ᐅ What is the best way to install hanging rods in an Ikea PAX wardrobe?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning a customized wardrobe solution using the Ikea Pax system and specifically want to optimize the installation of the hanging rails. My question is: What is the best way to install hanging rails in the Ikea Pax so that they are sturdy, have no play, and at the same time make clever use of space? Are there any proven installation tips or perhaps different options depending on the type of clothing (e.g., shirts vs. coats) that you would recommend? I am also interested in practical details such as screw types, mounting height, and distance to shelves. I would appreciate any experience and specific recommendations!

I always use the included clothes rod brackets for my Pax wardrobes. It is important to install the rods as close to the back panel as possible for stability.

For optimal installation of clothing rods in the Ikea Pax system, I recommend the following approach: Mount the rods using the original fittings, with an installation height of about 1.40 m (55 inches) from the floor, which is ideal for hanging shirts. For coats or long garments, position the rod higher, around 1.70 m (67 inches). Also, make sure to support the clothing rod at both ends and, if possible, in the middle. Screw the brackets firmly into the solid wood back panel or use appropriate wall plugs if they are supported by a shelf. The distance to shelves should be at least 5 cm (2 inches) to avoid restrictions when hanging or removing clothes.

It is best to align the supplied brackets using a spirit level. The height should be roughly between 140 and 160 cm (55 and 63 inches), depending on the clothing item. It is important that the rod is securely fixed and does not wobble.

Hello Radek, I’d be happy to share some tips based on my experience with Ikea Pax wardrobes. It’s important to clearly define beforehand which types of clothing you mainly want to hang, as this affects the height of the hanging rods. For shorter garments, like shirts or blouses, two levels at about 1.10 m (3 ft 7 in) and 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) often suffice. Alternatively, you can use a combination of hanging rods and shelves to make better use of the storage space. When installing, be sure the rod brackets are perfectly aligned and securely mounted so they can support the weight properly. If the back panel is too thin, use thicker wall plugs or additionally fix the rods to the side panels. For increased stability, I recommend adding a central support for the rods, such as an extra bracket or a cross beam. This prevents sagging under heavy loads.

A few additional tips for optimal installation:
- Use as many of the provided fastening points on the clothes rail brackets as possible to distribute the load evenly.
- Before installation, check if your wardrobe back panel is consistently sturdy enough, and reinforce it if necessary.
- When attaching to the back panel, avoid drilling large holes that could reduce stability (especially with thin panels).
- Position the lower rail at a height that prevents long garments from dragging on the floor.
- To increase storage space, consider installing a second clothes rail at mid-height – precise height measurement is important here to prevent clothes from being pressed together.
- Overall, I recommend measuring your clothing dimensions before installation and planning accordingly.