ᐅ Are there specific Ikea Pax solutions designed for small bathrooms?

Pax is suitable for bathrooms if there is enough space in front of the cabinet to open the doors. Sliding doors help in small rooms. However, Pax is not waterproof.

danial60 schrieb:
I’d like to go into more detail on this topic. The Ikea Pax systems are indeed very versatile, but there are specific requirements for bathrooms that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Thanks for the explanation, that’s very helpful. I’m particularly interested in the possibility of shortening the frame parts, as I only have 45 cm (18 inches) of depth available. Is it easy to cut the Pax systems like that? And what about stability when you modify them?

Tause schrieb:
What alternative ideas do you have for optimizing space without the cultural dominance of Pax?

Good question, I specifically wanted to use Pax because of the planning tools, but I’m concerned about water resistance and depth. Does anyone have practical experience with alternatives that are similarly flexible?

timothy51 schrieb:
I am particularly interested in the possibility of shortening the frame parts, as I only have 45cm (18 inches) of depth available. Can Pax be cut that easily?

Practical experience shows that shortening is generally possible, but only with appropriate experience in furniture construction and the right tools. The frame parts are made of laminated wood-based material, which can be sawed, but the edges must be carefully refinished to ensure stability.

Shortening can also cause the pre-drilled holes for fittings or hinges to be lost – these would then need to be replanned. I recommend not trying this as a DIY project if you are not experienced, as it can affect the functionality of the doors.

timothy51 schrieb:
And what about stability when adjusting them?

If done properly, stability remains good, but it is questionable whether this exceeds Ikea’s service commitment. Having it done professionally is the safer choice.

For small bathrooms, I believe it is important to choose narrow Pax variants with inner drawers. Sliding doors are advantageous when there is limited space in front. To make them water-resistant: paint the furniture or use protective film. There are more options available with specialized bathroom furniture.

An important addition to the previous posts: When reducing the depth to 45 cm (18 inches), the plumbing installations in the room must be taken into account. Common water pipes and connections often require 10–12 cm (4–5 inches) of clearance behind the cabinet to avoid installation issues. This further reduces the usable depth.

I recommend measuring all dimensions, including installations, very precisely before making adjustments. The following points should be considered:
- Adjust the room height for any uneven ceilings
- Trim frame parts not only at the top and bottom but also stabilize the back panel (e.g., with a thinner plywood sheet)
- Replace door hinges and fittings with special adjustable versions if existing drill holes do not match
- Do not underestimate moisture protection: water-resistant coatings are essential, especially near showers or washbasins

One more question for you: What is your room layout? Is there a niche you want to utilize specifically? And what is the ventilation situation in the bathroom? These factors significantly influence furniture choices.