ᐅ How can I install Ikea Pax wardrobes in rental apartments without drilling?

Hello everyone,

I am facing the challenge of securing an Ikea Pax wardrobe in my rental apartment without drilling holes in the wall, as the landlord does not allow it and drilled holes could cause problems later. The wardrobe is quite large and needs to be stable and tip-resistant because I have small children in the household.

Are there practical solutions or alternatives to safely and securely fasten a Pax wardrobe, perhaps using special clamping methods, adhesives, or other mechanical aids that do not leave permanent marks?

I would really appreciate any experiences or recommendations, as I am unsure whether pressure-mounted systems alone are sufficient or if there is a risk that the wardrobe could tip over.

Thank you in advance!

The best option is tension rods that clamp between the ceiling and the cabinet. This way, you can ensure stability without drilling. Alternatively, there are adhesive tapes or angle brackets, but these often do not hold up well with heavy furniture.

Hey! I totally understand that you don’t always want to drill in rental apartments – it’s often a hassle with the landlord 😅. What worked really well for my Pax wardrobe are these tension rods that you place between the cabinet and the ceiling. They’re easy to install and don’t require any holes. I also used self-adhesive rubber pads at the contact points to prevent slipping or scratching. Safe and simple – just make sure your ceiling is high enough!

For stabilizing Ikea Pax wardrobes without drilling, I recommend the following options:

- Vertical tension strips (between the top of the wardrobe and the ceiling)
- Floor tension strips (between the base area and the floor)
- Edge protectors or rubber buffers to prevent slipping

It is important that the clamping force is adequately sized and that the ceiling and floor surfaces are even and stable. Alternatively, self-adhesive metal brackets can be used, but their load-bearing capacity is limited.

Solutions using strong mounting adhesive or double-sided tape are generally not recommended due to load stress and difficulties during later removal.

Floon schrieb:
What really helped with my Pax are these so-called tension bars that you place between the cabinet and the ceiling.

Thanks for the tip, Floon. How long are these tension bars approximately? My room is about 2.50 m (8 feet 2 inches) high—would a standard length be sufficient, or are custom adjustments necessary?

usbla schrieb:
It’s important that the clamping force is adequately sized and that both the ceiling and floor surfaces are flat and stable.

What happens if the ceiling or floor have uneven spots? Do these clamping mechanisms hold less effectively then? Are there special leveling options available?

So, to approach this a bit more casually: Clamp strips are like the superheroes for situations like this – they can usually be cut to the desired length and are quite flexible when it comes to ceiling heights. For your 2.50 m (8 ft 2½ in) room, you can definitely buy some that you can then adjust a little bit.

Regarding unevenness: Sometimes I simply use a few thin felt pads or foam rubber under the strips to compensate for slight floor irregularities. Nothing wobbles, and the wardrobe stands solidly in place.

This way, you can do it without a drill, avoid any issues with the landlord, and have a stable setup!