ᐅ How can I securely attach Ikea Pax wardrobes to the ceiling?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to install several Ikea Pax wardrobes suspended from the ceiling in my bedroom to make better use of the space and increase stability. My question is: How can I securely and permanently attach Ikea Pax wardrobes to the ceiling without risking them falling or causing damage to the ceiling?

I have already considered wall mounting, but part of my room is open to the sloped roof, so some wardrobes cannot be fully supported against the wall. Therefore, I am thinking about a ceiling framework or special brackets.

I have been considering which materials and fasteners are best suited (for example, heavy-duty anchors, metal brackets, support profiles) and how to best distribute the loads. What should I keep in mind when mounting to a concrete ceiling? Does hanging installation involve more effort in assembly and maintenance?

I would appreciate any tips, recommendations, and experiences with similar constructions, especially if there are any specific Ikea accessories designed for this purpose.

Thank you in advance!

Hello Latope,

First of all, it should be noted that Ikea Pax wardrobes are primarily designed for wall and floor installation. Securing them to the ceiling is therefore a challenge, as the wardrobes themselves do not support explicit ceiling mounting or hanging systems from Ikea.

If you still want to mount the wardrobes to the ceiling, you should definitely check the load-bearing capacity of the ceiling (e.g., with a structural engineer) and ensure that the mounting points can support the weight.

Regarding possible mounting methods:

- Use heavy-duty anchors for solid concrete ceilings that are suitable for tension and shear forces.
- Use sturdy metal brackets or galvanized steel angles that you attach to the ceiling and on which the wardrobe can be securely hung.
- Distribute the load across several mounting points to avoid overloading a single point.
- Consider additional safety measures, such as tension straps or safety chains as secondary supports.

I would approach the installation in two steps: first, install a secure ceiling bracket, then fix the Pax wardrobe onto it. Avoid directly screwing the wardrobe sides to the ceiling, as the material is thin and the screws do not provide lasting support.

Have you thoroughly checked the ceiling structure yet? Is it wooden beam ceiling or concrete? How heavy are the fully assembled, filled wardrobes you want to mount? This information would help provide more specific advice.

Palenar schrieb:
If you still want to fix the cabinets to the ceiling, you should definitely check the load-bearing capacity of the ceiling (for example, with a structural engineer) and make sure that the attachment points can support the weight.

Exactly! You don’t want your cabinet to suddenly fall down with a loud bang and damage your favorite shirt. 😅

I once had a similar case in a rental apartment: mounting the cabinet on the wall wasn’t an option, so we got special brackets that were fixed to the concrete ceiling using injection anchors. It’s really important to use the right tools and anchors, otherwise it won’t hold for long.

Maybe a substructure on the ceiling could also make sense, something like a rail system where you can hang the cabinets. This makes load distribution easier and gives you flexibility when positioning them.

And hey, once the cabinets are hanging, remember to regularly check their stability! Better safe than sorry 😊

Concrete ceiling: Use heavy-duty anchors.

Align the cabinet in advance.

Check the load (cabinet weight + contents).

Use metal brackets or special mounting profiles.

Regular inspection of the fastening points is mandatory.

Hello Latope,

I would like to add that when mounting Ikea Pax wardrobes to the ceiling, safety should always be the top priority. Ikea does not provide official mounting brackets for ceiling installation, so knowledgeable planning is essential.

I also recommend:

- Having a professional check the ceiling structure before installation (structural engineer or building tradesperson).
- Choosing appropriate materials, such as stainless steel anchors for concrete, to prevent rust.
- Securing the units not only to the ceiling but also stabilizing them with the wall or floor if possible.
- Considering the total weight: a Pax wardrobe can easily weigh between 80-150 kg (176-331 lbs), depending on configuration and contents.
- Using a lifting aid or having a second person assist, as lifting and securing the wardrobes alone to the ceiling is risky.

If you need help with selecting materials, feel free to ask.

Good luck!

Palenar schrieb:
Have you carefully checked the ceiling structure? Is it a timber beam ceiling or concrete? How heavy are the fully loaded cabinets you plan to install? This information would help provide more specific advice.

Thanks for the suggestions!

The ceiling is actually a solid concrete slab, about 20 cm (8 inches) thick. I am considering consulting a structural engineer, but I wanted to first gather opinions and experiences.

The weight: An empty 100 x 236 cm (39 x 93 inches) Pax cabinet weighs around 60 kg (132 lbs); fully loaded with clothes, I estimate 100-120 kg (220-265 lbs). There will be three of these cabinets installed side by side.

At the moment, I am thinking of heavy-duty anchors (10-12 mm (0.4-0.5 inches)) combined with strong C-profiles that I will fix to the ceiling and hang the upper cabinets from. Load distribution across multiple anchors and profiles.

However, I am unsure whether the plexiglass back panels and the thin side panels of the Pax cabinets can withstand the weight and the upward pull load, or if I should reinforce the frames in some way.

How can the cabinets be reinforced internally in a practical way, if necessary?