ᐅ How do you secure Ikea Pax wardrobes in rental apartments where drilling is limited?

Hello everyone,

I plan to assemble an Ikea PAX wardrobe in my rental apartment. Unfortunately, there are restrictions on drilling in the apartment because the landlord has only granted very limited permission for wall penetrations. Specifically, this means I’m not allowed to drill directly into the walls to secure the wardrobe – which is important for tipping safety.

My question is: How do you fasten or stabilize the Ikea PAX wardrobe in rental apartments where drilling and installing anchors in the walls is heavily restricted or completely prohibited? Are there alternative methods to ensure tipping resistance and stability without damaging the walls?

I look forward to hearing about your experiences, practical tips, and maybe some creative solutions from the forum.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello dare51,

First of all: Very good question, because safety with such large, heavy furniture should never be overlooked. You are right that the PAX wardrobe should always be secured against tipping, especially in households with children or when the wardrobes are fully loaded.

Even without or with very limited drilling, there are several options:
- Securing the back panel: You can reinforce the back panel or attach it to the ceiling with sturdy screws from the PAX set—if drilling into the ceiling is permitted. If drilling is not allowed at all, this option is not feasible.
- Freestanding safety devices: There are special anti-tip devices that clamp between the furniture and the floor. This increases stability without drilling into the wall. Examples include furniture wedges or rubber pads that prevent the wardrobe from sliding or tipping forward easily.
- Combining furniture: A common trick is to connect the PAX wardrobe with other furniture so they support each other, for example, by firmly screwing it to a shelf or sideboard—but without drilling into the wall.
- Weights in the lower area: Many also recommend placing heavy items in the lower compartments and keeping the upper shelves relatively light.

There might be additional technical tips, but first of all, I would focus on stabilizing as close to the floor as possible and use small anti-slip mats. What is important: Always keep safety in mind, even when options are limited.

I hope this helps you already!

I would like to add some technical insights:

The main issue with PAX wardrobes is the tipping moment, especially when the interior is unevenly loaded and the floor is smooth. Ikea’s official recommendation is to secure the unit to the wall, usually using wall plugs and brackets near the top.

If drilling is highly restricted, I suggest:

- Using special clamping or tension systems that are wedged between the top of the furniture and the ceiling. These systems apply counterpressure and are reversible, making them suitable for rental properties.
- Alternatively, ratchet screws with a wide base can be screwed onto thin battens that can be fixed to the floor – here, sufficient friction with the floor is crucial.
- Placing anti-slip mats under the wardrobe feet significantly reduces tipping with less force.

While these solutions are not as secure as fixed anchoring, they significantly lower the risk. However, keep in mind that in case of strong shocks or heavy loads, an unsecured PAX can still fall over.

An important note: Be sure to check with your landlord and property management whether other types of fastening to load-bearing points outside the wall (e.g., ceiling or floor) are permitted.

Kinbu schrieb:
You are right, the PAX wardrobe should always be secured against tipping, especially in households with children or when the wardrobes are fully loaded.

I agree, but in this whole discussion I see a fundamental point: increased tip resistance without wall fixing is always temporary and cannot fully replace what is achieved by anchors in the wall. The stability against tipping primarily comes from rigid anchoring.

Je_nau58 schrieb:
Use of special clamping or tensioning systems that are wedged between the top of the furniture and the ceiling.

Such systems only work in apartments with lower ceilings and sufficiently strong ceiling materials; also, delicate ceiling finishes like ceiling panels must not be damaged.

My suggestion: if drilling is not permitted, either look for alternative furniture that is lower and tip-resistant or negotiate an exception with the landlord when it comes to safety issues—perhaps with written permission after providing proof that the drill holes will be professionally made and properly sealed afterward.

Otherwise, the only option is to add as much weight as possible at the bottom of the wardrobe and load it slowly and carefully, keeping the center of gravity as low and close to the back as possible.

Hello dare51,

I’m happy to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to stabilize PAX wardrobes without drilling into the wall:

1. Use anti-slip mats: Place these mats under the furniture feet to increase friction and reduce the risk of slipping.

2. Install floor pressure strips or furniture wedges: Between the wardrobe and the floor (especially on parquet or laminate), you can insert small wooden strips or specialized wedges to prevent the wardrobe from tipping forward.

3. Attach additional braces at the upper corners of the PAX: Even if wall mounting is not allowed, you can cleverly install cross braces between the top edge of the wardrobe and the ceiling without drilling, for example using telescopic poles or adjustable clamps.

4. Connect furniture items: If possible, link the PAX wardrobe to other sturdy furniture in the room, such as shelves or sideboards, without attaching anything to the wall.

5. Distribute weight inside properly: Place heavy items at the bottom and lighter items on top.

Make sure that all materials and tools used are suitable for rental apartments and can be removed without leaving marks after moving out.

Important: Never omit the anti-tip safety measures, even if using temporary solutions. Always prioritize your safety.

Hope this helps and provides useful guidance.