Hello everyone,
I am currently planning to purchase an IKEA PAX wardrobe for my young twins’ bedroom (3 and 5 years old). My main question is: which PAX models or combinations are best suited for small children in terms of safety, ease of use, and storage organization?
I am particularly interested in aspects such as:
- sturdy but child-friendly door mechanisms (e.g., soft-close or even childproof)
- a height and interior layout that the children can easily reach and use themselves
- options that can be optimally adapted to limited room size without overwhelming the space
I have noticed there are different heights (201 cm (79 inches), 236 cm (93 inches)) and door types (hinged, folding) – what would make the most sense for small children?
I look forward to your experiences and tips, especially regarding shelves, drawers, and interior fittings that are practical for children. Thanks in advance!
I am currently planning to purchase an IKEA PAX wardrobe for my young twins’ bedroom (3 and 5 years old). My main question is: which PAX models or combinations are best suited for small children in terms of safety, ease of use, and storage organization?
I am particularly interested in aspects such as:
- sturdy but child-friendly door mechanisms (e.g., soft-close or even childproof)
- a height and interior layout that the children can easily reach and use themselves
- options that can be optimally adapted to limited room size without overwhelming the space
I have noticed there are different heights (201 cm (79 inches), 236 cm (93 inches)) and door types (hinged, folding) – what would make the most sense for small children?
I look forward to your experiences and tips, especially regarding shelves, drawers, and interior fittings that are practical for children. Thanks in advance!
For small children, I recommend a lower cabinet height, such as the 201 cm (79 inches) model. It is more manageable and safer.
Doors: Swing doors are easier to use than folding doors.
Inside: Many drawers at a low height and open compartments for quick access.
Soft-close is great, as it prevents the risk of pinching.
Doors: Swing doors are easier to use than folding doors.
Inside: Many drawers at a low height and open compartments for quick access.
Soft-close is great, as it prevents the risk of pinching.
Hello Fimizar,
I would like to give you a structured overview that can help when choosing the right PAX model for young children:
1. Wardrobe height: The 201 cm (79 inches) version is truly better suited for children since it is not as tall and can be used independently. The 236 cm (93 inches) version often requires parental assistance – something to avoid.
2. Doors: Hinged doors are easier to operate, while folding doors save space but have more complex mechanisms that can be difficult for children. Additionally, folding doors often leave gaps where children’s fingers can get pinched.
3. Interior: Plenty of storage space with a mix of drawers (especially at the bottom) and shelves. Baskets or boxes placed at the child’s eye level keep everything visible and within reach.
4. Soft-close: I agree with Paunon, soft-close prevents pinching injuries, which is essential for children.
5. Safety: IKEA also offers wall anchors for PAX to secure the wardrobe and prevent tipping. Strongly recommended.
6. Customization: The PAX series is very modular with shelves and interior fittings – take your time to adapt these to your children’s actual needs.
In summary: 201 cm (79 inches), hinged doors, soft-close, many drawers at reachable height, wall anchors. I’m happy to help with the interior layout if you provide the exact room dimensions.
I would like to give you a structured overview that can help when choosing the right PAX model for young children:
1. Wardrobe height: The 201 cm (79 inches) version is truly better suited for children since it is not as tall and can be used independently. The 236 cm (93 inches) version often requires parental assistance – something to avoid.
2. Doors: Hinged doors are easier to operate, while folding doors save space but have more complex mechanisms that can be difficult for children. Additionally, folding doors often leave gaps where children’s fingers can get pinched.
3. Interior: Plenty of storage space with a mix of drawers (especially at the bottom) and shelves. Baskets or boxes placed at the child’s eye level keep everything visible and within reach.
4. Soft-close: I agree with Paunon, soft-close prevents pinching injuries, which is essential for children.
5. Safety: IKEA also offers wall anchors for PAX to secure the wardrobe and prevent tipping. Strongly recommended.
6. Customization: The PAX series is very modular with shelves and interior fittings – take your time to adapt these to your children’s actual needs.
