ᐅ How can Ikea PAX wardrobes be used for storing electronic devices?

Hello everyone,

I am considering how to effectively use the Ikea Pax system for storing electronic devices. I’m not only thinking about laptops or tablets but also smaller gadgets, cables, chargers, possibly external hard drives, or even peripherals like printers and routers.

I am especially interested in practical solutions for organization, dust protection, and above all good accessibility – meaning quickly finding and retrieving the devices. How can compartments, inserts, or other accessories be best combined? And does anyone have experience with installing cable management or ventilation in the Pax system?

Looking forward to your expertise and practical tips!

I would recommend installing power strips permanently inside the PAX unit and using cable ducts. Small boxes or containers from the PAX accessories are helpful for organizing small items. For larger appliances, it’s best to adjust the shelves flexibly so you can customize the height.

Hello Oranfu,

here is a brief guide for using PAX for electronic devices:

1. Compartment height: Set up adjustable shelves that fit the size of your devices to avoid unnecessary gaps.
2. Cable management: Install small cable grommets or flexible spiral sleeves to keep charging cables neatly organized.
3. Dust protection: Sliding doors or glass doors with seals help reduce dust.
4. Ventilation: For devices with fans, ensure there is ventilation at the back or create small holes in the back panel.
5. Labeling: Use clear boxes and label them to quickly find accessories.

A common mistake is storing cables loosely – this can be avoided by using clips or cable ties inside the PAX. Hope this helps!

rubybi schrieb:
A common mistake is to store cables messily

In my opinion, this is the crucial point: cable clutter completely defeats the purpose of storage. But honestly, who wants a cabinet with a tangled mess of cables? Ikea PAX is really too basic for that. If you want to store electronics properly, you need well-designed modules with ventilation and cable management from professional suppliers.

I think PAX is more suitable for clothes or simple items. Electronics should ideally be housed in specialized storage cabinets, even if they are more expensive.

I would like to delve a bit deeper into the discussion, as the PAX system actually offers a wide range of options to be technically adapted in a suitable way.

First, regarding the interior configuration: The PAX system provides various shelves, drawers, inserts, and internal fittings, including dividers for drawers, cable channels, and even illuminated modules. An important aspect is which devices you want to work with – laptop, Raspberry Pis, consoles, routers?

For technical devices, I recommend:
- Electrical wiring: Integrate hardware store cable clips and flexible cable channels, ideally positioned in the center of the back panel of the cabinet.
- Ventilation: Since some devices generate heat, it makes sense to drill holes (approximately 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in diameter) on the left and right sides of the back panel with ventilation grilles installed afterward. IKEA does not offer ventilation solutions for PAX, so this needs to be done independently.
- Dust protection: Glass doors with frames are suitable, otherwise sliding doors with rubber seals help minimize dust entry.
- Dimensions: Keep shelves height-adjustable whenever possible to safely store individual devices.

I would like to know exactly which technical devices you want to store in order to provide more targeted advice on possible adapters or modules. Some technical users also report integrating USB hubs and cable feed-throughs directly into the cabinet base.

Is fixed power supply inside the cabinet important to you? Then safety and fire protection must be considered. How about built-in surge protection and switches that are accessible from the outside?

kulau schrieb:
I would like to know exactly which technical devices you want to store

Thank you for the detailed response, kulau. Mainly it is about:
- Laptops and tablets that are used frequently
- Various cables, adapters, and chargers
- External hard drives and SSDs
- Wi-Fi routers and network switches

I’d like a system that allows quick and tidy access to the technology, while some gadgets are stored securely and protected from dust.

A fixed power supply inside the cabinet would be desirable, especially since some devices should remain plugged in permanently (routers, etc.). The question is whether power strips can be well integrated behind a cover in a PAX wardrobe and if ventilation can realistically be achieved by installing small vents.