IKEA Closets: A Complete Guide to Design, Hacks, and Organization

The efficiency and style synonymous with Swedish design are perfectly embodied in IKEA’s approach to home organization. The iconic IKEA catalog often presents an idealized vision: a place for everything, and everything in its place. But in our fast-paced, modern lives, achieving this level of order, particularly in often-neglected spaces like closets, can seem like a daunting challenge.

If you appreciate organization and are seeking effective solutions to maximize your closet space, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of IKEA closets, providing you with the knowledge and inspiration to design the closet of your dreams.

We’ll explore the entire range of IKEA closet systems, showcasing real-life examples of how they can be used, uncovering clever hacks, offering practical tips for installation, and highlighting essential organizers to optimize your space. Get ready to transform your closets into havens of order and efficiency with IKEA!

Exploring IKEA Closet and Wardrobe Options

IKEA’s extensive range of closets makes staying organized easier than ever. From standalone wardrobes to customizable open storage systems and a plethora of organizing accessories, IKEA has everything you need to turn your closet from a source of stress into a point of pride.

Let’s begin with the simplest solutions: wardrobes.

IKEA Wardrobes: Simple and Effective Storage Solutions

One of the most common challenges faced by renters and homeowners alike is the lack of built-in closet space. Fortunately, IKEA offers a variety of affordable and straightforward wardrobe options to create or supplement your existing clothing storage.

Here’s a closer look at some of the best IKEA wardrobes:

IKEA TYSSEDAL: A Higher-End Wardrobe with Classic Appeal

The TYSSEDAL wardrobe offers a blend of classic aesthetics and practical features. Its white finish and traditional design make it a versatile addition to any bedroom. This wardrobe includes two mirrored doors, a clothes rail, a shelf, and a drawer, providing ample storage for your clothing and accessories. The top ledge is a thoughtful detail, preventing items from sliding off when you’re in a hurry. While it’s priced higher than some other options, the TYSSEDAL’s quality and features make it a worthwhile investment.

IKEA BRIMNES: Best Value for Your Money

For those seeking maximum storage space on a budget, the BRIMNES three-door wardrobe is an excellent choice. It features two doors for hanging clothes, a full-height section with shelves, and a convenient mirror. Available in black, gray, and white, the BRIMNES offers a stylish and functional storage solution without breaking the bank.

IKEA SMÅGÖRA: The Perfect Wardrobe for Kids and Teens

The SMÅGÖRA wardrobe is a charming and functional option for children and teenagers. With two shelves and a hanging rod, it provides ample space for organizing clothes and accessories. Its simple white design allows for easy customization with your child’s favorite knobs and pulls, adding a personal touch to their space.

IKEA HAUGA: A Compact Wardrobe for Tight Spaces

The HAUGA wardrobe is designed with sliding doors, making it an ideal choice for rooms with limited space. Its compact design doesn’t compromise on storage, providing ample room for your clothes and accessories. The rails at the top of the wardrobe are a practical addition, allowing you to store extra boxes securely.

IKEA BRIMNES (Two-Door Version): Perfect for Narrow Spaces

In addition to the three-door version, the BRIMNES wardrobe is also available in a two-door configuration, making it an excellent option for narrow spaces. With a width of just over 30 inches, this wardrobe provides ample storage without taking up too much floor space. Its sleek design and available color options make it a versatile addition to any room.

IKEA VUKU: A Temporary and Affordable Storage Solution

If you need a temporary storage solution or a place to store off-season clothes, the VUKU wardrobe is an incredibly affordable option. Lightweight and easy to move, the VUKU can be easily stored when not in use. Its simple design and low price make it a practical choice for those on a budget or with temporary storage needs.

IKEA SMÅSTAD / UPPFÖRA: A Customizable Wardrobe for Children

The SMÅSTAD / UPPFÖRA wardrobe is designed with children in mind, featuring colorful doors available in white, green, pink, and gray. Its customizable design allows you to mix and match doors and drawers to create a unique storage solution for your child’s room.

IKEA Open Closet and Wardrobe Systems: Flexibility and Style

Sometimes, a traditional wardrobe can feel too bulky or restrictive for your space. That’s where open closet systems come in. These systems offer a blend of open and closed storage, allowing you to display your favorite items while keeping clutter hidden away. Most of these systems are highly flexible, making them a valuable investment for years to come.

IKEA ELVARLI: A Customizable and Elegant Open Closet System

The ELVARLI system is a stunning example of minimalist design and customizable storage. Its clean lines and all-white finish create a visually appealing and organized space. Designed to be completely customizable, the ELVARLI system allows you to create a storage solution that perfectly fits your needs and style. You can choose from pre-made options or use the ELVARLI planning tool to design your own unique configuration.

With the ELVARLI planning tool, the possibilities are endless. You can create a standing vanity with ample drawer space or design a walk-in closet that rivals those of professional designers. The ELVARLI system offers the flexibility and style to transform your closet into a personalized haven.

