The New IKEA PAX Piece That Finally Breaks Up All Those Boring Doors

Just when you think IKEA’s PAX series has everything you need to create a stellar wardrobe, they come out with a new addition to prove you wrong.

Last year, they introduced the brilliant end-unit addition, and now there’s a slim mid-unit add-on designed to fit between two PAX frames, giving you extra storage and display space.

Bringing a Brand-New Look to the Reliable PAX System

More storage is always a plus, but I have to say, this add-on elevates the entire PAX closet, making it feel more sophisticated and tailored to your style.

I think it’s the combination of open shelving juxtaposed against the closed PAX units that does it. It breaks up the repetitiveness of the doors and makes the entire wardrobe more visually appealing and interesting.

Of course, you could do something similar with an additional PAX frame, but they’re wider and won’t give you the same sleek look. The slimmer design tucks neatly between the units, making it perfectly sized for decorative baskets, your favorite vase, or even a quick prep area for jewelry (just add a mirror).

PAX New Add-On Mid-Unit offers open shelving and display space — Photo Credit PAX Mid Unit Add On | IKEAcom

A Closer Look at the New PAX Add-On Mid-Unit

PAX Mid-Unit Add-On in white oak — Photo Credit PAX Mid Unit Add On | IKEAcom

The mid-unit shelf comes in two sizes and colors, with options for wood and glass shelves. It’s compatible with both the 13 ¾” and the 22 ⅞”-deep PAX frames and costs $140.

Sizes:

13 ¾” x 13 ¾” x 92 ⅞”
13 ¾” x 13 ¾” x 79 ⅛”

Colors:

Oak Effect
White

What You Get

3 adjustable glass shelves
2 adjustable wooden shelves
1 fixed wooden shelf
Adjustable feet
Fasteners to attach it to PAX frames
Additional panel for the top to bridge the gap between the unit and the wall when you pair it with 22 ⅞” frames

Potential Hacks for the Latest PAX Shelf

PAX Mid-Unit Add-On display shelf in wood or glass — Photo Credit PAX Mid Unit Add On | IKEAcom

Linen Storage

Bathrooms are often short on space, making a slim shelf like this a perfect fit.

Squeeze it between the wall and the toilet, or behind the door, to create bathroom storage for towels and toiletries.
Ideally, it’s best for a powder room with minimal moisture, rather than a bathroom with a tub or shower.
The glass shelves are perfect for displaying a few decorative items and for storing some nice lotions or perfumes.

Slim and Stylish Bar

Convert the shelf into a sleek bar ready for entertaining and mixing up your favorite cocktails.

Mount a wine glass holder under the fixed shelf to hang stemmed glasses.
Store spirits and heavier items on the lower shelves and decorative glasses, a cocktail shaker, and other bar accessories on top.
Jazz things up with a funky, patterned wallpaper on the back panel and some colorful LED light strips.

Pared-Down Pantry

We are extremely limited on food storage space in our home, with a slim pantry and a smaller kitchen. A narrow shelf like this would be great for squeezing in extra room for snack baskets, drink mixes, and other items we use daily.

Use cute bins or baskets to hide things in plain sight and make it easy to grab-and-go.
Place decorative pitchers, canisters, and containers on the glass shelves for a more display-oriented vibe.

Streamlined Vinyl Storage

The average size for a vinyl record in its sleeve is 12.375” x 12.375”, making the PAX add-on mid-unit a perfect fit.

Store records sideways, or…
Add a small lip to the front of the wooden shelves to position records front-facing.
Use slides to convert the wooden shelves into slide-outs, making it easier to flip through records.
Display some of your favorite music memorabilia on the glass shelves.

No matter how you decide to hack it, make sure you use the appropriate hardware and anchors for your wall type to keep everything secure. DIY is great, but not if everything comes crashing down on you!

Starting to come up with a few ideas yourself for this smart add-on? Share your hack with us! We can’t wait to see it!