ᐅ Which Ikea Pax options are best suited for small apartments?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to move into a new small apartment and am considering the IKEA PAX wardrobe for it. My question is: which of the various PAX options—regarding size, depth, height, or modular features—are best suited for small apartments to make the most of limited space while still providing enough storage? I’m also interested in tips for interior organization and whether there are versions that work better for narrow corners or alcoves.

It would be great if someone could share their experiences with different PAX configurations, especially focusing on space optimization in small living areas.

Hello Taimurgo57,

for small apartments, the PAX version with a depth of 35 cm (14 inches) is especially recommended, as it is particularly narrow while still providing enough storage space for hanging clothes. Width modules of 50 or 75 cm (20 or 30 inches) are practical because they fit more easily into tight spaces. A height of 201 cm (79 inches) is advisable to efficiently use vertical storage without requiring a very high ceiling.

Another recommendation: If the room is really tight, corner solutions or using alcoves with PAX frame parts at 35 cm (14 inches) depth can be useful. Interior organization with drawers and shelves helps to better structure the storage space.

In general, you should also consider the option of choosing doors with mirrors to visually enlarge the room.

I would say that a depth of 35cm (14 inches) plus a width of 75cm (30 inches) fits perfectly in small spaces. Sliding doors save space.

Hello Taimurgo57,

you are asking a very practical question about using the PAX series in small apartments – this deserves a detailed explanation.

The key requirement for tight spaces is choosing the right depth: the 35 cm (14 inch) version is convincing because it is slim enough not to take up too much space in small floor plans, yet deep enough to hang shirts and jackets. However, there is a practical drawback with 35 cm (14 inch): many hangers do not fit comfortably, which makes the use of so-called slim or special hangers necessary.

Regarding the width, 50 cm (20 inch) wide modules offer the advantage of being modular and more flexible than wider 100 cm (39 inch) modules, especially when combining them in niches or along corridor walls. The 75 cm (30 inch) modules are a compromise between functionality and room size, ideal if you have enough wall space.

About the height: the standard height of 201 cm (79 inch) is good, but in small apartments with low ceilings, the taller frame of 236 cm (93 inch) is also ideal if more vertical storage space is required. Keep in mind, however, that installation becomes more demanding, especially with sloped ceilings.

Interior fittings are crucial: combine clothes rails with shelves and drawers. Drawers with soft-close are particularly practical to make the most of your storage space. Interior lighting systems can improve visibility.

A question for you: What is the height of your ceilings, and is the PAX wardrobe placed on a continuous wall or inside a niche? This greatly influences the possible width and depth.

KAULIS schrieb:

Another recommendation: If the room is really tight, corner solutions or the use of niches with PAX frame parts in 35 cm (14 inch) depth can be useful.

This should generally be considered carefully, as PAX does not offer a classic corner system. You would have to plan with two frame parts at a 90° angle and calculate the wall clearance precisely, which can be challenging in small rooms.

An important addition: also consider the type of door. Sliding doors usually save more space than hinged doors and make handling easier in small rooms.

Another point is the use of vertical space. If you can easily reach heavy or rarely used items, a PAX frame with a height of 236 cm (93 inches) can significantly increase storage capacity without increasing the floor area.

If the ceiling height is only about 210 cm (83 inches), you should choose the 201 cm (79 inches) version to avoid installation issues.

In addition to Taimurgo57’s question and the previous answers, I would like to address the flexibility of the interior:

- Use mostly modular inserts: drawers, shelves, adjustable clothes rails.
- A depth of 35cm (14 inches) limits hanging wide clothing items, so you might want to plan shelves for trousers and sweaters instead.
- For the width, it’s better to choose several narrow modules, as this allows easier sorting of different types of clothing.

I recommend measuring your room dimensions carefully and planning with a PAX configurator. This helps avoid wrong purchases and wasted space.

Domau0 schrieb:

One question for you: How high are your ceilings, and is the PAX wardrobe placed against a continuous wall or inside a recess?

I also consider this point crucial, as the room shape strongly influences the best solution.