ᐅ Are there also IKEA PAX wardrobes with a shallow depth suitable for narrow rooms?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to install an IKEA PAX wardrobe in a rather narrow room where the depth of the wardrobe definitely matters. My question is: does IKEA offer PAX wardrobes in models or versions with a reduced depth, specifically designed for narrow spaces? I know that the standard depths are often 35 or 58 cm (14 or 23 inches), but I wonder if there is an officially smaller depth available or if there are solutions to reduce depth using special interior fittings.

It is also important for me to know whether these shallower versions are suitable for typical clothes storage and how their storage capacity is assessed. If anyone has experience with such or similar "shallow" PAX systems, I would be very grateful for any insights.

Thanks in advance!

Hello issac48,

I think your question is really important because rooms are often smaller than expected, and it’s frustrating when the wardrobe doesn’t fit.

Speaking from my experience, I struggled a bit with the depth of PAX wardrobes. The standard 58cm (23 inches) depth is simply too deep for many rooms. Ikea actually offers PAX wardrobes with a depth of 35cm (14 inches) as well. This is the typical “shallow” version, often used as a room divider.

However, you should keep in mind that 35cm (14 inches) is quite limited for standard wardrobes. Hanging space is somewhat restricted, so you can’t fit as many clothes on hangers, but it works well for boxes, shelves, and shoes.

For my small room, I chose the 35cm (14 inches) option and partially supplemented it with drawers. It’s a bit different in use but definitely practical.

What does your room situation look like specifically? Maybe we can take a closer look to see if 35cm (14 inches) will really be enough.

moses schrieb:
Ikea actually offers PAX wardrobes with a depth of 35 cm (14 inches).

Exactly, and I think that’s great! Especially in narrow hallways or small rooms where you don’t have much floor space, these shallow PAX wardrobes are a real lifesaver. Of course, you can’t fit your entire wardrobe inside, but they’re perfect for extra jackets, shirts, and shoes.

A small tip from me: the 35 cm (14 inches) depth often looks a bit more elegant visually because the wardrobe appears less bulky. Combined with sliding doors, you can save space while still furnishing the room functionally.

Sometimes it’s worth mixing different modules, for example, a 35 cm (14 inches) and a 58 cm (23 inches) wardrobe side by side, depending on what you want to store. This way, you get a lot of flexibility.

I’m curious if this could be an option for you as well!

Yes, PAX wardrobes are available with a depth of 35cm (14 inches). They fit well in narrow spaces. However, they are tight for hangers and are more suitable for shelves and drawers.

issac48 schrieb:
Does IKEA offer PAX wardrobes in models or variants with a shallower depth, specifically designed for narrow spaces?

Basically, IKEA’s PAX series comes in two main depth options: 35 cm (14 inches) and 58 cm (23 inches). The 35 cm (14 inches) version is essentially their solution for narrow rooms. However, you should consider the functionality in this context:

- With a depth of 35 cm (14 inches), the usable space for hangers is minimal, since a standard hanger is typically about 38 to 43 cm (15 to 17 inches) deep.
- Therefore, IKEA recommends not using a traditional hanging rail for clothes in the 35 cm (14 inches) deep option, but rather installing shelves, drawers, or accessories like shoe racks.
- This depth is particularly suitable for storing folded clothes, shoes, or accessories.

Regarding storage capacity: compared to 58 cm (23 inches), the 35 cm (14 inches) depth significantly reduces storage space, so you should carefully consider what you want to store inside the wardrobe.

Question: What width and height do you want for your PAX wardrobe? Do you have specific furniture preferences (e.g., sliding doors or hinged doors) or functionalities?

Depending on your room and usage, it might also make sense to combine the 35 cm (14 inches) PAX with a narrower open shelf system to optimize storage and space utilization. If possible, please share details about your room so I can offer more specific recommendations.

kulau schrieb:
Basically, IKEA offers two main depth options for the PAX series: 35 cm (14 inches) and 58 cm (23 inches).

That is correct, and I would like to add that some users also experiment with customizing the interior fittings to make the most of the 35 cm (14 inches) deep PAX units.

An example is using specialized hangers that are narrower or shorter, as well as compact drawer systems. The choice of doors can also be important: sliding doors take up less space in front of the wardrobe compared to hinged doors and are suitable for tighter room layouts.

I would also recommend using IKEA’s planning tools before purchase and carefully entering the room dimensions. This helps to best assess the 35 cm (14 inches) versions.

If you are unsure, custom-made solutions might be an alternative, but of course, that will increase the budget. For a narrow room, however, the 35 cm (14 inches) PAX is in most cases a practical solution.