Hello everyone, I bought two Ikea Pax wardrobes and want to attach the large mirrors to the wardrobe doors. My main question is: How can I securely and permanently fix the Ikea Pax mirrors to the doors so that they don’t slip or come loose, even with frequent use of the doors? The mirrors are quite large and fairly heavy, and I want to avoid damaging the doors. Are there any special mounting techniques, screws, adhesives, or other fixtures that have proven effective? I have already seen the supplied mounting clips but am unsure if they are really sufficient. I would appreciate any detailed advice or practical tips, preferably including instructions on preparing the doors and recommended tools if necessary.
Jorn53 schrieb:
My main question is: How can I securely and permanently attach the Ikea Pax mirrors to the doors so they don’t slip or come loose, even with frequent use of the doors?That is a very good question, especially with large mirrors that add some weight. Ikea generally uses a simple mounting system with clips for the Pax mirrors, which is often sufficient if the doors are sturdy and the installation is done carefully.
To ensure a secure mounting, I recommend the following:
- Clean the door surface thoroughly before installation so that adhesive or clips can bond properly.
- Use all supplied clips or mounting brackets completely.
- If in doubt, you can add strong double-sided mounting tape at the contact points for extra security.
- Alternatively, the mirrors can be secured with small screws (thin metal screws), but you must be very careful not to damage the door.
What I find particularly important: Never attach the mirror using adhesive alone, as the stresses from weight and movement can cause it to come loose.
Also, make sure the door hinges are properly adjusted so the doors don’t sag and place additional pressure on the mirror.
In addition to the previous information, I would like to add some details that I have found helpful in practice.
The Ikea Pax mirrors are usually quite thin and come with a backing foil or plastic backing. It is important not to put tension on the mirrors during installation to avoid stress points and breakage.
Therefore, I recommend:
- Precise alignment on the doors before fixing
- Use of the original mirror clips in sufficient numbers, usually four per door, to distribute the load evenly
- For heavily used doors (e.g., double door size or frequent use), additionally install a narrow strip from the inside of the door to the mirror edge as a mechanical stop
By the way: If you screw the mirrors in place, be sure to use small, fine screws with proper pre-drilling to avoid stress in the mirror glass. Screws are better attached to the door frame rather than directly to the mirror, if possible.
This is the best combination of stability and safety without increasing the risk of mirror damage.
The Ikea Pax mirrors are usually quite thin and come with a backing foil or plastic backing. It is important not to put tension on the mirrors during installation to avoid stress points and breakage.
Therefore, I recommend:
- Precise alignment on the doors before fixing
- Use of the original mirror clips in sufficient numbers, usually four per door, to distribute the load evenly
- For heavily used doors (e.g., double door size or frequent use), additionally install a narrow strip from the inside of the door to the mirror edge as a mechanical stop
By the way: If you screw the mirrors in place, be sure to use small, fine screws with proper pre-drilling to avoid stress in the mirror glass. Screws are better attached to the door frame rather than directly to the mirror, if possible.
This is the best combination of stability and safety without increasing the risk of mirror damage.
Good morning, here is a brief guide for securely mounting the Ikea Pax mirrors on the doors, based on my experience and previous tips:
1. Preparation:
- Thoroughly clean the doors and remove any grease
- Check that the door surface is even and firm
2. Mounting the original brackets:
- Position the mirror along one edge first and fix it using the clips provided
- Ensure even pressure without causing excessive tension
- Verify that the mirror lies flat against the surface
3. Additional securing:
- If needed, use double-sided transparent mounting tape, preferably high-quality 3M tapes
- When drilling, be careful not to drill through the mirror; if drilling at all, only drill at the edge
4. Tips to avoid common mistakes:
- Do not attach the mirror unevenly or only on one side
- Avoid using strong screws without pre-drilling
- Do not place the mirror directly over pre-drilled holes or screws
5. Final check:
- After a few days, check if the mirror has settled or if additional fastening is necessary
I hope this helps! Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
1. Preparation:
- Thoroughly clean the doors and remove any grease
- Check that the door surface is even and firm
2. Mounting the original brackets:
- Position the mirror along one edge first and fix it using the clips provided
- Ensure even pressure without causing excessive tension
- Verify that the mirror lies flat against the surface
3. Additional securing:
- If needed, use double-sided transparent mounting tape, preferably high-quality 3M tapes
- When drilling, be careful not to drill through the mirror; if drilling at all, only drill at the edge
4. Tips to avoid common mistakes:
- Do not attach the mirror unevenly or only on one side
- Avoid using strong screws without pre-drilling
- Do not place the mirror directly over pre-drilled holes or screws
5. Final check:
- After a few days, check if the mirror has settled or if additional fastening is necessary
I hope this helps! Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
First of all, thank you for the feedback so far, which has already covered many aspects.
