ᐅ How can I use Ikea PAX wardrobes as room dividers?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to visually and functionally separate the area between the living room and dining space in my fairly open apartment without installing a solid wall. My idea was to use the Ikea PAX wardrobe systems as room dividers because they are flexible and also provide storage.

Does anyone have experience or good tips on how to best arrange the PAX units as room dividers? What dimensions make sense, how to stabilize them if the compartments remain open, and do you have examples of how to make the whole setup visually appealing?

I’m especially looking for practical advice regarding installation, weight, and the overall effect in the room. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Hello PEDOLI, your idea to use IKEA PAX wardrobes as room dividers is excellent! The PAX systems are really versatile and work well to visually separate areas while also providing extra storage space.

- Dimensions: I recommend opting for narrower models (60 cm (24 inches) wide or even 50 cm (20 inches), depending on the room) so the space doesn’t feel cramped. The height is a matter of personal preference, usually around 201 cm (79 inches), but slightly lower options can make the area feel more open.

- Stability: For freestanding use, I strongly advise anchoring the wardrobes to the wall, even though the PAX units are quite stable. If you omit the back panel to allow light or sight through the room, stability will be somewhat reduced – in that case, additional brackets attached to the ceiling or between the units can help.

- Design: Open elements add lightness to the space, and you can incorporate plants or picture frames. For enclosed storage behind doors, consider using closed compartments.

One more tip: If you plan to arrange two rows side by side, adding a central support will increase stability. It takes a bit of effort but is worth it.

I’d be happy to provide suggestions for interior fittings if you’re interested!

sarlo schrieb:
For freestanding installations, I strongly recommend anchoring the cabinets to the wall, even if the PAX units are very stable.

That is absolutely correct, especially when the cabinets are used without a back panel. To function as a room divider and ensure stability, I recommend installing with the following:

- Use specially designed extra-strong corner connectors between the PAX modules, especially for wider elements.
- If there is no back panel: consider adding internal braces or using a clear acrylic panel as a back, which remains transparent but provides stability.
- Depending on the floor, securing the units to the floor at the room divider location can be useful if space usage allows.

Another important point: the load from built-in items should be taken into account. For example, if you plan to store books or heavy objects, distribute the weight evenly and avoid leaving the bottom shelf completely open—adding a base or a cross-support can help transfer the load to the sides.

Regarding appearance: a mix of open and closed compartments makes the look more dynamic. You can customize the door fronts with films or self-adhesive decorative foil to highlight the room divider as a design element.

What are the exact room height and width? That would help provide more precise recommendations.

Parbo schrieb:
What are the exact ceiling height and room width?

Good point, thanks! The ceiling height is just under 2.5 m, specifically 245 cm (96.5 inches), and the width of the area I want to divide is about 3.5 m (11.5 feet). I’m considering two rows of PAX systems, arranged either directly one behind the other or slightly offset, depending on what looks best.

It’s important to me that the room divider doesn’t feel too bulky but remains stable. I definitely want to include some open compartments to allow light through, but also a few closed sections to hide any clutter.

What would you recommend regarding the height? Should it go all the way up to the ceiling or rather around 180–200 cm (71–79 inches) to maintain a sense of openness? Also, what about fastening the modules together—what types of connections are reliable and easy to implement?

I’d appreciate any advice!

PEDOLI schrieb:
I definitely want to include some open compartments to let light through, but also a few closed elements to hide clutter.

I can totally understand that—such designs are usually a balancing act between openness and privacy. Finding the right balance took me some patience as well. You can always modify or adjust the PAX units later with inserts.

A little tip I used back then: how about placing open compartments at the top and closed ones at the bottom? This really lets the light flow nicely while still providing a calm, enclosed base.

Regarding height: I chose around 180 cm (6 feet) so I could still see over the cupboards without blocking the room. Since your ceiling height is generous at 245 cm (8 feet), you can play visually with different heights—for example, one module higher, another slightly lower, or even combine with some open shelving on top.

The most important thing is to take your time with positioning and maybe set up the modules loosely at first to get a feel for how it works. That gives a lot of confidence.

Regarding the stability and connection of PAX modules used as room dividers, here is a structured summary:

- Stability: PAX is primarily designed for wall mounting. For freestanding use, the following are recommended:
- Wall anchors at the top and bottom of the cabinet, even if there is no immediate wall nearby, possibly using metal brackets attached to the ceiling or floor.
- Connector screws for PAX modules: Ikea offers special cabinet connector screws that hold the modules together very securely.
- Additional corner brackets inside to prevent sideways wobbling.

- Height: With a room height of 245 cm (8 ft), a typical setup uses 201 cm (6 ft 7 in) cabinets. Reducing the height to 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) can create a more open and airy room feel.

- Open back panel: Omitting the back panel reduces stability. Alternatively, using plexiglass or thin stabilizing profiles is recommended.

- Installation: Before assembling, check the floor levelness, as PAX requires precise alignment for a stable standing position.

- Weight: PAX cabinets are relatively heavy when fitted with interiors. Ensure even weight distribution.

Safety first—especially if there are children in the house. I can also provide the appropriate screw and bracket types if interested.

Hope this helps as a technical assessment.