ᐅ How can I equip Ikea Pax doors with custom handles?

Hello everyone, I am planning to customize my IKEA Pax wardrobe doors with individual handles to give the wardrobe a personal touch. The doors currently have the standard handles installed, but I would like to know the best way to replace these handles without damaging the doors. What options are there for attaching custom handles, especially for the different types of doors (hinged doors and sliding doors)? Are there special screws, adapters, or mounting kits suitable for this? I am also interested in whether it is advisable or possible to fix handles on the smooth surface using adhesive or magnets. Who has practical experience or can offer advice on what to consider both technically and aesthetically?

The safest way is to use the existing screw holes and simply replace the handles. For sliding doors, adapters are often available because the mounting is different. I would not recommend gluing, as it usually does not hold well and looks unprofessional.

Replacing the handles on IKEA PAX wardrobes is generally straightforward when using the standard mounting method. It is important to measure the drill holes precisely to ensure the new handles fit or to use appropriate adapters. Especially with sliding doors, the interior is often hollow, so longer screws or fitting parts may be needed.

Attaching handles using adhesive strips or magnets is also an option, but this is often unstable and not visually ideal. If the handle design allows, I recommend the traditional screwed installation method.

A tip: IKEA offers screw kits for alternative handles on some models, which can be helpful.

Thank you for the initial tips. I’d like to follow up with a more specific question: Do you have any experience with custom-made handles that don’t fit the standard hole spacing? Would you need to drill new holes, or are there solutions like backplates or thin washers to compensate? How do you deal with any visible holes when installing new handles?

Additionally, I’m interested in mounting options for PAX sliding doors. There are no visible pre-drilled holes. How can you attach custom-modified handles without causing damage?

Has anyone had experience with wooden or metal handles that they made themselves and installed on PAX doors?

gekin schrieb:
How do I deal with potential visible drill holes when installing new handles?

Of course, you could take the time to fill all the old holes and repaint, but honestly, who really wants to do that? Hiding visible holes is almost always time-consuming and requires some craftsmanship.

Regarding gluing or alternative mounting methods: I find that IKEA PAX doors are often too thin and fragile to drill extensively. Most “custom” handle solutions you find online or in hardware stores tend to be either too bulky or too delicate for these doors.

I would suggest boldly drilling new holes in suitable positions, but first use double-sided tape or similar test pieces to figure out the exact handle placement.

gekin schrieb:
Has anyone had experience with wooden or metal handles that they made themselves and mounted on PAX doors?

I usually make my handles myself from metal profiles and attach them with screws directly through the door. Alternatively, I use thin wooden pieces, sometimes sealed with epoxy resin – these can also be drilled and painted easily. However, always use a suitable washer to ensure proper force distribution and to avoid damaging the surface.