I would like to go a bit deeper, as the topic – secure attachment of mirrors to cabinet doors – is somewhat more complex:
- Material analysis: Ikea Pax doors are usually made of laminate or coated wood, which can be damaged by incorrect installation. This means that while screws hold, they can cause cracks.
- Mechanical stress: Mirrors are sensitive to point loads. Therefore, measures to distribute pressure are important to avoid pressure marks.
- Procedure:
1. Check door condition: Are the doors stable, properly aligned, and free of warping?
2. Position the mirror: Temporarily fix with painter’s tape to measure and adjust.
3. Use original mirror brackets: These are designed to minimize stress.
4. Reinforcement measures: If unsure, install thin metal brackets on the inside of the door—discreetly of course. The holders can then be screwed onto these, distributing the weight more evenly.
5. Adhesive technique: Double-sided tape should only serve to hold the mirror in place securely but should not bear the load.
- Tools: A cordless screwdriver with torque control, drill for pilot holes (maximum diameter of the screw minus 1mm (0.04 inches)), spirit level, and measuring tape.
- Safety note: Never drill on the back of the mirror, as there is a high risk of damage.
In conclusion: For durability and safety, I recommend combining the original brackets with a small metal bracket on the back of the door, where the door structure allows. This way, forces are distributed and both door and mirror are protected.
I would like to go a bit deeper, as the topic – secure attachment of mirrors to cabinet doors – is somewhat more complex:
- Material analysis: Ikea Pax doors are usually made of laminate or coated wood, which can be damaged by incorrect installation. This means that while screws hold, they can cause cracks.
- Mechanical stress: Mirrors are sensitive to point loads. Therefore, measures to distribute pressure are important to avoid pressure marks.
- Procedure:
1. Check door condition: Are the doors stable, properly aligned, and free of warping?
2. Position the mirror: Temporarily fix with painter’s tape to measure and adjust.
3. Use original mirror brackets: These are designed to minimize stress.
4. Reinforcement measures: If unsure, install thin metal brackets on the inside of the door—discreetly of course. The holders can then be screwed onto these, distributing the weight more evenly.
5. Adhesive technique: Double-sided tape should only serve to hold the mirror in place securely but should not bear the load.
- Tools: A cordless screwdriver with torque control, drill for pilot holes (maximum diameter of the screw minus 1mm (0.04 inches)), spirit level, and measuring tape.
- Safety note: Never drill on the back of the mirror, as there is a high risk of damage.
In conclusion: For durability and safety, I recommend combining the original brackets with a small metal bracket on the back of the door, where the door structure allows. This way, forces are distributed and both door and mirror are protected.
Laukau5 schrieb:
In conclusion: For durability and safety, I recommend combining the original brackets with a small metal angle bracket on the back of the door, where the door structure allows.Thank you very much for these detailed explanations. It sounds to me like I shouldn’t rely solely on the standard Ikea solution but rather consider a somewhat more technically advanced approach.
My doors are made with a thin particleboard layer, so I am also concerned about screws. Are there quality differences between these types of metal angle brackets? What exactly should I look for when buying metal brackets to use for attaching mirrors?
Does anyone else have recommendations on how to install these brackets discreetly yet securely? I would prefer to avoid visible fasteners on the outside, as that would spoil the look.
Thanks in advance for any further advice.
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