IKEA JONAXEL: An Affordable and Flexible Storage System

The JONAXEL series is one of IKEA’s most versatile and affordable storage systems. It’s a modular system that can be easily adapted to fit your specific needs and space. Once the upright brackets are attached to the wall, the shelves can be easily rearranged without tools, making it a highly flexible storage solution.

The JONAXEL system is not only affordable but also incredibly versatile. It can be used in laundry rooms, bathrooms, and other areas where storage is needed. Its simple design and modular construction make it a practical and cost-effective solution for organizing your home.

IKEA PAX: The Ultimate Customizable Closet System

If you’re looking for the ultimate in closet customization, look no further than the IKEA PAX system. This versatile system can be used as a freestanding wardrobe, built into an existing closet, or configured as an open or closed storage solution. With its endless options and modular design, the PAX system allows you to create a closet that perfectly fits your needs and style.

The PAX system offers a wide range of options, including different frame sizes, door styles, interior organizers, and accessories. This can be overwhelming, but it also allows you to create a truly personalized closet. Whether you need a simple wardrobe or a luxurious walk-in closet, the PAX system has you covered.

Understanding the IKEA PAX Wardrobe System

The PAX system is a fully customizable closet system that can be used to organize existing closets, create standalone wardrobes, or design open clothing storage solutions. Its versatility and modular design make it a popular choice for those seeking a personalized storage solution.

Designing and Installing Your IKEA PAX Closet

Now that you’ve decided to organize your life with a PAX closet system, here are some key things to know to get started:

• You can opt for a ready-made PAX wardrobe.
• Use the IKEA planner to design your own.
• PAX frames come in two heights: 79 1/8″ or 92 7/8″
• And three widths: 19 5/8″, 29 1/2″, and 39 3/8″
• Corner PAX units exist!
• You can choose between sliding doors and hinged doors.

With these basic principles in mind, you’re ready to design your dream IKEA PAX closet!

Utilizing IKEA’s Planning Tools for Seamless Design

IKEA strives to make home organization as easy as possible. That’s why they’ve created online planning tools for their storage systems. These tools empower you to create a place for everything and ensure everything is in its place.

The IKEA PAX Planner: Your Design Companion

You can access the IKEA PAX planner in two ways: by clicking “Design it yourself” on any PAX product page or from the main Planning Tools landing page.

Once you’ve launched the planner, you can choose how you’d like to get started: Guide me, Design from scratch, or browse inspiration.

Experiment with all three options to find the path that feels easiest for you. The IKEA Planner lays out all the options with prices, ensuring you stay within your budget.

IKEA’s KOMPLEMENT series offers every closet organizer imaginable to maximize storage space in your PAX system.

One of the best features of IKEA’s planners is that once you’ve finished your design, the tool generates a shopping list and indicates whether the items are in stock at your local IKEA store.

You can add all the items in your list to the cart for online purchase and either pick them up or have them delivered. Either way, be sure to select the “Save for later” option, just in case!

Assembling and Installing IKEA Closets: A Step-by-Step Guide

How difficult is it to assemble your own IKEA closet system? It depends on your level of patience.

One of the most common concerns about IKEA furniture is that assembling it can be challenging. However, IKEA designs its furniture to be assembled by beginners with minimal tools.

In general, if you can follow directions and hang a picture with a nail and hammer, you can assemble an IKEA closet or wardrobe.

Based on experience as a lifelong IKEA fan and frequent assembler of IKEA furniture, here’s how to install all types of IKEA closets as painlessly as possible:

• Don’t go it alone! Large items like the PAX, JONAXEL, or ELVARLI systems require two people.
• Triple-check your shopping list before leaving the store to ensure you have all the parts.
• When you get home, organize the boxes in the order you’ll need them, with the first items (usually the largest) easily accessible.
• FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE LETTER. Often, issues arise because a step was missed.
• Check out IKEA’s instructional assembly videos for tips.
• Use an electric drill or driver to insert screws, which will save you a significant amount of time!

If you get stuck, you can always hire help through IKEA’s partner, Taskrabbit!

IKEA PAX Hacks: Unleash Your Creativity

IKEA hacks are a popular way to personalize and customize IKEA furniture. Here are some gorgeous PAX closet hacks to inspire your own closet makeover:

Here’s how to make a PAX wardrobe look built-in:

This hack isn’t for the faint-hearted—a custom PAX installed under the roof eaves!

This PAX wardrobe was raised onto a custom wooden platform and finished with floating shelves. The chunky knobs add a stunning touch!

A wallpapered back, plus framing added to the doors, makes this PAX look like a totally different piece.

Or simplify this idea with squares of paper added to one of IKEA’s PAX door options:

This idea works for drawers, too!

Alternative IKEA Closet Hacks: Think Outside the Box

You’ve seen how to use an ELVARLI, JONAXEL, or PAX system to organize your bedroom closet. But if you’re truly committed to DIY, check out these other ways you can use IKEA products to build a custom closet.

KALLAX Closet Hack:

BILLY Bookcase Closet Hacks:

IKEA RAST Wardrobe Hack:

Explore More Closet Ideas

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• How to Organize Your Linen Closet
• Give Boring Closet Doors an Architectural Makeover
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