ᐅ What are the best ways to use Ikea PAX wardrobes in apartments with limited space?

Created on: 7 Dec 2020 08:13
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Marko38
Hello everyone, I would like to know how to make the best use of the Ikea PAX system in apartments with very limited space. In my small two-room apartment, every square centimeter (inch) counts. I’m particularly interested in practical tips for space planning, the best combination of wardrobe elements, the use of interior fittings like drawers, hanging rails, or shelves, as well as clever solutions to maximize storage without making the room feel cramped. Are there any experiences on how to flexibly adapt PAX and which tricks to watch out for during installation, especially when there is little floor space and possibly a sloped ceiling? Thanks in advance for your ideas!
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nojaus
7 Dec 2020 18:07
I know the feeling of struggling with limited storage space in small apartments. What helped me was installing additional boxes and hanging elements inside the smaller cabinets of the Pax system to make sure every bit of space is used – otherwise, there’s often wasted room. I also made sure to place the cabinets in a corner, which creates more clear walkway space. Sometimes you really have to experiment to find the best combination and avoid ending up with closet clutter.
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gipifa
8 Dec 2020 09:14
I think PAX is great for small apartments! 🙂 The important thing is to enjoy customizing your design. Be sure to use the Ikea planning software, as it allows you to measure precisely and set exact dimensions. Expect a bit of DIY work—the flexible interior fittings are very versatile! I have a sloped ceiling myself and adjusted the wardrobe so that it fits perfectly right up to the slope, which is definitely worth it! More storage space than you might expect!
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vinli
8 Dec 2020 10:45
Marko38 schrieb:
I am especially interested in concrete tips for room layout, the best combination of cabinet elements, the use of interior fittings such as drawers, clothes rails, or shelves, as well as smart solutions to maximize storage space

For optimal use, I always link the planning with prioritizing types of clothing: frequently used items should be placed in easily accessible drawers or on clothes rails. Rarely used items can be stored in higher or lower areas.

- Drawers are ideal for small items.
- Double hanging rails for shirts and jackets increase utilization.
- Distributing shelves flexibly helps maintain order.
- In rooms with sloped ceilings, it is advisable to customize the height precisely.

Also consider clearance space in the planning: cabinets should extend less than 60 cm (24 inches) into the room to keep walkways clear.
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NICOLELIS
8 Dec 2020 12:50
Sliding doors instead of swing doors or open shelves make a big difference in small apartments. This keeps access easier and allows you to use narrow corridors.
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PULAU
8 Dec 2020 15:05
nojaus schrieb:
Sometimes you really have to try out different combinations to avoid ending up with closet chaos.

This experience is often confirmed. I recommend thorough planning in advance using the IKEA PAX planner. You should experiment with different interior fittings. It is also helpful to consider the full volume in cubic meters (cubic feet), not just the front surface area.

Special corner cabinets or drawer inserts offer additional options to use the space efficiently. Having a clear overview helps to avoid unnecessary purchases or poor use of space.
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vinli
9 Dec 2020 11:32
BELLA34 schrieb:
For tight spaces, it makes sense to choose cabinets that are not too deep, ideally 35 cm (14 inches) instead of 60 cm (24 inches), so the room doesn’t feel overcrowded.

I can confirm that. Shallower cabinets are often sufficient if the interior layout is well planned. In narrow walkways, this significantly improves ease of movement. For very narrow units, adjustable shelves can be used to flexibly adapt the storage space.