Have you ever found it bothersome that you needed to open the PAX doors before you could access the drawers inside? IKEA’s full-length wardrobe doors do provide a neat and tidy finish, but they can make it a bit tricky to get to your storage quickly.
Imagine how much more convenient it would be to have shorter doors that give you straightforward access to your drawers. That’s exactly what Jamie achieved with her innovative PAX wardrobe hack, featuring custom-made half-length doors.
This clever approach maximizes function and provides the wardrobe with a unique style, unlike other PAX built-in hacks. Here’s how Jamie, as shared on @jamievie, made it happen.
IKEA PAX Hack With Half-Height Doors
Step 1: Starting with the IKEA PAX System
Jamie chose the IKEA PAX System because it almost perfectly fit their space. She used a mix of 39 1/4″ (100 cm) and 19 5/8″ (50 cm) wide PAX frames to span the length of the walls. Within three of the PAX frames, she added 4-levels of KOMPLEMENT drawers.
Step 2: Creating a Built-In Look
To make the wardrobe look built-in, Jamie used 4mm MDF (medium-density fiberboard) on the sides. This made the wardrobe look like it was part of the room. They filled in the seams between the MDF plates with wood filler for a smooth finish.
Step 3: Adding a Splash of Paint
Next, Jamie painted everything. “Paint makes everything come together,” she says. She painted the MDF boards in a color that matched the PAX interior.
Step 4: Making Custom Half-Height Doors
Since IKEA only sells full-length doors, Jamie decided to make their own PAX doors using 18mm MDF. She cut MDF boards to the size she needed and glued mitered trim to the front of each door for a bit of visual interest. To attach the half-height doors to the frames, she used IKEA KOMPLEMENT hinges, which made installation easier.
Routing Holes for Komplement Hinges
- Measure and Mark: Measure the exact spots where the hinges need to be placed on the door. Use a pencil to mark these spots clearly.
- Set Up the Router: Attach a hinge router bit to your router. Ensure it matches the size of the hinge cup.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Using a small drill bit, make pilot holes at the marked spots. This helps guide the router for a precise cut.
- Route the Holes: Carefully route out the holes for the hinges at the marked spots. Make sure to follow the depth required for the hinge cups.
- Test Fit: Place the hinges into the routed holes to ensure they fit.
Step 5: Adding Drawer Fronts
To make the drawers match the doors, Jamie added fronts to them. They filled them out with MDF first, so they would close properly. This little detail makes the whole closet look cohesive.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Finally, Jamie added some ceiling molding to fill in the gap at the top of the closet, giving it a finished, polished look. They also added gold hardware and wooden shelves to complete the design. The gold hardware adds a touch of elegance, while the wooden shelves add warmth.
And there you have it. Jamie transformed a standard IKEA PAX wardrobe into a custom-built closet that is stylish and convenient to access the drawers. We love the creative half-height doors and hope IKEA offers this option one day. Imagine the possibilities!
Whether you’re looking to maximize storage or simply want a unique design, this PAX wardrobe hack with half-height doors is a fantastic way to transform your storage space.
Follow Jamie on Instagram @jamievie for more home ideas, travel tips, and recipes.
See more IKEA PAX wardrobe hacks.