ᐅ How can Ikea Pax wardrobes be used effectively in older apartments with sloped ceilings?

Hello everyone,

I am currently facing the challenge of installing the popular Ikea Pax wardrobe in my older apartment, which unfortunately has sloped ceilings. However, I am aware that the standard sizes and heights of the Pax system often do not easily fit the irregular room layouts typical of older buildings.

My question is quite specific: What is the best way to use the Ikea Pax in older apartments with sloped ceilings to make optimal use of the space without having to make complicated cuts or expensive customizations? Are there proven solutions to maximize storage space and maintain an attractive appearance despite the sloped ceilings?

Perhaps some of you have experience with different assembly options or tips on frame design that I should consider for my project. Advice on possible additions or alternatives for the wardrobe interior would also be very helpful.

I look forward to your suggestions and ideas!

Milot, that’s a great question! Sloped ceilings in older buildings and PAX wardrobes – a combination that might sound challenging at first, but actually offers many possibilities.

I’ve used PAX wardrobes myself in an apartment with sloped ceilings and can say that the flexible design of the modules is a huge help. My advice is to choose PAX frames where the ceiling is highest and then use “freestanding” units or open shelving under the lowest slopes. You definitely shouldn’t build the wardrobes all the way up to the ceiling, because small gaps along the slope can actually help you later when vacuuming (a small advantage, by the way).

And of course, a bit of improvising is part of it: use furniture feet if the floor is uneven, or trim the back panels to fit sloped areas – this can be easily done with simple tools. So, it’s nothing complicated at all! 😎

Otherwise, don’t be afraid of open solutions! Often, missing upper elements can be compensated with stylish storage options. Hooks and shelf supports work great on the inside walls to keep even small spaces well organized.

In short: The slopes are not a limitation, but rather an invitation to get creative!

blaki schrieb:
Old building sloped ceilings and Pax – a combination that initially sounds challenging but actually offers many possibilities.

I agree with this and would like to elaborate a bit.

In older apartments with sloped ceilings, it is especially important to measure carefully, including the angles of inclination. If the slope is too steep, I recommend working with the standard Pax frames and complementing the area under the slope with custom shelves or dressers specifically adapted to the sloped height.

Another important tip: modularity provides flexibility. Components like clothes rails or drawer inserts can be easily adjusted within the Pax modules, allowing you to fully utilize the available storage space.

If the slope is very deep, installing sliding doors instead of hinged doors can be a better solution, as this avoids impractical door opening angles.

In summary, combining standard Pax units with custom adjustments is the best way to maximize space without the need for complex custom-made furniture.

Milot schrieb:
How can the Ikea PAX system be best used in older apartments with sloped ceilings to make the most of the space without requiring complex modifications or expensive customizations?

Hello Milot,

I’d like to add a bit to your question and share some tried-and-true approaches that might help you.

1. Planning: Measure your sloped ceiling area precisely and consider how much storage space you actually need. Use a sketch or a digital planning tool (IKEA offers one, although it may not perfectly represent every slope).

2. Integrating storage under sloped walls: PAX offers different frame heights (e.g., 201 cm (79 inches), 236 cm (93 inches), 271 cm (107 inches)). In older apartments, I often use the lowest height option for areas under the slope and supplement it with open shelves or boxes that remain flexible.

3. Adjusting or cutting doors: Although it sounds demanding, PAX doors can be trimmed with a fine saw. This tends to be more affordable than completely custom-built furniture.

4. Flexible interior fittings: Use PAX interior organizers such as drawers, shelves, and hanging rods to optimally structure the available space. Depending on the room, you can also add interior lighting.

5. Additional elements: A useful trick is to install a hanging rod section behind a slope that isn’t fully visible from the front but remains easily accessible.

I have personally designed my PAX wardrobes this way in an older apartment with various slopes and am very satisfied with these solutions that work without costly customizations. It is important to consider the depth and height restrictions carefully—thorough planning will help here.

If you like, I can also provide tips on tools and materials I used during the process.