doors, hinged doors, or a sliding door wardrobe?
It may be alluring to bypass this phase, but addressing these inquiries will facilitate a more user-friendly and manageable bedroom wardrobe.
Functionality and Arrangement of Bedroom Wardrobe
If you have explored bedroom wardrobe designs online, you understand that there are numerous layouts available. I opted for the PAX system due to its modular wardrobe design that enables you to combine various elements. For instance:
- Rails serve for hanging storage. A rail positioned near the top of the wardrobe is ideal for shirts, dresses, and coats. You can also layer another rail approximately midway down for trousers and jeans.
- Shelves are excellent for storing sweaters, shirts, hats, bags, and other accessories.
- Drawers offer concealed storage for undergarments, workout attire, or anything you prefer not to display in your wardrobe.
- Organizers such as easily accessible pull-out tie and belt rails or shoe organizers make for a fantastic finishing touch.
If you are dealing with a compact space, modular wardrobes like the PAX system are an outstanding option! They empower you to create a wardrobe tailored to your distinct needs and personal possessions.
Common Inquiries Regarding IKEA PAX Wardrobes
Does IKEA Offer Built-In Wardrobes?
IKEA’s PAX closet system can be utilized for a walk-in closet, a reach-in closet, or a freestanding bedroom wardrobe. PAX wardrobes are always “built-in” in the sense that they must be secured to the wall (and each other) for safety reasons.
To enhance the custom appearance of your PAX units, you can remove the baseboard situated behind the wardrobe and caulk where the units meet the wall. For additional inspiration, refer to the PAX hacks section near the conclusion of this blog post!
What Are the Dimensions of PAX Wardrobes?
IKEA’s PAX wardrobes come in various sizes:
- Width: 19 5/8 inches, 29 1/2 inches, or 39 3/8 inches
- Height: 79 1/8 inches or 92 7/8 inches
- Depth: 13 3/4 inches or 22 7/8 inches
What Colors Do PAX Wardrobes Come In?
IKEA’s PAX system is available in three neutral hues: white, beige, and dark gray.
Where Should a Wardrobe Be Positioned in a Bedroom?
If you are currently reading this article, you likely value your home’s interior design and aesthetic appeal. The location of your wardrobe will depend on the dimensions of the bedroom, but there are numerous options available to consider.
For instance, in smaller rooms, you can position wardrobes in a corner to optimize floor space. One note here
is that you might consider positioning a spacer adjacent to the wall (making it simpler to open the wardrobe door closest to the wall). Moreover, compact spaces could benefit from a mirrored wardrobe to give the perception of increased area.
In a spacious room, you can position freestanding wardrobes centrally in front of the bed. That’s precisely what I did! Alternatively, you could design a long built-in wardrobe that spans the entire width of a vacant wall.
Pro tip: Check the PAX Hacks section below for additional ideas to enhance the appearance of your wardrobes to look built-in and tailor-made.
Is It Preferable to Hang or Fold Clothes?
The decision to hang or fold garments is a matter of personal choice that requires thoughtful reflection. Generally, it is optimal to hang dress shirts, blouses, and dresses to avoid wrinkles. Conversely, t-shirts, sweaters, and jeans can either be hung or folded.
Personally, I opted to hang solely our dress attire and fold the rest. Hangers frustrate me, and I prefer to minimize their use daily! I chose to fold my sweaters, t-shirts, pajamas, and jeans, placing them on shelves for more convenient access. Additionally, my athleisure and workout apparel, socks, and underwear are folded in drawers to keep them out of sight.
Decide whether you favor hanging or folding your garments before arranging your wardrobe to guarantee adequate space for each storage method.
IKEA PAX Concepts: How to Craft Your Ideal Wardrobe
Measure Your Area
To start, assess the bedroom or closet where you will install the PAX wardrobes. You will be able to enter these measurements on the IKEA site using the PAX Planner.
