ᐅ What colors and finishes are available for Pax, and which ones do you prefer?

Hello everyone,

I’m currently planning to get a new Pax wardrobe system and want to take a close look at the available colors and finishes beforehand. What color tones and material options does Ikea currently offer for Pax? I’m especially interested in the differences between matte, glossy, and textured finishes, and whether there are any special highlights or newer trends in the colors. I’d also appreciate your personal opinions: Which colors and finishes have proven reliable in practical use, and which are your absolute favorites – also considering durability, maintenance, and how well they combine with other furniture? Looking forward to your experiences and recommendations!

Pax is usually available in white, dark brown, birch, oak, and gray. Surfaces include matte or high gloss finishes.

White and matte are the easiest to maintain. For texture, it is better to choose birch or oak.

My favorite: matte white – timeless and versatile.

Hello tommar,

Your question is very well formulated and touches on a topic relevant to many. To elaborate further: Ikea offers the Pax series in several colors that differ in material appearance and surface finish. Standard options include white with a matte plastic coating (often called 'matte white'), black-brown (usually a dark surface resembling chocolate), birch imitation showing natural wood patterns, as well as oak in light or rustic styles.

Regarding the surface finishes, aside from matte, there are also glossy versions, but glossy surfaces on Pax are rather rare. These are mostly glass-like fronts, sometimes available as ‘mirror’ or with special lacquer coatings. However, they require more maintenance due to fingerprints and dust. The standard cabinet surfaces are usually smooth and sturdy, with a slight texture that helps hide scratches.

What is personally important to me:
- For a classic, timeless design, I recommend the matte white option. It pairs well with all colors and brightens the room.
- If you prefer natural wood grains, birch or oak decor is a good choice. These create a cozy and warm atmosphere.
- Black-brown works well for modern, minimalist interiors, but it darkens the room more quickly.

Care tip: Matte surfaces are somewhat more resistant to fingerprints than high gloss, but gentle cleaning is always advisable.

I hope this helps you already! Are there any specific color schemes or furniture pieces you want the Pax to harmonize with?

Hello tommar,

I would like to address your question in more detail because choosing the right color and finish for Pax involves more than just aesthetic considerations; functional and technical aspects are also important.

First of all, it is important to know that Ikea Pax systems are mainly offered with decorative foil surfaces on engineered wood panels. This makes the surfaces quite scratch- and impact-resistant if you choose the right variant.

Current colors (as of 2024) include:
- Matte white (similar to RAL 9010), textured or smooth
- High-gloss white (mostly available as glass fronts)
- Matte dark brown (almost black, with a slight brown tint)
- Birch look (naturally grained, rather lightly textured)
- Light or rustic oak (decorative foil with various grain patterns)
- Grey mottled (a new trend, subtle shade)

Technical differences:
- Matte surfaces are often coated with a UV-cured lacquer, which makes them resistant to scratches and wear.
- High-gloss fronts are either lacquered or made of real glass, very sensitive to scratches and require more maintenance.
- Textured decors have the advantage that minor damage or fingerprints are less noticeable.

Regarding care, I generally recommend mild, neutral cleaning agents without aggressive solvents. For textured surfaces, you can also use a cloth with some water, while high-gloss surfaces are best treated with special care products to preserve their shine.

My personal favorite is the white matte finish with a fine texture. It offers a nice balance of timeless appearance, easy care, and long durability. In addition, this finish can be combined in many ways with wood, metal, or fabric elements.

Could you tell me a bit more about your room concept? Then I can give you more targeted advice on color choice and care. Are you looking for something more understated, or do you want to create a focal point?