ᐅ How can the Ikea Pax wardrobe system be adapted for use as a shoe cabinet?

Created on: 2 Apr 2017 08:13
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EMILY
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EMILY
2 Apr 2017 08:13
Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to convert my existing Ikea Pax wardrobe into a shoe cabinet and would like to hear your recommendations and tips. Specifically: How can the Pax wardrobe (considering dimensions, interior layout, load capacity, and materials) be best adapted as a shoe storage unit?

It is important to me not only to hear standard solutions but also practical advice for specific challenges, such as ventilation, varying shoe heights (from flat sneakers to boots), storage efficiency, and possibly easy accessibility. Which Pax components (shelves, drawers, baskets) are best suited? How can the interior design be optimized so that as many shoes as possible are stored neatly without making the cabinet look cluttered or overloaded?

I am also interested in the stability, for example when using glass shelves or easily cleaned surfaces. Some shoes can be damp, so should anything special be considered regarding ventilation or should some kind of air circulation be integrated?

I look forward to your experiences and suggestions, including specific product or combination examples.

Best regards,
Emily
H
hauklo
2 Apr 2017 10:01
Hello Emily,

To convert an Ikea Pax wardrobe into a shoe cabinet, I recommend first adjusting the interior layout using adjustable shelves to accommodate the varying heights of different types of shoes. Use sturdy shelves made of wood or melamine-coated particle boards – glass shelves are less suitable for heavy winter boots.

For ventilation, it is advisable to drill ventilation holes in the back panel or at least leave a small gap at the bottom to ensure air circulation. Alternatively, you can replace or modify the cabinet doors with perforated inserts.

Using wire baskets is possible; they improve ventilation and allow better visibility of the shoes. Drawers are useful for smaller shoe accessories but take up significant space that could be better used for storing shoes. For boots, it is recommended to use tall compartments without intermediate shelves.

Important: Pay attention to the maximum load capacity of the shelves (specified in Ikea’s assembly instructions) and distribute the weight evenly.

Best regards
T
Tatovin
2 Apr 2017 10:27
Emily, install many short shelves so that flat shoes fit well. For boots, create tall compartments. Improve ventilation by adding small holes in the back panel.
R
Ramon4
2 Apr 2017 12:18
Hello Emily,

I recently converted my Pax wardrobe into a shoe cabinet and would like to share my experience with you. It was important for me to accommodate different shoe sizes – from sneakers to heels and boots.

I installed several narrow shelves inside the cabinet, made from sturdy wooden boards. This way, the individual compartments are shorter but adapted to the height of the shoes. For boots, I left one compartment completely empty without a shelf.

Regarding ventilation, I built small spacers between the bottom of the cabinet and the floor so that fresh air can enter from below. I recommend not using fully sealed doors or at least leaving a small gap. This helps prevent odors and moisture buildup.

I didn’t install drawers underneath, as that would take up too much space. Instead, I use fabric boxes for smaller items like insoles and care products.

One more tip: avoid glass shelves, as they can quickly become overloaded and risk breaking with heavy shoes. Wooden shelves are more stable and also look better.

If you want, I can gladly provide you with measurements and detailed information about my solution.

Best regards
M
mifra
2 Apr 2017 13:54
Hello Emily,

As a structured addition to the previous posts: When choosing the Pax components, you should use the adjustable shelves. These are usually supported by metal clips and can hold up to about 25 kg (55 lbs), which is more than enough for shoe shelves.

Alternatively, wire baskets or grid shelves are also suitable – they provide better air circulation and help prevent mold.

Regarding the material: Glass shelves are very sturdy, but with heavy loads and frequent use, they are less practical – damage is possible. Shelves made of wood or particleboard with a melamine coating are more durable and more cost-effective to replace.

For ventilation: One option is to partly replace the back panel with a perforated board (e.g., perforated metal sheet or perforated MDF). However, be careful if the cabinet is placed against a wall and exterior wall ventilation is not possible.

Since shoes often bring moisture, I also recommend small, removable containers with activated charcoal or silica gel as moisture absorbers.

Best regards,
F
flojo
3 Apr 2017 09:37
EMILY schrieb:
It’s important to me not only to hear standard solutions but also practical tips for specific challenges, such as ventilation, varying shoe heights (from flat sneakers to boots), storage efficiency, and possibly easy accessibility.

For different shoe heights, I recommend using adjustable shelves and taller compartments for boots.
EMILY schrieb:
Which Pax components (shelves, drawers, baskets) are best suited?

Shelves are classic and sturdy for shoes; I would only use drawers for accessories since they reduce storage space. Wire baskets provide good ventilation but may sacrifice storage capacity.
EMILY schrieb:
How can the interior layout be optimally adjusted so that as many shoes as possible are neatly stored without making the wardrobe look cluttered or overwhelming?

Organizing with a labeling system and shoe boxes can help; a chaotic effect is avoided through clear classification and visual concealment. The Pax doors are aesthetic, so nothing sticks out, which supports maintaining order.