Hello everyone, I am planning to install an Ikea Pax wardrobe in a rather narrow recess at my home. The recess is about 60 cm (24 inches) wide, 240 cm (94 inches) high, and 60 cm (24 inches) deep. My question is: what Pax options or customization possibilities does Ikea offer that are suitable for such narrow and tall recesses? Additionally, I would be interested to know if there are flexible components or accessories that help maximize storage space without making the wardrobe appear too wide or too deep. I look forward to your experiences and tips, especially regarding different doors or interior layouts.
Basically, the narrower Pax wardrobes with a width of 50 cm (20 inches) are especially suitable for tight niches. These are often the best choice to work with minimal clearance while still providing sufficient storage space. The maximum height of 236 cm (93 inches), which Ikea offers as a standard, usually fits well into tall niches. It is important to note that Pax wardrobe depths come in 35 cm (14 inches) or 58 cm (23 inches), with the shallower models requiring less depth.
- Recommendation for narrow niches: 50 x 236 x 35 cm (20 x 93 x 14 inches)
- Doors: Sliding doors can save more space in tight rooms compared to standard hinged doors
- Interior fittings: Adjustable shelves and drawers help to optimize the space
The Ikea Pax system is highly modular and also allows minor adjustments by cutting the back panel or making small fittings.
- Recommendation for narrow niches: 50 x 236 x 35 cm (20 x 93 x 14 inches)
- Doors: Sliding doors can save more space in tight rooms compared to standard hinged doors
- Interior fittings: Adjustable shelves and drawers help to optimize the space
The Ikea Pax system is highly modular and also allows minor adjustments by cutting the back panel or making small fittings.
First of all, thank you for the detailed description of the niche. This is very helpful for providing targeted recommendations.
With a width of 60 cm (24 inches), there is still some room for the 50 cm (20 inches) wide Pax elements. This means the side panels could fit, but the doors need to be carefully planned to avoid rubbing against the niche wall. There are several possible solutions here:
- Sliding doors: These are ideal for tight niches as they do not require extra space in front. Ikea offers several sliding door options, but you should measure the door height precisely since the wardrobe can be about 236 cm (93 inches) tall.
- Hinged doors with narrow opening angles: This is possible, but usually a bit tricky in very tight spaces.
- Depth: I strongly recommend the 35 cm (14 inches) deep Pax versions if your room is really only 60 cm (24 inches) deep. The 58 cm (23 inches) deep ones are often too bulky in such cases.
- Interior fittings: You should plan the interior fittings individually, for example with many shelves, full-extension drawers, or clothes rails at different heights. In the 50 cm (20 inches) width, you can accommodate, for instance, four drawers or five shelves quite well.
- Extra tip: If the niche is not exactly 60 cm (24 inches) wide but slightly uneven, small adjustments can be made with simple wooden strips and filler.
How about the height of the niche under the ceiling? Are there possibly a sloping roof or other structural peculiarities?
With a width of 60 cm (24 inches), there is still some room for the 50 cm (20 inches) wide Pax elements. This means the side panels could fit, but the doors need to be carefully planned to avoid rubbing against the niche wall. There are several possible solutions here:
- Sliding doors: These are ideal for tight niches as they do not require extra space in front. Ikea offers several sliding door options, but you should measure the door height precisely since the wardrobe can be about 236 cm (93 inches) tall.
- Hinged doors with narrow opening angles: This is possible, but usually a bit tricky in very tight spaces.
- Depth: I strongly recommend the 35 cm (14 inches) deep Pax versions if your room is really only 60 cm (24 inches) deep. The 58 cm (23 inches) deep ones are often too bulky in such cases.
- Interior fittings: You should plan the interior fittings individually, for example with many shelves, full-extension drawers, or clothes rails at different heights. In the 50 cm (20 inches) width, you can accommodate, for instance, four drawers or five shelves quite well.
- Extra tip: If the niche is not exactly 60 cm (24 inches) wide but slightly uneven, small adjustments can be made with simple wooden strips and filler.
How about the height of the niche under the ceiling? Are there possibly a sloping roof or other structural peculiarities?
Thank you for your initial helpful responses! Regarding the specific situation: the niche is exactly 60 cm (24 inches) wide, 240 cm (94.5 inches) high, and 60 cm (24 inches) deep. It is located in a new build, so the walls and ceiling are straight—no angled rooflines or similar features. The floor covering (tiles) where the wardrobe will be placed is not finished yet.
I believe a Pax wardrobe measuring 50x236x35 cm (20x93x14 inches) should theoretically fit well, but I’m wondering whether I should leave small gaps between the wardrobe and the walls or if the wardrobe can be carefully fitted in as is. Does Ikea build in any tolerances for this?
Also, how does door installation work when the niche is this tight? Has anyone had experience with this?
I believe a Pax wardrobe measuring 50x236x35 cm (20x93x14 inches) should theoretically fit well, but I’m wondering whether I should leave small gaps between the wardrobe and the walls or if the wardrobe can be carefully fitted in as is. Does Ikea build in any tolerances for this?
Also, how does door installation work when the niche is this tight? Has anyone had experience with this?
I installed a 50cm (20 inch) deep Pax wardrobe in a 55cm (22 inch) wide niche. Gaps of 5cm (2 inches) on each side are normal because otherwise the wardrobe would be too tight. Ideally, use spacers such as wooden strips. Sliding doors are best, as hinged doors hardly have enough space to open in such a narrow area.
It is important to consider whether the original poster truly needs the full 60 cm (24 inches) width or if a slight reduction is possible. Modular cabinet systems are not entirely customizable in shape. For very tight installation spaces, it is also essential to know the actual dimensions of the furniture, including wall unevenness, plaster thickness, and any baseboards.
Additionally, tight installations always carry the risk that the doors may not close properly or the structural stability could be compromised if the cabinet is forced into place. My advice is to allow a little clearance so the cabinet carcass can settle and the doors can function as intended.
I agree with this. In addition, you should always check how deep the baseboard of your home is, as it often determines the minimum footprint.
Additionally, tight installations always carry the risk that the doors may not close properly or the structural stability could be compromised if the cabinet is forced into place. My advice is to allow a little clearance so the cabinet carcass can settle and the doors can function as intended.
Kukar schrieb:
I installed a 50 cm (20 inches) deep Pax cabinet in a 55 cm (22 inches) wide niche. Gaps of 5 cm (2 inches) on each side are normal because otherwise the cabinet gets stuck.
I agree with this. In addition, you should always check how deep the baseboard of your home is, as it often determines the minimum footprint.
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