ᐅ Which additional shelves fit best in the Ikea Pax wardrobe system?

Good morning everyone, I recently got an Ikea Pax wardrobe and am considering how to make the best use of it. The supplied shelves are rather basic, and I’m wondering if there are additional shelves from Ikea or third-party suppliers that fit the Pax system better and offer higher load capacity.

I am particularly interested in the ideal dimensions and material thickness for extra shelves to ensure both stability and flexibility when organizing. Has anyone had experience with alternative shelves that fit well, or recommendations regarding weight limits and mounting options?

Also, I would appreciate any tips on optimizing the interior of the Pax wardrobe to make the best possible use of the space—especially with regard to the shelving. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Hello rastislavm,

I’d be happy to help you with the topic of additional shelves for the Ikea Pax wardrobe. Basically, the supplied shelves are made with a material thickness of about 16 mm (0.6 inches). If you want to buy replacement shelves from Ikea, I strongly recommend using the original Pax shelves, as they fit perfectly and are designed for the rail system.

If you’re looking for tertiary shelves, you can also buy white particleboard or MDF boards of similar thickness and use them with suitable shelf supports, but the load capacity will depend on the material quality and how they are fastened.

Tips for optimal use:
- Pay attention to the maximum weight per shelf, which is usually around 20 kg (44 lbs).
- Use adjustable shelves to customize the height depending on the contents (clothes, boxes, shoes).
- For heavier items, it’s better to use more shelves with shorter spacing rather than a few very tall ones.

I hope this helps you!

I would like to briefly share my experience here:

I bought some additional shelves from the same system for the Pax and also experimented with self-cut shelves made from wooden boards. However, I felt that self-cut shelves sometimes didn’t fit perfectly at the edges and required sanding or adjustment. Additionally, the load capacity can be compromised if the brackets are not positioned exactly right.

I know this might seem like a minor issue, but especially for stability, I would recommend original parts. This is particularly important if you plan to stack heavier winter clothes or shoes on them, as you don’t want any unpleasant surprises.

This experience made me a bit cautious about making wrong choices—especially if you have no experience with woodworking. Did you have similar uncertainties?

In short: Ikea Pax shelves are 16 mm (0.63 inches) thick. For additional shelves, you can use 16 mm (0.63 inches) chipboard or MDF panels; the crucial factor is the correct depth (usually 35 or 50 cm (14 or 20 inches) for Pax). Their load capacity depends on the material and support, typically around 20 kg (44 lbs). Original parts fit best.

Joe52 schrieb:
I bought some additional shelves for the Pax system and also experimented with custom-cut shelves made from wooden boards.

Why are people always so obsessed with perfection? I rarely see any real benefit in using exact original spare parts, especially when it comes to cabinets that aren’t exactly design masterpieces to begin with. You can often work much more affordably and flexibly with good MDF or plywood panels that you can find at any hardware store.

Sure, it doesn’t always fit down to the millimeter, but a bit of improvisation is what makes the furniture piece interesting and unique.

By the way: If you really want standard shelves, you should also consider alternative systems that are more flexible than Pax.

For those who value technical accuracy:

- Ikea Pax shelves are standardly 16 mm (0.63 inches) thick.
- The depth varies by model between 35 cm and 58 cm (14 inches and 23 inches), with 35 cm (14 inches) being the most common.
- According to Ikea, the load limit per shelf is approximately 20 kg (44 lbs) evenly distributed.
- Additional shelves should have similar material properties (chipboard, MDF with melamine coating).

You should also consider the attachment points: Original shelves have pre-drilled holes and clip holders that are usually not accessible with third-party products. Modifications could also affect the warranty conditions.

For optimal use, it is recommended to place shelves at reasonable intervals (around 30–40 cm / 12–16 inches) and store heavy items preferably at the bottom. Additional stabilization with side supports is advisable for thick shelves or higher loads.