Hello everyone, I’m currently considering whether I can use the Pax wardrobe system from IKEA to create a sort of walk-in closet. My idea is to combine several PAX units or wardrobes to define a space where I can comfortably organize my clothes. I’m wondering if it’s actually practical to use PAX modules as the basis for a walk-in closet. What kind of space can I realistically expect, and how do stability and design options look? Has anyone here planned or completed something like this? I’d appreciate any tips as well as critical experiences.
K
Keatondra16 Feb 2023 10:42Hello koron53,
The PAX system is generally flexible enough to create a walk-in closet from it. It is important to clearly determine how much space you actually have and how you will arrange the cabinets.
The system offers various widths, heights, and depths, allowing you to furnish a rather confined space as well as a larger room. Stability is not an issue with individual PAX cabinets – however, you should secure them to the wall, even if you place them in a tucked-away “retreat” corner.
Regarding the design, the interior fittings offer many options: clothes rails, drawers, shelves – so you can plan very individually. If you want to use the space as a walk-in closet, it’s also worth considering appropriate lighting, ideally LED strips inside.
I would personally advise you to plan precisely to scale first and then order the PAX components that are exactly tailored to your requirements in terms of size and fittings.
The PAX system is generally flexible enough to create a walk-in closet from it. It is important to clearly determine how much space you actually have and how you will arrange the cabinets.
The system offers various widths, heights, and depths, allowing you to furnish a rather confined space as well as a larger room. Stability is not an issue with individual PAX cabinets – however, you should secure them to the wall, even if you place them in a tucked-away “retreat” corner.
Regarding the design, the interior fittings offer many options: clothes rails, drawers, shelves – so you can plan very individually. If you want to use the space as a walk-in closet, it’s also worth considering appropriate lighting, ideally LED strips inside.
I would personally advise you to plan precisely to scale first and then order the PAX components that are exactly tailored to your requirements in terms of size and fittings.
I believe the idea of using PAX units as a walk-in closet requires careful consideration of space utilization.
I find this problematic if the walk-in closet is intended as a freestanding unit, meaning it does not directly stand against a wall but is positioned in the middle of the room. PAX units are not designed for this purpose and could become unstable due to a lack of a back panel or proper anchoring.
Therefore, in my opinion, an additional stabilization or framing system would be advisable. Alternatively, planning for wall fastenings or other support elements is necessary. Also, keep in mind that the depth of the wardrobes is limited to a maximum of 60cm (24 inches) – which is standard, but not very generous for walking inside. Whether it can truly be called walk-in in the sense of “comfortably moving inside” depends greatly on the available space.
Keatondra schrieb:
Stability is not an issue with individual PAX wardrobes – however, you should secure them to the wall, even if you place them in a created “retreat corner.”
I find this problematic if the walk-in closet is intended as a freestanding unit, meaning it does not directly stand against a wall but is positioned in the middle of the room. PAX units are not designed for this purpose and could become unstable due to a lack of a back panel or proper anchoring.
Therefore, in my opinion, an additional stabilization or framing system would be advisable. Alternatively, planning for wall fastenings or other support elements is necessary. Also, keep in mind that the depth of the wardrobes is limited to a maximum of 60cm (24 inches) – which is standard, but not very generous for walking inside. Whether it can truly be called walk-in in the sense of “comfortably moving inside” depends greatly on the available space.
E
edisondan16 Feb 2023 12:50To add to koron53’s input:
- PAX modules come in three depths: 35, 58, and 66 cm (14, 23, and 26 inches). For a walk-in wardrobe, the 58 or 66 cm (23 or 26 inches) versions are more suitable, as they provide more space for hanging clothes and storage.
- Stability is best achieved by connecting the wardrobes in pairs, since individual modules may tip over if installed freely in a room.
- For a walk-in design, you should plan for at least 120 cm (47 inches) of clearance in front of the wardrobe doors to allow them to open properly.
- Regarding interior fittings, PAX systems can be equipped with accessories that consider shirt width, drawer depth, etc., which is very helpful for a functional setup.
- You might also want to consider doors with sliding mechanisms if the room is narrow.
Careful planning with a dimensioned sketch on site and checking the ceiling height is recommended, as the maximum wardrobe height is about 236 cm (93 inches).
All in all, PAX is a flexible system, but creating a walk-in wardrobe depends on the available space and requires thorough planning.
- PAX modules come in three depths: 35, 58, and 66 cm (14, 23, and 26 inches). For a walk-in wardrobe, the 58 or 66 cm (23 or 26 inches) versions are more suitable, as they provide more space for hanging clothes and storage.
- Stability is best achieved by connecting the wardrobes in pairs, since individual modules may tip over if installed freely in a room.
- For a walk-in design, you should plan for at least 120 cm (47 inches) of clearance in front of the wardrobe doors to allow them to open properly.
- Regarding interior fittings, PAX systems can be equipped with accessories that consider shirt width, drawer depth, etc., which is very helpful for a functional setup.
- You might also want to consider doors with sliding mechanisms if the room is narrow.
Careful planning with a dimensioned sketch on site and checking the ceiling height is recommended, as the maximum wardrobe height is about 236 cm (93 inches).
All in all, PAX is a flexible system, but creating a walk-in wardrobe depends on the available space and requires thorough planning.
Tinaneo schrieb:
The PAX wardrobes are basically not designed for this and could become unstable due to the lack of a back panel or missing anchoring.Thanks, that is an important point. I was actually planning to arrange the PAX units more freely in the room – so not necessarily fixed to the wall. This means I would need to come up with some kind of frame structure to securely connect and stabilize the modules.
edisondan schrieb:
For a walk-in option, you should allow at least 120 cm (47 inches) of clearance in front of the wardrobe fronts.That is good to know as well, since my room isn’t very large. At least with 120 cm (47 inches) I should still be able to plan accordingly.
Do you perhaps know of any experiences or ideas on how to make PAX units mobile or at least flexible, so the arrangement can be adjusted if needed? Especially considering the instability mentioned, I see that as a challenge.
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