ᐅ Which Ikea PAX doors are space-saving and elegant?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to expand my wardrobe using the Ikea PAX system and am looking for specific doors that are both space-saving and elegant. My main question is: Which PAX doors are especially recommended when room space is limited but I still want a modern, aesthetic design? It is also important to me that the doors are durable and can be well integrated into different room layouts. Perhaps you have experience with various door types such as sliding doors, folding doors, or classic hinged doors and can provide practical recommendations based on your experience. I would really appreciate a detailed discussion including advantages, disadvantages, as well as tips on installation and handling.

This is a really important question, especially when space is limited, as the choice of the right doors makes a big difference. I myself chose PAX sliding doors about a year ago and have to say I find them very space-saving. Especially in tight rooms, it’s not a problem that the doors slide to the side instead of swinging open. However, at first I was concerned that they might look too “heavy” visually. For me, sliding doors are still elegant, especially if you choose the white or mirrored options – they brighten up the room and don’t feel overwhelming. However, installing sliding doors is somewhat more complex than installing hinged doors, so you should have some DIY skills. Have you considered how much space in front of the wardrobe is needed to slide the doors open comfortably?

I believe it is mistaken to assume that sliding doors are always the best solution for saving space and achieving a sleek look. It largely depends on the specific room and its intended use. For example, folding doors offer an interesting alternative since they occupy only a fraction of space in front of the closet by folding together. However, they are not as visually minimalist as sliding doors and may develop issues with the joints after years of use. Hinged doors, on the other hand, are classically elegant but require significant clearance around them to open fully. What also interests me in all of this is the material and finishes: from your perspective, are painted doors or melamine surfaces more durable and refined? So far, I find the discussion lacks a clear examination of long-term durability.

brianna schrieb:
Have you ever considered how much space in front of the cabinet is needed for sliding it open?

Yes, that’s an important point. For me, about 80cm (31.5 inches) is sufficient. In comparison, traditional hinged doors are almost ruled out because they would leave very little room to move around.

ODINFLO schrieb:
I feel that a straightforward consideration of durability is still missing from the discussion.

I agree; it would be great if someone with long-term experience regarding materials and load-bearing capacity could contribute. For me, a low-maintenance and scratch-resistant material is important, but also a surface that looks timeless.

I haven’t really considered folding doors until now, but they sound interesting. How durable are they in everyday use, especially with frequent operation?

I would like to respond in a more technical and detailed way since I have several PAX wardrobes with different door types at home and want to share my experience:

- Sliding doors: Very space-saving because they don’t require clearance for opening. However, there should be enough space between the wardrobe and the wall because the doors slide slightly offset and can sometimes catch if not installed precisely. The running and guiding system is sturdy, but with frequent use, the rollers can wear out – replacement parts are easy to order.

- Folding doors: These are a smart solution if you have limited space in front of the wardrobe since they fold together and need only a small swing area. However, the hinges and folding elements are mechanically more complex. In terms of quality, they are durable if handled carefully, but over time they are more prone to minor faults compared to sliding or traditional hinged doors.

- Hinged doors: Visually classic and very stable, especially when made from high-quality materials (e.g., melamine on particleboard or veneer finishes). They require a lot of space in front to open. Regarding the surfaces:

- Painted doors look very elegant but are more sensitive to impacts and scratches.

- Melamine-coated doors are more robust, easy to clean, and less prone to chipping.

My advice: If you really have minimal space, sliding doors are generally the best choice. However, if you want a combination of elegance and everyday practicality, go for melamine-coated sliding doors or matte painted folding doors. What style are you aiming for in your room? Minimalist, Scandinavian, modern?

Sliding doors save space, especially those with mirrors.
Folding doors take up less space than regular doors but are more delicate.
For elegance: matte painted doors that have a high-quality appearance.