In summary: 201 cm (79 inches), hinged doors, soft-close, many drawers at reachable height, wall anchors. I’m happy to help with the interior layout if you provide the exact room dimensions.
Hello Fimizar,
I support the suggestions made so far and would like to add why the wardrobe height can be so important for small children. It is often underestimated how quickly children become frustrated if they cannot reach their clothes or toys. Therefore, it makes sense to set up the wardrobe so that the upper area is reserved for rarely used items—such as a navigation rail or storage boxes for winter clothing.
I also recommend using IKEA PAX wardrobes with interior fittings like soft-close drawers with full extension slides. These are great for neatly storing smaller items like socks and underwear.
Regarding safety: fragile little hands are protected by magnetic locks or soft-close mechanisms. Also, consider child lock devices if there are items that should generally remain out of reach.
One tip: if space allows, you can choose 50 cm (20 inches) deep PAX units, since 58 cm (23 inches) depth units take up more space. This can be a crucial point when you mention "limited space."
I hope this helps you!
I support the suggestions made so far and would like to add why the wardrobe height can be so important for small children. It is often underestimated how quickly children become frustrated if they cannot reach their clothes or toys. Therefore, it makes sense to set up the wardrobe so that the upper area is reserved for rarely used items—such as a navigation rail or storage boxes for winter clothing.
I also recommend using IKEA PAX wardrobes with interior fittings like soft-close drawers with full extension slides. These are great for neatly storing smaller items like socks and underwear.
Regarding safety: fragile little hands are protected by magnetic locks or soft-close mechanisms. Also, consider child lock devices if there are items that should generally remain out of reach.
One tip: if space allows, you can choose 50 cm (20 inches) deep PAX units, since 58 cm (23 inches) depth units take up more space. This can be a crucial point when you mention "limited space."
I hope this helps you!
Jensson schrieb:
Folding doors save space but have more complex mechanisms that can be harder for children to operate.I think folding doors are generally underestimated. Sure, they’re not as intuitive for children to use, but if you really have limited space, they are by far the most practical option.
Besides, "child-friendly operation" is also a matter of getting used to it. Children learn quickly if they are guided patiently.
Paunon schrieb:
Doors: hinged doors are easier than folding doors.That’s not always true in general. For tiny rooms or hallways with multiple uses, folding doors make much more sense—and Ikea now also offers soft-close folding doors.
So: pure functionality versus ease of getting used to it—you have to weigh which is more important. For small kids, I can also recommend lockable sliding doors as an alternative, although they hardly get any attention here.
Otherwise: 201 cm (79 inches) is fine, but 236 cm (93 inches) with an upper shelf for seldom-used items and everything child-friendly below—that would be my favorite.
Hello Fimizar,
I completely understand – choosing the right wardrobe for small children can be quite challenging. My daughter is now 4 years old, and we went with the 201 cm (79 inches) tall PAX model with hinged doors. This worked really well for her because she can reach her clothes on her own.
It’s also important to set up the wardrobe so that you remain flexible: for example, drawers and baskets at the bottom for the children, and practical shelves higher up for your items or things they shouldn’t access.
I can definitely confirm that. It became much easier once she had her own areas that she could manage independently.
I wish you the best of luck – decisions like these really make family life much easier.
I completely understand – choosing the right wardrobe for small children can be quite challenging. My daughter is now 4 years old, and we went with the 201 cm (79 inches) tall PAX model with hinged doors. This worked really well for her because she can reach her clothes on her own.
It’s also important to set up the wardrobe so that you remain flexible: for example, drawers and baskets at the bottom for the children, and practical shelves higher up for your items or things they shouldn’t access.
Kinbu schrieb:
Children quickly get frustrated when they can’t reach their clothes or toys.
I can definitely confirm that. It became much easier once she had her own areas that she could manage independently.
I wish you the best of luck – decisions like these really make family life much easier.
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