ᐅ What is the best way to install Ikea Pax wardrobes in small alcoves?

Created on: 4 Feb 2024 08:47
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fesin
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fesin
4 Feb 2024 08:47
Hello everyone,

I am planning to install an Ikea Pax wardrobe in a rather small recess in my apartment and am looking for the best approaches to do so. The recess is only about 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide and 60 cm (24 inches) deep, with slightly uneven walls and a floor that is not completely level.

I am especially interested in how to best customize the Pax to fit the dimensions of the recess—specifically, whether it makes sense to cut the side panels, what adjustments are recommended for sloped ceilings or similar special shapes, and how to install the wardrobe securely and accurately so that there are no large gaps.

Additionally, it would be helpful to get tips on which accessories or mounting kits are particularly suitable for such built-in installations, especially if I want the wardrobe to be incorporated rather than freestanding.

Who has experience with this type of built-in solution and can offer advice from a professional or practical perspective that goes beyond just assembling the standard Pax? Thank you in advance!
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bauku
4 Feb 2024 10:33
Hello fesin! Wow, you described it really well – it’s easy to understand what it’s all about!

For small niches, it’s often quite a challenge to integrate the Pax closet optimally. My advice: take your time to measure precisely, yes, but even more important – assemble the wardrobe loosely first and check how much you need to adjust the sides. Often, it’s worth trimming the side panels a bit to fit the niche width exactly.

Be sure to secure the wardrobe to the wall to ensure stability. Ikea offers wall mounting kits that firmly anchor your wardrobe. Especially on uneven floors, you can adjust the feet individually, which helps a lot!

Also, use trims or cover panels to hide gaps – this looks much better than large spaces. The key is to approach the project with expertise and patience – you can do it! Good luck, I’d love to hear how it goes! 😃👍
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Fitigu
5 Feb 2024 09:18
Hello fesin,

Your question about installing the Ikea Pax wardrobe into a small recess is very precise, making it easier to answer. Basically, I recommend the following structured approach:

- Measurement: Not only measure the width but also the depth and height of the recess. Measure at several points to capture any irregularities.
- Adjusting the cabinet modules: Ikea offers flexible widths and heights, but minor modifications are often necessary. Cutting or adjusting the side panels is possible, but you must ensure load-bearing capacity and stability.
- Fixing: The cabinet components should be mounted to the back wall and, if possible, to the side walls to ensure stability.
- Compensating for unevenness: Adjustable feet and wooden battens help to level the wardrobe on uneven floors.
- Cover panels and additional cladding: For a neat finish on the fronts and to close any gaps.

Special mounting kits for the Pax wardrobe make wall installation easier. Avoid freestanding constructions in small recesses if you want to maximize space.

If there are sloping ceilings, Ikea offers special finishing panels, or you can have custom cladding made.

I recommend assembling the wardrobe first and then adjusting it on site. Make sure functional aspects, such as doors, can still open smoothly.

If you need more technical data or specific recommendations for tools or parts, I’m happy to provide them.
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bauku
6 Feb 2024 19:44
Fitigu schrieb:
Adjustable feet and wooden strips help to level the cabinet on uneven floors.

Absolutely! That made the work a lot easier for me!

I would also like to add: If you’re hesitant to shorten the side panels of the PAX, you can try optimizing the interior through smart organization, for example with PAX interior fittings.
fesin schrieb:
I’m mainly interested in how to best adapt the PAX to the dimensions of the niche

I also think it’s very important to leave enough clearance for the doors to open smoothly! Sometimes it’s better to accept a small gap than to get everything exactly to size and then have problems with the doors.

Good luck with the installation – don’t worry, it will turn out great! 😊