ᐅ How can Ikea Pax wardrobes be used to divide space in open-plan homes?

Hello everyone,

I am currently exploring how to divide spaces in open floor plans, where multiple functions flow into each other without fixed walls, but without building traditional walls. I’m particularly interested in whether and how Ikea Pax wardrobes can be used as room dividers to visually and functionally separate areas such as living and working spaces or dining and living rooms.

My ideas lean towards flexible, visually appealing, and practical solutions that can also be easily adjusted or dismantled. Does anyone have experience using Pax wardrobes as room dividers? Which models and dimensions work best? What arrangements or possible combinations and additions would you recommend to create not just a partition, but also storage plus some privacy and structure?

I look forward to your insights and suggestions!

Using Ikea Pax as a room divider in open-plan apartments is a common approach that offers several advantages:

- The cabinet units are modular and can be customized both in height and width.
- As room dividers, they provide storage that can be accessible from both sides, saving space.
- Depending on the model, closed doors or shelves with doors can offer privacy.
- Their high load capacity and stability also allow for the integration of additional elements such as lighting.

Specifically, I recommend choosing cabinets at least 201 cm (79 inches) tall, as they visibly define the room division without overwhelming the space. For an even airier layout, half-height modules are also an option, possibly combined with open shelving units.

It is also important to secure the cabinet to the floor or wall to prevent tipping hazards. Pax is flexible in this regard, allowing for various door and interior configurations to suit specific needs.

Pax cabinets are well-suited because they are sturdy and available in various sizes. Tall models with closed doors are recommended for more privacy. For a more open feel, you can omit back panels or incorporate shelves.

Good morning,

I would like to provide a brief guide on how to effectively use Pax wardrobes as room dividers in open living spaces.

1. Planning the area: Measure the length of the space you want to divide. Consider how tall the room divider should be – 201 cm (79 inches) is standard, but 236 cm (93 inches) can provide better separation.

2. Selecting the modules: Choose Pax units in widths of 50, 75, or 100 cm (20, 30, or 39 inches), depending on the desired length. Combine several units to reach the required length.

3. Doors and back panels: Use solid doors for privacy. Open shelving or glass doors create visual openness and prevent the feeling of a solid wall.

4. Stabilization: Secure the modules together and fix them to walls or the floor. Avoid using tall freestanding Pax wardrobes without anchoring – this is a safety hazard.

5. Additional features: Interior fittings like drawers, hanging rods, or baskets increase storage capacity. Lighting adds atmosphere and enhances functionality.

In summary, a Pax room divider can be adapted as a multifunctional piece of furniture that both separates spaces and provides storage.

I hope this brief guide is helpful.

Dopoki schrieb:
Depending on the model, closed doors or cabinet doors can provide varying degrees of privacy.

That sounds very interesting. How effective is the privacy with the different types of doors? I’m asking because in my apartment, I want to visually separate the living room and the adjoining study – preferably without blocking too much light.

LOGEMIN schrieb:
Open shelving units or glass doors allow visibility and prevent the feeling of a solid wall.

So would combining these be a possible solution to maintain a sense of openness?

And how does that work in practice in terms of stability and installation? Should I expect significantly more effort if I place the row of cabinets in the middle of the room?

I’m looking forward to your experiences, especially regarding implementation and everyday practicality.

Reply to Mandemis:

The privacy screen provided by Pax doors is sturdy, especially with white or wood doors without glass. They are opaque and create a clear separation.

Glass doors and open shelving units allow light to pass through and maintain openness, while still organizing the space without completely closing it off.

For stability, it is important that the cabinets are screwed together using the supplied fittings (wall anchors, connecting brackets) and, if possible, secured to the wall or floor.

If there is no wall, additional parts such as support feet or sturdy base plates are available to provide extra stability. Without a solid base, tall Pax units can become unstable and tip over.

In daily use, cabinets with doors tend to work best to avoid visual clutter.