ᐅ Are there any experiences with Ikea Pax wardrobes in damp or humid rooms?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to install a large Ikea Pax wardrobe in a damp room, specifically a windowless bathroom, for storing towels and bathroom accessories. I am concerned about whether the Pax systems are suitable for this purpose—mainly regarding potential moisture-related damage such as swelling of the panels, mold growth, or damage to the hinges and fittings.

Does anyone have experience with Ikea Pax wardrobe elements under such conditions? Insights on long-term performance, special protective measures, or recommendations for alternative furniture suitable for damp rooms would be very helpful.

I look forward to your factual reports and any tips on water repellent treatments or ventilation.

Thank you in advance!

Hello viktors64,

you have asked a very important question, as furniture in damp rooms is indeed exposed to special stresses. Ikea Pax wardrobes are usually made from particleboard with a melamine coating. These are not fundamentally waterproof and tend to swell when exposed to continuous moisture.

I have had a similar experience myself: a Pax wardrobe in a damp room without sufficient ventilation showed slight warping on the board edges after about a year. The hinges, however, remained intact, although they can also corrode over time if the humidity is very high.

My advice would be:
- Definitely ensure good ventilation (e.g., an exhaust fan).
- Keep the interiors of the wardrobes as dry as possible and do not store wet items inside.
- Consider applying protective varnishes or water-repellent films to the outer surfaces.
- Alternatively, there are furniture options made specially from plastic or metal, which are better suited for damp rooms.

I hope this helps you a bit!

Hello Viktors,

I can completely understand that moisture issues and furniture can quickly cause concerns. A few years ago, I had an Ikea Pax wardrobe in my bathroom. However, the bathroom had a window, which helped somewhat regulate the humidity. Still, after two years, I noticed swelling at the bottom edges because the wardrobe was placed against a wall that often became damp.

What helped me was a combination of measures:
- Keeping some distance from the wall so moisture does not directly reach the furniture carcass
- Ventilating regularly, including using an electric fan
- Avoiding storing damp towels or wet clothes inside the wardrobe

Unfortunately, standard furniture like Pax is not designed for wet rooms. I wish you the best of luck with your project and hope you find a practical solution.

Friedrich schrieb:
Unfortunately, conventional furniture like Pax is simply not designed for wet rooms.

I completely agree. Last week, I spent a long time considering whether to get a Pax wardrobe for our small bathroom but was hesitant because of the moisture. Often, it helps to treat furniture specifically with waterproof coatings or sealants. However, this usually involves effort that may not be worthwhile for an inexpensive Pax.

Sometimes it makes sense to choose other materials for wet rooms, such as stainless steel, powder-coated metal, or specially designed plastic furniture—even though these options tend to be more expensive.

I’m also interested if anyone has tips on how to better protect a Pax unit if you decide to go with one anyway?

Hi,

if you really want to use Pax, then:
- Do not place the closet directly against the wall
- Ensure air circulation behind the closet
- Treat the products again with impregnation or clear lacquer
- Never store wet items in the closet

This way, you can at least extend its lifespan somewhat.

Great topic! I love Pax, but it can be tricky in the bathroom. I don’t have a cabinet in my shower, but I do have a Pax shelf in the corner for towels and toiletries. Proper ventilation is important; otherwise, the items tend to swell up unfortunately.

My recommendation: use a dehumidifier and, if possible, seal the cabinet with moisture-resistant silicone seals. Be careful not to make it too airtight, or moisture can get trapped inside!

Looking forward to more experience reports here!