ᐅ Which Ikea Pax wardrobes are suitable for small children's bedrooms?

Hello everyone, I am facing the challenge of finding a suitable Ikea PAX wardrobe for a small children's room (approximately 8-9 m² (86-97 sq ft)). It is important to me that the wardrobe does not appear too bulky, takes up little space, but still offers enough storage for children’s clothes, shoes, and possibly some toys. Additionally, the wardrobe should be child-friendly, meaning safe and easy to access. Which PAX models or combinations would you recommend for small children’s rooms? I would appreciate tips on dimensions, doors (sliding or hinged), and interior fittings that are especially suitable for small children.

Hello Sinarne59, your question is very well structured, which makes it easier to answer. For small children's rooms, I often recommend narrower PAX wardrobes, for example with a width of 50 cm (20 inches) instead of 100 cm (39 inches), so they take up less space. Sliding doors are practical in this case because they don’t require extra space when opened – however, they are somewhat more complicated to assemble. To maximize storage in a small area, you can combine internal shelves, drawers, and hanging rods, making optimal use of the volume. Generally, PAX wardrobes come in heights up to 236 cm (93 inches), which is an advantage because it allows you to use the room height well while keeping the floor free. Also, pay attention to soft or rounded handle designs, which are more child-friendly.

If you like, I can gladly prepare some specific measurements and accessory suggestions for you.

I would definitely choose PAX with sliding doors. In the children's room, doors often get in the way. Narrow modules are smarter than wide ones.

You add storage space with shelves and drawers.

I share a similar view but want to go into more detail: Choosing the wardrobe width is crucial if your room is that small. Ikea offers PAX units in 50, 75, and 100 cm (20, 30, and 40 inches) widths. For children’s rooms, I would recommend 50 or at most 75 cm (20 or 30 inches) to increase flexibility – several smaller modules side by side often look less bulky than one large wardrobe.

For depth, there are 35 cm and 58 cm (14 and 23 inches) options. 35 cm (14 inches) is ideal for kids because there’s less risk of bumping into the doors, and it appears less dominant. The 58 cm (23 inches) option offers more storage, but in small rooms it can feel cramped.

Regarding the doors: sliding doors save space and prevent little fingers from getting caught between the door and the frame. However, they are technically more complex and may sometimes be stiff depending on quality. Hinged doors are easier to repair. Important also: doors with push-to-open or handle rails are better suited for children than, for example, large recessed handles, which could have sharp edges.

Inside, I would recommend soft-close drawers to avoid injuries and a combination of a clothing rail and shelves so both hanging clothes and folded items have space.

Question: What is the ceiling height? That could help to make optimal use of the upper storage space or to choose suitable PAX heights.

Filippo schrieb:
Question: What is the ceiling height? That could help optimize storage space at the top or choose the right PAX heights.

Thanks for the detailed answer. The ceiling height is about 2.40 meters (7 ft 10 in), so rather standard. I want to make the best use of the available space but am also a bit concerned that a very tall wardrobe might feel overwhelming. Are there any experiences regarding whether small children are bothered by tall wardrobes or if safety could be an issue? Additionally, I have been considering whether it might make sense to combine a low chest of drawers or shelves instead of going for a single tall wardrobe.

Filippo schrieb:
Swing doors are easier to repair. Also important: doors with push-to-open mechanisms or handle bars are better suited for children than, for example, large recessed handles that could have sharp edges.

This is a very important point that I would like to emphasize. Safety comes first – I have often seen parents concerned about children getting their fingers caught or scratched on sharp handles.

Regarding height: children are usually impressed by tall cabinets at first, but there is a risk when they try to climb up to get things on their own. Therefore, I recommend storing heavy and frequently used items lower down. You can use the upper space for storing things that are rarely needed.

Alternatives with combinations of lower dressers and shelving units sound very reasonable. Especially if you plan to use the closet not only for clothes but also as storage for toys and books, such combinations offer more flexibility.