ᐅ Are there alternatives to Ikea Pax wardrobes for small or limited spaces?
Created on: 19 Jun 2024 13:47
S
SenonHello everyone,
I am currently looking for alternatives to the Ikea PAX wardrobe system, especially for very tight spaces. The PAX wardrobe is quite versatile, but often the storage capacity and dimensions are not ideal for small or narrow rooms where there is very limited wall space.
I am interested to know if anyone has recommendations for other furniture or wardrobe systems that Ikea might also offer, or that are similarly flexible in terms of assembly and space management, but better suited for narrow or unusual room layouts.
I mainly need options that provide good storage solutions with a shallower depth or narrower width, ideally modular or with customizable interior fittings to make the most of the available space.
So, are there Ikea alternatives to PAX that work better for tight spaces and may be more practical, or is it worth simply optimizing the system with accessories?
Looking forward to your tips and experiences!
I am currently looking for alternatives to the Ikea PAX wardrobe system, especially for very tight spaces. The PAX wardrobe is quite versatile, but often the storage capacity and dimensions are not ideal for small or narrow rooms where there is very limited wall space.
I am interested to know if anyone has recommendations for other furniture or wardrobe systems that Ikea might also offer, or that are similarly flexible in terms of assembly and space management, but better suited for narrow or unusual room layouts.
I mainly need options that provide good storage solutions with a shallower depth or narrower width, ideally modular or with customizable interior fittings to make the most of the available space.
So, are there Ikea alternatives to PAX that work better for tight spaces and may be more practical, or is it worth simply optimizing the system with accessories?
Looking forward to your tips and experiences!
Hello Senon,
your question about alternatives to PAX when space is limited is valid, as PAX wardrobes offer a lot of storage but can often be bulky. Ikea itself doesn’t offer many alternatives with similar modularity, but some smaller series might work.
- The BILLY shelving system is narrower and comes with doors, so you can use it as a wardrobe substitute; however, the depth is often less than ideal for clothing.
- ALEX units are even narrower but are more suited for an office or workspace.
- For tight spaces, you can also get PAX units with a 35 cm (14 inch) depth, but the selection is limited and the interior fittings don’t always fit perfectly.
You should consider whether tall, narrow units or shallow, wide cabinets fit your space better. Another option is to customize an open shelving system like KALLAX with suitable boxes or drawers.
Maybe try measuring the room precisely and use a planner to arrange the furniture virtually.
If you want, I can also send you the standard measurements from Ikea again so you can plan better.
your question about alternatives to PAX when space is limited is valid, as PAX wardrobes offer a lot of storage but can often be bulky. Ikea itself doesn’t offer many alternatives with similar modularity, but some smaller series might work.
- The BILLY shelving system is narrower and comes with doors, so you can use it as a wardrobe substitute; however, the depth is often less than ideal for clothing.
- ALEX units are even narrower but are more suited for an office or workspace.
- For tight spaces, you can also get PAX units with a 35 cm (14 inch) depth, but the selection is limited and the interior fittings don’t always fit perfectly.
You should consider whether tall, narrow units or shallow, wide cabinets fit your space better. Another option is to customize an open shelving system like KALLAX with suitable boxes or drawers.
Maybe try measuring the room precisely and use a planner to arrange the furniture virtually.
If you want, I can also send you the standard measurements from Ikea again so you can plan better.
Senon,
technically speaking, regarding your specific question, I would recommend focusing primarily on the depth as the key measurement. PAX typically starts at a depth of 58 cm (23 inches), which can quickly become too much in narrow hallways or rooms.
That’s exactly an important point. The 35 cm (14 inch) deep PAX units are a relief in very small rooms but aren’t ideal for every type of clothing or storage because, for example, trouser hangers usually require at least 40 cm (16 inches) of depth.
A more precise alternative offered by Ikea is the Platsa system. PLATSA is significantly more modular and flexible in width and depth (20 to 60 cm / 8 to 24 inches) and can be combined with doors or left open. This is practical for rooms where every corner needs to be utilized.
Here are some details that might help:
- PLATSA can be adapted to sloping ceilings, which PAX cannot do.
- There are corner units as well as various door and front options.
- There are many options for internal organization, like drawers, shelves, etc.
I recommend using the Ikea PLANNER or creating your own sketch with your room dimensions, including any possible niches. This way, you can often find solutions that combine the advantages of PAX in tighter spaces with PLATSA.
Do you already have room measurements or photos of your rooms? What type of storage do you mainly need? That would help make the advice more targeted.
technically speaking, regarding your specific question, I would recommend focusing primarily on the depth as the key measurement. PAX typically starts at a depth of 58 cm (23 inches), which can quickly become too much in narrow hallways or rooms.
benon schrieb:
For tight spaces, you can also get PAX with a 35 cm (14 inch) depth, but the selection is limited, and the interior fittings don’t always fit perfectly.
That’s exactly an important point. The 35 cm (14 inch) deep PAX units are a relief in very small rooms but aren’t ideal for every type of clothing or storage because, for example, trouser hangers usually require at least 40 cm (16 inches) of depth.
A more precise alternative offered by Ikea is the Platsa system. PLATSA is significantly more modular and flexible in width and depth (20 to 60 cm / 8 to 24 inches) and can be combined with doors or left open. This is practical for rooms where every corner needs to be utilized.
Here are some details that might help:
- PLATSA can be adapted to sloping ceilings, which PAX cannot do.
- There are corner units as well as various door and front options.
- There are many options for internal organization, like drawers, shelves, etc.
I recommend using the Ikea PLANNER or creating your own sketch with your room dimensions, including any possible niches. This way, you can often find solutions that combine the advantages of PAX in tighter spaces with PLATSA.
Do you already have room measurements or photos of your rooms? What type of storage do you mainly need? That would help make the advice more targeted.
Interesting thread!
I am skeptical about Ikea alternatives, especially when it comes to tight spaces. PAX is often recommended due to its flexibility. But is it really the best solution?
That's true, but a common criticism of PLATSA is that it is not quite as sturdy as PAX. The design language sometimes also feels less premium. For people who really prioritize durability, that could be a disadvantage.
Additionally, I wonder if a minimalist, open storage concept might create much more space – for instance, with wall shelves or free-standing clothes rails instead of fully enclosed cabinets. Especially in tight rooms, deep cabinet elements often take up more space than they save.
Personally, for very small rooms, I would rather consider custom-made or at least semi-custom furniture, even if that is more expensive budget-wise. Flexibility should not come at the expense of usability.
What do others think? Should Ikea systems in tight spaces generally be questioned, or are there really reliable alternatives?
I am skeptical about Ikea alternatives, especially when it comes to tight spaces. PAX is often recommended due to its flexibility. But is it really the best solution?
Filippo schrieb:
PLATSA is significantly more modular and flexible in width and depth (20 to 60 cm / 8 to 24 inches) and can be combined with doors or left open.
That's true, but a common criticism of PLATSA is that it is not quite as sturdy as PAX. The design language sometimes also feels less premium. For people who really prioritize durability, that could be a disadvantage.
Additionally, I wonder if a minimalist, open storage concept might create much more space – for instance, with wall shelves or free-standing clothes rails instead of fully enclosed cabinets. Especially in tight rooms, deep cabinet elements often take up more space than they save.
Personally, for very small rooms, I would rather consider custom-made or at least semi-custom furniture, even if that is more expensive budget-wise. Flexibility should not come at the expense of usability.
What do others think? Should Ikea systems in tight spaces generally be questioned, or are there really reliable alternatives?
Similar topics