ᐅ How can I make the best use of Ikea PAX wardrobes in small hallways?
Created on: 5 Oct 2016 21:17
G
gaufeHello everyone,
I’m currently facing the challenge of making the most efficient use of my small hallway with an Ikea PAX system. The hallway is narrow and quite short, so I want to maximize the available space as much as possible.
My questions are: How can I best arrange the PAX system to maximize storage without blocking the walkway? Are there specific interior fittings or combinations that work particularly well for narrow hallways? And do you have any tips for integrating additional features like coat hooks or shoe racks within the PAX?
I would appreciate your experiences and ideas, as I want to use the furniture flexibly and functionally, but without creating “walls” in the hallway that would worsen the already tight feeling of space.
Thank you in advance!
I’m currently facing the challenge of making the most efficient use of my small hallway with an Ikea PAX system. The hallway is narrow and quite short, so I want to maximize the available space as much as possible.
My questions are: How can I best arrange the PAX system to maximize storage without blocking the walkway? Are there specific interior fittings or combinations that work particularly well for narrow hallways? And do you have any tips for integrating additional features like coat hooks or shoe racks within the PAX?
I would appreciate your experiences and ideas, as I want to use the furniture flexibly and functionally, but without creating “walls” in the hallway that would worsen the already tight feeling of space.
Thank you in advance!
Hello gaufe,
First of all: solid question, especially since hallways are often underestimated. Ikea PAX can be used really cleverly in small hallways if you keep a few things in mind.
The most important tip is: choose the narrowest PAX depth possible, the 35 cm (14 inches) version. It offers enough storage space without appearing too bulky and takes up less passage space. This is the best option, especially for narrow hallways.
Inside, you can work with flexible compartments: large baskets or shelves for hats, gloves, bags, as well as rods for jackets. For shoes, there are extra shallow drawers or shoe shelves, possibly combined with pull-out shoe racks.
A mix of open and closed elements adds variety and avoids a "wall of cabinets" look, for example, an open shelf at eye level for keys or small decorations.
If the hallway is too narrow, I definitely recommend handleless doors, such as PAX with push-to-open fittings. This way, you avoid having handles that get in the way.
Last but not least: a mirror on the inside of the door can visually extend the hallway and is practical at the same time.
I hope this helps you for now! Feel free to ask if you need more details.
First of all: solid question, especially since hallways are often underestimated. Ikea PAX can be used really cleverly in small hallways if you keep a few things in mind.
The most important tip is: choose the narrowest PAX depth possible, the 35 cm (14 inches) version. It offers enough storage space without appearing too bulky and takes up less passage space. This is the best option, especially for narrow hallways.
Inside, you can work with flexible compartments: large baskets or shelves for hats, gloves, bags, as well as rods for jackets. For shoes, there are extra shallow drawers or shoe shelves, possibly combined with pull-out shoe racks.
A mix of open and closed elements adds variety and avoids a "wall of cabinets" look, for example, an open shelf at eye level for keys or small decorations.
If the hallway is too narrow, I definitely recommend handleless doors, such as PAX with push-to-open fittings. This way, you avoid having handles that get in the way.
Last but not least: a mirror on the inside of the door can visually extend the hallway and is practical at the same time.
I hope this helps you for now! Feel free to ask if you need more details.
Hello gaufe,
I completely agree with the praise for Laluri, great tips! Just to add, I’d like to revisit the measurements.
- If your hallway is particularly narrow, it might be better to place only individual PAX units side by side instead of filling the entire wall. This way, you keep at least 80cm (31.5 inches) of clearance for passage.
- A height of 201cm (79 inches) is ideal because it doesn’t overwhelm the hallway – at 236cm (93 inches) it could feel overpowering.
- Make sure to utilize the inside surfaces of the PAX doors for small shelves, hooks, or mini racks, as this saves space and helps keep things organized.
One more tip regarding the coat storage: it’s worth installing a slim hook rail outside the PAX, for example above it or on the opposite wall. If you want to hang jackets directly inside, as Laluri already mentioned, using rods inside works well, but sometimes a hook rail that’s easily accessible is more practical.
Do you have a specific measurement of your hallway you can share? That would allow me to offer more detailed suggestions.
I completely agree with the praise for Laluri, great tips! Just to add, I’d like to revisit the measurements.
- If your hallway is particularly narrow, it might be better to place only individual PAX units side by side instead of filling the entire wall. This way, you keep at least 80cm (31.5 inches) of clearance for passage.
- A height of 201cm (79 inches) is ideal because it doesn’t overwhelm the hallway – at 236cm (93 inches) it could feel overpowering.
- Make sure to utilize the inside surfaces of the PAX doors for small shelves, hooks, or mini racks, as this saves space and helps keep things organized.
One more tip regarding the coat storage: it’s worth installing a slim hook rail outside the PAX, for example above it or on the opposite wall. If you want to hang jackets directly inside, as Laluri already mentioned, using rods inside works well, but sometimes a hook rail that’s easily accessible is more practical.
Do you have a specific measurement of your hallway you can share? That would allow me to offer more detailed suggestions.
kaudi schrieb:
Do you have a specific measurement of the hallway that you can provide? Then I can give you more detailed suggestions.Yes, thanks for asking! My hallway is about 1.10 m (3.6 ft) wide and 2.40 m (7.9 ft) long. Opposite the door wall, where I want to place the PAX wardrobe, there is a wall without windows or recesses.
The ceiling height is 2.40 m (7.9 ft).
I was thinking of a PAX width of 100 cm (39 inches) and a depth of 35 cm (14 inches), possibly with one or two units.
It’s important to me that I have enough storage for jackets, shoes, and other items without the hallway feeling too cramped or constantly bumping into the wardrobe when walking through.
Has anyone had experience with PAX in such a narrow hallway? Which internal setup would you particularly recommend?
gaufe schrieb:
My hallway is about 1.10 m (3.6 ft) wide and 2.40 m (7.9 ft) long. Opposite the door wall, where I want to place the PAX, there is a wall without windows or gaps.That sounds like quite a challenging situation because 1.10 m (3.6 ft) is really narrow. I once tried to fit a PAX into a similarly tight hallway and know how quickly it can feel cramped.
What helped me:
- I chose a unit that is 50 cm (20 inches) wide and 35 cm (14 inches) deep, which provides enough storage without blocking the hallway.
- Inside, I mainly installed several hanging rods stacked vertically so I could organize jackets and coats without crowding the space.
- My shoes go on shallow pull-out shelves placed under the hanging rods.
It’s important to keep at least 70 cm (28 inches) of clear passage, so don’t exceed the 35 cm (14 inches) depth, and rather choose smaller segment sizes.
One tip: if possible, go for doors in white or with mirrors, as this makes the space appear larger.
I know it’s not always easy, but the PAX can actually be used cleverly in a hallway if you pay attention to dimensions and interior fittings. Good luck!
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