ᐅ Which Ikea Pax models are especially well suited for use as a shoe cabinet?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to build a special shoe cabinet and am considering the Ikea Pax series. My question is: which Ikea Pax models are particularly suitable as shoe cabinets? I am especially interested in versions that allow good ventilation, provide enough height for boots, and ideally come with well-designed shelves or shoe racks. I am aware that Pax was originally designed more as a wardrobe, but I believe that with the right modules and accessories, it can be turned into a truly functional and space-saving shoe cabinet. I look forward to your experiences, tips, and maybe some alternative ideas within the Pax system!

Hello mau_bar,

Your question is very well put and can best be answered with a structured overview. First of all: the Ikea Pax series is flexible, but not all models are equally suitable as a shoe cabinet. I recommend considering the following points:

- Height: Models with 201 cm (79 inches) are ideal because they provide enough space for boots or taller shoes.
- Width: Modules 50 cm (20 inches) or 75 cm (30 inches) wide are practical since they stand stable and can be combined well.
- Doors: Doors with ventilation slots improve air circulation and help prevent odors. Alternatively, you can omit doors entirely or use glass doors.
- Interior fittings: Drawers with flat bottoms, slanted shelves, or special insert shelves work well for shoes.

Personally, I use the 50 x 201 cm (20 x 79 inches) model with shelves that I customized myself to create a mix of flat and slanted shelves. This provides good visibility and air circulation.

A common mistake is simply installing regular wardrobe shelves, which takes up a lot of space and offers little ventilation. So, you should pay attention to the accessories.

Summary:
- 50 x 201 or 75 x 201 cm (20 x 79 or 30 x 79 inches) models
- Doors with ventilation or open design
- Combination of flat and slanted shelves

Hope this helps you with your choice!

KUDAISY schrieb:
Personally, I use the 50x201 cm (20x79 inches) model with adjustable shelves that I customized myself to create a sequence of flat and angled shelves.

Here I already see the potential problem: Why do so many people decide to repurpose the Pax system? Ikea designed Pax specifically for clothing—for good reason. Shoe cabinets would benefit from better ventilation, specialized compartments, and a smarter design. I understand that space is limited in many homes, but using Pax as a shoe cabinet is more of a compromise than an ideal solution.

But if you really have to use Pax, then clearly the 50x201 cm (20x79 inches) model is the best choice because of its height. Ventilation on the doors? You can make your own ventilation holes, but Ikea doesn’t offer any by default. So either have a saber saw ready or opt for open cabinets instead. It takes a bit more effort to build a ‘functional’ shoe cabinet, that’s my impression.

Conclusion: It’s better to use dedicated shoe cabinet modules, but for people who already have mostly Pax furniture at home and don’t want a new cabinet, the modular 50x201 cm (20x79 inches) option is the smartest choice.

50x201 cm (20x79 inches) with drawers at the bottom and open shelves at the top. This allows storing boots at the bottom and flat shoes at the top. Ventilation is effective only if the doors remain open or if perforated doors are used.

NOAHSAU schrieb:
Ikea developed Pax specifically for clothing – shoe cabinets would have better ventilation, specialized compartments, and a smarter design.

I agree, but would like to add: If there is no space for a separate shoe cabinet, adjustments within the Pax system can create a suitable solution. As KUDAISY already mentioned, the combination of different shelves is essential. Specific Ikea accessories, such as shallow-bottom drawers or pull-out shelves, help to keep shoes organized and easy to access.

Additionally, I would recommend leaving part of the back panel open or replacing it with a perforated panel to improve air circulation. This is a minor DIY modification that many underestimate.

Another tip: The 75 cm (30 inches) wide Pax frame offers more room for flexible interior arrangements and larger boots.

Great topic! I just converted my Pax wardrobe into a shoe cabinet and I’m absolutely thrilled! 😊

I chose two cabinets measuring 50x201 cm (20x79 inches) because I have a lot of sports shoes and a few bulky winter boots. At the bottom, I installed drawers for accessories (shoelaces, care products), in the middle I have tilted shelves, and at the top flat shelves, so all shoes are visible and easy to access.

Ventilation? I opted for doors with glass panels that I can easily open from time to time—at the latest when putting on shoes, fresh air gets in. There isn’t any built-in ventilation, but with regular airing out, it works perfectly for me.

If you need more storage space, try the 75 cm (30 inches) wide models, they simply hold more. But the 50 cm (20 inches) ones save more space. So: go for it, it’s fun and really practical! Good luck with your conversion!