Utilizing the PAX Planner Tool to Craft a Custom Wardrobe
The PAX Planner is an online tool aimed at assisting you in designing the ideal wardrobe for your environment. You can begin your project by selecting from three options: “Guide me,” “Design from scratch,” or “Browse inspiration.”
The Pax Planner will construct a virtual room where you can drag and drop elements to assemble your dream wardrobe! If you are not asked to input your room dimensions, simply click on the “Room Design” tab to include this data.
While utilizing the PAX Planner, you will encounter various tabs to select from: Frames, Doors, Handles, Interiors, Organizers, and Lights. I recommend following this sequence when designing your wardrobe. It is crucial to select closet doors prior to choosing interiors, as the door hinges will influence the arrangement of shelves and drawers.
Pro tip: The door hinges will be offset by a single hole on the right as opposed to the left for the 79 1/8 inch tall PAX wardrobes. This puzzled me for a time during the design phase, so I thought it was worth mentioning!
Ordering Your Custom IKEA PAX Wardrobe
Once you finalize your PAX wardrobe design, just click “Finalize” at the top of the page. This will redirect you to a new page displaying your PAX design summary.
Subsequently, you will be able to verify the stock of the IKEA items for delivery or collection at your nearby store. The page will present a list of all components for your bedroom wardrobe, alongside tabs showcasing images and an assembly overview.
Lastly, select “Add to Bag” to complete your purchase, or “Save for later” to obtain an email with your design code.
Other IKEA Closet Systems
Explore all of IKEA’s storage solutions if you wish to evaluate other choices.
for personalized closets and wardrobes, including the AURDAL system or the BOAXEL system.
Our IKEA PAX Wardrobe Blueprint and Design Strategy
Next, I would like to present the specifics of our IKEA PAX bedroom wardrobe design, should you aspire to craft something akin to it!
Wardrobe Frames and Interiors Utilized
Here are all the IKEA PAX components I selected! Our tailored wardrobe comprises three frames. The central PAX wardrobe frame is twice as wide compared to the two side frames.
Interior Layout of Our Bedroom Wardrobe
Looking for ideas on how to set up your wardrobe? This is the arrangement I opted for, although it will ultimately rely on your individual tastes.
I utilized Canva to design our wardrobe’s interior layout. This is a fantastic method to ensure your closet’s functionality meets your needs! Simply capture a screenshot of your bedroom wardrobe design and insert labels for each segment.
Overall Expense for Our IKEA PAX Wardrobe
The total expenditure for our customized IKEA PAX wardrobe amounted to $1,546.15. This total includes $39 for delivery and approximately $100 for taxes.
Considering that a tailored built-in wardrobe could easily exceed double that amount, or much higher based on materials and finishes, I personally felt that the price was excellent!
IKEA PAX Wardrobe Assembly and Installation in a Bedroom
IKEA furniture is often perceived as challenging to assemble. While I wouldn’t describe this undertaking as a walk in the park—it required three days altogether!—constructing the PAX wardrobes was relatively simple. Nevertheless, I would suggest having two individuals to assemble and position the frames, as they are sizeable and weighty.
Remove the Baseboard Where the Frames Will Be Placed
Initially, utilize an oscillating tool to detach a portion of the baseboard where you intend to position the PAX frames. Alternatively, you may choose to remove the entire baseboard piece, resize it with a miter saw or miter shears, and then reinstall it.
Removing the baseboard is an optional procedure,
but it will enable you to position the units directly against the wall for a built-in aesthetic. Additionally, it will simplify the process of fastening the PAX frames to the wall for security.
If you do not intend to take off the baseboard, you will need to utilize a spacer behind the top of the frames that matches the same depth as your baseboard.
Construct the PAX Wardrobe Frames
Next, it’s time to start constructing! Adhere to the IKEA instruction manual to put together your bedroom wardrobe frames. This task might require two individuals since some components are sizable and weighty. If needed, safeguard your flooring with a blanket or cardboard to prevent scratches or dents.
Once assembled, carefully elevate the PAX wardrobe frames and position them against the wall.
