ᐅ How can I best design an Ikea PAX wardrobe for multiple users?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to set up an Ikea Pax wardrobe so that it can be used efficiently by multiple users at the same time. My main focus is on the best possible organization and division of the storage space, as two of us need to manage different clothing items and accessories.

I am interested in your recommendations for separate compartments—such as different shelf sizes, the use of drawers, hanging rods, baskets, or special inserts.

Additionally, it is important for me to improve accessibility for several users if they share the storage space or use the wardrobe simultaneously. Are there any practical tips for the optimal combination of various fitting elements?

Who also has experience with possible modifications or extensions using third-party accessories related to PAX to make multi-person use even better?

Thanks in advance for your opinions and recommendations!

Hello Giovannino,

your question about the optimal design of a PAX wardrobe for multiple users is complex, so I would like to go into some detail on what works well in practice.

First, it makes sense to consider the total width of the wardrobe and physically divide it into separate zones, for example by using 50 cm (20 inches) wide units that can then be assigned to each user. This clear spatial separation prevents overlap and significantly simplifies organization.

When setting it up, you should keep the following aspects in mind:
- For the user with many hanging garments, multiple clothes rails at different heights are recommended – low rails for shirts and higher ones for coats.
- Drawers are suitable for small items like underwear or accessories and can be better organized with multiple compartment inserts.
- Baskets or boxes help keep seasonal clothing or rarely used items out of direct sight, simultaneously creating more order.

Accessibility is also important: if multiple users access the wardrobe at the same time, the doors should be easy to open and not block each other. In larger rooms, sliding doors can even be considered.

Alternatively, I recommend installing open shelves or compartments in the middle of the wardrobe for shared use, while reserving the sides for individual users.

Regarding third-party accessories: there are various inserts for hangers, specialized drawer dividers, or storage boxes that can be flexibly used in PAX wardrobes. These accessories greatly contribute to personalized customization.

I can give more precise advice if you tell me the size of the PAX wardrobe and how different the clothing types of the users are.

Hi Giovannino,

I completely understand that you’re looking for a good solution—especially when sharing space, things can quickly become cluttered or stressful without the right organization. I have a PAX wardrobe with my wife, and we also had to try many different setups until we found what worked for both of us.

What helps me is not only arranging the wardrobe with practical considerations but also keeping in mind each other’s habits. This reduces stress and avoids conflicts.

Dilen schrieb:
This clear physical separation prevents overlap and makes organization much easier.

I think that’s really important too! For us, we reserved separate doors and also used colors in the respective compartments to visually distinguish both areas clearly.

Sometimes it’s also good to give the other person some freedom to organize their own space. Constantly correcting only leads to frustration.

When needs differ, it helps to store shared important items within easy reach in the center, while organizing personal belongings separately. Some of us are minimalists; others are collectors—that’s perfectly fine.

How is your layout at home? Have you already planned specific zones, or are you still working on the overall structure?

Hello Giovannino,

I understand your concern well, as a PAX wardrobe shared by several users can be very well organized if you follow some simple principles.

First, you should definitely consider who uses which types of clothing most often. This will give you clues for the compartment layout and fittings. For example, one user may have many tops and shirts that are best stored in drawers, while the other mainly has coats and shirts that are better hung on rods.

Sorting by frequency of use is also very helpful: items you wear almost daily should remain easily accessible, so place them at a medium height.

To improve shared use, it can help to clearly mark the areas, for example with different inserts or small labels. This reduces mix-ups.

warrenka57 schrieb:
It always helps me if the wardrobe is arranged not only from a practical perspective but also by considering the other person’s usage habits.

This is a key point – so here’s a tip: plan the layout together and decide in advance what goes where.

One last tip: Ikea now offers practical accessories for the PAX series, such as pull-out baskets or special drawer dividers, which provide even more convenience for multiple users.

Good luck with your project!

In summary, when setting up Ikea PAX wardrobes for multiple users, I recommend the following structured approach:

- Physical separation: Use clear spatial divisions within the wardrobe, ideally modular units assigned to each user.
- Functional organization: Wardrobe sections should be arranged by clothing type and frequency of use, such as pants on rods and underwear in drawers.
- Flexible accessories: Use appropriate inserts, dividers, and boxes to optimize storage space.
- Accessibility: Ensure sufficient clearance and door mechanisms (e.g., sliding doors), especially when the wardrobe is used simultaneously by multiple people.

Additionally, I recommend taking precise measurements to make the most efficient use of the space and avoid conflicts during use. Drawing a floor plan with the layout greatly facilitates the planning process.

If both users have very different habits, it is advisable to provide separate access points or at least fixed areas to minimize friction.

Hey Giovannino!

I find this topic really interesting and very important—a wardrobe system that makes multiple users happy is definitely a win!

Jukin schrieb:
Sorting by frequency of use also makes a lot of sense: items you wear almost every day should remain easily accessible, ideally at mid-level.

That’s the key for me! I organized our closet so that the things everyone needs daily are easy to reach—this saves a lot of stress in the mornings.

Here’s a trick: use different colors for boxes or baskets so each person can quickly identify their own area!

If both users get creative, you can also install different handles or knobs on the doors to make it even more personalized 🙂

Good luck—and keep at it, you get better at organizing over time! 🙂)