ᐅ Are there Ikea Pax options suitable for very small rooms?

Hello everyone, I have been looking at the IKEA PAX wardrobe systems, which are quite flexible in design. However, I live in a particularly small space with a wall length of only about 1.20 m (4 feet) wide. This raises the question: Are there IKEA PAX options or modular designs specifically suited for very small rooms or narrow alcoves with such limited widths? I am looking for PAX systems that are narrow enough to be used effectively in my apartment without being restricted to the standard widths of 50–60 cm (20–24 inches). Perhaps there are special solutions, unique combinations, or accessories to make the most of the available space. Does anyone have experience with or know of variants designed specifically for such tight space conditions?

Chenmu schrieb:
Are there any IKEA PAX variants or modular designs specifically suited for very small rooms or narrow niches with such limited widths?

Hey, the PAX units aren’t exactly flexible for a width of 1.20 m (4 feet), since the individual wardrobe sections are usually at least 50 cm (20 inches) wide. But there are some clever hacks and intermediate sizes.

- For example, you can combine narrow PAX frames at 50 cm (20 inches) wide with narrower doors and dresser drawers to make the best use of the space.
- Also, special sizes like 35 cm (14 inches) are quite rare, but there are smaller shelves and organizers available that help structure the space better.

It’s really about juggling different elements. For especially small rooms, the open shelving from the series works well too, as it feels less bulky. So if you want to stay flexible, mix PAX frames with extra-wide or extra-shallow built-in modules, and try to plan the doors as slim as possible.

Of course, it takes a bit of planning – that’s when DIY Tetris comes into play. But hey, no need to see a small room as a wardrobe nightmare!

blaki schrieb:
the individual cabinet units are mostly at least 50 cm (20 inches) wide

This is an important point that Chenmu raised, and I’d like to elaborate on it. IKEA’s PAX system actually offers standard frames with widths of 50, 75, 100, and 150 cm (20, 30, 39, and 59 inches). The 50 cm (20 inches) units are the narrowest and are typically the base option for very small spaces. However, if you only have about 1.20 m (4 feet) of wall width available, you could theoretically combine a 50 cm (20 inches) and a 75 cm (30 inches) frame.

You can arrange them so that the 75 cm (30 inches) unit slightly overhangs or is partially adjusted in depth, since PAX depths (35 or 58 cm / 14 or 23 inches) can vary somewhat.

There is also the possibility to adapt PAX modular components for smaller rooms by varying the internal fittings (for small items, drawers, hanging rods).

This allows for a very customized wardrobe design, but the basic outer dimensions are fixed and not designed for extremely narrow niches.

If you can’t go for a corner cabinet in your small apartment, it’s advisable to measure the wall precisely and consider compromising with a 50 cm (20 inches) width, even if that means leaving a bit of space unused or optimizing elsewhere.

Chenmu schrieb:
Are there any IKEA PAX variants or modular designs specifically suited for very small spaces or narrow recesses with such limited widths?

The question about suitable PAX options for small rooms with wall widths around 1.20 m (4 feet) is reasonable, as IKEA deliberately offers modular wardrobes mostly in standardized widths.

Facts:
- PAX frames: 50 cm (20 inches) is the smallest available width
- Depths: 35 cm (14 inches) standard or 58 cm (23 inches) for more storage space
- Combinations: You can combine 50 cm (20 inches) plus 50 cm (20 inches) or 50 cm (20 inches) plus 75 cm (30 inches), which theoretically fits 1.20 m (4 feet) in room depth, but this makes interior fittings more complex.

Additional recommendations:
- Instead of a full wardrobe, consider using open shelving elements from the PAX series
- For recesses that do not exactly fit 50 cm (20 inches) plus 75 cm (30 inches), IKEA does not offer cutting of shelves or door adjustments, so custom solutions may be necessary
- It might be worthwhile to use PAX as a base and creatively customize the doors or interior layout

In summary: There are no tailor-made PAX variants for extremely narrow widths. Standard modules are the smallest units available, so planning should consider 50 cm (20 inches) wide modules. Alternatively, custom furniture or made-to-measure solutions are better suited for particularly tight spaces.