ᐅ How do I assemble a Pax wardrobe in a room with limited space?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to install a Pax wardrobe from Ikea in my room, but the space is quite tight and cramped. The door only opens inward, and the passage to the window is also rather narrow. My question is: How can I install the Pax wardrobe in a way that saves as much space as possible in such a small room, without ending up with no freedom of movement or a door that won’t open?

I have considered assembling the modules separately outside the room first and then carefully carrying them in, or whether it’s better to build directly on site in small steps to make the installation more flexible.

Does anyone have experience assembling Pax wardrobes in tight spaces? Are there any tips on how to make the installation more practical, for example when handling the large components or the sliding doors?

Thanks in advance for any useful advice or shared experiences.

Assemble the modules that form the framework preferably outside the room.

Then use small, flexible tools to bring the parts in individually.

Install sliding doors last, directly in position to save space.

[@Je_jerome] Your situation definitely requires a methodical approach, especially with limited space. As a general rule, I recommend first measuring the exact installation location and comparing it with the cabinet dimensions to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

The Pax wardrobe is supplied as a modular unit, which is generally an advantage because you can assemble individual modules separately. However, depending on the room size, assembling the large frame parts outside the room can be difficult if they do not fit through doors or hallways.

Therefore, my suggestion:
- Check if the frame parts can pass individually through the narrow doors (measure carefully!).
- Assemble the side panels and back panels inside the room following the assembly instructions, but without the doors.
- Install the sliding doors only at the very end to allow for the necessary space during assembly.
- Pay attention to alignment: if the wardrobe is meant to stand directly against the wall, check the wall alignment and floors beforehand.

One technical detail: if your room has sloping ceilings or uneven spots, it’s worth adjusting the feet of the Pax precisely to these irregularities. This prevents annoying rocking later on, especially when everything is placed tightly. How wide is the passageway to the room? With precise measurements, you might be able to fit the furniture parts in like a puzzle.

How large is the wardrobe planned to be exactly? Have you chosen sliding doors or hinged doors? This can significantly affect assembly and installation.

Palenar schrieb:
How wide is the doorway to the room? Maybe you can fit the furniture pieces inside like a kind of puzzle with millimeter precision.

The doorway is only about 70 cm (28 inches) wide, which is quite tight. The wardrobe itself is supposed to be approximately 150 cm (59 inches) wide and 236 cm (93 inches) tall, so it’s a fairly large model with two sliding doors.

Adjusting the feet sounds reasonable since my floor isn’t completely level.

Cecilera66 schrieb:
Install the sliding doors last directly on site to save space.

I’ll try to do it that way.

Are there any special techniques or tools that can help when handling the heavy frame parts and sliding doors in tight spaces? Sliding doors seem delicate and difficult to hang, or am I mistaken?

To successfully assemble the Pax wardrobe in a confined space, the following approach is recommended:

- Measure the parts in advance and ensure that the frame components can fit through the doors.
- Use telescoping clamps and light lifting aids to precisely position the heavy frame and door parts.
- First, assemble the basic structure (bottom, side, and back panels) without the doors; this saves space and makes adjustments easier.
- Sliding doors should be installed last, as hanging them requires precise alignment, which is more difficult in a tight environment.
- For assembly, a cordless screwdriver with adjustable torque is advisable to avoid over-tightening screws and damaging the components.
- Level the floor beforehand or fine-tune with shims to prevent wobbling.

Additionally, I recommend having at least two people for the assembly who can communicate quickly to avoid mistakes. In very tight spaces, calm and careful movements are more important than speed.

Finally: The Ikea assembly instructions are a helpful resource, but experience shows that thoughtful planning of the process saves a lot of time and frustration.