1. MEASURE THE SPACE
PAX frames come in multiple sizes: 201 or 236 cm tall; 50, 75 or 100 cm wide; 35 or 58 cm deep. The best way to ensure your PAX is customized to your space is to measure the space you will be slotting it into. If you intend to add doors to your wardrobe, you should allow an extra height clearance of 1 cm for hinged doors or 4 cm for sliding doors. If you are lucky enough to have space for a walk-in closet, make a floor plan of the space with accurate measurements to make planning easier. This is also vital to ensure you do not cover any plugs, vents, or radiators. Because there are multiple width units available – 50, 75, and 100cm – you can use IKEA’s PAX planning tool to play around with different unit combinations and to visualize what will work in your space. If you are planning to have a corner wardrobe, the planning tool can also visualize this, and ensure you get the right units for the space.
2. CHOOSE A FINISH
IKEA PAX frames are sold in three finishes: white, black-brown, and white-stained oak effect. You should consider which finish complements your space the best. And which is going to work if you are thinking of trying out some IKEA wardrobe hacks or painting it. White is a classic choice for a clean, sleek look. The lighter oak has the same impact as the white with a homelier feel, whereas the darker black-brown finish has a moodier impact. In smaller spaces, opt for lighter colors to keep the room looking bright and open. If you intend to paint your PAX, opt for white or white-stained oak as it will be easier to prime and paint over than the darker black-brown finish.
3. DOORS OR NO DOORS?
IKEA provides sliding doors and hinged doors for their PAX wardrobe system, all in a range of styles, colors, and finishes. Hinge doors are more traditional, whereas sliding doors offer a modern, sleek look and can often fit better in tighter spaces. Alternatively, you can choose to go doorless, which is useful for narrower spaces, or walk-in wardrobes. If you opt for doors, you should ensure you account for them in your measurements: 1 cm for hinged doors or 4 cm for sliding doors.
4. PLAN THE INSIDE OF YOUR PAX WARDROBE
IKEA sells a vast range of inserts for its PAX wardrobe system – including drawers, baskets, trays, and rails – all of which ensure a custom finish to your wardrobe. 'When creating your wardrobe around the Ikea Pax system – always start with who you are and what your needs are,' suggests customization experts, Superfront. 'Does your work, for example, require a formal outfit including perhaps suits or shirts that can’t be folded into a drawer? Well, then you need plenty of hangers to keep these garments looking good! If you instead dress more casually on a daily basis, you might want more drawers.' If you are not too picky with your bedroom storage system, let IKEA do the work: there are pre-filled PAX options available to purchase, you only need to pick a size. If you want a truly custom wardrobe experience, though, you can design your PAX wardrobe using IKEA’s dedicated online PAX Planner.
5. MAKE THE MOST OF THE RANGE OF INSERTS AVAILABLE
Instead of opting for the default PAX inserts, like rails and shelves, consider the more unique options on offer, like the pull-out tray with jewelry or shoe inserts, or the pull-out trouser hanger. There are over 200 PAX interior organizers, so take some time to scroll through everything on offer.
6. CONSIDER INTERIOR EMBELLISHMENTS
IKEA offers a range of bedroom lighting options to go with their PAX wardrobes, whether that is strip lights inside cupboards and drawers, spotlights above the wardrobe, or moodier, glowing lights inside. You could also paint or wallpaper the inside of your PAX wardrobe to inject excitement into the room when the doors are opened. Read below for more tips on customizing the look of your PAX wardrobe.
7. FILL THE ADJUSTMENT HOLES IF YOU ARE READY TO COMMIT
Once you have fitted your PAX wardrobe and its shelves and inserts, and you are happy with the placement of everything, fill in the adjustment holes for a more complete, bespoke look. This can be done with caulk, stickers, or IKEA’s VARIERA cover plates, which were designed for this purpose. Do this after living with your PAX wardrobe for a while, and toying with the location of things, to ensure you are satisfied with the placement of everything.