ᐅ Are there Ikea Pax wardrobes with automatic door openers?

Hello everyone,

I am wondering if Ikea offers any versions or accessories for the Pax wardrobe system with automatic door openers. My main focus is on wardrobes that can open themselves with a touch, sensor, or an electrically operated mechanism—in other words, not just the traditional doors that you open manually.

This could potentially increase convenience, especially when your hands are full or if you want to live barrier-free.

I have already looked through the product descriptions and Ikea’s website but couldn’t find any official information about automatic door openers. Does such a thing exist either as a built-in system or as a retrofit solution specifically for Pax wardrobes?

I would appreciate any information, including experiences with this type of system using Ikea products or compatible solutions in general.

Hello Wolfkau,

interesting question, you’ve clearly thought a lot about this. As far as I know, Ikea does not offer Pax wardrobes with automatic door openers. Ikea’s Pax system is usually sold as a classic wardrobe system with manual doors – mostly hinged or sliding doors without any electric drive.

When it comes to automatic door openers, several technical aspects need to be considered:

- First of all: the type of door mechanism. Hinged and sliding doors require different drive solutions.
- The drive system must be installed in a space-saving way, especially since the Pax is designed to be slim.
- Controls: sensors can detect touch, proximity, or also use push buttons.
- Power supply: some automatic door systems run on batteries, others require a fixed connection.

Ikea itself does not officially offer electronic door openers. However, some users and hobbyists have equipped Pax wardrobe doors with electric openers or drives from the smart home sector, for example, 12V door openers from third-party providers or motors from flip-up systems used in kitchen furniture.

It is important to ensure that the doors are well balanced – heavier doors need stronger drives. Safety is also crucial (feedback during opening/closing, emergency shutdown).

I’d be interested to know: Are you looking for a standard solution from Ikea, or would you also consider retrofitting and modifications? What exact type of door do you have, and how much space is available behind or beside the door for technical components? Do you already have an idea for the type of control (sensor, push button, etc.)?

This way, we can provide more targeted advice on what is technically feasible or what others here might have in use.

Lilygla schrieb:
Ikea does not offer any officially available electronic door openers.

That is correct, Ikea currently does not offer automatic door openers for Pax wardrobe doors. The system is designed in a fairly classic way to remain flexible and cost-effective.

If you are looking for automatic solutions, retrofit options are the best choice. There are external motor and sensor kits available that can be adapted to these doors – with some DIY skills, you can install the technology yourself.

Soft-close dampers are also useful, as they enable smooth mechanical closing. Electric automation tends to be a custom solution.

If you are willing to tinker: When choosing electric door openers, pay attention to durability and safety features, especially if children have access.

In short: No, Ikea does not sell Pax wardrobe types with automatic door openers.

However, you can retrofit electric door openers if you are familiar with technology or know someone who is.

Wolfkau schrieb:
My main focus is on cabinets that open automatically by a tap, sensor, or electrically operated mechanism – not just the traditional doors you open manually.

I completely understand why you’re looking for a solution like this. It can be really challenging, especially when you’re busy with work or have physical limitations that make handling difficult.

I have tried myself to combine sensors and magnetic drives for a small Pax wardrobe, but implementing it is more complicated than expected – often the installation or power supply inside the limited space causes problems.

Systems like these exist for kitchen cabinets, which offer more room for technology, but with Pax wardrobes it’s more complex since the fronts and fittings aren’t designed for drive motors.

Perhaps a solution with so-called push-to-open fittings without a motor could work? They open the door with a light push, so you can, for example, open it with your elbow. It’s not electric, but still adds convenience.

Please keep us updated if you find an interesting solution.

Deandre schrieb:
Ikea currently does not offer automatic door openers for Pax wardrobe doors.

Honestly, that doesn’t surprise me. Ikea focuses on simplicity and mass production. Automatic door openers would increase the price, complexity, and likelihood of malfunctions.

That makes me wonder: is it really necessary? Aren’t automatic door openers more of a luxury for wardrobes that might only be justified in special cases?

Of course, the convenience aspect is nice. But especially with Pax, which are rather traditional, functional pieces of furniture, I think that’s the wrong approach.

In my opinion, it’s better to rely on good mechanical solutions instead of adding expensive, failure-prone electronic accessories.