ᐅ Is it possible to retrofit Ikea PAX doors with mirrors?

Good morning everyone,

I have a specific question about upgrading my Ikea PAX wardrobe: Is it generally possible to replace PAX doors that were originally delivered without mirrors with mirrored doors afterward, or at least add mirrored elements?

I’m wondering if there are official or proven solutions for replacing existing PAX fronts with mirrors without having to change the entire carcass or the track system. Perhaps there are third-party providers who specialize in this, or Ikea’s own solutions that I might have missed.

I’m asking mainly because I want to keep the existing PAX unit but enhance the look of the doors with a large mirror. Does the door mounting or fixing change when using mirrored doors, and what about stability and safety—especially regarding the maximum weight load?

I would appreciate any experience, example projects, or concrete tips. Thanks in advance!

Hello Elcharlie,

I understand your concern well and can definitely help you based on my experience. In principle, it is possible to replace the fronts of Ikea PAX wardrobes with mirrored doors afterwards. Ikea actually offers separate mirrored doors that can be purchased as replacements or additions and are compatible with the PAX system.

However, it is important that the door sizes match your wardrobe dimensions exactly, as PAX wardrobes are very modular and come in various heights and widths. The mirrors usually come as complete door panels including the mounting system (hinges or sliding door mechanism), so replacing the door completely should generally not be a problem.

Regarding stability: Mirrored doors are usually somewhat heavier than simple wooden doors, but the hinges can normally support this weight if they are original components. For sliding doors, the weight and correct installation are even more critical.

If you only want to add the mirror to an existing door, this is uncommon and usually not recommended because it is not ideal aesthetically or mechanically. Adhesive mirrors or mirrors with special holders might work, but they are not an official solution and have drawbacks in terms of durability and safety.

My advice: Check the Ikea online shop, where you can find PAX mirrored doors that you can replace directly. Also important: Buy original PAX hinge sets or mounting kits so the doors fit properly.

If you have measurements or details about the wardrobe, I can help you more specifically.

Shawn38 schrieb:
If you really only want to add a mirror to an existing door, this is rather uncommon and generally not recommended because it is neither visually nor mechanically ideal.

I agree with that and would like to explain this point in more detail.

From a technical perspective, a PAX door panel usually consists of particleboard or MDF with a foil finish or painted surface. These doors are not designed to carry additional loads caused by attached or glued mirrors. When retrofitting, you need to consider several factors:

- The extra weight of the mirror may gradually loosen or damage the hinges or mounting screws over time.
- The adhesive bond between the mirror and the door is exposed to significant thermal and mechanical stresses (temperature changes, humidity, impact), often leading to detachment or cracking.
- The door thickness and material strength are limited, so drilling for special mirror brackets poses a risk to the door panel.

If you buy a completely new mirrored door from Ikea, the mirror is securely integrated as a fixed component. The reinforcement on the back and hinge systems are designed accordingly. Retrofitting existing wooden doors without mirror-specific construction is therefore technically not recommended due to potential long-term issues.

If you still plan to attach a mirror, you should either use special lightweight mirrors or mirrors with a backing foil for increased stability. Alternatively, frameless mirrored doors might be an option when buying new.

Therefore: If interested, it is better to exchange the door entirely for a suitable mirrored door system rather than relying on retrofit solutions. If you have the dimensions and closet type, I can gladly help you find matching mirrored doors within the Ikea range and explain the mounting options.

To put it very simply: Ikea PAX mirrored doors are designed as complete replacement products and can easily replace existing doors.

- Retrofits on existing doors using mirror stickers or mounting are neither stable nor recommended.
- The mounting screws on the hinges need to be stronger to carry the increased weight, which Ikea has already taken into account for the mirrored doors.

My advice: replace the entire door for a simple and secure solution.