IKEA PAX wardrobes offer a flexible, modular storage solution for UK bedrooms, with frames starting around £60 and complete wardrobes reaching well over £1,000 depending on doors and internal fittings.
The system is designed using IKEA’s free PAX planner, which lets you choose a frame size, interior fittings, and either hinged or sliding doors. The final price depends heavily on the components you select, making PAX a popular lower-cost alternative to fitted wardrobes.
According to UK buyer’s guides, PAX is positioned as a customizable option that can fit a range of spaces, from small bedrooms to larger master suites. Understanding the system’s dimensions, door types, and costs is key to making an informed purchase.
What is the IKEA PAX System and How Does It Work?
The IKEA PAX system is a modular wardrobe range built from frames, interior storage components, and doors. You design the wardrobe using the PAX planner, which shows only compatible parts once you enter your wall dimensions. UK frames come in widths of 50 cm, 75 cm, and 100 cm, depths of 35 cm or 58 cm, and heights of 201 cm or 236 cm.
IKEA Wardrobes: PAX vs Hinged vs Sliding – Quick Comparison
- PAX System: Fully customizable, modular frames, wide range of interiors.
- Hinged Wardrobes: Traditional swing doors, ready-made sizes.
- Sliding Wardrobes: Space-saving, modern look, fewer interior options.
- SMÅGÖRA: Affordable, fixed design, best for kids or small rooms.
Key Insights
- IKEA PAX is the most popular wardrobe system due to its modularity and planner tool.
- Choosing between hinged and sliding doors is primarily a space constraint decision.
- The PAX planner is essential for ensuring you buy compatible frames, doors, and interiors.
- Cost of a PAX wardrobe varies widely (£150–£1,000+) depending on customization level.
- UK purchasers prefer PAX for bedrooms above 10 m²; SMÅGÖRA for smaller spaces.
IKEA Wardrobe Snapshot Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| System | PAX (modular), Hinged (ready-made), Sliding (space-saving) |
| Frame heights | 201 cm and 236 cm |
| Frame widths | 50 cm, 75 cm, 100 cm |
| Depth | 58 cm (PAX); 50–60 cm (hinged) |
| Door styles | Hinged, sliding, mirrored, panel, frame |
| Planner available | IKEA website and in-store kiosk |
How to Design Your Perfect IKEA PAX Wardrobe
Designing a PAX wardrobe starts with measuring your space. Use the IKEA PAX planner – a free web-based tool – to build a wardrobe from scratch. After you enter your wall width, height, and depth, the planner shows only compatible frames, doors, drawers, shelves, and KOMPLEMENT fittings. This prevents incompatible size or door combinations.
How Do I Use the IKEA PAX Wardrobe Planner?
Access the planner on the IKEA website. Input your available wall width, height, and depth. The tool filters components automatically. For example, if you need a 100 cm wide frame, the planner will present only doors and interiors that fit that width. It also supports 3D preview, allowing you to visualise the final layout before purchase.
Always start with the frame dimensions. The planner will then list compatible interior fittings and doors. This avoids ordering parts that do not fit. For UK users, the 58 cm depth frame is standard for most hanging clothes, while the 35 cm depth works well in narrow spaces or for folded items.
What Are the Best IKEA Wardrobe Doors?
Door choice affects both look and function. Hinged doors require about 80 cm of clearance in front, while sliding doors need only about 20 cm, according to Which?. Sliding doors are best for tight bedrooms and wider wardrobe runs, but they only open part of the wardrobe at a time. Hinged doors give full access and work better for single-frame layouts. Ceiling height is critical for sliding doors; a UK guide cites a minimum of 205 cm.
Which IKEA Wardrobe Is Best for Your Bedroom?
Choosing between PAX, hinged, sliding, or SMÅGÖRA depends on your room size, budget, and storage needs. PAX offers the most customization, while ready-made hinged wardrobes are simpler and often cheaper. Sliding wardrobes save floor space. SMÅGÖRA is an affordable fixed-design option for children’s rooms or small spaces.
Hinged vs Sliding Doors: A Direct Comparison
| Feature | Hinged Doors | Sliding Doors |
|---|---|---|
| Space needed in front | Need clearance for door swing | Need much less clearance; suitable for narrow rooms |
| Access | Full access to the wardrobe opening when doors are open | Only part of the wardrobe is open at once |
| Best for | Single narrower frames and rooms with floor space | Tight bedrooms and wider wardrobe runs |
| Size/configuration implications | Often used with individual frame widths; hinged doors can be used on a single frame layout | Usually built as a wider combined wardrobe run using multiple frames |
| Ceiling/installation caution | Standard ceiling-height checks still apply | Ceiling-height checks are especially important; one UK guide cites 205 cm minimum for sliding-door setups |
A UK small-room guide states that hinged doors require about 80 cm of clear floor space in front, while sliding doors need about 20 cm. This makes sliding doors the practical choice for narrow bedrooms.