Fasten Wardrobe Frames to the Wall and Each Other
Afterward, comply with the IKEA guidelines for securing your wardrobe frames first to each other and then to the wall for safety. You will require trigger clamps for this operation.
Should you be unable to locate a stud behind your drywall, utilize robust wall anchors like toggle bolts that can endure the weight of the wardrobes.
Put Together Wardrobe Interiors
Following that, adhere to the IKEA guidelines provided with each of your wardrobe interiors. I found it practical to begin with the bottom drawer and then ascend to ensure I used the correct holes. Take my word for it, you do not want to make an error and have to relocate everything–I may have experienced this once!
Crucial note: If you will be adding doors, mark the spaces where the hinges need to be installed to avoid inadvertently using them for alternative purposes! Refer to this page on the IKEA website to determine which holes will be required for your doors. I will also provide a useful table below:
| PAX 236 cm | PAX 201 cm left door | PAX 201 cm right door | |
| 1st hinge | 3rd and 4th from the top | 3rd and 4th from the top | 3rd and 4th from the top |
| 2nd hinge | 32nd and 33rd from the top | 29th and 30th from the top | 30th and 31st from the top |
| 3rd hinge | 38th and 39th from the top | 3rd and 4th from the bottom | 3rd and 4th from the bottom |
| 4th hinge | 3rd and 4th from the bottom | x | x |
Install PAX Wardrobe Doors
Ultimately, if you opted for doors in your bedroom wardrobe layout, it is time to put them in place! This step may also benefit from the assistance of another person, as it can be a challenge to hold the door steady while fastening the screws.
Pro tip: If you are attaching the PAX wardrobe doors by yourself, utilize a stack of books to support the bottom of the door while you connect it to the frames!
My Genuine Review of the IKEA PAX Wardrobe System
To conclude this article, I wanted to present my review of the IKEA PAX! Naturally, our wardrobes are still fresh, so I’ll revise this article as time proceeds, but here are my preliminary impressions.
Advantages of IKEA PAX
- Cost-effective when compared to custom built-in wardrobes
- A plethora of internal customization choices
- Impressive quality control and craftsmanship for its price
- Stylish wardrobe hues, doors, and handles to complement your taste
Disadvantages of IKEA PAX
- Constructed from particleboard, not solid timber
- Only three frame dimensions, not tailored
- Assembly can be labor-intensive
- Occasionally, components may be unavailable
In summary, I would highly endorse the PAX system for a built-in wardrobe in a bedroom (or a walk-in wardrobe if space permits). There are numerous ways to personalize it with interior selections or hacks (see below), and the worth is unbeatable!
Conversely, if you have specific dimensions in mind, favor different materials like solid wood, or simply possess the budget for a fully customized closet design, that might serve you better.
DIY IKEA PAX Suggestions for a Bedroom Wardrobe
As a special addition, I wanted to include some PAX hack concepts should you wish to even further personalize your wardrobes.
Custom Built In Wardrobes (Fitted Wardrobes)
During my exploration of the IKEA PAX system, I stumbled upon several blog articles detailing how to create built-in PAX frames for a tailored appearance. Here are some excellent blogs to consider!
Painting IKEA PAX and Adding Molding
Another technique to personalize your IKEA PAX wardrobe is by applying a custom hue or incorporating decorative molding for an exclusive design. Here are some motivating examples!
Are IKEA PAX Hacks Essential?
For my part, I chose not to “hack” our IKEA PAX wardrobe. Although I genuinely appreciate the built-in closet aesthetic, I recognized that merely assembling and positioning the wardrobes accordingly would be quite a sizable undertaking for me. Perhaps I’ll opt for further customization of our closet later, but for now, I couldn’t be more satisfied with it.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, I trust you found this article motivating if you are organizing your own bedroom wardrobe and seeking IKEA PAX concepts! You don’t need to be a professional interior designer to craft a stunning and practical wardrobe.
Do you have an inquiry? Drop a comment below. Or, tap for more organizing ideas!
