ᐅ How can you use an Ikea PAX wardrobe in the hallway as a shoe cabinet?
Created on: 14 Jul 2023 08:37
A
Arvedfu39A
Arvedfu3914 Jul 2023 08:37Hello everyone,
I’m considering how to best use the Ikea PAX wardrobe in the hallway as a shoe cabinet. Specifically, I’m thinking of the classic PAX wardrobe, which is originally designed as a clothes wardrobe but, due to its flexible interior layout, might be well suited for shoes. My hallway isn’t very wide, about 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches) wide, but with a suitable solution, I want to create as much storage space for shoes as possible, including larger sizes and boots.
What’s important to me is a practical and clear layout so the shoes are easily accessible but still neatly stored. Since the PAX wardrobes are relatively deep, I’m wondering how to best organize the interior: Should I use shelves, special shoe pull-outs, or even baskets? And are there any special tips or accessories from Ikea (or third parties) that make the PAX really effective for shoe storage?
I’m also interested in how to visually integrate the wardrobe into the hallway environment so it doesn’t look too bulky—such as with doors, mirrors, or whether open designs work better in a hallway.
I would be very grateful for any detailed ideas, advice on dimensions, and layout suggestions!
I’m considering how to best use the Ikea PAX wardrobe in the hallway as a shoe cabinet. Specifically, I’m thinking of the classic PAX wardrobe, which is originally designed as a clothes wardrobe but, due to its flexible interior layout, might be well suited for shoes. My hallway isn’t very wide, about 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches) wide, but with a suitable solution, I want to create as much storage space for shoes as possible, including larger sizes and boots.
What’s important to me is a practical and clear layout so the shoes are easily accessible but still neatly stored. Since the PAX wardrobes are relatively deep, I’m wondering how to best organize the interior: Should I use shelves, special shoe pull-outs, or even baskets? And are there any special tips or accessories from Ikea (or third parties) that make the PAX really effective for shoe storage?
I’m also interested in how to visually integrate the wardrobe into the hallway environment so it doesn’t look too bulky—such as with doors, mirrors, or whether open designs work better in a hallway.
I would be very grateful for any detailed ideas, advice on dimensions, and layout suggestions!
Hello Arvedfu39,
Your question is very well thought out, and I think it’s great that you are already considering the room size and types of shoes. The Ikea PAX system is indeed very versatile, but there are a few points to keep in mind when using it as a shoe cabinet in the hallway.
First, regarding depth: The standard depth of a PAX wardrobe is usually around 58 cm (23 inches), which is quite deep for shoes. Since shoes are typically about 30 cm (12 inches) deep on average, it can be practical to use the cabinet with only a back panel or with an adjustable interior layout to avoid too much empty space inside. Ikea also offers shallower depths of around 35 or 40 cm (14 or 16 inches), which are better suited for hallways.
As for the interior: I recommend a combination of several shelves and shallow pull-out trays for shoes. The pull-outs make it easier to access shoes stored at the back without bending down or digging around. Shelves are perfect for sneakers and low shoes, which can be stacked easily, while boots should be stored either hanging vertically or placed on special boot holders to maintain their shape.
It also makes sense to work with adjustable shelves, so you can flexibly adapt the height—this is especially useful for children’s shoes or tall boots. Ikea’s VARIERA pull-outs or KOMPLEMENT inserts can be very helpful here.
On the aesthetic side: Doors are great for keeping the look neat and creating a tidy impression. Sliding doors save space in narrow hallways, and there are also attractive mirrored doors that can make the hallway appear larger. Open shelves, on the other hand, look cozy but may collect dust more quickly in the hallway since the shoes are not fully protected.
A small tip at the end: Pay attention to ventilation inside the cabinet to prevent moisture and odors. This can be achieved with perforated back panels or small ventilation slots.
What is the exact width and height available in your hallway, and how many pairs of shoes need to be stored? Then I could give you more detailed suggestions.
Your question is very well thought out, and I think it’s great that you are already considering the room size and types of shoes. The Ikea PAX system is indeed very versatile, but there are a few points to keep in mind when using it as a shoe cabinet in the hallway.
First, regarding depth: The standard depth of a PAX wardrobe is usually around 58 cm (23 inches), which is quite deep for shoes. Since shoes are typically about 30 cm (12 inches) deep on average, it can be practical to use the cabinet with only a back panel or with an adjustable interior layout to avoid too much empty space inside. Ikea also offers shallower depths of around 35 or 40 cm (14 or 16 inches), which are better suited for hallways.
As for the interior: I recommend a combination of several shelves and shallow pull-out trays for shoes. The pull-outs make it easier to access shoes stored at the back without bending down or digging around. Shelves are perfect for sneakers and low shoes, which can be stacked easily, while boots should be stored either hanging vertically or placed on special boot holders to maintain their shape.
It also makes sense to work with adjustable shelves, so you can flexibly adapt the height—this is especially useful for children’s shoes or tall boots. Ikea’s VARIERA pull-outs or KOMPLEMENT inserts can be very helpful here.
On the aesthetic side: Doors are great for keeping the look neat and creating a tidy impression. Sliding doors save space in narrow hallways, and there are also attractive mirrored doors that can make the hallway appear larger. Open shelves, on the other hand, look cozy but may collect dust more quickly in the hallway since the shoes are not fully protected.
A small tip at the end: Pay attention to ventilation inside the cabinet to prevent moisture and odors. This can be achieved with perforated back panels or small ventilation slots.
What is the exact width and height available in your hallway, and how many pairs of shoes need to be stored? Then I could give you more detailed suggestions.
Hey Arvedfu39,
great question! The PAX wardrobe is almost like a chameleon—you can fit it in almost anywhere, and it somehow works! 😁
I can share my experience: I repurposed my PAX in the hallway as shoe storage, and what really helps is combining drawers with so-called "shoe tray" inserts. This way, you can neatly line up your sneakers, and they still look stylish instead of just being dumped on a shelf. For boots, I recommend either standing them upright on the deep shelves or using special boot box inserts that, for example, lift the toes to prevent them from getting crushed.
A quick tip: good internal lighting also helps so you don’t get lost in the shoe jungle at night. IKEA has LED strips that fit perfectly on the shelves.
Good luck with your shoe project! If you want, you can share how you ultimately decided.
great question! The PAX wardrobe is almost like a chameleon—you can fit it in almost anywhere, and it somehow works! 😁
I can share my experience: I repurposed my PAX in the hallway as shoe storage, and what really helps is combining drawers with so-called "shoe tray" inserts. This way, you can neatly line up your sneakers, and they still look stylish instead of just being dumped on a shelf. For boots, I recommend either standing them upright on the deep shelves or using special boot box inserts that, for example, lift the toes to prevent them from getting crushed.
Gafiel schrieb:Exactly, I can confirm that. In the end, a mirror also makes a lot of sense first thing in the morning to combine function and style in the hallway.
Sliding doors save space in narrow hallways, plus there are nice mirrored doors that make the hallway look bigger.
A quick tip: good internal lighting also helps so you don’t get lost in the shoe jungle at night. IKEA has LED strips that fit perfectly on the shelves.
Good luck with your shoe project! If you want, you can share how you ultimately decided.
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