Hello everyone, I am planning to modify the Ikea Pax wardrobe for the children's room and would like to know the best way to approach this. I don’t want to use the wardrobe simply for storage, but rather adapt it specifically to the needs of children. For example, I am thinking about installing lower clothes rods, possibly integrating play or reading corners, and flexible compartments to organize different toys or clothing clearly. It is important to me that the modifications remain as stable as possible and that the furniture is safe for children, without sharp edges or unstable parts. What experiences have you had? Are there proven modifications or accessories you would recommend? I look forward to constructive tips and ideas for transforming the Ikea Pax into a multifunctional, child-friendly wardrobe.
M
Marlenepa17 Sep 2023 20:04Hello dufa52, I find your project really interesting since the Pax system is quite flexible. A few basic tips to start with: Begin by carefully considering what your child needs – clothes, toys, books? Then you can plan the wardrobe interior accordingly. A proven solution for children's rooms is having lower hanging rods, which you can easily install using the IKEA hanging rods.
Many people also use drawers or baskets that can be easily pulled out and organized. This keeps things tidy and makes the wardrobe feel less rigid.
If you want to include a play area, I recommend designing at least one section of the wardrobe open, that is, without doors or with glass doors, so you can see what’s inside. For safety: You can add foam edge protectors to the door edges and securely anchor the wardrobe to the wall to prevent tipping.
Oh, and if you’re planning a reading nook in the wardrobe, a small, sturdy bench next to the wardrobe is a better solution – this way the wardrobe doesn’t get overloaded.
I’d be happy to give you more detailed advice if you tell me how old your child is and what kind of atmosphere you’re aiming for in the room.
Many people also use drawers or baskets that can be easily pulled out and organized. This keeps things tidy and makes the wardrobe feel less rigid.
If you want to include a play area, I recommend designing at least one section of the wardrobe open, that is, without doors or with glass doors, so you can see what’s inside. For safety: You can add foam edge protectors to the door edges and securely anchor the wardrobe to the wall to prevent tipping.
Oh, and if you’re planning a reading nook in the wardrobe, a small, sturdy bench next to the wardrobe is a better solution – this way the wardrobe doesn’t get overloaded.
I’d be happy to give you more detailed advice if you tell me how old your child is and what kind of atmosphere you’re aiming for in the room.
Hello dufa52, I would like to address your request in more detail regarding converting the Ikea Pax into a multifunctional piece of furniture for a children's room. There are several aspects to consider: first, the installation of the interior fittings, and second, safety and durability.
I would start by dividing the wardrobe into separate sections: one area with deep drawers for larger toys, a second for hanging clothes at a low height, and a third with shelves for books or smaller items.
For the lower clothes rail, you can use the original Pax hangers by attaching the supports lower down – this is stable and secure. Pay attention to a maximum load of about 5 kg (11 lbs) per rail; since children's clothing is lighter, this should work well.
When it comes to play and reading areas inside the wardrobe, load capacity is important; it’s best to reinforce shelves with additional strips or place a removable bench in front of the wardrobe. A seating surface directly inside the wardrobe is rarely stable enough for extended sitting.
Safety considerations should not be overlooked: edges can be protected with special edge guards available at hardware stores, which come in transparent or colored options. For the doors, soft-close dampers from Ikea work well to ensure they close quietly and smoothly. Finally, be sure to secure the wardrobe to the wall – Ikea’s anti-tip devices prevent it from tipping over.
If you want to add lighting, LED lights that are slim and easy to install are available and child-friendly (without producing heat).
I’m also curious whether the wardrobe is already assembled or if you still plan to customize it entirely? This can significantly influence the conversion concept.
I would start by dividing the wardrobe into separate sections: one area with deep drawers for larger toys, a second for hanging clothes at a low height, and a third with shelves for books or smaller items.
For the lower clothes rail, you can use the original Pax hangers by attaching the supports lower down – this is stable and secure. Pay attention to a maximum load of about 5 kg (11 lbs) per rail; since children's clothing is lighter, this should work well.
When it comes to play and reading areas inside the wardrobe, load capacity is important; it’s best to reinforce shelves with additional strips or place a removable bench in front of the wardrobe. A seating surface directly inside the wardrobe is rarely stable enough for extended sitting.
Safety considerations should not be overlooked: edges can be protected with special edge guards available at hardware stores, which come in transparent or colored options. For the doors, soft-close dampers from Ikea work well to ensure they close quietly and smoothly. Finally, be sure to secure the wardrobe to the wall – Ikea’s anti-tip devices prevent it from tipping over.
If you want to add lighting, LED lights that are slim and easy to install are available and child-friendly (without producing heat).
I’m also curious whether the wardrobe is already assembled or if you still plan to customize it entirely? This can significantly influence the conversion concept.
Domau0 schrieb:
I was also curious whether the wardrobe is already assembled or if you plan to build it completely custom? This can significantly influence the remodeling concept.
Thank you for the detailed explanations! The wardrobe is not yet assembled; I plan to build it entirely myself in order to buy the right parts for a lower clothes rail and a flexible layout. My child is 4 years old, so the door handles should be easy to reach and the wardrobe designed to suit that age as well as possible. I really like the idea of dividing it into three sections. I hadn’t even considered lighting yet, but I will look into it.
I will definitely take your advice about edge protection and wall mounting to heart. I was planning to place a small bench separately anyway, so you’ve confirmed that. What about the back panel—does it make sense to mount one continuous panel, or would a kind of slotted or grid system for more flexibility also work?
M
Marlenepa19 Sep 2023 11:45dufa52 schrieb:
What about the back panel? Is it better to install it continuously, or would a kind of slot-in shelf or grid system for flexibility also work?For stability, the back panel of Pax is actually very important; it significantly reinforces the cabinet. If you want a flexible layout, you can still install shelves and dividers inside, but you should fully assemble the original back panel.
Many people add extra pockets or hanging organizers on the inside of the doors as well – these are very practical for small toys or art supplies.
Regarding handles: you can attach the handles at the lower part so your 4-year-old can open it independently. Alternatively, push-to-open doors work well too, allowing your child to open them easily without handles.
I think with some patience and planning, you can turn the Pax into a wonderful piece of children’s furniture that grows and adapts with your child.
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