What Is the Best IKEA 3-Door Wardrobe for a Master Bedroom?
For a master bedroom, a PAX configuration with three frames – each 100 cm wide, for a total width of 300 cm – is a common approach. Hinged doors provide full access and a classic look. Alternatively, a sliding-door system covering 200 cm or more can save floor space. The exact best choice depends on your room layout and budget.
How Much Does a Custom IKEA PAX Wardrobe Cost?
Costs vary significantly. Frame-only PAX setups start around £60, according to a UK buyer’s guide. Specific frame prices include £75 for a 75×58×201 cm frame and £80 for a 100×58×201 cm frame. Pre-designed combinations on IKEA’s UK site range from about £124 to £1,244 for fully equipped wardrobes.
Can I Install IKEA Wardrobe Doors on Any Frame?
No. PAX doors are designed specifically for PAX frames. They are not interchangeable with other brands or systems. The PAX planner ensures compatibility by filtering door options based on the frame width and height you select. When ordering, always verify that the door model matches your frame dimensions.
A separate comparison article notes that a basic IKEA PAX wardrobe starts from £300–£500, while larger configurations with premium accessories and doors typically run £800–£1,500. The frame is only a fraction of the total spend; doors and internal fittings can more than double the price.
How Has the IKEA PAX Wardrobe System Evolved?
- 1990s: PAX system introduced as a customizable wardrobe solution.
- 2010: PAX becomes IKEA’s best-selling wardrobe system globally.
- 2018: IKEA launches the online PAX planner tool.
- 2021: Update to planner with 3D preview and mobile support.
- 2024: Introduction of new door finishes and integrated lighting.
What Is Certain and Uncertain About IKEA PAX?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| PAX frames are always 58 cm deep (or 35 cm shallow variant) | Lead times for custom PAX orders vary by region and season |
| PAX doors are not interchangeable with other brands | Return policy for custom-cut components may differ from standard items |
| IKEA.com shows real-time stock and pricing | Installation difficulty depends on frame height and number of doors |
Why Does IKEA’s Wardrobe Range Dominate the UK Market?
IKEA’s wardrobe range dominates the UK market for affordable modular storage. PAX specifically allows complete customization, which is both a strength – it fits any space – and a complexity, requiring careful planning. The main competitors are flat-pack or pre-assembled alternatives from brands like John Lewis or B&Q. UK users often search for “planner” and “sizes,” indicating a strong need for guidance before purchase.
Content gaps on design process and cost transparency present opportunities. A step-by-step guide paired with a cost estimator would improve user experience. No official IKEA page offers an unbiased comparison between its own product lines, leaving room for independent analysis.
What Are the Key Sources for IKEA PAX Information?
The IKEA PAX system in the UK is a modular wardrobe range you design with IKEA’s PAX planner, choosing a frame size, interior fittings, and then either hinged or sliding doors; the final price depends heavily on the components you select.
– Angle Journal UK, IKEA Wardrobes UK Guide
In 2025-style UK guidance, PAX is usually positioned as a flexible, lower-cost alternative to fitted wardrobes, with frames starting from around £60–£80 and complete wardrobes ranging from low hundreds to well over £1,000 depending on doors and storage.
– Bravo London, Fitted Wardrobes vs IKEA PAX Comparison
Official IKEA product pages, the PAX planner itself, and third-party UK buyer’s guides are the most reliable sources for current specs and pricing. The PAX planner remains an essential starting point. Consumer reviews from Which? UK also provide independent ratings where available.
What Should You Remember Before Buying an IKEA Wardrobe?
Before purchasing, measure your space carefully, use the IKEA PAX wardrobe system planner to select compatible components, and decide between hinged or sliding doors based on your room’s floor area and ceiling height. Expect the frame cost to be a fraction of the total – doors and fittings can double the price. For small bedrooms, the 35 cm depth frame may be a better fit than the standard 58 cm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to assemble an IKEA PAX wardrobe?
Assembly time ranges from 2 to 6 hours depending on the number of frames, doors, and interior components. Two people recommended for tall frames.
Can I return an IKEA PAX frame if I change my mind?
Yes, unused items in original packaging can be returned within 365 days. Custom-cut components may have different terms.
Do I need special tools for IKEA PAX assembly?
IKEA provides all necessary hex key tools. A screwdriver is useful but not required.
Are IKEA PAX wardrobes suitable for loft conversions?
Yes, but you need to measure roof slope carefully. PAX frames are 58 cm deep and require clearance for door opening.
Does IKEA offer installation services for PAX wardrobes?
Yes, IKEA offers assembly and installation services in the UK via TaskRabbit or IKEA’s own service.
Sophie Kendall is Standards & Fact-Checking Lead at MarketUK.uk, leading fact-checking, source verification, corrections review and editorial standards.